Redemption
Like the other 24 (Kobe) I sought redemption last week. It was the Last Bell, the last day of school, the last chance to address a large crowd of students, parents and teachers. Most think I come here making a salary or don't even understand my motivation. My speech was also a chance for me to thank everyone who affected my service. I'm glad it was it Romanian because I'm not sure I could've finished it if it was in English. I also couldn't help to put in a joke or two about wine. Because what kind of speech in Moldova doesn't mention Hesus juice?
Redemption also occurred in the form of a slide show. Last year I spent a lot of time preparing a slide show for the graduating class and it got thrown to the side due to "technicalities". This year they let me know a few days beforehand that I could show something to the whole community. I'm not sure if I shed anyone's tears but it was probably the first time I did something that captivated everyone's attention for a whole hour. Short of diluting the air with Mary Jane, you're lucky if you get the attention of an auditorium full of Moldovans for 5 minutes.
I'm now sick from all the stress but it was well worth it. I would have it no other way. And now, my speech (translated in English for your reading pleasure):
Good afternoon. Dear teachers, students, and parents. I would first like to congratulate the 12th form for their success.
It is almost two years since I arrived in Moldova. Some days I felt I have been here a lifetime and other days when I've felt that the first bell was just yesterday.
It has been the hardest experience I have ever had in my life. Many today still ask me, “Jimmy, why did you come to Moldova?”. Sometimes I also wonder, why I was so crazy to come here? Why did I leave my 3 brothers, 5 sisters, 18 nieces and nephews, all my friends, and a good job behind to come live in a country where I didn't understand one word, to live with complete strangers for more than two years and to work without a salary? Why?
But imagine this, if you have an extra ice cream, would you not give it to someone who never had a taste? If you have an extra coat, would you not give it to someone who is cold? If you have the best wine in your basement, would you not not share it with your neighbor?
After the war, my family immigrated from Vietnam with nothing but the clothes on our backs. We didn't have ice cream, extra coats or wine but we were happy to have an opportunity that most of the world did not. But we worked hard and succeeded. I believe that if you are successful, you share it with others.
And because I believe all people of the world are citizens and neighbors of one country, I offer a hand to those who are not lucky enough to have that ice cream that I have, that extra coat that I have, or that wine that...well this one you have to talk to the director about because you know I don't drink.
But today is not about me, today is about you. Congratulations again 12th class. I believe today is the most momentous occasion in your life because you accomplished something great. Something that required commitment, hard work, and patience. I still believe education is the only thing that can open opportunities for you and I constantly encourage you to continue it.
Have dreams and don't stop dreaming. Dream big and think broadly about your life and what you can accomplish. Demand only the best because the best is what you deserve. Believe in yourself and hold on to the fact that anything is possible if you try hard enough. Never let failure or fear control your life, continue forward. Lastly be the change you want to see in your world. I know each one of you has the ability to do this, I have seen you in class (when you actually came to class). I wish you success.
Now I'd like to thank a few people important people who were a part of my experience here in Moldova. Thank you for all the friendly faces that acknowledged my existence here and said hello. Thank you all the beautiful and wonderful hearts that tried to make my time here as comfortable and special as possible. Thank you to all the students who engaged me, without you I would not have the moments in classes to realize how creative you are. Thank you to all my partners, D. Galina and D. Svetlana for their cooperation with Peace Corps, D. Nelia for always pushing me to do more for the students, D. Julia and Dumitru for sacrificing their time away from their children to help me with classes, clubs and Romanian, D. Viorica. and D. Svetlana for all those cold winter nights preparing for classes and D. Petru for his patience on all those occasions when I kept bothering him about my pile of problems.
Outside of school I'd like to thank all my neighbors and community members for their friendliness and “Hello's”. Family Berdos again for opening their home to me and treating me as if I was like their own son. Sharing their culture, their time, and support through all my needs. Most importantly thank you to my host family for opening their doors to a complete stranger and accepting me as if I were their own son. For all their hard work and patience. None of you had to do this but you did.
Words can not express how much this means to me. I came here with a ton of luggage but when I leave, the weight of that luggage will feel like a feather because I will leave behind something far heavier, a piece of my heart because Moldova will always have a special place in my soul. Thank you.
