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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Pray for children.

This morning as soon as she got her coat off, little Katya at church came running to me and wrapped her arms around me.  She clung to me for a few minutes, and her friend Anya also clung to me/Katya.  I refer to these girls as my little "ducklings" because they find me and hug me.  I don't know what their stories are, nor do I understand much of what they say, but all I can do is offer them hugs to show I care. More importantly, I hope that this shows them that Christ cares for them.

Please pray for the children around the world:  the children of Ukraine, the children of Mexico, the children in your own neighborhood.  Show them Christ's love and hope in this Advent season.

We pray for kids on city streets — 
even when they rob us. 
We pray for purity in teenagers — 
even when they seduce each other. 
We pray for children who could be learning — 
even when they sit in class like zombies. 
We pray for the goodness that is buried in young druggies — 
even when they are hustling people. 
We pray for them all in the name of the light 
that shines in the darkness — because 
we know that darkness cannot put it out. 
We pray for them all in the name of the light 
that lights everyone who comes into the world. 
We pray for them all in the name of the light who 
gives us the substance of things hoped for 
and is the evidence of things not seen.

~Tony Campolo, professor at Eastern University

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Peripheral Learning: Sixth grade party at my house

Sometimes I feel as though I'm learning valuable life lessons that are not part of the "core curriculum" of my Mission Corps role here in Ukraine.

How I had primarily imagined my time in Ukraine:
~Learning the Russian language and how to communicate cross-culturally
~Becoming friends with Ukrainians and other foreigners
~Gaining classroom experience by teaching at KCA
~Ministering alongside Ukrainians in children's ministry
~Learning more about what it is like to be a missionary for more than 2 months at a time

What I had NOT imagined, was the following (among other things):
~Ministering alongside Ukrainians in YOUTH ministry
~Learning that I quite enjoy having people over to my house
~Getting a taste of what it is like to be a mother of 5....or 6....or 10.... 

Last night I invited the 6th grade class to my house for a party then sleepover.  If, at this point, you think I am nuts, you are probably right.

Because my roommate and I live in an amazing 3-bedroom house, I decided early on that I wanted to invite groups of friends and students throughout the year, in order to take full advantage of this resource. In September, Michael had his 17th birthday party here, and we had 22 people total (Kiev missionaries, W&W team, and his friends).  In October, the senior girls (and then some) invited themselves over for a Friday night sleepover after youth group.

Yesterday after school, I boarded the marshrutka with 10 sixth graders.  The bus actually started rolling forward before we were all on, so I had to yell, "Нет! Нет!" (Nyet! Nyet! No! No!)  When I paid for 9 of us with a 50 грн bill, he couldn't understand me telling him how many--"Девять."* "Один?" "Нет, ДЕВЯТЬ!"  (Dyevat.  Odin? Nyet, dyevat!)  Riding the marshrutka with 10 children (ages 11-13), who did not know where to get off, scattered throughout the bus, was quite possibly the worst part.

*When I typed "nine" into the English part of my translator widget (so I could check my spelling), the Russian translation was "9."  Thank you.  Not helpful.

While at my house, the boys played basketball outside (joined occasionally by the girls who would also push each other around in a wheelbarrow), while the girls tried to coax our cat Kosmostar out of his hiding places.  Other hits of the night included:
~Using the stairmaster/elliptical machine (sometimes with 2 kids on the machine at once--they looked like they were rowing a boat), counting the calories they burned
~Playing the terribly out of tune piano
~Cuddling with the cat
~Basking in our huge bathtub--three girls were in there with their clothes on!
~Rapping in the dark kitchen (the girls...with the music on their phones...)
~Playing "Polish poker" (which is neither poker nor Polish) and other card games
~Watching movies
~Hide and go seek inside the house
~Feeding the hungry girls a snack of olives (with pits) straight out of the can

We had pizza for dinner, delivered from the pizza place just around the corner.  I did not want to do more dishes than required, so I had each student pick a mug and that was their mug for the entire time they were at the house.  They could wash and reuse it as many times as they wanted, for tea, or soda, or juice.

Around 7:30 pm, Luke's dad came to pick him up, and offered to take the other boys and I to the metro.  Fortunately, by this time, my friend Zee had arrived and could be the adult presence at the house.  After handing off the 3 boys to David's mom, I rode the bus home, enjoying the temporarily-quiet respite and alone time.  When you're temporarily--or permanently--a parent to many children, any alone time needs to be savored!

While the kids watched movies, Zee and I used this time to clean up the kitchen, washing dishes, shaking crumbs out of the tablecloth, and otherwise tidying the place.  With this many kids around, the place was a mess!  I'm so glad I restricted food to the kitchen and forbade them from taking food elsewhere into the house!  (With older kids, or fewer kids, or a less crazy evening, I am more flexible about this rule.)

A simple breakfast was planned for the girls who stayed overnight -- pancakes with peanut butter or syrup, along with some fruit.  These sixth grade girls (also the boys) had a much larger appetite than I'd imagined or planned!  Of course, that shouldn't be a surprise with all the energy they were using--even if they didn't count the calories!

Little by little, the six girls left, but not without me recruiting them to help clean the disaster zones.  I recruited two to dry and put away dishes, since I was running out of room on my drying rack.  When all the girls were still here, I had them fold and put away the blankets they used.  Some of the girls enjoyed our huge bathtub, so I made sure they put all my towels/washcloths in the hamper.

Yet, in all this insanity, I found that I enjoyed myself.  If you are AGAIN thinking that I'm nuts, you might be right.  I had planned other games (Christmas-themed charades), but these kids came up with ways to entertain themselves.  I tried to show equal amounts of positive attention to the kids, and to just have fun with them.  At times, yes, I reverted into "teacher mode," like when I needed to give instructions for dinner.  But, more importantly, this time for my students was so that they could enjoy each other's company, and I theirs.  All the energy and time that went into these festivities--asking Zee to order pizza for me, buying groceries, cleaning before and after they arrived, riding the marshrutka, and so forth--was worth it, even though I'm tired now.


Side story:  The landlady called me, saying that Jake the dog was crying and that he wanted to be out of his kennel.  I finally told her in broken Russian, "I know he doesn't want to be there, but I have children here and he NEEDS to be there."  She called around 8:30pm to say she doesn't like the children to be on the street, but they were in the fenced-in YARD.  Sorry, landlady, you'll just have to deal. As I passed the phone to Zee to translate this time, I told the landlady "я буду дарить телефону на Зина" -- which means "I'm going to give the phone to Zena as a gift."  Oops.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Who was that man?

This afternoon Amy and I walked from the Obolon church to the Dreamtown mall, where we needed to go to the store before continuing to Domino's for lunch.

We walked a path I had walked many times last year, past a small store, through a park, through a neighborhood.  Most of the time, I was watching the ground by my feet, so that I would not slip and fall on the ice.  At one point I looked ahead and saw a man carrying a rolled-up carpet, but did not stray my eyes to the left or to the right before looking back at the sidewalk.

A few moments later, Amy wondered aloud, "Why are they putting that plastic tarp over that man?"  Close to the picnic table--about 15 meters from us--there was an ambulance and three medics who were standing around or otherwise not rushing.  These people were covering up a man who had been sitting at the picnic table.  We could see his arm (and hand) hanging between the table and bench, along with his feet.  Fortunately, nothing else--like his face--was visible to us.

Other people were standing around, watching, and admittedly we stopped and stared for a few minutes.  I don't really know how to respond when I see a dead body (obviously, I shouldn't take a picture.  that's just creepy).  This wasn't something on TV--but something that was really happening before our very eyes.  We wondered the cause of death--quite probably the cold (at that point it was around 20*F, at 1:30pm) or alcohol, or both.

Then my mind began to wonder, who was this man?  What circumstances in his life had lead him to this point -- of freezing to death in a park, surrounded by many apartment buildings?  Was he a husband, a father, a son, a friend?  As I write these thoughts, I am watching the part of The Fellowship of the Ring where Gandalf falls into a great chasm.  The other members of the Fellowship mourn the loss, then must continue on their journey.  Who will be mourning the loss of this man tonight?  

