2006.08.05: August 5, 2006: Headlines: COS - Moldova: Marshfield News Herald: Liz Welter writes: Most of the villagers of Bahrinesti in Moldova had never met an American until our daughter, Katie Welter, moved in to live with the Dobos family as a Peace Corps volunteer

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Moldova: Peace Corps Moldova : The Peace Corps in Moldova: 2006.08.05: August 5, 2006: Headlines: COS - Moldova: Marshfield News Herald: Liz Welter writes: Most of the villagers of Bahrinesti in Moldova had never met an American until our daughter, Katie Welter, moved in to live with the Dobos family as a Peace Corps volunteer

By Admin1 (admin) (ppp-70-251-54-81.dsl.okcyok.swbell.net - 70.251.54.81) on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 9:43 am: Edit Post

Liz Welter writes: Most of the villagers of Bahrinesti in Moldova had never met an American until our daughter, Katie Welter, moved in to live with the Dobos family as a Peace Corps volunteer

Liz Welter writes: Most of the villagers of Bahrinesti in Moldova had never met an American until our daughter, Katie Welter, moved in to live with the Dobos family as a Peace Corps volunteer

With a climate, terrain and population similar in size to cities like Spencer, Stratford and Auburndale, a village in southeastern Europe evokes images of life in Wisconsin 100 years ago. Most villagers in Bahrinesti, Moldova, have gardens, poultry and a Holstein cow to provide their food. After the early morning milking and feeding, chickens, geese and ducks stream out of small coops and the family cow plods down the street to join the village herd making its way to a recently harvested wheat field. The families take turns with the daily herding duties so that the cows don't end up munching their way through a precious sunflower crop which will provide oil for the winter.

Liz Welter writes: Most of the villagers of Bahrinesti in Moldova had never met an American until our daughter, Katie Welter, moved in to live with the Dobos family as a Peace Corps volunteer

Moldova hearkens back to our region's rural past

By Liz Welter
Marshfield News-Herald

EDITOR'S NOTE: Reporter Liz Welter returned this week from visiting her daughter, Katie, in Moldova. She shares her impressions in this column.

BAHRINESTI, Moldova -- With a climate, terrain and population similar in size to cities like Spencer, Stratford and Auburndale, a village in southeastern Europe evokes images of life in Wisconsin 100 years ago.

Most villagers in Bahrinesti, Moldova, have gardens, poultry and a Holstein cow to provide their food.

After the early morning milking and feeding, chickens, geese and ducks stream out of small coops and the family cow plods down the street to join the village herd making its way to a recently harvested wheat field. The families take turns with the daily herding duties so that the cows don't end up munching their way through a precious sunflower crop which will provide oil for the winter.

As the sun beats down, kids toss nets into the river to catch fish, or splash about the water to cool off.

Carts pulled by sturdy small horses laden with people or produce trundle down rutted, packed, dirt roads.

This is the idyllic quaint country life depicted in movies, books and paintings.

But living that life demonstrates the relentless, achingly hard lives our ancestors endured in the early 1900s. Toothpaste, running water, toilets, electricty, cars, central heating and air conditioning, microwaves and computers are now integral to most of our lives.

In Moldova, a small former Soviet republic squashed between Romania and Ukraine, daily life is hard work for the majority of the population. The monetary gap between the wealthy and the rest of the people is staggering.

Speaking animatedly in Romanian, the native language, friends had gathered at one of the Bahrinesti homes for a late supper of a pasta dish similar to Italian tortellini noodles and the house wines.

The evening's hostess, grandmotherly Marsha, whose last name literally became lost in translation, said, "If the Americans had occupied Moldova instead of the Russians, we wouldn't be 100 years behind," our translator told us. "We work a lot, we eat a lot, we drink a lot. We need the opportunities, like you have in America."

Marsha raises her glass of rich red wine to her American guests with the traditional toast of "To your health, may you live long and prosperously."

Most of the villagers of Bahrinesti had never met an American until our daughter, Katie Welter, moved in to live with the Dobos family as a Peace Corps volunteer to teach health education at the local school to kids from 10 to 16 years old.

In July, as we visited Katie in Moldova, she translated so that we could converse with the villagers, who were eager to know our impressions of their country and to understand more about the United States.

"We learned as children that Americans have no soul," said Marsha through Katie. Then Katie laughed and grinned as she told us that Marsha added, "We are happy that Katie is not that way, and that you are good people too."

Historically, Moldova was known as Moldavia, a region considered part of Romania based on its people, language and culture. Over centuries, it has been under the control of various countries and people, including the Romans, Ottoman Turks and Russians.

