Putting Moldova on the Map : And so the farewells begin

Today was extremely bittersweet and full of too many goodbyes.

I arrived to work early like any other day and after a week of being gone, I was so thrilled to see all my coworkers again! Even Judith was back from her trip to Spain! It was almost a full office except Raluca was out sick, so I wasn't able to say goodbye.

I want to reiterate how lucky I feel to have worked with such a diverse, interesting, intelligent, young, and fun team at Hospice Angelus. I love unique people. I love hearing everyone's stories. I want to know where you've grown up and all about your family. I love when people open up. I love how people can surprise you. I know that I learn more about myself when learning about others.

So to Raluca, Anna, Ana, Thomas, Judith, and Christian, I want you to thank you for everything you've shared with me and the kindness you've shown me. I cannot even begin to express how much I've learned this summer from you all.

We celebrated my last day of work at Hospice Angelus with a lunch at La Placinte. The group then surprised me with the nicest gift -- the special pot you need to prepare Sarmale (My favorite Moldovan dish!) as well as decorated wooden serving spoons and coasters. The gesture was so sweet and I cannot wait to hang the card with our hospice team up in my room and make everyone at home sarmale. How lucky I have been to have such thoughtful and sweet officemates. I really couldn't have asked to be a part of a more amazing team this summer.

It was so difficult to say goodbye and give everyone a final hug. Ana was such a cynic saying "You're literally never going to see any of them every again!" NOT TRUE ANA! I WILL RETURN TO MOLDOVA! I promised Thomas we would meet up in his home country of Belgium, Judith I would visit in Spain, and Anna and Christina would come to the states. As for red haired Ana, I decided I am coming to your wedding.

Today was also Karina's last day in Chisinau. If I haven't said it enough in the blog, I want to reiterate that Karina is such an amazing and beautiful person both inside and out. I feel so lucky to have met Karina and have had her share her immense amounts of wisdom (She is quite wise beyond her age). I feel as though Karina has opened my eye and changed my perspective on so many things, I am more aware that you never know someone until they tell you their story. She graduated from Lehigh this spring, so I am heart broken that she won't be returning this fall as a student. But! She promised she will visit, so I am looking forward to hearing all about the rest of her travels through Europe.

This weekend should be a busy one, with only two days left in Chisinau, I will try my best to keep you posted through this whirlwind of goodbyes and final day preparations.