We continued on our way, talking about what we had just witnessed.  Just around the next apartment building, on the next sidewalk, friends, couples, families were walking and enjoying the sunny day, ignorant of what had happened around the corner.  Very likely deaths from the cold or alcohol or both are common occurrences.  I don't want to forget this (since it was my first time seeing a dead body someplace other than a funeral, I probably won't), and don't want to brush it off as just another experience in Ukraine.

I almost wanted to say to these people, "Do you realize what is happening in your own neighborhood?  Do you realize that people are dying deaths that could have been prevented?"

The Church of the Nazarene runs drug/alcohol rehab centers to help those who are caught in addictions. Many of the participants first hear about the programs from their family or friends.  The CotN also provides humanitarian aid for people across the country.  Volunteers are taking in children as their own in order to stop destructive cycles.  Church members are building relationships with their neighbors, in order to share Christ's love and redemption with them.

I wish things could change overnight.  I wish we could be rid of these social ills that plague our communities.  I wish that I could be a bolder example and storyteller of Christ.  I wish that I wasn't so afraid of the unknown or my own inadequacies.

I wish that this contrast of "Christ is already victorious; there is hope for the world already" and "The world is not yet as it should be; redemption is not completed"* could simply be "Christ has come and conquered, and all is well with the world."

I wish that Christ's love (not fear/legalism) could be shouted from the rooftops.  I wish that people would believe that God is real, that only God can make us whole, that God restores creation to the way it should be.

Life in Kyiv, Ukraine is much more raw and gritty than you might think.

*In this time of Advent, we are looking towards Christ's birth at Christmas, and His second coming, even though He has already come and lived among us and triumphed over death.


**My iTunes is playing an ironic set of tunes -- "O Holy Night" then "My Jesus."

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Finishing...

I want to be known as someone who finishes, and who finishes well.

For a simple example, I multi-task quite often, in an attempt to finish my tasks more quickly.  While working on my laundry (hanging it to dry or putting it away), I might listen to an audiobook or sermon podcast.  My internet browser frequently has tabs for Facebook, Gmail, and at least two other websites open at the same time, while Skype and iTunes are running in the background.  My roommate and I read "From Nyet to Da" to each other while preparing or cleaning after dinner.

Many times, I start reading 3 articles at the same time (to clarify, they are in 3 separate tabs).  I bounce between them, based on their length and reading level/depth of thought.  Within the past year, I have forced myself to FINISH one before starting another, in order to develop better self-discipline.

The following link is a video of a cross-country runner who struggled to finish her race because of severe leg pain.  Just before she reached the finish line, she collapsed on the ground.  So close!  BUT here's the amazing thing -- she pulled herself up and finished the race by crawling.  

She couldn't finish the race by simply laying there and wishing herself across the remaining 5 m.  Nor did she have the stamina to stand on her legs (by the time she stood up, she might as well have stepped over the finish line).  Yet she did the only thing possible at that moment -- crawl.  


So many things in life I want to finish, and finish well.  First semester for this school year finishes in a couple weeks, and I have a lot of knowledge to pass along to my students.  I don't know if I will be here in Ukraine next year (I still need to make my decision), or if I will be back home in MD, or if I will be somewhere else in the US.  No matter what it takes, I want to finish things well and make sure things are complete.

A few weeks ago, while attempting to write my personal mission statement, I reread the following verse:
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:6, NIV)
I cannot carry ministries on to completion.  I cannot follow and guide all of my ministry students (Wolly quizzing or KCA students) through their high school years and daily challenge them in their walk with Christ.  I cannot finish the work here in Ukraine.

I cannot complete God's work in me, by my own power.  There's no way I can make myself whole, or ensure God-type success in the endeavors God leads my way.

But here's the amazing thing -- whatever it is that GOD has purposed for my life, the life He's given me, HE will complete.   What God starts, God finishes.  This isn't like my website-hopping -- God will stick with me, walking me through the good times and the bad, the crystal-clear times and the murky uncertain times.  Quite often, I muddle through life, trying to figure out the next step, but it's because I want to rely on what I know, what I think is best, what friends or books say, what's familiar or comfortable for me.

If only I could see the big picture of what God's intended for my life, and what the next step is...to find out how to begin...All I can do is simply crawl in the lap of Jesus and trust....this is a lesson that I am constantly relearning.....


Because I'll never hold the picture
Of the whole horizon in my view
Because I'll never rip the night in two
It makes me wonder
Who am I, Who am I, Who am I
And great are you
(Downhere, "Great are You")

Thursday, December 2, 2010

November 2010 Update

Hello all!
Happy (belated) Thanksgiving! This past month has been chock-full of church activities and activities with friends over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Thanksgiving Celebration
About 40-50 Americans, Koreans, and Ukrainians gathered at Pine Branch Camp in Ivankiv to celebrate Thanksgiving together. We enjoyed the traditional US foods, including turkey and pumpkin pie, plus Korean kim-bop and other tasty treats. A few of us stayed overnight and enjoyed a bonfire and s’mores. One spectacular time was when I went outside, past the reaches of the camp lights, and looked up at the sky. There had to be a million stars overhead, and the Milky Way was visible! I stayed outside with the middle/high school students for a little while as we spotted constellations (Big Dipper, Pleiades, Scorpio, Cassiopeia). Other highlights included holding a 5-month-old Korean baby and having her fall asleep in my arms, playing Cranium with a handful of folks, walking through the village, worshipping together, and getting to know the KCA families/parents better.

My Ukraine Family
English Language Youth Group
On November 14, Kiev First Church held an English language youth group for our teens. We had a mixture of Ukrainians and Americans (and even one French kid!) participating! Included in the service were times of prayer, Scripture reading, a couple testimonies, the “Doctor’s Office” skit, a sermon and group discussions, and worship through music.

Worship team preparing
Sergei put me in charge of this – which I accepted as a form of “trial by fire” (similar to my experiences helping with teen quizzing in college) and learning as I went, since I had ZERO idea of what or how to do for the service. As an “innocent bystander”, I enjoyed the service, but as one who was in charge, I coordinated all the people and could see what needs to change for next time. My dissatisfaction as a leader came primarily from miscommunication—next time, there will be more than 2 copies of the order of worship so that I don’t have to directly coordinate each component, and I will verify that people understand exactly what I said.

English Lessons @ Obolon
Svetlana, my co-teacher, and I continue to meet periodically—once a month besides our actual lesson. Last night we met at the mall, and as we walked, we talked about ideas for this next lesson. Our key verses will be Luke 5:31-32 – “Jesus answered, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn't come to invite good people to turn to God. I came to invite sinners."” To begin the lesson, Svetlana will pretend to be ill, and send one of the kids into the hall to find the doctor (me). Then we will explain to the students that our sins are like a sickness, and that Jesus is the doctor that can make us whole again. I really enjoyed meeting with Svetlana and planning this lesson, because now we are working together as a team, and can present a more unified lesson to the kids!

Vinnytsia Visit
Click here to read about my weekend trip to the city of Vinnytsia and the village of Selische, where I could see evidence of God's redemption and reconciliation in the lives of Ukrainians.

Cultural Tidbit
On many street corners here, you can find a babushka (grandmother) selling fresh produce, flowers, farm goods, clothes, or just about anything else! I like to stop by our local babushka (if I can call her that) and buy some apples, peppers, or other fruits, since it is more convenient than our grocery store. We’ve never really held a conversation beyond asking/telling prices, but a week or so ago, we said “hello” to each other as I passed!

Nazarene Youth Conference 2011 Opportunity
Next summer, I have the opportunity to travel to Louisville, KY to participate in the Nazarene Youth Conference, where thousands of high school students from USA/Canada will gather from July 5-10. I will be serving as a sponsor for the Missionary Kid District—this “district” comprises all MKs with an American passport, no matter where in the world their parents serve as missionaries. In order to attend this conference, I will need to pay about $800 for my lodging, food, and the conference cost (plus my travel to/from Kentucky) – and unfortunately, this cannot be withdrawn from my general KCA/Ukraine funds. If you are interested in supporting this special project, please send checks to my home address (PO Box 146, zip code 21628)—it will be greatly appreciated!