During World War II, when under German control, thousands of Moldovan Jews and Gypsies died in Nazi concentration camps. Near the end of the war, Russian troops defeated the Germans and occupied the country, making it part of the vast Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

All attempts at democracy were squelched as a USSR-backed government nationalized everything. USSR administrators and managers dictated the status of farming and business. Thousands of Moldovans were exiled to Siberia as Russian citizens were brought in to take their places in homes, schools, and work places.

Historically a small farming village, all land in Bahrinesti became collectivized so there were Soviet managers dictating the policies and management of its farms and its people.

As the USSR crumbled in 1990, Americans cheered as the media relayed information about the end of the Cold War.

Standing in the middle of Soviet era farming compound, we watch a rusted piece of equipment mechanically separate the wheat from the chaff of the recently harvested crop.

Villagers fill 50-pound feed bags full of wheat and pile them onto carts. The horses patiently wait, noses to the ground, their lips delicately picking out the morsels of wheat for a snack.

"When the communists left, this became ours," said George Pinzaru as he gestures toward all the buildings and the aged farming equipment. "But we didn't know what to do. We know how to farm, but no one understood about this business or this machinery."

Very darkly tanned, with cragged lines running through his face, Pinzaru is anxious to know that we understand the difficulty people in villages like his have transitioning from 40 years of dictatorship and communism to a republic styled as a democracy.

"After communism, the land was partitioned between all the families that worked the land," said Pinzaru, who is in his mid-50s. "Everyone was given a 'cota.' "

Katie explained that a cota equaled about 4 acres and Pinzaru is the manager of the business that will harvest the land for the villagers. The villagers receive a share of the harvest based on the productivity while the rest is sold for commercial use.

"This is good, but not enough," explained a Moldovan politican, Victor Gunzan, whom we met during our two-hour wait to cross the border into Romania.

Gunzan had listened and watched us play "20 questions" and intermittently take another look at our watches. We, my husband, Joe and our daughter, Bridget, stood alongside the Peugot minivan driven by a patient Moldovan who spoke no English. Having said our good-byes to Katie, we were due to leave from the Bucherest airport in seven hours.

"This is not a good time to cross the border. It is the shift change," Gunzan said in English, as he introduced himself to us.

Explaining that American tourists are a rarity in Moldova, he was eager to hear our impressions of the country. We were eager to be able to understand a Moldovan without needing a translator.

"No one can make money with a cota. That system does not work. We will not be able to end corruption until everyone is able to have a job where they make a sustainable wage," said Gunzan. "Our population is 4,300,000. One million people of that are laborers in other countries. Most are illegal. That is 30 percent of Moldova's productive workers. If people can, they leave and they do not come back."

"But our country is small, we should be able to fix these problems," he said. When he asked us what we thought, Joe and I both looked at one another.

"Yes, this country is small and it is poor, but the people have richness of spirit, dignity and pride. The people we have met have a true desire to change things," said Joe.





When this story was posted in August 2006, this was on the front page of PCOL:


Contact PCOLBulletin BoardRegisterSearch PCOLWhat's New?

Peace Corps Online The Independent News Forum serving Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Peace Corps' Screening and Medical Clearance Date: August 19 2006 No: 964 Peace Corps' Screening and Medical Clearance
The purpose of Peace Corps' screening and medical clearance process is to ensure safe accommodation for applicants and minimize undue risk exposure for volunteers to allow PCVS to complete their service without compromising their entry health status. To further these goals, PCOL has obtained a copy of the Peace Corps Screening Guidelines Manual through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and has posted it in the "Peace Corps Library." Applicants and Medical Professionals (especially those who have already served as volunteers) are urged to review the guidelines and leave their comments and suggestions. Then read the story of one RPCV's journey through medical screening and his suggestions for changes to the process.

Top Stories and Breaking News PCOL Magazine Peace Corps Library RPCV Directory Sign Up

The Peace Corps Library Date: July 11 2006 No: 923 The Peace Corps Library
The Peace Corps Library is now available online with over 40,000 index entries in 500 categories. Looking for a Returned Volunteer? Check our RPCV Directory or leave a message on our Bulletin Board. New: Sign up to receive our free Monthly Magazine by email, research the History of the Peace Corps, or sign up for a daily news summary of Peace Corps stories. FAQ: Visit our FAQ for more information about PCOL.

Gates charity races to spend billions Date: August 12 2006 No: 954 Gates charity races to spend billions
Warren E. Buffett’s gift of $31 billion to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation means that for tax reasons, starting in 2009, the foundation must distribute $3 billion annually, or a little more than twice what it distributed last year.

PCOL Comment: The Foundation says that "preventing the spread of HIV is the most durable long-term solution to the AIDS epidemic, and a top priority for the foundation." Peace Corps Volunteers and Returned Volunteers have been doing just that in AIDS Education for the past 15 years. Why not consider a $100M annual contribution to the Peace Corps to put 2,500 additional volunteers in the field to expand AIDS education worldwide?

