Great intro, David. Some of this I knew, but lots that I did not. I continue to heartily affirm what you're doing as a voice that is so valuable from a place where lots of good things are happening. When my wife and I moved to Moldova (with 3 teenagers) in 1996, even then we felt there was so much potential. When they came our 3 kids were not (to say the least) enthusiastic about the move...but in 2 years, when we had to return to the USA, they hated to leave. They all continue to care about Moldova and one of them (with his wife) is getting more involved with Moldovan friends engaged in economic development and the university world.
Thanks Gary - I didn't know how long your family has been connected to Moldova! I completely understand the fact that after 2 years the country captured a little piece of your hearts. All the best!
Go you! I have never had the pleasure of visiting but - God willing I will someday - but regardless, I love that you are taking the time to express a reality that otherwise would be unknown to those such as myself. Keep going - it matters - you rock!
Great write up supplying the background of your work. As a PC Volunteer from 2015-2017 in Cahul, I spent a lot of time at the Smokehouse soaking up the friendly, comfortable environment with old and new friends. You guys provided a space for newbies to learn more about living in Moldova. The Smokehouse was there for me personally in many ways, including supporting PC projects. Forever grateful. Times have changed everywhere and it's been a treat to see it in Moldova personally from your great work. Keep it up, it's important in ways you never imagined. I'll look you up when I return for a visit.
Ah, I found the Smokehouse the evening before I headed back to UK to get ready to move here, and then Covid hit. By the time I felt it was safe to go to a bar, it was gone.
I loved what I saw, it felt like a proper English pub in many ways, (high praise from me), where people would wander in casually in the well founded hope of finding a friend to chat to...
Hello! Would it be possible to hire you for a consultation? I am part of a church that works with Fields of Joy in Moldova and they are interested in learning what options would be for starting a church over there. When they visited last it seemed a lot of churches were not friendly towards moms with kids. So this is one of their goals, but they're hoping to get some insights on what might be possible when trying to do something like this. But if that works to do, is there a best way to contact you about setting that up? Thanks so much for your great information and hope you have a great rest of the week!
Hi Lance, nice to hear from you. I'm not sure I am the right person to consult with on church / religious institutions but feel free to reach out! You can contact me by replying to and Moldova Matters email. All the best!
Great write up suppl
Great intro, David. Some of this I knew, but lots that I did not. I continue to heartily affirm what you're doing as a voice that is so valuable from a place where lots of good things are happening. When my wife and I moved to Moldova (with 3 teenagers) in 1996, even then we felt there was so much potential. When they came our 3 kids were not (to say the least) enthusiastic about the move...but in 2 years, when we had to return to the USA, they hated to leave. They all continue to care about Moldova and one of them (with his wife) is getting more involved with Moldovan friends engaged in economic development and the university world.
Thanks Gary - I didn't know how long your family has been connected to Moldova! I completely understand the fact that after 2 years the country captured a little piece of your hearts. All the best!
Go you! I have never had the pleasure of visiting but - God willing I will someday - but regardless, I love that you are taking the time to express a reality that otherwise would be unknown to those such as myself. Keep going - it matters - you rock!
Thank you!
Oops, hit the wrong button earlier.
Great write up supplying the background of your work. As a PC Volunteer from 2015-2017 in Cahul, I spent a lot of time at the Smokehouse soaking up the friendly, comfortable environment with old and new friends. You guys provided a space for newbies to learn more about living in Moldova. The Smokehouse was there for me personally in many ways, including supporting PC projects. Forever grateful. Times have changed everywhere and it's been a treat to see it in Moldova personally from your great work. Keep it up, it's important in ways you never imagined. I'll look you up when I return for a visit.
Thanks Denise!! Let me know anytime you are back in town for a visit!
Good job, David! I love staying up to date with a country that also has my heart.
Thanks Erin!!
Ah, I found the Smokehouse the evening before I headed back to UK to get ready to move here, and then Covid hit. By the time I felt it was safe to go to a bar, it was gone.
I loved what I saw, it felt like a proper English pub in many ways, (high praise from me), where people would wander in casually in the well founded hope of finding a friend to chat to...
Thanks Nick! it was a special place for sure. It's crazy to think back to those pre-COVID times - that was a different world.
Hello! Would it be possible to hire you for a consultation? I am part of a church that works with Fields of Joy in Moldova and they are interested in learning what options would be for starting a church over there. When they visited last it seemed a lot of churches were not friendly towards moms with kids. So this is one of their goals, but they're hoping to get some insights on what might be possible when trying to do something like this. But if that works to do, is there a best way to contact you about setting that up? Thanks so much for your great information and hope you have a great rest of the week!
Hi Lance, nice to hear from you. I'm not sure I am the right person to consult with on church / religious institutions but feel free to reach out! You can contact me by replying to and Moldova Matters email. All the best!