Praises
*God’s continuing redemptive work in the lives of Ukrainians and of people all around the world
*English youth group last month
*KCA students that make me smile :)

Prayer Requests
*My decision for the 2011-2012 school year
*Language study – at times I feel like I’ve hit a wall and cannot learn any more words or grammar rules!
*Traveling safety when my roommate and I (and others) visit the US for Christmas/New Year’s

Thanks again for all your support! Since I probably won’t send another update until after the 25th, Merry Christmas!!

In Christ,

Jessica

Vinnytsia Visit -- November 2010

On the Friday night after Thanksgiving, my roommate and I hopped on the train to visit the nearby (3 hours) city of Vinnytsia. Vinnytsia is a city of about 369,200, which is comparable to the population of Colorado Springs or St. Louis, Missouri, or half that of Boston (approximately).  Imagine living in Chicago, a large-populous-smelly-dirty city, for three months, then visiting a city like St. Louis, though I have never been there.  This is what it was like for us.  We went from the capital city of Kyiv to a city approximately seven and a half times SMALLER....and we enjoyed our trip!

The red dot is Vinnytsia, and the pink region is the Vinnytsia oblast.  Kyiv is located along the Dnieper river--look for the smallest sections on this map!
If you’ve ever heard any missionary stories about the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Ukraine, you probably have heard of Vinnytsia and Pastor Roma. The Vinnytsia church has planted many daughter churches within the local oblast (state/county area), as well as many drug/alcohol rehab centers. Pastor Roma, along with Vitalik (whom I will mention in a moment), are former addicts who have found new life in Christ.

We spent the weekend with Natasha T, a student at the local Teacher’s Training College, who gave us a tour of the city, translated for us, and helped us navigate public transport. On Saturday morning, while the weather was still somewhat nice, we walked past an Orthodox church AND a Catholic one, through a mall, and then arrived at Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square). Kiev also has a Maidan Nezalezhnosti, where the Orange Revolution occurred a few years ago, but this one consisted of a lovely park, water/clock tower, and a WWII memorial.  We also noted how nicer the city seemed--no rattletrap tramvai (streetcars), not many street dogs, not as much pollution, and not as much second-hand smoke!

Natasha and I at lunch on Sunday
In the afternoon, we traveled to the village of Selische, where we visited the House of James. Vitalik and his wife Natasha are house parents to 9 kids who were formerly street children or whose parents are unable to care for them. We played with the kids, got a tour of the house (my second or third, but Amy’s first), had lunch with the family, and then enjoyed conversation with Vitalik and Natasha. As a younger man living in Kiev, he was an alcoholic, and actually stole $1,000 from some former missionaries. Today, he is house father to nine, and pastor of the Selische Church of the Nazarene. What an amazing change Christ has made in the life of Vitalik in the past decade or so, and through Vitalik to the children in this house!
Vitalik, Natasha, roommate Amy, and I at HOJ
While in Selische, we also visited the men’s and women’s rehab centers. A few of the men had only been at the center for one or two months, but already they recognized that true, lasting change is only possible with Christ’s help—not a vaguely-described Higher Power. On Sunday at church in Vinnytsia, a handful of the church members shared how God has worked in their lives. A few of them were graduates of the rehab centers—they were very honest about this fact and did not try to hide their past struggles from their church family. How often do we hide our struggles from our church family, having selective amnesia about our struggles before we allowed Christ to triumph over the sin and darkness in our lives?

Read more about House of James 1 & 2 at http://houseofjames.org/.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Anticipated Reverse Culture Shock

The other night Amy and I rode back on the train from Vinnitsa.  She asked me about reverse culture shock (which is what happens when you re-enter your passport/home country after being abroad) and how it had affected me last year and in the summer.  We realized that though we have anticipated some of the more basic aspects of re-entry shock, we will not be able to anticipate all aspects, especially those that will throw us for a loop.

Here is how I described reverse culture shock 2 years ago.  "Familiar" refers to the home culture, and "unfamiliar" refers to the culture abroad.

(version 1) When you miss the familiarity of the unfamiliar, and the familiar is suddenly unfamiliar.

(version 2) When you switch from the familiarity of the unfamiliar, and the unfamiliarity is what "should" be familiar
.

Amy and I brainstormed a list of things that would be "strange" to us at Christmastime -- here is some of that list. 

*Understanding strangers talking on the bus or out in public
*Store clerks being friendly/making conversation, despite not knowing me
*Stores- large stores with huge selections and familiar brands
*No street dogs roaming around (thank goodness!)
*Having a car all to myself, driving through the countryside, in solitude
*Not needing a translator for church, having to operate in my third language instead of my first, or just plain not understanding
*Random people smiling and saying hi to me
*Fully comprehending food labels instead of recognizing the words, sounding out the name, or identifying food by its picture
*Snack flavors/types (in Ukraine, you can buy flavored croutons or chips that are flavored like crab or bacon)
*Common notebook paper in the US is lined 8.5"x11".  Here, students might use that (or half of a sheet), or they might use grid paper
*Life expectancy of fresh food (because the food here does not have as many preservatives, we have to make sure we don't leave food for too long
*Not as much second hand smoke while walking down the street
*No beer kiosks (or just kiosks in general) every block
*American fashion styles that are different from the Ukranian/European styles
*Not seeing/talking to my Ukraine family
No babushkas selling veggies, raw fish, or flowers on the street corners
*No squatty potties
*Bookstores that have a majority of their books in English! (and English is not considered a "foreign" language!)
*Being out of the loop when it comes to American pop culture (which is a good thing)
*Plowed streets/sidewalks
*Non-colorful currency and comp
*Position/placement of light switches
*Seeing friends and family often
*Racial diversity in the greater community
*Seeing the American flag, and the red/white/blue color scheme rather than yellow and blue
*Clear distinctions between commercial buildings and residential areas
*No underground mall/passageways/stores/crosswalks
*People giving me substantial personal space in public
*Flushing my toilet paper/a handle instead of button

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Lessons learned from temporary motherhood

This week I have been staying with a family of 5 while their parents are out of the country.  My responsibilities have included reheating or preparing food, tucking the youngest boys into bed, making sure lunches are packed, homework is completed, entertaining the youngest boys, administering meds, and otherwise maintaining order and mediating.  The kids are 7, 11, 13, 17, and 19, so I only really need to keep tabs on the elementary school-age boys.

I watched this family last month, and it was definitely a learning experience!  I learned that for missionary families overseas, there is so much that goes into the process of raising their kids.  I consider myself to be a flexible person, and don't mind getting slightly lost/misguided as long as I have my atlas and can get back on track.  However, when you're with a 7-year old and an 11-year old, you have to plan your path, determining in advance where you will walk and which buses you will take (because they won't want to take the scenic route).  On top of all this, my preferred walking pace is at least twice that of a little kid, so I had to slow down.  For some families, their kids have special medical needs and require supplies that can either be found only in America or at high prices where they live (or perhaps both).

After the first weekend of watching just 3 of the kids, I was ready to get back to my own house, away from my students and away from any children that would ask me unending questions.  Back to a place where I was only responsible for myself.

Now, I am back with this family, and thought I'd share some of my thoughts with the blog-reading world!

When you are a parent, personal space and personal time cease to exist.  Each day I rode in the van with the kids, and would try to snatch moments of time when the kids were not asking something or otherwise requiring my attention (i.e., picking on each other, standing when they weren't supposed to, or asking for homework help).  In the evenings, after putting the boys to bed, I still stayed up for a while until the other kids went to bed around 10; one of my thoughts was, "Two kids are in bed--but there are still three more that are awake!"  Even in the middle of the night, when I am asleep, I don't necessarily have "personal time", as the 7 year old might come in, saying he had a bad dream.  At any given moment, something is required of me.  Therefore, any purely alone moments I have are precious (especially since I'm an introvert)!! (Does this mean that the space-time continuum ceases to continue?)