RPCV Ron Tschetter to head Peace Corps Date: July 29 2006 No: 937 RPCV Ron Tschetter to head Peace Corps
President Bush has nominated Ron Tschetter to serve as Director of the Peace Corps. Tschetter, 64, is the president of an investment firm based in Montana. He volunteered with his wife to work as family planning advisers in India and is a former Chairman of the National Peace Corps Association.

PCOL Comment: Congratulations to the Bush administration for an inspired choice for Peace Corps Director. Ron Tschetter is not only an RPCV but was Chairman of the NPCA. Best wishes to Mr. Tschetter on his future tenure as Director of the Peace Corps.

Latest: How Ron Tschetter was selected as Peace Corps Director.

The Peace Corps is "fashionable" again Date: July 31 2006 No: 947 The Peace Corps is "fashionable" again
The LA Times says that "the Peace Corps is booming again and "It's hard to know exactly what's behind the resurgence." PCOL Comment: Since the founding of the Peace Corps 45 years ago, Americans have answered Kennedy's call: "Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man." Over 182,000 have served. Another 200,000 have applied and been unable to serve because of lack of Congressional funding. The Peace Corps has never gone out of fashion. It's Congress that hasn't been keeping pace.

Support the US-Peruvian Trade Pact Date: July 20 2006 No: 930 Support the US-Peruvian Trade Pact
Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo, the Peace Corps President, has been lobbying both Democratic and Republican legislators to support the US-Peruvian trade pact before July 28, when his term ends and a US congressional recess begins. If President Bush fails to get approval before Congress goes on recess, it will be a case study proving that the United States does not reward its friends. Please call your representatives.

July 20, 2006: This Week's Top Stories Date: July 20 2006 No: 925 July 20, 2006: This Week's Top Stories
Friedman win could create new coalition 14 July
Bellamy writes: G8 summit lacks results 19 July
Peace Corps Fund Raiser in NYC on July 25 19 July
Hodding Carter writes "Flushed" on plumbing 18 July
Doyle places Peace Corps ad 18 July
Matt Taylor releases CD "Subject to the Wind" 16 July
Matthew Orosz builds reflective parabolic troughs 14 July
RPCVs run organic HERB FARMacy 13 July
Jerome Miliszkiewicz discusses Chavez in Venezuela 12 July
Ric Haas founded the Fistula Foundation 11 July
Susan Deller Ross helps women's equal rights 11 July
Mark Maxam installs solar lighting in Kenya 11 July
Eunice Kennedy Shriver at White House for 85th 11 July
Hastings gives $1 million for charter schools 11 July
Alejandro Toledo meets Bush in final days 11 July
Hill is hopes to reconvene Korea talks 10 July
"My World" takes Tanzanian children to Kilimanjaro 9 July
Bob Watada supports his son in court-martial 8 July
James Brunton Jr. builds boat for Embera Indians 8 July
Tim Wilson sews the Seeds of Peace 8 July
Petri says Guantanamo prisoners should 'face accusers' 7 Jul
Tom Murphy cuts deal with feds 3 July

Changing the Face of Hunger Date: June 28 2006 No: 915 Changing the Face of Hunger
In his new book, Former Congressman Tony Hall (RPCV Thailand) says humanitarian aid is the most potent weapon the United States can deploy against terrorism. An evangelical Christian, he is a big believer in faith-based organizations in the fight against hunger. Members of Congress have recently recommended that Hall be appointed special envoy to Sudan to focus on ending the genocide in Darfur.

PC will not return to East Timor in 2006 Date: June 8 2006 No: 913 PC will not return to East Timor in 2006
Volunteers serving in East Timor have safely left the country as a result of the recent civil unrest and government instability. Latest: The Peace Corps has informed us that at this time, the Peace Corps has no plans to re-enter the country in 2006. The Peace Corps recently sent a letter offering eligible volunteers the opportunity to reinstate their service in another country.

Chris Dodd considers run for the White House Date: June 3 2006 No: 903 Chris Dodd considers run for the White House
Senator Chris Dodd plans to spend the next six to eight months raising money and reaching out to Democrats around the country to gauge his viability as a candidate. Just how far Dodd can go depends largely on his ability to reach Democrats looking for an alternative to Hillary Clinton. PCOL Comment: Dodd served as a Volunteer in the Dominican Republic and has been one of the strongest supporters of the Peace Corps in Congress.

