The freedom of "I don't know."

Do you ever wonder where your tax dollars are actually being spent? I can tell you where roughly $24 million of those dollars are being spent; Moldova.(It is a country, for those of you unfamiliar with it you should check it out, they also have amazing wine. Who knew?)
Our group had the opportunity to travel to Chisinau, Moldova, and work with the U.S. Embassy. The project we were observing is part of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). We were hosted by the John Wilson, the Deputy Resident Country Director, Moldova.
The  MCC was created by the U.S. congress with the goal of creating a clearer vision for U.S. foreign aid. It should be noted that it had overwhelming bi-partisan support. Basically, the MCC allocates funds for a 5-year grant in extremely impoverished countries that are resolute in their commitment to

• Good governance
• Economic freedom
• Investments of their citizens

The goal of the MCC is to leave each project run by the local population, while at the same time tackling issues which plague developing nations, namely; corruption and poverty. Coincidentally, the two main reasons wars are fought. So, it makes sense to try and alleviate this from the inside out. International teams are brought in as contractors, in addition to top-level advisers from major U.S. corporations; Boeing, Microsoft etc. who act as consultants. Essentially, the MCC is fostering a business start-up. Of course there are all the issues which come from creating a new company. Yet, this isn't something Wilson gets caught up in, "There is great freedom in being a beginner," he says. The liberation that comes with being able to say "I don't know" is indeed freeing.

Those of you who know me personally know that I am often skeptical of the motives for U.S. diplomacy. I have voiced concern for the seemingly impulsiveness my country utilizes in becoming involved in matters which on the surface, seems inappropriate. However, surveying the road project and learning the details of the water project gave me a strong sense of pride. It feels good to be part of something bigger, and to see how it is impacting the lives of real people in real time. The U.S. is a very generous country, and the innovation behind the MCC is inspiring. Will it create world peace? I don't know–see how freeing that is?! However, countries rarely invade countries of similar ideology. Sharing in the vision of an end to corruption and poverty with Moldova offers at the very least, a forum for change. And with change comes hope.