Ben and Ang asked if I would do a guest post. So here I am.
Did you know, that in Russian a ‘W’ says the ‘Sh’ sound?
That almost all the apartment buildings are from the Soviet era?
That people will help you carry your stroller all the way up the stairs – without you asking?
That some buses are only vans – and somewhat rickity at that?
That there is a beautiful pride in having their own independent country?
That there are parks around every corner?
That little old ladies cut raw meat on the street and in the outdoor market and display it til it sells?
The contrasts are amazing. Some of the apartment buildings look like they should be demolished. But then, you see some little old women sweeping up leaves and dirt on the sidewalk or painting the children’s playground equipment. The elevators cannot handle more than 4 people or they will stop and you can’t get help easily. But then you will notice the flowers someone just planted in front of the building.
I feel so blessed that I was able to come and see this beautiful country and learn about it!
And what about Ang and Ben? They are learning the language. They already seem proficient at the grocery store. Which is important when you want to buy, perhaps, mayonnaise. I have never seen more kinds in my life! There is no Hellmann’s or Miracle Whip, and it comes in a bag. That’s right. A bag.
Jay is growing like crazy! His little cheeks are so soft! And I am certain that he will be crawling in a month.
Cassie has hit the PINK stage. She chooses pink yogourt in her pink teacup. She wears her pink princess dress on top of a pink shirt!
Angela is beautiful as always. She is kind and welcoming to everyone – a day after I leave, they are hosting about 4 other people for a week!
Benny is doing very well with the learning. He knows where to go to get things done and talks with quite a bit of excitement about buying some property here someday.
I am hoping to come back.
And I haven’t even talked about the students and staff at the YWAM base. Or the incredible learning that is going on. Or how much I enjoyed the sour cherry vereneki. About the beauty of the paintings that are sold and displayed around St. Andrew’s Descent. Or of the horror of the Holodomor.
Like I said, I am hoping to come back someday.
And if you have actually stuck with me this far, Thanks!
Lisa (one of Ben’s sisters)
Did you know, that in Russian a ‘W’ says the ‘Sh’ sound?
That almost all the apartment buildings are from the Soviet era?
That people will help you carry your stroller all the way up the stairs – without you asking?
That some buses are only vans – and somewhat rickity at that?
That there is a beautiful pride in having their own independent country?
That there are parks around every corner?
That little old ladies cut raw meat on the street and in the outdoor market and display it til it sells?
The contrasts are amazing. Some of the apartment buildings look like they should be demolished. But then, you see some little old women sweeping up leaves and dirt on the sidewalk or painting the children’s playground equipment. The elevators cannot handle more than 4 people or they will stop and you can’t get help easily. But then you will notice the flowers someone just planted in front of the building.
I feel so blessed that I was able to come and see this beautiful country and learn about it!
And what about Ang and Ben? They are learning the language. They already seem proficient at the grocery store. Which is important when you want to buy, perhaps, mayonnaise. I have never seen more kinds in my life! There is no Hellmann’s or Miracle Whip, and it comes in a bag. That’s right. A bag.
Jay is growing like crazy! His little cheeks are so soft! And I am certain that he will be crawling in a month.
Cassie has hit the PINK stage. She chooses pink yogourt in her pink teacup. She wears her pink princess dress on top of a pink shirt!
Angela is beautiful as always. She is kind and welcoming to everyone – a day after I leave, they are hosting about 4 other people for a week!
Benny is doing very well with the learning. He knows where to go to get things done and talks with quite a bit of excitement about buying some property here someday.
I am hoping to come back.
And I haven’t even talked about the students and staff at the YWAM base. Or the incredible learning that is going on. Or how much I enjoyed the sour cherry vereneki. About the beauty of the paintings that are sold and displayed around St. Andrew’s Descent. Or of the horror of the Holodomor.
Like I said, I am hoping to come back someday.
And if you have actually stuck with me this far, Thanks!
Lisa (one of Ben’s sisters)
Guest post by Lisa Hopcraft – Ben’s Sister.
Teaching Adventures 