Growing up, I lived with a maximum of 4 others in the house--my grandparents, mom, and brother.  Right now, there are six of us in this house.  In the van, because there were more people than seatbelts (welcome to Ukraine), I often had kids squished next to me, and would choose a window seat for this very reason.  Yesterday morning, the 7 year old was using my lap as a place to keep his "I Spy" book open.

Parenthood, in my inexperienced view, makes you less selfish.  If not, then something is wrong.  Parenthood requires you to be responsible for meeting the basic needs (food, rest, medication, peace, affirmation) of other human beings other than yourself.

Food/Medication:  These are obvious enough.  Older kids can get their own food from the fridge, but younger kids need you to prepare/reheat it.  Some kids need medications, so it's important to administer this on a regular basis.

Affirmation: I've learned--this time through my own experience and not just through educational psychology--that kids need to be positively affirmed.  If they are constantly being told, "No, you are not allowed to do this" or "No, not right now" or "No, we're not going there today," they will be less likely to listen to your directions and otherwise respond to you.  This, of course, does not mean swinging to the other extreme and being indulgent--letting them do whatever they want when they want and not respecting your authority as an adult/parent.  Rather, showing positive attention to kids, allowing them to make a choice between two good options, affirming them when they make a good choice, and interacting with them and not ignoring them, will help them to feel affirmed and loved.

Peace:  We all face conflict in our lives, some caused by circumstances and some caused by others.  With little kids, this usually includes fights over toys, using computers, and the use of their time (doing things they may or may not want to do).  I've done a lot of mediating and collaborating this weekend, mostly between the kids when they argue or when the kids have to do homework.

A lot goes into raising a family, especially when there are five of them and one of them has special medical needs!  Parenting--or, faux-parenting for right now--will make me less selfish, a process that I know will begin (in-depth, 24/7) anyway when I am in a marriage relationship.  All I know is that I need to be fully dependent on Christ and walking closely with Him if I expect to show a Christlike example to kids.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Google Voice: Useful Tool While Abroad

This summer, I discovered Google Voice, which is turning out to be more beneficial than I'd first thought.  Here in Ukraine, I have figured out how to use Google Voice (sometimes in combination with my Skype account).

Originally, I used Google Voice in the US so that one of my friends could call a number (local for them) that would forward the calls to my cell phone.  I had set up two different numbers (with two different email accounts), and one of them was with a Maryland area code for my "experiment."

In the States, this is how Google Voice works, and there is a centralized voicemail for all your phones.

Friend --> GV number as intermediate number --> Your phone (cell, home, work, or all of them) rings

While in the US, I have a Verizon phone with a monthly contract.  This contract is put on hold while I am in Ukraine, so I don't pay for a phone I'm not using (so a two-year contract turns into three years).  I have used my home phone number as a contact while in Ukraine, but my mom is cancelling that number since we all have cell phones.

If I want to contact anyone in the US from Ukraine, I use Skype if they are a Skype user or if I am calling a 1-800 number.  Sometimes I use Skype to call phones (for the whole conversation or to have them call me on Skype), but this costs about 2 cents a minute, so I usually use it for calling internationally during the summer. 


Here is where Google Voice comes into play! If there is no answer on any of the phones, Google Voice records and transcribes your voice messages and notifies you by email (which can be VERY entertaining sometimes).  My family (or others I am trying to contact) can leave me voicemails, which worked out VERY well in the spring of 2011 while I scheduled services at churches. You can also send a free SMS to any US phone.  Now, I can use my Google Voice number as my "home" number so that those in America can contact me! It's long-distance for my family, but at least it's not an international phone call. 

Unfortunately, Google Voice does not have local numbers for all areas, nor can it forward calls to international phones (that would be AMAZING, though).  For now, Google Voice is still rather practical and now I do not have to use my "Hotspot Shield" while in Ukraine.

When you're a missionary, you've got to be thrifty and inventive with what you have.

(updated September 2011)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

October 2010 Update

Dear friends, family, and supporters,

Hello from Kyiv, where the leaves have changed colors and are falling off the trees!  Most of the fall leaves here are golden, with some red leaves here and there.

KCA:  Babysitting Weekend 
Last weekend I was at the home of one of our families from school.  The parents and 2 of the kids drove to Poland (vehicle registration issues), and I stayed with the other 3 kids.  I took the boys (ages 7 and 11) to an outdoor dinosaur exhibit, then to climb on the tanks by the WWII memorial.  On Sunday, we went to International Christian Assembly, which has an English service and has many ex-pats.  It wasn't until I left school on Monday night to ride the bus home that I realized, "Oh, right, I'm in Ukraine," and felt like I'd spent all weekend in an English-speaking bubble.

I told John and Andre to look terrified, because of the dinosaur behind them.
Church Ministry:  Teaching English at Obolon
Each time I teach English, Svetlana (Zakhar’s mom) helps me with the lesson/kids, translating as needed.  She’s also interested in learning/practicing English, maybe even more so than the kids!  This weekend I am meeting her for tea, so that I can get to know her better, and let her practice English if she wants.

Below is a photo of the kids in my group from the last time I taught English.
Zakhar, Oksana, Dima, me, Vanya, Vika, and Nastia
Conversations:
One:  One Sunday at church, we had our Harvest celebration during and after the morning service.  I was showing my roommate the view from the balcony, and a little girl stepped outside.  I asked her what her name was and her age, and she told me, "Katya--I'm 6 and a half and in FIRST grade!"  When I told her my name and my roommate's name, she replied, "Oh, English people?"  She excitedly started telling me something -- that I didn't understand until she used the words "dance" and "princess."  I repeated, "You're the princess?"  "No, YULIA'S the princess!"  she corrected me.  That afternoon it was fun to play with her, even though I barely speak her language (Zee and Colleen helped a bunch).

Trying hard to understand Katya -- or maybe I was already lost at this point!
Two:  A few weekends ago, we had the junior and senior girls for a sleepover at our house.  The 2 juniors, 8 (of 9) seniors, and 1 "gap year" gal (plus another KCA teacher) all came after youth group and took over our living room.  We played games, ate snacks, watched movies (until close to 3:30am!), and laughed together.  Most of these students are or have been in my classes, and I enjoyed having them over and sharing our house with them.

KCA 2010 Fall Retreat (Middle/High School)
Culture Tidbits:
*When the girls stayed overnight, they all took public transport to and from our house (though they might have gotten a ride closer to their homes).  These students are savvy about getting around the city, yet most do not have a driver's license.  Such is life for these Third Culture Kids.

*Light switches are located anywhere and everywhere on the wall.  At home, our light switches are about waist-high.  My bedroom light switch is on your RIGHT as you walk inside.  My roommate's switch is on the LEFT.  The bathroom in that part of the house has a light switch OUTSIDE the door on the left, and the other bathroom has a switch on the INSIDE on the right.  Also, when we enter our house, we have to walk through our kitchen in order to turn on the light, and it is randomly in the middle of a wall!  Most of the light switches at school (as well as in my old apartment) are at eye level, if not higher.  In my classroom, the light switches are on the left of the door as you enter.  It's so confusing to keep track of where the switches are, and even more so when I return to the States and everything is generally consistent (at least in regards to height)!

Praises:
*Technology like Skype that allows me to video chat with friends and family around the world, as well as to help a student with her math homework.
*Provision of help in teaching English – my roommate needs a translator 90% of the time, whereas I can switch back and forth as needed.  We have 2 Ukrainians helping us (she has Masha from First Church, and I have Svetlana).
*A great Fall Retreat for KCA's MS/HS students, where they heard God's Word (many also memorized verses from 1 Peter!) and were able to discuss what they were learning with their peers and teachers.  Besides this, we all enjoyed a bonfire, playing games, worshipping together, and of course getting to know each other better!

Prayer Requests:
*Masha’s (my language tutor at school) uncle has been diagnosed with cancer.  Pray for him and the family, including Masha.  Her uncle is not (yet) a believer.
*My decision for the 2011-2012 school year must be made before Christmas break.  Pray for God’s guidance and discernment in this.
*English language youth group on 11/14 -- Sergei Dziba asked if I would coordinate this, and my idea is to include as many of the local youth as possible, encouraging leadership and involvement on their part.  Pray for this event/outreach (that Sergei would like to happen once every couple of months).

