I Made the "Official" Zgurita Village Flag!

The Peace Corp volunteer, Vince Lambert, and I came up with the idea to have the children of the village have a contest to design an official flag for the village of Zguita. The winner of the design was a young boy. He recieved a $100 and framed copy of his design and his name is embroidered onto the flag. I made the flag. During the embroidering of the village name my sewing machine embroidery attachment malfunctioned so I asked Hripsime and her son Senik to help me finish with their embroidery machine. They were fantastic and we got it finished 2 days before the ceremony! Thanks Hripsime and Senik-I couldn't have done it without you!! The village is known for its fishing and apple orchards. Also the wheat fields and plum trees. I think the design was perfect for reflecting the village history and its bright outlook on the future.
Tom attached the flag to the pole (which is really a 3 meter curton rod!) with the decorative end.

The children presenting the traditional bread and salt greeting to us.
The village had no place for the community to come together. Vince spent his last 2 years as the Peace Corp volunteer for the village in raising funds and getting labor to built this amphitheater stage in their children play park. It was a huge addition for their village. It was an all day celebration. Here we are on the stage with the head of Moldova's Peace Corp being recognized for our contribution.

There were poems read by children and local & area singers brought in to make for an all day celebration of the stage and flag.

Everyone sang along, clapped, danced, played on playground equipment and generally stayed in a festive mood all day.

Some of the children were dressed so beautifully for the event I just had to photograph them.

It was a very hot sunny day. I ended up with a sunburn.
This little performer from the village was adorable.

Here is Vince and his new fiance dancing to celebrate.

Some of the children were playing in the park playhouse.

The final number was done with 3 local teenagers dressed in brides dresses then 3 of the young men joined in to sing and dance. Gorgeous!

Left to right: Jeff (Peace Corp Director) Toni, Tom, Vince, (Peace Corp),Valentina (village NGO) and Dave (Peace Corp)

And of course the ending had to have a masa! I think the guys ate too many placenta's!
A parting shot. A very happy day for all.