This is my stride

For the last week, I've woken up before my alarm every day, walked in sunshine, laughed at my luck for being caught in the hail, and shook hands (unusual for a woman in Moldova) with government ministers and community partners alike. Come to think of it, I don't know why exactly the hand shaking took place, but I'll chalk it off to goal number two. I love my job.

The young man in the center of this photograph is the Minister of Youth and Sports. He was in town this week to speak with youth and sports specialists from around our district. We took the opportunity to share about the youth council's leadership course and other activities when he came to visit the center, after the larger meeting.

At the meeting, our district president (Brown coat on the right) asked me to participate in the conversation. I took the chance to discuss the Minister's efforts in promoting the work of volunteers in Moldova.

The results of one completed project are illustrated in this photograph. The penny war wrapped up, and our most diligent counters wanted to capture something memorable with some of the income.

A gym teacher used to love telling my class to stop mall strolling and walk with purpose. It just so happens that is my stride. Each morning has a purpose, each day has a plan, and my goals are becoming more and more specific. And much to one of my dear colleague's pleasure, quantitative.

Excited to get up and going in the morning. This is my stride. Planning a training course for five boys that want to build a outdoor basketball court, a course that will teach them how to plan a project of this scale. This is my stride. Participating in discussions about how to teach the newly required civic education curriculum. This is my stride. Connecting Peace Corps Volunteers with Moldovan Volunteers to educate youth about internet safety, domestic violence, and human trafficking. This is my stride. Collaborating with PCVs in near by villages to host empowerment day camps for young girls. This is my stride.