Upcoming Dates:
November 7:  Teaching English @ Obolon
November 14: English language youth group @ Kyiv First Church

In closing, I would like to encourage you with the memory verse from when I taught English -- – “For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps” (Job 34:21).   God sees all our steps – good or bad – and just as God prepared Moses during his time in Midian, God is shaping us for the purposes in our life.  I trust that you will allow God to do God's work in your life, to walk in God's ways, and to be confident in God's presence.

In Christ,

Jessica

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Public Transport Stories

Here are two stories of my time on public transport -- just from today!

When my roommate Amy and I left school today, we took the bus (#25) to go to Petrivka metro, where we would continue on to the city center.

Right about where we would get off to go home, some man sitting 2 rows in front of us heard us speaking English, and just started talking to us.  "I'm from Florida, from near Orlando -- where are you from?"  I replied, "Maryland," and he said, "Oh, I know someone who lives in Frederick, that's near West Virginia -- 301 area code?"  Yes, yes it is, and yes I know where Frederick is.

He kept talking, with only minimal encouragement from us.  I was trying to be polite because I couldn't tell if he was American or Ukrainian.  Then he told us he has a car here in this country, in western Ukraine, but has to take it out of the country every 60 days.  He also told us that he was, or could be, or people thought he was, related to Billy Joel.

Quite bizarre.

I elbowed Amy and said, "Oh! I have a strategy!"  (for tuning the guy out), and pulled out my headphones.  This strategy would have been more efficient had the wire not been tangled.  My second strategy was much better -- to get out a stop or two from the end of the line, then walk the rest of the way to the metro.  This allowed us to hide covertly behind a kiosk and laugh, without the guy seeing or following us for the rest of our journey.

[My new plan is to create an alter ego for myself, one that is told to strange creepy men like the aforementioned one.  In this alter ego, I will be named Ginny and I will call El Paso "home".  This alter ego still needs a few wrinkles ironed out, but ideally I won't need to use it for a while.]

The second story takes place on our bus ride home, on the #18.  A little girl slid into the seat across from us -- we were in the back right corner of the bus -- and she looked to be about 8 or 9 years old, and was quite bundled up for the (not-so-) cold weather.

She and I made eye contact, and I ever-so-slightly smiled at her.  Now, here in Ukraine, people do not smile at strangers.  (In the US, everybody smiles at everybody else.)  This little girl SMILED ever-so-slightly back at me!  So cute!

Then, what's even better, is that a minute or so later, when we made eye contact again, she WINKED at me (slowly enough that I wasn't even sure that she had)!

On public transport, you see all kinds of characters.  There's never a dull moment when you live in another culture.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

City Heating: That's Different, But that's Okay

Taken from the Kyiv Post website:

Heating season in Kyiv starts Oct. 4
Deputy head of the Kyiv City Administration Oleksandr Popov has announced central heating will be turned on starting Monday, Oct. 4.
The heat is usually turned on during the middle of October, but colder than normal temperatures this year conviced city authorities to get an early start. Schools and hospitals will be heated first. Radiators in residential buildings will start working later in the month.
Bet you never realized there was a heating season!

KCA's heat was turned on today, because we share a building with a deaf school.  At home, we have been FREEZING at night the past couple weeks--I wear a sweatshirt with the hood pulled up while I sleep.  Today we had a Ukrainian from church turn on our heater and check it out for us -- hallelujah!  Last year (in our apartment) and this year (in the house we're watching), we have an independent heat system, which is quite nice.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Praise and Worship songs

This week, my roommate and I have had songs from church stuck in our heads every morning!  It's especially entertaining when you only know the tune and not the words!

Blagodarim, stuck in our heads for 2 days!  (our church's rendition is more upbeat than this, and you wouldn't believe how catchy it is!)

Благодарим
За любовь, за милость, за спасение
Благодарность Ты прими от нас
Пусть несется песнь благодарения
Господу - Он кровию нас спас.

Благодарим, благодарим,
За Твою любовь благодарим!
Достоин Ты вечной хвалы,
За Твою любовь благодарим.

За Твои Голгофские страдания,
За спасенье, данное тобой,
И за все Твои благодеяния
Сердце пусть всегда звучит хвалой.

За прекрасный дом в лазурном небе,
За святую вечность без конца,
Пусть звучит сегодня песнь хваления.
Эту песнь поют наши сердца.



I awoke on Wednesday with this tune in my head "Ya budu slavit' Gospoda Xrista," and had to ask Colleen and Masha what the words were!




Я буду славитъ Господа Христа!
Каждый день на устах моих
Это славное имя - Иисус
Я не знаю имен других,
Лишь Его я превозношу!

Мое сердце поет о Нем,
О Спасителе дивном моем.
Только он мне дает покой,
Его Имя всегда со мной!

Я буду славить Господа Христа!
Я буду помнить все Его дела!
Я буду петь Ему: Аллилуйя! Аллилуйя!

И когда солнце свет дарит,
Согревая всю землю теплом,
В моем сердце опять звучит
Иисусу Царю псалом!

(Alternate chorus:
Я буду славить Господа всегда
Я буду славить все Его дела
Я буду петь Ему: Аллилуйя! Аллилуйя!)

Thoughts on living abroad...

I've been back in Ukraine for about a month and a half, and though I don't think I'm really undergoing culture shock, I'm noticing things that are different about life here.  (I think my culture shock manifests itself as frustrations with the people closest to me, not as shock against what I see on a daily basis.)

Today I was at the store and realized I was low on cash.  Now, low on cash means low on local-currency-cash, because I had a $100 bill and less than 50 грн (about $7).  It's perfectly natural for me, when noticing that I am low on cash, to find the nearest money exchange place so I can purchase goods.  My first course of action in the US would be simply to use my debit card, but here I don't really use it.

I'm looking through photos I took this summer at the grocery store of things that I would've like to buy and bring back to Ukraine.  Some things I did actually buy, including brown sugar, peanut butter, and cake mix.  Other things, like Goldfish crackers and a sponge for washing dishes (the kind where you can store dish soap in the handle), I did not.  Last year my roommate and I had one of those "dishwands", and though I used it on occasion, it really wasn't my favorite.  I preferred a regular sponge.  There are foods available at the US commissary that are convenient, or just in English, but you can buy similar products here for half the price.  (I confess that I buy cereal at the commissary simply because it comes in larger packaging.)

It's funny how when you live overseas, or even simply on a lower budget, what you absolutely must have, and what you can do without.

In America, grocery stores, libraries, banks, restaurants, etc. usually are distinct from other buildings, especially housing.  Let's call them "stand-alone" buildings.  Here, many businesses are located in the first floors of 5-, 7-, 9-story apartment buildings.  It's actually a convenient use of land.  On my street, there is a pharmacy and a small store on the first floor of a building.

Things take a lot longer here than they do in the US--even something as simple as running errands.  Because I don't drive here in Ukraine, I must rely on public transport and my own two feet to get around.    There are "lag times" when I could be considered to be "on my way", but I am really waiting at the bus stop, not moving.

I read a quote on Jonathan's blog about life in Romania, and this quote also applies to life here:  "We live in Romania, and this takes up all our time" (from a Romanian TV station).  In other words, I live in Ukraine and this takes up all my time.  At the post office the other day, after waiting in line for about 5 minutes, we were told we needed to go around the corner of the building to another part of the post office.  While waiting there--we were the only ones waiting for a package--the clerk made a phone call and looked for my parcel.  We were then told that someone from our church had already picked it up!  She had passed it along to another missionary, so I then went to their house (by foot) to retrieve my package.

I'll always remember one of the mottos of YIM:  "That's different, but that's okay" or "That's different--I wonder why they do that?"

Sunday, September 19, 2010

September 2010 Update

Greetings from Kyiv, Ukraine!

Yesterday marked the one-month mark of my return to Ukraine, and what a busy month it has been. The following update will give a brief overview of the new school year and other ministry activities. Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and even your financial support! I appreciate your participation in the opportunities that God has given me to serve Him here in Kyiv.

