2 Comments
User's avatar
Denise Riegel's avatar

Wow David, hard to believe it's been 4 years! I have always loved reading your work to keep my connections with Moldova after finishing my Peace Corps service in 2017. And because I know you personally and always felt a little bit of home at Smokehouse. But watching your writing and subject matter grow has become more meaningful as events in Eastern Europe change.

MM has helped my knowledge of a part of the world too many know nothing about continue to grow. I visited many of the places where current events in Eastern Europe are happening so I feel a tie others don't have. I also am proud and at the same time afraid for my friends and the citizens of Moldova. Keeping this connection feels more important every day. I feel a bit of comfort knowing you're there sharing a concise and knowledgeable accounting of what's happening. Keep up the good work. It has been a pleasure watching your work grow and continue to be more and more meaningful for so many.

Expand full comment
David Smith's avatar

Hi Denise, thank you very much for the kind words! I agree that it's been quite a wild ride over the years since 2017. I don't think either of us thought that Moldova would become such a player in (or object of) world affairs when we served as Volunteers. Then again, I would not have predicted many of the twists and turns in world affairs of the last decade. I hope you are well!

Expand full comment