Time to round off
As time passes by, the time as an EVS-volunteer comes to an end. I will be going home to Sweden on Sunday and it is with mixed feelings I leave Moldova and the time here as a volunteer. Through time, with the good times and also with the harder ones, this country and the experiences, will remain with a special place in my heart and I am sure I will carry my experience with me for the rest of my life.
In the meanwhile I don't wanna idealise. Being a volunteer in a foreign country for a long time both has its ups and downs. I remember when my contact point told me in the beginning I did not really grasp the meaning of her words - but now I do. There has been times when I was frustrated about things and there still are. Mostly my frustration lies in the field of politics and hardship people here face on a day-to-day basis.
You have to understand though, you get frustrated of seeing protests with no outcome and people struggling to make a living, but you make your undertanding in the view of a foreigner's eye. You feel frustration from a short period of time that people feel and see for a lifetime. Many people from different groups have an immensely tough life and getting to understand a millimeter of that hardship cannot really put you into the picture.
Anyhow though, it gives you a contextual sensitivity which you might carry with you for the rest of your life. It also gives you an eye opener and maybe also a will to help out and to make a change, whatever that change might be. Maybe you can use your understanding in your home country or by coming back at some point working in the field of cooperation. Whatever that experience might do to you, I am sure it is healthy for anyone.
I am sure it is healthy to go to another country and context to experience another life - yet though, so similar to your own. It opens your eye and makes you stay humble for the differences and good aspects you face in your own life. I will go back with an increased sense of gratitude and tolerance for my life in many aspects.Yet though I will also be thankful for the good aspects and the things I cannot experience back home.
Moldova is a beautiful country. I have found things here I will miss and things I will not be able to experience back home. The most beautiful things I have found have to do with being close to nature and the real values of life. About cherishing moments with family and friends and making it a fest to grow and pick your own grapes. To make the maturation of the wine the scale of the year and to let your life follow in the seasons.
There is a movement trying to develop the tourism of Moldova by using the slogan ''Moldova - discover the routes of life'' and I think it is not a coincidence to use these words. Even with the political hardship and challenges there is truly the essence I will bring back home from learning to know people and living in the country for a while. I hope more people will discover this country as I did, because there is true beauty.
I am sure my EVS has changed me in many ways. I am happy to go back but will miss the good people I have met here and who have made my stay what it was (I think you all know who you are). Especially my mentor Mariana and her family, I want to thank for all that she has done, in order for me to experience this country as I have done. Also I will miss all the volunteers. It is really peculiar to live in a community like this.
Also in my organisation Moldovan Institute for Human Rights / Institutul pentru Drepturile Omului din Moldova, IDOM I have learnt a lot. It has been interesting to be in an organisation so dedicated to change the situation for human rights in a context where it is truly needed. I am thankful and feel great respect for the dedicated people I have got to know and worked with in my organisation. I hope they will keep up the good work for the education, promotion and protection of the fundamental human rights and freedoms in Moldova.
One part of my stay that has been extra interesting is the cooperation with Swedish partners. Of course it is extra fun to come in the morning and find these reports from Swedish NGO, Civil Right Defenders.
Thank you, Multsumesc & Pe curind!
Ylva