Teaching at KCA:
I continue to teach geometry (9-10 grade) and 6th grade math, and I am teaching pre-calc/advanced math (11-12 grade) and 6th grade Bible for the first time. As compared to last year, I have more rapport built with the students, even those whom I have never taught. The sixth graders ask some great questions in Bible class! Some of those questions include: “How could Judas’s intestines spill out if he was hanged?”, “What do cults, like Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Mormons, believe?”, and “Why weren’t Lazarus and the sick girl considered as part of the firstfruits of resurrection?” We are studying Acts through Revelation this year, and they enjoy the “Faith Comes By Hearing” dramatized audio New Testament.

Chernivtsi Kids’ Club
Last weekend I traveled to Chernivtsi with 4 Ukrainians (Irina, Luba, Sveta, Alla) and Colleen to help with the first Kids’ Club of the season. We met in a local school’s dining hall, where the families gathered. Sveta (who is 32 and has Down Syndrome) and her mom were there again, and I recognized some of the other kids like Ira, the twins, and Sasha. The kids are just so happy to interact with each other, and the ladies enjoy each other’s company. Vera’s Aquila ministry here is such a blessing to these families and to the community, and I enjoy being a part of this group.

Teaching English at Obolon
Today (the 19th) I taught English at Obolon to 7 kids—our lesson was on “family” words. (My roommate Amy is teaching the younger kids—with the help of Masha from Kyiv First Church.) These kids already seemed to know these words, especially a new little boy named Dima, but we were able to practice speaking and writing. Each student drew their family tree on paper, and we asked each other, “Do you have a brother or a sister?” Next month we will probably be writing letters in English to send to their sponsors.

Cultural Snapshots:
A few weeks ago, I wanted to buy ground beef, but didn’t see any prepackaged. I had to go to the deli counter and ask for a certain weight, which they would give me in a bag. The catch, however, was that I needed to ask for the weight in kilograms and not pounds—and I couldn’t remember the conversion factor! At first, I asked for 4 kg, and the lady said, “Oh, that’s a lot,” so I decided on 2 kg. Two kilos is still FOUR pounds, and I only needed one!

Upcoming Events:
KCA Fall Retreat--October 1-3
Chernivtsi Kids' Club--October 9 (I think)
Teaching English at Obolon--October 17 (I think)

Praises
*When Colleen and I traveled back from Chernivtsi on the train by ourselves, God provided us with 2 young women as compartment-mates. When traveling with fewer than 4 people in a compartment, one can only hope for nice, non-smoking, non-drinking traveling companions that will either generally leave you alone or be friendly.
*I feel more comfortable with the Russian language, and have been learning new words.

Prayer Requests
*KCA students: for their relationships with Christ to develop and deepen, especially at the upcoming Fall Retreat
*Vitalik, one of the boys from the Vapnyarka children’s center, who is now in university in Kyiv
*Obolon kids: that they will come to know Christ
*That I would be Christ’s hands and feet here, and see everything from His perspective

In Christ,
Jessica

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Sunday, September 12, 2010

Chernivtsi, part 1

This weekend I went with a group from Kyiv to help with the kids' club in Chernivtsi. This is for kids/people with disabilities, and it's now the 3rd time I've been there.

Our group on the way down consisted of Irina Yurivna (children's director) and her daughter, Alla G, Sveta (my friend Zee's mom), Colleen, and myself. Most of the conversations took place in Russian, except for the occasional time when I'd ask Sveta or Colleen what was just said, or have a side conversation with them.

After a full day at school, I was exhausted, and listening to a foreign language for approximately 4 hours is even more exhausting! Surprisingly, I understood most of what was said. However, I was so exhausted that I couldn't speak coherently in Russian. I was so slow to form my sentences in my mind.

Then on Saturday, I talked with some of the kids and families entirely in Russian. It helps when you can anticipate what kinds of questions will be asked, because then it just becomes a guessing game of sorts! I even understood 2-3 Ukrainian words!

Thanks to this semi-immersion, I've learned a few new Russian words--here they are, with their meanings:

полувино -- half
мукрий -- wet
наверино -- probably
теперь -- now (not sure of the difference between this and сейчас)
целый -- whole, entire
чудо -- miracle (this is also the brand of a drinkable yogurt)

I'm surprised I haven't dreamt in Russian these past two nights; I've found myself trying to form phrases in Russian in my mind.

This really helped this morning at church, as my friend Sveta was there! I've not seen her since last year, and was able to speak to her in Russian (mostly), with her correcting me at times.

Words I need to learn:
*weekend
*to put/place
*to bring

More to come later...

Friday, September 3, 2010

"Marshrutka Bus" song

Today one of my former 6th graders showed me a paper he'd brought from home. On this paper were lyrics to a song to the tune of "O Christmas Tree"--but it was about riding the marshrutka here in Ukraine. It was originally from some guys that came to Ukraine in 2007 or 2008, and they sent it to the missionary/doctor here.

Now, for any of you who have traveled via public transport in Ukraine, you will truly understand this common saying here:

Q: How many people can you fit on a marshrutka/metro train car/trolleybus?
A: Just one more.

Many times (more often than not), the buses are crowded--you have to force your way on and off the bus. Do you want personal space extending more than a centimeter from your skin? Sorry--that's not available! I've gotten used to being squished on a bus, or being on a crowded metro train that I can't even reach the bars/handles to hold (in this case, I simply sway as the crowd moves).

Thanks to Greg and Denny and Tim and David, whoever you are!

A fairly empty marshrutka: behind the camera are 2 more rows of seats

Marshrutka Bus

Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
How many can you carry
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
You carry way too many
My leg is dragging on the ground
The door won't close, I'm falling out
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
How many can you carry

Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
You stop and go in traffic
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
I think I'm getting manic
You go three feet and stop again
You stop to pick up another friend
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
How many can you carry

Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
Your seating calls for twenty
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
Maybe sixty is a-plenty
Twister is an easy game
Once you've ridden in Ukraine
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
How many can you carry


Friday, August 13, 2010

A teaching idea...

Many of my students forget to bring pencils with them to class--somehow I'm not sure what they do in other classes throughout the day. They often ask me if they can borrow a pencil, and out of the kindness of my heart, I loan them one.

"Make sure you give it back to me at the end of class," knowing the chances of that happening are slim, especially for the younger students. (The pencils I loan them are ones that I find on the floor! Ha!)

Tonight I was at the county fair and picked up about 15 freebie pencils to take to Ukraine. I'll loan these to my students -- BUT with a condition!

The condition is that they have to provide collateral to make sure I get the pencil back. The collateral I have in mind? One of their SHOES (which may need to be placed far from students' desks if rather smelly). Or, if they would like to keep the pencil, I'll charge them for it! Ha! I haven't set the rate yet, but at minimum it will be 2 грн (25c). I'll have to make it high enough that they won't want to fork over the money.

If the students won't come prepared for class, then I might just profit off them! (The money would be used for buying MORE pencils as needed.)

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Summer Update

Hi all,

Here I am, updating you from my house in America. I've been here for the past month or so, and will be returning to Ukraine in just under THREE WEEKS! I can't wait! Last night I even dreamt about the first day of school!

This summer has been busy at times. I've shared the opportunity to partner with KCA and my ministry at churches on just about every Sunday I've been back. During VBS at my home church, my grandmother and I helped with snacks. Each of these snacks was also an object lesson--for instance, we lavished chocolate syrup on our marshmallow-and-pretzel divers just as God lavishes His love on us.

In my down time, I've read some great books (fiction and non-fiction). I've also had the opportunity to reconnect with friends from church and college while in Maryland. A few weeks ago, one of my friends (Masha) from Ukraine was in DC, and we walked around the Mall together. Another family from KCA was passing through the area, so we had a grand old time walking and talking!

Walking buddies in Kyiv and now in DC!

