We just returned to Moldova after visiting our family and friends in the States. It was a great vacation for at least a dozen reasons. Let’s start with six:

Grandchildren

We’ve been dreaming for more than a year about the hugs we’d receive from these six children. We weren’t disappointed.

Family

We saw other family members, too, especially at a big party organized by our son and daughter-in-law in Philadelphia.

Parade

We marched in Philadelphia’s annual Fourth of July parade with returned Peace Corps volunteers from the area. It was great to hear so many people cheering for the Peace Corps, as you can see in this video. (Don’t miss Champa’s flag!)

Nature

We were reminded of America’s natural beauty in places such as Luray Caverns and the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

Changes

America has changed since we left. We wanted to see it with our own eyes.

Peace Corps

We remained engaged with our jobs, giving two talks about the Peace Corps in Durham and meeting with the leaders of the National Peace Corps Association in Washington, D.C.

In my next post, I’ll share six more reasons why we treasured our vacation back home.