The RPCV who wrote about Ben Hogan Date: June 6 2006 No: 912 The RPCV who wrote about Ben Hogan
Probably no RPCV has done more to further the Third Goal of the Peace Corps than John Coyne with the Peace Corps Writers web site and newsletter that he and Marian Haley Beil have produced since 1989. Now John returns to writing about his first love - golf in "The Caddie who knew Ben Hogan." Read an excerpt from his novel, an interview with the author and a schedule of his book readings in Maryland and DC this week.

Vasquez testifies before Senate Committee Date: June 3 2006 No: 905 Vasquez testifies before Senate Committee
Director Vasquez testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on his nomination as the new Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture replacing Tony Hall. He has been the third longest serving Peace Corps Director after Loret Ruppe Miller and Sargent Shriver. PCOL Comment: Read our thanks to Director Vasquez for his service to the Peace Corps.

First Amendment Watch Date: May 4 2006 No: 883 First Amendment Watch
Maine Web Report hit with Federal Lawsuit
Website wins trademark suit against Jerry Falwell

Peace Corps stonewalls on FOIA request Date: April 12 2006 No: 869 Peace Corps stonewalls on FOIA request
The Ashland Daily Tidings reports that Peace Corps has blocked their request for information on the Volkart case. "After the Tidings requested information pertaining to why Volkart was denied the position — on March 2 — the newspaper received a letter from the Peace Corps FOIA officer stating the requested information was protected under an exemption of the act." The Dayton Daily News had similar problems with FOIA requests for their award winning series on Volunteer Safety and Security.

PCOL readership increases 100% Date: April 3 2006 No: 853 PCOL readership increases 100%
Monthly readership on "Peace Corps Online" has increased in the past twelve months to 350,000 visitors - over eleven thousand every day - a 100% increase since this time last year. Thanks again, RPCVs and Friends of the Peace Corps, for making PCOL your source of information for the Peace Corps community. And thanks for supporting the Peace Corps Library and History of the Peace Corps. Stay tuned, the best is yet to come.

History of the Peace Corps Date: March 18 2006 No: 834 History of the Peace Corps
PCOL is proud to announce that Phase One of the "History of the Peace Corps" is now available online. This installment includes over 5,000 pages of primary source documents from the archives of the Peace Corps including every issue of "Peace Corps News," "Peace Corps Times," "Peace Corps Volunteer," "Action Update," and every annual report of the Peace Corps to Congress since 1961. "Ask Not" is an ongoing project. Read how you can help.

RPCV admits to abuse while in Peace Corps Date: February 3 2006 No: 780 RPCV admits to abuse while in Peace Corps
Timothy Ronald Obert has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a minor in Costa Rica while serving there as a Peace Corps volunteer. "The Peace Corps has a zero tolerance policy for misconduct that violates the law or standards of conduct established by the Peace Corps," said Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez. Could inadequate screening have been partly to blame? Mr. Obert's resume, which he had submitted to the Peace Corps in support of his application to become a Peace Corps Volunteer, showed that he had repeatedly sought and obtained positions working with underprivileged children. Read what RPCVs have to say about this case.

Military Option sparks concerns Date: January 3 2006 No: 773 Military Option sparks concerns
The U.S. military, struggling to fill its voluntary ranks, is allowing recruits to meet part of their reserve military obligations after active duty by serving in the Peace Corps. Read why there is opposition to the program among RPCVs. Director Vasquez says the agency has a long history of accepting qualified applicants who are in inactive military status. John Coyne says "Not only no, but hell no!" and RPCV Chris Matthews leads the debate on "Hardball." Avi Spiegel says Peace Corps is not the place for soldiers while Coleman McCarthy says to Welcome Soldiers to the Peace Corps. Read our poll results. Latest: Congress passed a bill on December 22 including language to remove Peace Corps from the National Call to Service (NCS) military recruitment program

Why blurring the lines puts PCVs in danger Date: October 22 2005 No: 738 Why blurring the lines puts PCVs in danger
When the National Call to Service legislation was amended to include Peace Corps in December of 2002, this country had not yet invaded Iraq and was not in prolonged military engagement in the Middle East, as it is now. Read the story of how one volunteer spent three years in captivity from 1976 to 1980 as the hostage of a insurrection group in Colombia in Joanne Marie Roll's op-ed on why this legislation may put soldier/PCVs in the same kind of danger. Latest: Read the ongoing dialog on the subject.


Read the stories and leave your comments.






Some postings on Peace Corps Online are provided to the individual members of this group without permission of the copyright owner for the non-profit purposes of criticism, comment, education, scholarship, and research under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. Government copyright laws and they may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner. Peace Corps Online does not vouch for the accuracy of the content of the postings, which is the sole responsibility of the copyright holder.

Story Source: Marshfield News Herald

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Moldova

PCOL34003
40


Add a Message


This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Username:  
Password:
E-mail: