Wow. I've let over an entire month pass me by. I guess you could say I've been caught up in exploring this amazing country. Well that, and binge watching Netflix. Sorry not sorry. Its been quite the experience. I feel like I have grown significantly in some ways, fallen in others. I have made some big life decisions, then reconsidered them, then recommitted to them again. Ive had sleepless nights worrying about what im doing with my life and I've had nights where I have passed out without a second thought because of all the marvelous adventures I had that day. Ukraine has been one big rollercoaster of up and down, mostly up though. I will never regret coming here and falling in love with this place. I think being my age comes with its fair share of roller coaster however, no matter if your still living with mom and dad or in a drastically foreign country (however if your still with mom and dad at this point..... you need a kick in the butt ;) ).
That being said, I love Ukraine so very much. я люблю украина. What do I love so much about this place? I cant really put it into words, but I'll give it a go. The Ukrainian people are stoic and proud. They are unbelievably patriotic. They are a weather-worn people who have endured many hardships and tribulations, but who do not let these things penetrate past the threshold of their homes. Something interesting you may not know about countries that have endured the soviet era is that many homes have TWO front doors. There are multiple reasons for this, but the reason I like to think is so they can shed the troubles of the world at the first door, change, and proceed to the second. They, being the Ukrainian and Russian people, are perceived as being a cold, rude and stout people when in reality they are loving, fun and inquisitive.
I love Ukraine because everywhere you go you see and meet people who are PROUD to be Ukrainian. You see people who dont bother hiding who they are. You see a beautiful culture that has been smothered by years of trials finally bursting at the seams everywhere and its absolutely amazing. I will likely forever bleed yellow and blue for my Ukrainian people.
Now im going to get real, real quick. Then we will get to the adventures I've been having (actually I will do a whole seprate post on that). I just feel this needs to be shared. This has been a rough year. A really rough year. Its even been a rough few months. This is the year I lost a lot of confidence, I lost sight of who I was, who I wanted to be and even who was becoming. For most of this year I wore, or tried to wear a proud and happy face, not let the confusion, pain and insecurities of this year show. Thats not to say that there were not lots of happy moments, even days and weeks in there. But there were also a lot of moments of grey. Its come to my attention recently that though I have felt that I have been portraying the correct sense of content happiness on my face, the gray cloud that has been this year (and if we are being honest, probably the past few years) was definitely hanging over my personality and the way I treated others. I realized that something needed to change, and quick.
Honestly the biggest thing that has changed since my leaving my mission, which is when I feel like I started to decline personally, was the slow but sure decent of my participation in spirit strengthening activies. Church attendence became minimal, scripture reading nearly stopped and prayer was sparse and often less sincere. I could literally feel satin not tugging but rather full on heaving on the reigns, attempting to full on pull me down to his pathetic level.
Since coming to Ukraine a lot of things have become apparent but the biggest thing to me that I have recently realized is that fence sitting is no longer an option. During the teenage years its easy to to but as you grow into full on adulthood that fence shrinks until your left standing on your feet on one side or the other, or sitting on your butt in the dirt, waiting for someone else to come along and tell you what to do. Well, I think I've been sitting in the dirt for just some time but I feel like I have been pulled to my feet and I pray that I now have the strength to continue standing. In this day and age you MUST know where you stand and you must stand for what you know.
I have made the decision to stand for my beliefs, my faith and who I believe I have the potential to become, who im building faith in becoming, who I am making the decision to build myself into.
Now im not going to profess that I said a prayer, read my scriptures and
was magically cured of this ailment. No, definitely not. This is a
matter that will be an ongoing and likely uphill struggle, however it
will be one I am better equipped to handle now. I have been working on it, I feel as though I have already greatly improved, and I will of course continue doing so as well. One of my favorite scripture passages is this - Ephesians 6, 10-20
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching therunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therin I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. "
I feel as though I have recently re-donned the armour of God and I am again ready to take my place in the battle against the adversary. I was wounded and had to take a leave, but I am back and ready to stand.
I attended church today here in Ukraine and something that was said in one of the talks really stood out to me. The kind sister said "you cant be a strength to others, you cant help others until after you've helped yourself and gained your strength." Or you know, something to that affect. It reallllly got my wheels turning. Ive been working on becoming a better me. However I have always imagined myself as the kind of person who helps people, who loves people and who lifts others up and carries them. However as I've thought about it, I dont feel as though I have been that person the past few months. I feel as though I have been the one who has been carried and I am ever so grateful for it. However I want to start strengthening myself again, get myself back to being that person who can support the weight of others and help them because I realized I was always at my happiest when I was in the service of others.
I post this long and rather personal post because I feel like there must be someone else out there in my same boat and I want them to know they are not alone. Not by a long shot. There are a whole host of us mid-lifers who are a little confused and unsure whats happening. However I refuse to let that interfere anymore. I am a strong and loving person. I believe in myself. I have aspirations to get married, have kids and build a beautiful life. I want to become a Marine Biologist and work with fish. Yep fish. I dont know why but I love the darned things. I love photography and I want to hone the skill of that hobby. I want to study Russian and become fluent. There is a whole world out there full of loving people who are eager to help one another on this winding path called life, we just need to be confident enough to reach out and most importantly, hold on. I want you to know that I've walked the twisty-turny part of the path and I feel like im nearing the end and let me tell you, there reallllllly is light at the end of the confusing darkness. Life is so beautiful and happy and good- we just need to make the decisions that lead us in that direction.
Now I realize this has gotten quite away from being in Ukraine however I feel that this is pertinent to my experience here. I have so very much loved my time in Ukraine and I hope that if any of you ever have the amazing experience of coming, that you will. The country has something amazing to offer- you just have to be on the look for it. I'll do a post specifically for all my travel adventures.
Slava Ukraina!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ukraine Flag
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Ukranian Cathedrals
So Ukraine has some of the most amazing and beautiful cathedrals and architecture I have ever seen. The russian-style onion domes, the cobbles stone streets and the bright colors. It all makes for a very surreal feeling as you walk down the street attempting to take it alllllllll in. But as a photography it is a haven. I absolutely love where I am living and all the amazing opportunities I am given to stretch my limits and take some photos. I thought I would share some of it with you today.
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| Lavra |
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| St. Sophias |
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| St. Sophias |
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| St. Andrews |
Walk a mile in a Ukrainian shoe
Holy borchtolly! Ive let waaay to long pass by without a blog post. So hold unto your cabbage and beets cause I'm going to pound out a lotta stuff.
Just a few words for you... St. Sophias...car accident... annnnnnnd bumpy roads? yea? intrigued? Read on
We have been teaching. Teaching has been going great. The kids are awesome and frustrating all at the same time. Most days I leave the school feeling like if I have to make one more craft im going to cry, but then the next day they run in and hug you and that all goes away.
We have been getting out and exploring the amazing city of Kyiv. There is just so much to do and see and explore and experience. We have gone to restaurants and ordered everything from meat trees to beet soup. We have gone to restaurants and merely pointed at the menu because we don't know what any of it says and you just pray you get something decent. On the flipside I haven't pointed and gotten anything yet that I haven't at least eaten. So... theres that.
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| So sassy. So bratty. Such cuteness. |
OH. GUYS. The most amazing thing in the world? This amazing Crimean dish called Tatar salad. It looks weird and disgusting but it will blow your mind with flavor.
My favorite thing is that I can go out and get a huge meal with a mojito (or other yummy flavored drink) and desert and spend like $3. Easy. When our whole group (10ppl) goes out together for nice dinner (Italian anyone?) we might spend 1,000UAH total. MAYBE. If we all get desert and something to drink. That's pushing it. That's less than $50. Its crazy.
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| Tatar Salad. |
Ok. While we are talking about food can I just say one word? Chocolate! Seriously. Guys. Chocolate.
I go to the store ON A DAILY BASIS to buy some sort of chocolate heaven goodness. You see right now Ukraine's grievna is worth so little compared to the USD (like 21 something to 1) so... boxes of Belgium chocolate? like $1.50. Fresh pastries? like $.60. A huge chocolate cake? $4. A bar of chocolate? $.40 or so. Going to a chocolate factory you can get truffles for like $.10. Its pretty much the most amazing thing ever. Thank gosh I have to walk to school and back otherwise all this extra chocolate would be VERY bad for me. I fully intend to bring home an entire suitcase dedicated to chocolate. I only wish I could bring home наполеон.... yea you wish you knew what that is. Its pretty much the breakfast lunch and dinner of the Gods.
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| Seriously...all less than $5. All Belgian |
Ok ok ok. enough about food. I'm sure your mouth is super slobbery. sorry.
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| There is nothing here over $1 usd |
So every day life here in Позняки (Pozniaky) is pretty great. Ive learned SO much since getting here three weeks ago. I can now navigate myself through a huge city (5th largest European city) no problem. I am a pro at using the Ukranian metro. I can nearly fluently read Russian (as far as sounding things out goes.... actually knowing the words is often a different story). Ive finally got down the basics for every day life. Ive learned to be quiet(er...), I can effectively shop and respond correctly at the cash register! Its pretty awesome. Life in a soviet influenced society is crazy and exciting and different all at the same time.
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| Walk to school. Notice soviet era buildings-everything looks the same. |
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| Casual everyday metro ride. |
A few weeks ago the group got together and we went to a ballet (sleeping beauty) in the Kiev Opera House. Now... anyone who knows me surely knows this is not at all my thing but, you've gotta do it at least once right? Its cultural and the Kiev Opera House is one of the most famous in the whole world. Plus the tickets were literally $4. It was a unique experience. The music was amazing and we got to dress up all proper-like and sit in our own little box and pretend it was 1910 but seriously, it was pretty cool. Though kind of awkward because we left a whole scene early thinking it was the end- oops!
The same day we also explored the city of Kyiv. We went to Maidan where the famous protests and shootings occurred in 2014. We visited the memorials and such. We also went and visited several cathedrals- amazing. These russian-influenced buildings are of mind-blowing architecture. They are absolutely beauty. Its so fun wandering the streets and finding them. I love the cobblestone here- its a pain in the rear (quite literally) to walk on but its so....fitting? to the experience.
After all this was said and done on our way home we stopped because there seemed to be loud music coming from down the street, right down town. Upon further investigation we found ourselves in the middle of a random downtown party. Because...you know...why not? So we ended up doing some awesome hardcore zumba in the middle of this beautiful cobble stoned street amongst a bunch of other happy and exuberant folks just loving life and dancing in the middle of the street. I mean... you seriously cant plan these experiences.
This last weekend we planned a trip to the black sea. We were told it was one of those things you've "gotta do". Remember how I told you its dirt cheap here? The 10 of us plus our coordinator got a private driver-private bus and made the 8 hour trip south to одесса (Odessa). Let me tell you something yall. Before I came here I had heard/read that the road conditions in Ukraine were relative to Africa. That is to say... absolutely atrocious. Well. Whoever said that was not mistaken. For 8 hours it kind of felt like we were hurtling about 80mph down an old dirt road with ancient pot holes that should be avoided-yet hitting every single one all while weaving in and out of traffic with a flat tire to boot. Guys. this ride was seriously unreal. If the trip both ways hadn't been in the dark I would have a hilarious video for you. As it is I still have a video...but it may not express the sincerity of this experience. I will never ever forget it.
ANYWAYS. It was amazing to me. Their roads are awful but you can get to-order food in the gas stations which are incredibly nice, btw. Weird. Anyways, we got to Odessa and immediately hopped out and took a tour of the Catacombs. It was pretty neat but... probably could've skipped it. But it cost next to nothing so whatever.
Next stop? BEACH of course.
OK so seeing the black sea is cool but... the crowds? Yea that sucks. None the less we had a good time. I laid on the beach, went for a swim and overall enjoyed it.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Behind the scenes- first look at Ukraine
Alright guys. Get some popcorn cause this will be a long one!
First- today is Thursday and here in Ukraine its about 11:30, or 23:30. I'm going to rewind this story all the way back to Tuesday morning and go from there.
Tuesday was the day we were all ready and set to leave. Well on Monday the airliner that most of us had our tickets booked through had a huge strike and I woke up at about 5:30 Tuesday morning to several texts from Lufthansa telling me my flights were cancelled. As you can imagine, I was devastated! I was so very excited for this adventure and my dreams had been crushed due to the airliner experiencing difficulties with their employees. Of course this leads to mass hysteria all over the world as peoples lives are put into a tail spin with cancelled flights. The airliners phones were completely jammed and the website was entirely unhelpful. However they promised to rebook you at no charge...the problem was getting a hold of them. After much communication with ILP (the company I am volunteering through) I decided to make the hour drive to the airport and get in line and talk to a rep at the counter. After about two hours I get my turn, only to be told in the first 20 seconds there was absolutely nothing they could do and that I should try the 1-800 number.
Worst. Thing. Ever.
"Dont you think I've tried that?" I asked. They replied "sorry, just keep trying". As you may imagine, I was thrilled...
So suitcases in tow, I get in the car and head home. However I reallllly wanted to get to Ukraine so I simply sat in the passenger seat and called over and over and over and over...and over and over and over and over and over. After about 40 minutes of driving and calling over and over and over and over and over and over and over.... I got through! In one glorious thread of an opening in the maddeningly tangled communication lines, my call slipped through and I was directed to an agent who, upon hearing my dilemma, rebooked me in 5 minutes flat. However, this meant I had to flip a U'ie in downtown Houston Texas and head back to the airport.
I get there, do my deal and get on the plane. Ok lets be real y'all. Air France blows. They really really blow, like a lot. But I cant complain right? Well... they really really sucked.
Moving on.
I flew Houston to Paris, then Paris to Kiev! After all this it was Wednesday afternoon, so I had been traveling for forever. I was exhausted and grumpy and smelly and hungry and wouldn't you guess it? My good friends and Air France lost one of my pieces of luggage...OIE!
So naturally I head to the "Lost and Found" counter. And...well... pictures are worth a thousand words right?
.... so Brittish airlines or something like that, had lost AN ENTIRE FLIGHTS worth of luggage. How do you even do that? So as you can likely envision there are like 60-70 people looking for their luggage. After standing in what I thought was a line for about 40 minutes I finally obtained a document to fill out. I then had to continue to wait in the "kind-of not-really" line that was just a big mob of people pushing and shoving their way to the front. After about two hours of waiting ever so patiently I was helped and sent on my way. But after flying for a whole day and arriving in country already hungry and grumpy, this was just the icing on the cake. Or rather, it was like the poop on top the cake.
But then. BUT THEN. The Magic of Ukraine and the wonderfulness of ILP came shining through. As soon as I made it past the very scary guards (lets be real, guards are scary, but Russian guards? super duper scary) and out past customs I had the WONDERFUL coordinators and Headteacher waiting there to give me big hugs and take me out to my host family.
(Now guys, I am growing to LOVE Ukraine more and more every second but... this first night was hard).
So like I said. The first night was rough. I am definitely no newbie to traveling and as you likely well know I was VERY MUCH looking forward to this trip. But when I pulled up to my host families apartment I was thinking "uhhhhhhh". Think of any movie you've ever seen that takes place in a Russian ghetto and you've got a mental image of what stood before me. I instantly started to doubt a little. Going inside did not help the matter. The front door is made of a heavy iron and inside is lit by one fairly dull light. A Babushka (grandmother) sits guard their 24/7. Right next to her is the elevator, you must go past her to make it on the elevator. If you dont know, Babushkas are more feared than any mob, they are the shiz. The elevator is an old clunky thing made out of some old rusting iron and its barely big enough for two people. We go up a couple floors and get out. Its a long dank hallway again, lit only by a single light and the tile on the floor is literally broken in pieces, there is dirt and garbage everywhere and the light is casting that dull yellowish-golden haze. You have the mental picture? Good. We get to the front door, go in...and there is another door! Double doors. An old remnant from the soviet days. This makes me feel just so safe and warm inside!
After being taken in and being introduced to my lovely host mother (who is younger than me, by the way! And who speaks no English) I eat my first dinner quickly with a smile and a thank you and head straight to bed. And it was there that I laid all night re-evaluating the choice I had made. Seriously questioning my sanity.
But then.... then a miracle happened!
(and this is where it gets good guys, so if you like completely over my ramblings... this is the good part keep going! )
....
where was I?
Oh yea.
A miracle...
I WOKE UP.
And by that I mean. I got sleep.
Its amazing how much sleep can completely change everything. My moodiness and grumpiness was gone. The fear was gone. The uncertainty was still lingering but I felt MUCH more positive about the whole deal.
I woke up and had some breakfast (as good as the potatoes and chicken were for dinner....and again for breakfast, I have a feeling I'm going to get real sick of it!) and headed on my way. I met my friend and head teacher down around the corner and we headed out! Now THIS was my first REAL day in Ukraine (if you haven't caught up... I'm up to TODAY !). I tried to take it alll in. Its still as ghetto as I first perceived it, but its not...as bad? I don't mind it. It will grow to become home I'm sure. First things that are different. Apartment buildings are huge and everywhere. Lots of them. There are also TONS of little stores/boutiques/markets. Everywhere. Selling everything. Lots of Cafe's, LOTS of flower shops (cultural knowledge- Ukrainian people LOVE flowers), lots of random street vendors selling pizza or beer (I passed a beer cart.... kind of like a hotdog cart but a beer cart) or veggies and fruit.
We walk for about 20 minutes until we get to the metro, we then take the metro for about 40 minutes, get off and change and back on for another 20 before we are at our final destination.
For our very first day we have traveled to one of our schools up in a district called Obolon were we would ultimately have some training. We met up with some of our fellow students and went at it.
Fast forward past the training....
annnddd
We finally, gloriously get OUT and into the world of Ukraine to explore just a little bit! I'm taking it alllllll in. I'm learning so much.
Before coming here I of course practiced my Russian. We can effectively throw all the pronunciation I practiced in the garbage! I am learning it allll over again. However being able to read it is fantastic. I am seeing signs everywhere I can read such as Market, Salon, etc.
First place we go is to exchange our monies. Unfortunately Ukraine is not doing so hot right now so their monies worth has gone down. But fortunately for us...this means our American dollar goes farther. I exchanged a little over $200 USD and received over 4,000 Hryvnia (hrn) or гривня (yea I figured you would wonder about that, it is pronounced griev-nah).
We then walked a bit, got some lunch and ultimately found ourselves at a beautiful cathedral! There are many many many of these so it was no big surprise- but it was. It was the first one we had yet seen so it is just amazing to see one of these beautiful buildings in person.
We got some ice cream (23 hrn...or about $1.02) and kept on our way. We took a walk down the beautiful Dnipro river, marveled at Kiev's beauty and had a great time getting to know each other (love you guys!). By this time it was, well, time to head back home! Heading home, as I have learned, is always a journey. Living in eastern Europe means LOTS of walking. But its really ok because it is really amazing right now. Kiev is at that time of year where during the day its almost too hot for your jacket, but once the breeze comes its not. And anytime your in the shade its cold. It is, to me, perfection. The leaves are just barely starting to turn (ahhhh! my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE) and around every corner is something interesting to see or look at.
So after much walking we arrive at our lovely metro again. As one may imagine the metro is just as it is anywhere else. Busy, dark and very very crowded. Its also one of the more dangerous places as far as pick-pocketing goes. So you literally have to throw yourself unto the metro, fight your way in and claim your spot. You also hold unto your backpack or purse because if not- it may not be there when you leave!
(quick video I took tonight)
Our stop is Pozniaky- we get off and head home. Its been a long day, we are tired and ready for bed and maybe a shower. But of course what would be a better end to an amazing first day in eastern Europe than some fantastic chocolate? So we pop into a local market (everywhere!) and I end up purchasing some chocolate, a toothbrush, tooth paste, deodorant (remember they lost my bag...its actually waiting at home for me, little did I know, but I wanted to be able to brush my teeth!), chocolate and a bottle of water. I ended up spending about 70 hrn (about $3.50). Guys I really wish I could always spend this little at the store. The bottle of water is literally 7 hrn...that's like $.35. So great.
As I finally actually walked back to my house- it didn't seem so ghetto as it did when I had left in the morning. I know its crazy to think that my perception had changed that much in just a day, but it really had. I walked in through that scary metal door, said hello to gate-keeper babushka, rode my creaky sketchy elevator up to my floor and walked down the hall as the tile crunched beneath my feet and I loved every second of it. I was welcomed at home by my amazing little host family- who are the greatest, by the way. Their names are Dima, Tima and Vicka. Yea you read that right. Dima the father, is 24 and works in HR, the mother Vicka is 20 and is a nurse, but stays at home with the cutest kid on planet earth, his name is Tima (as they shared with me...just like Tima Fey!!! ;) hahahaha). We ate grapes and talked about our lives and who we were and got to know each other. It was a great little way to end the night.
So in just a day I went from seriously reconsidering my decisions in life, to completely loving where im at. The fear is gone, the uncertainty is nearly gone and I am falling in love quickly. The first initial adjust is hard- its a crazy different culture with crazy different customs and food and everything, but I accepted it and am loving it!
Hoora for Ukraine!
First- today is Thursday and here in Ukraine its about 11:30, or 23:30. I'm going to rewind this story all the way back to Tuesday morning and go from there.
Tuesday was the day we were all ready and set to leave. Well on Monday the airliner that most of us had our tickets booked through had a huge strike and I woke up at about 5:30 Tuesday morning to several texts from Lufthansa telling me my flights were cancelled. As you can imagine, I was devastated! I was so very excited for this adventure and my dreams had been crushed due to the airliner experiencing difficulties with their employees. Of course this leads to mass hysteria all over the world as peoples lives are put into a tail spin with cancelled flights. The airliners phones were completely jammed and the website was entirely unhelpful. However they promised to rebook you at no charge...the problem was getting a hold of them. After much communication with ILP (the company I am volunteering through) I decided to make the hour drive to the airport and get in line and talk to a rep at the counter. After about two hours I get my turn, only to be told in the first 20 seconds there was absolutely nothing they could do and that I should try the 1-800 number.
Worst. Thing. Ever.
"Dont you think I've tried that?" I asked. They replied "sorry, just keep trying". As you may imagine, I was thrilled...
So suitcases in tow, I get in the car and head home. However I reallllly wanted to get to Ukraine so I simply sat in the passenger seat and called over and over and over and over...and over and over and over and over and over. After about 40 minutes of driving and calling over and over and over and over and over and over and over.... I got through! In one glorious thread of an opening in the maddeningly tangled communication lines, my call slipped through and I was directed to an agent who, upon hearing my dilemma, rebooked me in 5 minutes flat. However, this meant I had to flip a U'ie in downtown Houston Texas and head back to the airport.
I get there, do my deal and get on the plane. Ok lets be real y'all. Air France blows. They really really blow, like a lot. But I cant complain right? Well... they really really sucked.
Moving on.
I flew Houston to Paris, then Paris to Kiev! After all this it was Wednesday afternoon, so I had been traveling for forever. I was exhausted and grumpy and smelly and hungry and wouldn't you guess it? My good friends and Air France lost one of my pieces of luggage...OIE!
So naturally I head to the "Lost and Found" counter. And...well... pictures are worth a thousand words right?
.... so Brittish airlines or something like that, had lost AN ENTIRE FLIGHTS worth of luggage. How do you even do that? So as you can likely envision there are like 60-70 people looking for their luggage. After standing in what I thought was a line for about 40 minutes I finally obtained a document to fill out. I then had to continue to wait in the "kind-of not-really" line that was just a big mob of people pushing and shoving their way to the front. After about two hours of waiting ever so patiently I was helped and sent on my way. But after flying for a whole day and arriving in country already hungry and grumpy, this was just the icing on the cake. Or rather, it was like the poop on top the cake.
But then. BUT THEN. The Magic of Ukraine and the wonderfulness of ILP came shining through. As soon as I made it past the very scary guards (lets be real, guards are scary, but Russian guards? super duper scary) and out past customs I had the WONDERFUL coordinators and Headteacher waiting there to give me big hugs and take me out to my host family.
(Now guys, I am growing to LOVE Ukraine more and more every second but... this first night was hard).
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| pump my own water...? |
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| ummm....waht? |
But then.... then a miracle happened!
(and this is where it gets good guys, so if you like completely over my ramblings... this is the good part keep going! )
....
where was I?
Oh yea.
A miracle...
I WOKE UP.
And by that I mean. I got sleep.
Its amazing how much sleep can completely change everything. My moodiness and grumpiness was gone. The fear was gone. The uncertainty was still lingering but I felt MUCH more positive about the whole deal.
I woke up and had some breakfast (as good as the potatoes and chicken were for dinner....and again for breakfast, I have a feeling I'm going to get real sick of it!) and headed on my way. I met my friend and head teacher down around the corner and we headed out! Now THIS was my first REAL day in Ukraine (if you haven't caught up... I'm up to TODAY !). I tried to take it alll in. Its still as ghetto as I first perceived it, but its not...as bad? I don't mind it. It will grow to become home I'm sure. First things that are different. Apartment buildings are huge and everywhere. Lots of them. There are also TONS of little stores/boutiques/markets. Everywhere. Selling everything. Lots of Cafe's, LOTS of flower shops (cultural knowledge- Ukrainian people LOVE flowers), lots of random street vendors selling pizza or beer (I passed a beer cart.... kind of like a hotdog cart but a beer cart) or veggies and fruit.
We walk for about 20 minutes until we get to the metro, we then take the metro for about 40 minutes, get off and change and back on for another 20 before we are at our final destination.
For our very first day we have traveled to one of our schools up in a district called Obolon were we would ultimately have some training. We met up with some of our fellow students and went at it.
Fast forward past the training....
annnddd
We finally, gloriously get OUT and into the world of Ukraine to explore just a little bit! I'm taking it alllllll in. I'm learning so much.
Before coming here I of course practiced my Russian. We can effectively throw all the pronunciation I practiced in the garbage! I am learning it allll over again. However being able to read it is fantastic. I am seeing signs everywhere I can read such as Market, Salon, etc.
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| im basically a drug lord |
We then walked a bit, got some lunch and ultimately found ourselves at a beautiful cathedral! There are many many many of these so it was no big surprise- but it was. It was the first one we had yet seen so it is just amazing to see one of these beautiful buildings in person.
We got some ice cream (23 hrn...or about $1.02) and kept on our way. We took a walk down the beautiful Dnipro river, marveled at Kiev's beauty and had a great time getting to know each other (love you guys!). By this time it was, well, time to head back home! Heading home, as I have learned, is always a journey. Living in eastern Europe means LOTS of walking. But its really ok because it is really amazing right now. Kiev is at that time of year where during the day its almost too hot for your jacket, but once the breeze comes its not. And anytime your in the shade its cold. It is, to me, perfection. The leaves are just barely starting to turn (ahhhh! my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE) and around every corner is something interesting to see or look at.So after much walking we arrive at our lovely metro again. As one may imagine the metro is just as it is anywhere else. Busy, dark and very very crowded. Its also one of the more dangerous places as far as pick-pocketing goes. So you literally have to throw yourself unto the metro, fight your way in and claim your spot. You also hold unto your backpack or purse because if not- it may not be there when you leave!
So in just a day I went from seriously reconsidering my decisions in life, to completely loving where im at. The fear is gone, the uncertainty is nearly gone and I am falling in love quickly. The first initial adjust is hard- its a crazy different culture with crazy different customs and food and everything, but I accepted it and am loving it!
Hoora for Ukraine!
Monday, September 7, 2015
24 hour countdown
Its officially 24 hours until my flight pulls from the gates in Houston Texas headed east to Frankfurt- then ultimately Kyiv Ukraine. 24 hours until the plane pulls away and solidifies this adventure- makes it real. I. Am. SO. Excited!
I am so grateful to ILP (International Language Program) for this amazing oportunity. I am so excited to land in Kiev on Thursday and have the adventure of a lifetime. Im excited to walk the streets of this historical east European city and explore its art, history, culture and cuisine!
My itinerary is to fly from Houston Texas to Frankfurt. In Frankfurt I will be meeting up with the rest of my group- which I am most excited for. We have had the opportunity to get to know each other via Facebook and texting but it wont be until we are standing in line to board the plane in Frankfurt will I actually get to meet them in person!
The past few days have been a whirlwind. Flying to Texas from Alaska, getting here and trying to get all my stuff unpacked, washed/cleaned, seperated and repacked. Going to the store and buying supplies to take with (part of the program is we need to take school and craft supplies, as well as rewards for the students). Spending time with my parents and trying to absorb all the American foods I can before diving into a world of borscht and chocolate.
Today has been busy full of the dreaded task of packing. I actually don't mind it that much- I have traveled a bit so I am quite familiar with the process, however this time it is a bit different. I am going for an extended period of time facing an entire world of unknown. It makes it sort of difficult, but I think im prepared! I just thought I would share some of the things I am taking.
Tomorrow I enter a whole new world! Ready, set, LETS GO!
My itinerary is to fly from Houston Texas to Frankfurt. In Frankfurt I will be meeting up with the rest of my group- which I am most excited for. We have had the opportunity to get to know each other via Facebook and texting but it wont be until we are standing in line to board the plane in Frankfurt will I actually get to meet them in person!
The past few days have been a whirlwind. Flying to Texas from Alaska, getting here and trying to get all my stuff unpacked, washed/cleaned, seperated and repacked. Going to the store and buying supplies to take with (part of the program is we need to take school and craft supplies, as well as rewards for the students). Spending time with my parents and trying to absorb all the American foods I can before diving into a world of borscht and chocolate.
Today has been busy full of the dreaded task of packing. I actually don't mind it that much- I have traveled a bit so I am quite familiar with the process, however this time it is a bit different. I am going for an extended period of time facing an entire world of unknown. It makes it sort of difficult, but I think im prepared! I just thought I would share some of the things I am taking.
Tomorrow I enter a whole new world! Ready, set, LETS GO!
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Guys.... 21 days!!!!!!!!!
Time here in Alaska is winding down QUICK and my next adventure awaits just around the corner. Guys I have just three weeks... or 21 days until I leave for the amazing and beautiful city of Kiev. I finally got my travel confirmation from International Language Programs and it looks like Ill be flying from Houston Texas to Frankfurt Germany, then from Frankfurt to Kiev Ukraine. I am totally stoked! The only part im slightly disappointed about is my incredibly short layover in Frankfurt, as its a city I have always wanted to visit! But none of that... So in just a couple short weeks ill be flying to Houston to visit my parents for just a few days, then off I go to live in Europe- something I have always wanted to do! I am SO EXCITED.
Of course I've got to study up on culture, customs and of course, the language! In Ukraine the official language is Ukrainian however its better to try and learn Russian first- and since Russian is typically widely understood at least in Kiev I am starting there.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Preparing for my ILP adventure
Guys! You have im sure heard by now of my latest venture. I have every intention of keeping a details account of this amazing experience!
My (newest) grand adventure is just around the corner! In about a month im going to be leaving for Kiev Ukraine for several months and I couldn't be more excited. I have decided to volunteer through ILP, or International Language Program. My decisions to serve through ILP is something I've wanted to do for a long time, however only recently has it been made possible. You see even though I am serving others abroad, there is still a program fee to pay that covers your flights, visa, housing and three meals a day. It covers a few other things as well. I had planned to go two years ago to China, however that fell through due to lack of money. This time around my goal has been made possible and IM GOING. Its such a blessing to get to go, I am very much looking forward to it.
When I first started looking into programs that would take me abroad to live and experience life and culture elsewhere, I didn't know where to start. Its a little scary trying to find a program that is deemed real, affordable or basically not a scam. So when I started hearing good things about ILP I started looking into it more. After just a little digging around I discover it is based out of Orem Utah- thats right, pretty much the honesty goldmine of the United States. I dug a little more and discovered this was just an absolutely fantastic little organization, so I jumped right in. I sent in an application and the rest is history...
... well actually my own story was not quite that simple. After my first failed attempt I waited about a year until my circumstances started to look skyward again. I had recently returned home from the trip of a lifetime, my dream trip - a road trip with my little sister to Ireland. I know right? Nothing can top that. But I came home bitten by the bug- the bug containing an incurable virus that fills your mind and soul with the irresistible itch to explore and travel, to learn and to grow. Essentially- the travel bug. So I started looking back into ILP again. It didn't take me long to decide this was definitely something I wanted to do, so one afternoon while chilling at home I filled out the application and sent it in...
...step 1- Submit application- complete.
Now was the wait. The anguishing thoughts and worries- "will I be accepted?" "will it be hard?" and so on. It didn't take long and I had my first interview set up and it went as smoothly as a freshly zambonied ice rink.
Then the second interview
Then another long agonizing wait. Then finally... finally, the email came. The acceptance email. The one that says "congratulations, you have been accepted into the ILP Program..." or you know, something like that.
step 2- get accepted - complete.
Now the hardest step of all - the wait.
You see, I had completed the application and interview process clear back in October of '14. I applied for the fall semester of '15. I had a year to wait. I'll tell you what.... that's a horribly long amount of time. The only reason I didn't go crazy is because I simply threw it on the back burner. There was not a lot I could do right at the moment, I was so very far away from my departure semester I just had to wait it out.
Fast forward several months. We are now into 2015 and life is chugging along ever so evenly. My awaiting adventure is all but forgotten at this point when one afternoon I get an email from my ILP advisor informing me it was time to start *thinking* about getting some stuff done. She sent me a list of things I could start working on over the course of the next several months, so naturally I got them done ASAP... as in that weekend (im telling you guys, I was EX...CITE...ED) I went and got passport photos taken, signed up for weekend to go and learn from the ILP staff and so on.
Then I had to wait for it to all play out.
I went to training- it was awesome.
I completed my online additional training- that was awesome. Guys we have so much to learn about teaching kids!
I completed my travel documents (one of your next steps). I answered the questionare and visited the Dr.
And ultimately I waited for my ILP coordinator to confirm I had done everything I needed to compete... now I sit, and I wait for that wonderful time in September when I get to board a plane headed across the Atlantic.
And this brings me to the main point of my here little blog post.
When you decide to go on one of these grand adventures, cost is of concern right? It always is. So when you hear ILP is $2520 or so with flight, housing, food and visa included you get pretty excited! That is a steal, and it really really is. I just wanted to point out to you guys, in case you didnt think about it, that there ARE other costs along the way. And here are some of them.
Passport photos- they are going to need several photos taken professionally, or passport style from your local Walgreen's for visa applications. This is about $20
Then of course shipping for that, unless you happen to live in Utah, in which case lucky you. But to ship mine was about $10
Then you've got training to go to. Again, if you live in Utah lucky you. I had to drive several hour's for my training, I ended up spending about $60 in gas.
You need to go to the Dr and get HIV and Gonorrhea tested. Sometimes you can find places that will do it for free, and sometimes your insurance will cover it. I also had to get a recent shot, so my Dr bill ended up being about $150. Just know this is a possibility.
Then of course you've got to get insurance while your abroad. Sometimes your insurance will cover you to the extent needed, but chances are they don't, so you need to purchase it through ILP. That'll be $100
Now you've gotta start thinking about what your gonna take. Which country are you going to, what supplies and stuff do you need? Any essential items to take? There sure are. For me ive ended up picking up things like
Russian phrasebook - $10
Eastern Europe travel guide book - $10
New walking boots that are waterproof - $100
Electrical Converters - $10
im picking up a protective passport case - $10
Shoes to wear IN the school (some schools require it) - $50
Supplies that may not get donated - $25-$125
so on and so forth. You get the idea. I just wanted to give you a frame of mind of things that could add up. So don't look at that program fee and set that as your earnings goal. You've gotta shoot higher! You'll have such a great time if you do.
Now back to our little story.... we are now in August. I leave in September. I have one month left and I am going crazy guys. Going crazy. My flight itinerary should be being sent in the next week or so and im freaking out. I know the second I get that its all going to become just so much more real. I am so ready for this adventure. Step 3 is ALMOST complete! This is going to be such a grand adventure, im totally stoked!
This is MY ILP adventure!
'Til next time folks!
My (newest) grand adventure is just around the corner! In about a month im going to be leaving for Kiev Ukraine for several months and I couldn't be more excited. I have decided to volunteer through ILP, or International Language Program. My decisions to serve through ILP is something I've wanted to do for a long time, however only recently has it been made possible. You see even though I am serving others abroad, there is still a program fee to pay that covers your flights, visa, housing and three meals a day. It covers a few other things as well. I had planned to go two years ago to China, however that fell through due to lack of money. This time around my goal has been made possible and IM GOING. Its such a blessing to get to go, I am very much looking forward to it.
When I first started looking into programs that would take me abroad to live and experience life and culture elsewhere, I didn't know where to start. Its a little scary trying to find a program that is deemed real, affordable or basically not a scam. So when I started hearing good things about ILP I started looking into it more. After just a little digging around I discover it is based out of Orem Utah- thats right, pretty much the honesty goldmine of the United States. I dug a little more and discovered this was just an absolutely fantastic little organization, so I jumped right in. I sent in an application and the rest is history...
... well actually my own story was not quite that simple. After my first failed attempt I waited about a year until my circumstances started to look skyward again. I had recently returned home from the trip of a lifetime, my dream trip - a road trip with my little sister to Ireland. I know right? Nothing can top that. But I came home bitten by the bug- the bug containing an incurable virus that fills your mind and soul with the irresistible itch to explore and travel, to learn and to grow. Essentially- the travel bug. So I started looking back into ILP again. It didn't take me long to decide this was definitely something I wanted to do, so one afternoon while chilling at home I filled out the application and sent it in...
...step 1- Submit application- complete.
Now was the wait. The anguishing thoughts and worries- "will I be accepted?" "will it be hard?" and so on. It didn't take long and I had my first interview set up and it went as smoothly as a freshly zambonied ice rink.
Then the second interview
Then another long agonizing wait. Then finally... finally, the email came. The acceptance email. The one that says "congratulations, you have been accepted into the ILP Program..." or you know, something like that.
step 2- get accepted - complete.
Now the hardest step of all - the wait.
You see, I had completed the application and interview process clear back in October of '14. I applied for the fall semester of '15. I had a year to wait. I'll tell you what.... that's a horribly long amount of time. The only reason I didn't go crazy is because I simply threw it on the back burner. There was not a lot I could do right at the moment, I was so very far away from my departure semester I just had to wait it out.
Fast forward several months. We are now into 2015 and life is chugging along ever so evenly. My awaiting adventure is all but forgotten at this point when one afternoon I get an email from my ILP advisor informing me it was time to start *thinking* about getting some stuff done. She sent me a list of things I could start working on over the course of the next several months, so naturally I got them done ASAP... as in that weekend (im telling you guys, I was EX...CITE...ED) I went and got passport photos taken, signed up for weekend to go and learn from the ILP staff and so on.
Then I had to wait for it to all play out.
I went to training- it was awesome.
I completed my online additional training- that was awesome. Guys we have so much to learn about teaching kids!
I completed my travel documents (one of your next steps). I answered the questionare and visited the Dr.
And ultimately I waited for my ILP coordinator to confirm I had done everything I needed to compete... now I sit, and I wait for that wonderful time in September when I get to board a plane headed across the Atlantic.
And this brings me to the main point of my here little blog post.
When you decide to go on one of these grand adventures, cost is of concern right? It always is. So when you hear ILP is $2520 or so with flight, housing, food and visa included you get pretty excited! That is a steal, and it really really is. I just wanted to point out to you guys, in case you didnt think about it, that there ARE other costs along the way. And here are some of them.
Passport photos- they are going to need several photos taken professionally, or passport style from your local Walgreen's for visa applications. This is about $20
Then of course shipping for that, unless you happen to live in Utah, in which case lucky you. But to ship mine was about $10
Then you've got training to go to. Again, if you live in Utah lucky you. I had to drive several hour's for my training, I ended up spending about $60 in gas.
You need to go to the Dr and get HIV and Gonorrhea tested. Sometimes you can find places that will do it for free, and sometimes your insurance will cover it. I also had to get a recent shot, so my Dr bill ended up being about $150. Just know this is a possibility.
Then of course you've got to get insurance while your abroad. Sometimes your insurance will cover you to the extent needed, but chances are they don't, so you need to purchase it through ILP. That'll be $100
Now you've gotta start thinking about what your gonna take. Which country are you going to, what supplies and stuff do you need? Any essential items to take? There sure are. For me ive ended up picking up things like
Russian phrasebook - $10
Eastern Europe travel guide book - $10
New walking boots that are waterproof - $100
Electrical Converters - $10
im picking up a protective passport case - $10
Shoes to wear IN the school (some schools require it) - $50
Supplies that may not get donated - $25-$125
so on and so forth. You get the idea. I just wanted to give you a frame of mind of things that could add up. So don't look at that program fee and set that as your earnings goal. You've gotta shoot higher! You'll have such a great time if you do.
Now back to our little story.... we are now in August. I leave in September. I have one month left and I am going crazy guys. Going crazy. My flight itinerary should be being sent in the next week or so and im freaking out. I know the second I get that its all going to become just so much more real. I am so ready for this adventure. Step 3 is ALMOST complete! This is going to be such a grand adventure, im totally stoked!
This is MY ILP adventure!
'Til next time folks!
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