Walt’s in Moldova!

So I haven’t updated in a long time.  But then, why update?  I saw everyone or told everyone; I went to America!  It was awesome.  Thanks to all the cool cats I saw while I was there, in no particular order (and so sorry if I forgot you): Mom, Heather, Stacey, Branddon, Landon, Geoff, Ted, Gwen, Jon, Tara, Melissa, KB, Dave, Chas, Kelly, Kimmy…of course, some of the usual suspects were greatly missed, due to other obligations Matt and Dave (Iraq and California, respectively, both military, thinking about you both), Jason (China). 

 So I had tons of fun and America was awesome…I’d write more, but I’m back in Moldova, and I’ve picked up a little bug called giardia… read at your own peril.  It should be over in a few days, at least I certainly hope so…We have our second language test since arriving in Moldova on Sunday.  Wish me luck!

People keep passing this song around amongst the PCVs. It first came up during the All Volunteer Conference (Thanksgiving) talent show. Anyway. It’s does a good job of both encapsulating how it feels to be away from home on Xmas (and not even allowed to leave my village).

I’ll be home for Christmas,
You can count on me.
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree.
Christmas Eve will find me,
Where the love light gleams.
I’ll be home for Christmas,
If only in my dreams.
Christmas Eve will find me,
Where the love light gleams.
I’ll be home for Christmas,
If only in my dreams.

…I don’t know who the author is. I hope he doesn’t sue me. 

Moldovans typically celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January. Santa (the tree, the presents, all that) comes on New Years. Saint Nicholas’ holiday was Dec 19th and has nothing to do with Christmas. There’s no driving to work/class/school/whatever hearing all the annoying Christmas music or the annoyingly over-commercialized Christmas season here.

But somehow I miss it all anyway.

 Not that I’m not enjoying my experience, and not that I’m not excited about all the cool new traditions I’ll be learning…but it’s one of those very particular times of year in American life!