Here are a few things we have learned, not in any particular order.
People are most important – we have done many things and seen much of this beautiful country, but we value most the relationships we have built. We have created eternal friendships that will last despite the distance.
We have seen the value of a longer term view. People do not change quickly. They need time and most of all they need to trust.
There are things that we hope to never take for granted again, like being able to drink the tap water and driving without cars coming at us rapidly from every direction. We may be tempted to park on the sidewalk, however. My wife tells me I am not allowed to park on the sidewalk when I get home.
We will likely never fully understand the emotional scars caused from living under Communism, but we have truly grown to appreciate those people who lived through that period and who have an optimistic, positive view of life and of the future.
Communication can take place when there is sufficient desire, even when language is a barrier. The people have been very grateful for our clumsy efforts to speak their language, but we are certainly not fluent in Romanian. Sometimes not many words are spoken, yet feelings are conveyed on a deeper level and we know that we have communicated.
Romania is a hidden treasure. It is full of natural beauty, resources and amazing people.
We have learned the value of working as a team. We have discovered (fortunately) that we are good at it and the final products of our combined efforts are better than either of us would have produced alone.
Families are important everywhere. We can typically start a relationship with someone by asking about their family. We look forward to spending quality time with our families and appreciate the love and support we feel from them.