Last weekend I visited Massachusetts and Vermont, where I was able to reconnect with supporters and spend time with more college friends. My new roommate and I met each other in person for the first time, and she heard all kinds of stories about her students-to-be at KCA and life in Ukraine. In her words, I'm going to be her "pocket translator," helping her figure out daily life! :)

At this very moment, my visa is in process, and should be ready in a matter of days! I'd applied via mail, but they returned my application saying I needed an apostille from the Dept of State. Since I didn't want to take this extra step and pay some more money, I just applied again in person.

As far as Russian language study goes, I have not done as much review as I would have liked (does ANYONE, when they are on vacation??). However, I've practiced here and there, by listening to podcasts, accidentally discovering a Russian radio station, reading the Lord's Prayer aloud, speaking a little (while otherwise trying to hold a conversation in Spanish), etc.... I recently realized that the more I can listen to Russian, the more I will be able to say what "sounds right" grammatically, and possibly even figure out more grammar on my own.

Funds Update
Currently in my account, I have $7,267.24, plus $950 more pledged. This is approximately 68% of the amount that I will need for the year! Thank you for your partnership and support in the ministry of KCA, and for making it possible for me to return for another year.

If you would still like to contribute, here is the information you need to know--

To contribute via online check or credit/debit card, and to set up recurring payments (EFT), visit http://web.nazarene.org/goto/ukrainejh.

To support via check:
Make check payable to "General Treasurer, Church of the Nazarene", with "Jessica H, Mission Corps, Ukraine" in the memo line. Mail to PO Box 843116, Kansas City, MO 64184.

Re-entry Shock
Since I've been back, I've definitely experienced reverse culture shock. So many things struck me as "unfamiliar" in the beginning of the summer, but I'm readjusting more and more each day.

In two phrases, here is how I define reverse culture shock: When you miss the familiarity of the unfamiliar, and the familiar is suddenly unfamiliar. When you switch from the familiarity of the unfamiliar, and the unfamiliarity is what "should" be familiar. I hope that wasn't too confusing, but to decipher: I got used to the unfamiliarity in Ukraine--language and customs--to the point where it was familiar, even though I may not have understood it.

It's been weird to have perfect strangers here (wait staff at restaurants, people passing by, etc) wave at me or say hello or even make conversation. I'm not used to food labels being in English--they make me think that they are part of a "commissary stash" and should be saved for a special occasion! When talking about the recent election in Ukraine, I have said, "We have a new president now..."

Praises:
*For a good summer so far, and for the opportunity to return
*God's provision of funds for my first few months in Ukraine
*When I returned to the US in June, I didn't need to pay the $50 bag fee for my second checked bag!

Prayer Requests:
*Traveling safety for these next few weeks in the States (including another trip to Massachusetts), and for my flights across the ocean
*Wisdom/discernment for participation in possible ministry opportunities this year at KCA
*Provision of the rest of my funds

Thanks again for your prayers and financial support! Without you, I wouldn't be able to participate in ministry in Ukraine!

In Christ,
Jessica

Это любовь, Божья любовь

The other day, I had this song/tune stuck in my head and decided to look up the lyrics. It's a song we sing with the kids at church.


Скажи, ну что тебя сюда ведет.
Ответь, ну что тебя сюда влечет.
И от чего твои глаза горят,
Такой счастливый и открытый взгляд

Припев:
Это любовь, Божья любовь
Она зальет все, заполнит все
Только любовь, Божья любовь
Все в мире пройдет кроме Нее ...

Я возвожу к Иисусу сердца взгляд,
И знаю мой Господь мне очень рад.
В ответ с престола льется на меня,
Вода живая свет Его огня.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Grocery store and "wish list"

Today I walked around the grocery store and Walgreens in my town, just for a re-adjustment to American stores. I planned not to buy anything at the grocery store, simply because I knew the "novelty" of all that was available and my slight hunger would get the best of my wallet.

I marveled that everything was in English (and occasionally Spanish), because it meant that I could understand all the labels instead of just guessing or going with only the ones I recognized.

In Ukraine, you cannot buy a lot of pre-made soups or mixes or meals, where you only need to add a few ingredients. This proves to be both a blessing and a curse! You know exactly what is going into your meal, you can be creative with ingredients and seasonings, and there are few preservatives. However, the "curse" is that it takes MUCH longer to prepare meals and bread, dairy, and produce go bad faster.

I do have the luxury of the US commissary, which is on the grounds of the US embassy. This little store, with maybe 2 aisles and 2 freezers, is about the size of my grandparents' living room. They stock American products, but some are 2-3 times as expensive as in America. The commissary is a nice place to go when you are just missing American flavors or products that can't be found in the Ukrainian stores. The food that I purchased here would often be put in the cabinets and saved "for a rainy day," or a special occasion, or for when I just didn't feel like cooking.

This mentality has continued now that I'm back in the US. In the cabinets of the home where I babysit, there are boxes of macaroni and cheese, jars of peanut butter, etc. I see those and think to myself, I shouldn't use those right now; let me find something else that I could make.

In a strange way, I miss not cooking my own meals every single day (or living off of the leftovers). In the fall, within maybe a month of my return, I plan on having a "housewarming" party since I will be living in a new place. I look forward to having my friends over for dinner. :)

The following are things I'm planning on buying this summer to take back to Ukraine with me...but if you would like to support me by purchasing them for me, or giving me a gift card, that would be greatly appreciated!
*Note: Generic equivalents are acceptable.

Foodstuffs
*Creamy peanut butter (20 oz size--just ONE is needed)
*Salsa (16 oz size--if it's in a plastic container, all the better for packing)
*Cake mixes (like the Betty Crocker box type)--of any kinds, including coffee/crumb cake!
*Brown sugar
*Jello: cook and serve vanilla or chocolate pudding, and also strawberry jello mix
*Old Bay seasoning (ONE small package)
*Peppermint tea (NOT green tea)--Celestial Seasonings has this
*cheddar Goldfish crackers
*Jolly Ranchers and Smarties for my students

Other
*Postage stamps (the "forever" kind)

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Сила моя в Тебе, Господь

Tonight at church (in MD), we sang this song in English--You are My All in All. I was certain that I had the lyrics either printed or on my computer in Russian at home, and wished that I had the song memorized (in Russian).

When it came time to sing the chorus, I sang the first line in Russian, but couldn't remember the word for "worthy", so I couldn't sing any further. (It's достоин if you were wondering.)

Here are the lyrics in Russian, with my rough translation. So rough, in fact, that I'm not going to use Google to help me. You can find the English translation on the web, but this a taste of what it is like for me on Sundays in Kiev. Most of the time we sing songs that I know, but I don't know all the words in the Russian versions. Often, I pull out my dictionary or ask someone what a word means, just to better understand what I'm singing.

Also, notice the difference between the title below (in bold italics) and the first line of the song. They are exactly the same words, but the italics makes the letters become cursive, and so some are written differently!


Сила моя в Тебе, Господь

Сила моя в Тебе, Господь,
Ты исцеляешь мою плоть,
Мой Всемогущий Бог.

Где бы я ни был, Ты со мной,
слышу повсюду голос Твой,
Мой вездесущий Бог.

Иисус, Агнец Божий
Достоин имени своего.

Взял мой позор, мой грех, мой крест,
Благословлю имя Твоё
Ты для меня всё.
Я упал вниз, Ты поднял вверх,
Жаждал я, Ты мне дал воды,
Ты для меня всё.

My rough translation:
My strength's in you, Lord
You [?] my [?]
My almighty God.

Where I would be (?), You're with me
I listen [?] your voice
My omnipresent God

Jesus, lamb of God
Worthy is your name

[?] my [?], my sin, my [?]
I thank your name
You're for me always
I [? ?], You [? ?]
I [?], you give me water
You're for me always


PS I found these lyrics online and saw a word I didn't recognize--"весздесущий". It reminded me of "всемогущий", which means all-powerful (literally, something like all-able). The word above had "здес", which means here, and a similar ending, so I knew it was an adjective. I wondered if it might mean omnipresent, but when I checked on Google translate, it didn't work. I looked more closely and thought, what if I take out the "с" before the "з" (s and z sound similar)? Maybe the с shouldn't be there--sure enough, that worked, and I got my correct translation--omnipresent!
This is a scary thought that I can find typos in Russian--and this is not the first time!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.


Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."


The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Despite all this external chaos and internal disorientation--and I'm writing this as a thunderstorm brews--we are called to be still before the Lord. He reminds us multiple times in this passage that He is with us, He is our fortress, He is mightier than the forces of humanity and of nature. He is guiding me through this time of transition, while I am stateside for 2 months.

"Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God you are higher than any other
Our God is Healer
Awesome in power
Our God, Our God"


"and if our God is for us
then who could ever stop us
and if our God is with us
then what could stand against"

Monday, June 21, 2010

That's Different, but That's Okay

You may be wondering what life is like in Ukraine. Here are some tidbits from my first year (with more to come as I remember them).

Daily Routine
1. I walk approximately a half mile to the bus stop. On my way, I recently have seen an older lady with light pink hair, and also The Mumbler (who might be drunk). This old man rambles -- rather loudly -- and I don't understand a word. Even if I was fluent in Russian or Ukrainian, chances are I STILL wouldn't be able to understand him.
2. No, I do not teach classes in Russian. I do, however, take Russian lessons once or twice a week, and use some Russian when teaching English at Obolon.
3. Quite often I need to bodyslam my apartment door in order to lock it.
4. Normally we ride public transport to school, but for the past few months, one of the missionaries has driven my roommate and I to school so I can be there to tutor. We are happy for these driving days because it means we don't have to walk as far, and we get a free ride in a private car.
5. To pay for bus fare: there are 2 methods. The first is to pay the driver directly or the serviceperson who is sitting up front or patrolling the vehicle. The second is to take your seat, and pass your bus fare to the person sitting in front of you. If you don't have exact change, you must tell them how many you're paying for, and they will pass it along to the person in front of them, until it reaches the driver. When the driver pulls out the change, he will pass it along the same way it came to him. It's like a game of "Telephone", only you will actually receive the exact change needed. Everyone remembers who they gave the money to, and who they received it from.

Food
1. Salads aren't as leafy here--in fact, they are more like cole slaw or chicken salad.
2. You can buy milk in a bag. The first time I bought milk-in-a-bag, I made a dreadful mess trying to put it into a pitcher. I realized there was no use crying over spilled milk. :)
3. Most food is not made with preservatives, which is both good (healthier for you) and bad (it spoils faster than you would like).
4. I'm not supposed to drink the tap water, though I use it to wash fruits/veggies and to brush my teeth.
5. Milk is available to buy in cartons, plastic bottles, and soft-sided bags.
6. Often, feathers/skin are still slightly visible on the carcasses of chickens/turkeys. You have to burn those off.
7. Ice cream also comes in a plastic bag, almost like a huge sausage link 3" in diameter. It's best to slice and serve.
8. To buy produce at the grocery store, you put as much as you want into a bag and take it to the weigher-lady (that is my phrase, not a translation). She places it on the scale, presses the code for whatever fruit/veggie it was, and prints out a sticker with a barcode and price for the amount of kilograms. Some stores do this at the cash register. Sometimes if you forget to take it to the weigher-lady (like I have), the cashier will say (in effect) "Sorry, it doesn't have a sticker" and won't let you buy it.

Living in Ukraine in general
1. Electric plugs here have 2 circular prongs. The outlets are small recessed circles, about 1.5" diameter, within a 2" square outline.
2. Our washer often sounds like a spaceship taking off.
3. We don't have a dishwasher.
4. I often see men that, as they walk down the sidewalk, pause to blow their nose. However, they do this without using a tissue or handkerchief.
5. There are no places like CVS or Rite-Aid. Rather, to buy things like contact lens solution, I have to go to the "apteka"(pharmacy). Everything is behind the counter or in cabinets, and I have to ask for what I need. Other basic toiletries and personal care items are available in the local grocery stores.
6. When you reach the cashier at the grocery store, she will ask you if you have a discount card, and if you need any bags for your groceries. Even though the bags only cost a few cents, we come prepared to put the goods in our own purses/backpacks, or bring our own used bags.
7. In order to pay my bills, I take the bills and cash to a cashier at a local bank. There, the lady takes my money, stamps the bill, and gives back the stub.
8. Pillows for beds are more square-shaped. Here's an analogy: A4 paper* is to US Letter as American pillows are to Ukrainian pillows. (*See note in "School Life" category)

Church
1. I attend an all-Russian language church. Fortunately, many people there speak English (including the pastor), and often I hear a translated sermon. Sometimes I'm lucky to hear a guest speaker who preaches in English!

Cultural things
1. Don't sit directly on concrete floors--have another layer like cardboard on top of the floor.
2. People don't smile at strangers here, though I have had 2 babies, 1 babushka, and a young girl smile at me (I keep track!).

School Life
1. Our printers and copiers use A4 paper, which measures 8.3" by 11.7". Now US Letter-size paper (which is 8.5" by 11") seems oddly wide and short in comparison.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

June 2010 Update

Hi all,

This will be my last update from this side of the world, as I fly back to the US on Monday for 2 months (June 14-August 17).

Last week of school....
Last week was the last week of school, and it was a flurry of reviewing for exams, collecting textbooks, grading exams (2 of mine were entirely multiple choice), and making sure my students signed my yearbook. The last day of school, June 4, was a very hectic day. We started the morning with a "last bell" assembly, featuring musical performances by all the elementary grade classes, plus the HS/MS choir; the administration also recognized various seniors and the departing teachers. The choir sang my favorite song in Ukrainian, Молитва за Україну (Prayer for Ukraine), which happens to be the only song I know in Ukrainian. Click here for a video of last year's performance. After this assembly and the class parties, we ate lunch and traveled to the graduation location. During the reception, I enjoyed the chance to chat with some parents and students one last time before the fall, and to say goodbye to the seniors and the teachers who wouldn't be back.

Then it was off to the Skinners' dacha (cottage) for Josh's 13th birthday party. Imagine a small cottage/shed, with a plot of land just enough for camping out and playing volleyball, and oh yes, add an outhouse off to the side. Here I helped with some of the festivities while Josh and his friends celebrated a birthday, the end of school, and the beginning of summer. It was fun listening to the students play "Mafia" and just chatting with them.

On Sunday, I was supposed to teach English one last time at Obolon, but it turned out that the pastor had forgotten and had planned something else. Oh well--I just stayed in the service instead.

Transitioning....
Whew. What a busy week! Right now my roommate and I are in the process of moving out of our apartment. Yesterday the movers came and took practically everything, and today my stuff will be carried to various places across the city (depending on what it is and where I will be when I need it). We've kept ourselves entertained by devising new ways of cleaning or using common items (did you know a vacuum cleaner can also be used as a chair?).

On Monday June 14, I will be flying back to Maryland, where I will be staying for 2 months. During these 2 months, I will be visiting friends and family, restocking on various supplies for life in Ukraine, and perhaps even working (if I can find a job).

Jumping in my suitcase....
For the 2010-2011 school year, I will need to raise between $11,000 and $12,000 in order to support the ministry here. You too can be a part of my ministry here by continuing to pray for me or contributing financially. This cost can be raised if just 40 people pledge $30/month for each month that I am in Ukraine. I would also love the opportunity to share in your local church or small group. Please contact me and let me know when I can come and share about ministry at KCA and throughout Ukraine, or how you would otherwise like to join with me in the ministry of KCA. You may not be able to jump in my suitcase and actually travel with me, but by contributing financially, you will be a partner in this ministry here in Ukraine.

For another brief update from a few weeks ago, please visit this link. http://ukrainejh.blogspot.com/2010/05/crunch-time.html

Prayer Needs
*For God to provide the financial support for this next school year
*A summer job, if that is God's will
*Safe travels while heading back to the US

Praises
*the school year is over! God has brought me through my first year of teaching/serving overseas!
*I have been able to see how God has used me over the past year!
*another new teacher and I have a place to live, and the rent will not be as expensive as I had thought!
*Passion World Tour conference was amazing, and there were so many young people there worshiping God!

Thank you again for all your prayers and support--for being my "great cloud of witnesses" as I serve God here in Ukraine.

In Christ,

Jessica