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Sunday, March 6, 2011

February 2011 KCA Update

Greetings from Kyiv, Ukraine!

It seems as though February has flown past, and last week too!  Here’s a glimpse into the past month in life and ministry in Ukraine.

English Language Ministries
Teaching the Kids at Obolon:  Last week my class had 14 kids, quite a jump from the average amount of 9!  Everyone crowded around the table.  This was a difficult group to teach, because there were multiple levels of language ability, kids that hadn’t come in a while, and so many conversations (mostly in Russian) happening at once!  The story for this week was Daniel in the Lions’ Den, and the kids did a matching game of emotion words and facial expressions.

Students working on a matching game
Youth Group at First Church:  Today (the 6th) we had about 7-8 high schoolers from “The City” youth group join us to lead worship in English and meet our youth.  “The City” is from International Christian Assembly, consisting of English-speaking youth (Ukrainians too).  Eric, a fellow teacher, shared a message about the power of words, challenging the youth to recognize what is in their hearts and also to build others up.

Be a Part of My Team
During the past few weeks, I have started looking for churches where I might be able to share about life and ministry in Ukraine.  So far, I am officially scheduled at 2 churches in Maryland/Pennsylvania.
For this next school year, I will need to raise $12,000 to cover all my expenses:  rent, utilities, transportation (airfare to/from Ukraine, plus public transport here), food, insurance, and our Regional Conference in October.  This seems like a lot – because it is – but it doesn’t seem so great when you (along with 47 others) could sponsor me for $25 each month that I am in Ukraine.  Many have already committed to such a sponsorship for this year, and I thank you.

KCA Life
My days have been busy with teaching duties and attending weekly basketball games.  On Friday, my roommate wore an eagle costume to the games to encourage more team spirit – and all 3 of our teams (JV boys, varsity boys, varsity girls) won!
Also, for the past month, I have had a student teacher in my 6th grade math class.  She leaves this week for the US, which means that I have resumed teaching all 4 of my classes instead of just 3.
Click here to read more about springtime here in Ukraine.

Cultural Note:
Tuesday, March 8 is International Women’s Day (and we get the day off).  Don’t worry, I never heard of it either until I came to Ukraine.  According to Wikipedia, it began as a Socialist political event, but today, it is celebrated similar to Mother’s Day.  Women (whether or not they are mothers) receive flowers – within the past few days, I have seen many bouquets – or small gifts.

Upcoming Dates:
March 12:  My brother arrives for a week-long visit!
March 20: English lesson at Obolon
March 22-23: Ukraine District Assembly
March 26-April 2: KCA Spring Break

Prayer Requests
*CIS Field leadership -- our new field strategy coordinator begins June 1.
*KCA staffing needs
*For God to provide the funds I need for next year in Ukraine, plus a summer job in MD
*Language skills -- I am learning in my Russian class, but need to put my skills into use!

Praises
*I get to see my brother soon!
*More kids coming to the Obolon church!
*My seniors who have been accepted into colleges (pray for wisdom for these kiddos as they decide, and as they set out on their own in the fall)

Thanks so much for all of your support and prayers!  I appreciate you!
In Christ,
Jessica

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Spring is in the Air!

If you talk to any Ukrainian, they will tell you that March 1 was the first day of spring.

My friend Zee tried to prove it to me:

There are four seasons, each of which takes 3 months.  December - February = winter.  March - May = spring.  June - August = summer.  September - November = fall (autumn).  Therefore, March 1 is the first day of spring, regardless of the vernal equinox taking place around the 20th of the month.

Today temperatures were right about 39*F, whereas in the past few weeks they've been in the 20s.  The icicles have melted, the snow is melting, sidewalks are clearer -- soon there will be GREEN plants and colorful blossoms!  As I rode the bus this afternoon, I saw a group of men playing football (aka soccer) down the road from us.

Temperatures have been slightly warmer the past few days, and I'm finding that I don't want to hear any songs about winter or think about cold weather any more!  If anything, this idea that spring started on the 1st of the month is a morale booster!


Women's Day
Tuesday, March 8, is International Women's Day.  I had never heard of this holiday until I came to Ukraine.

This holiday is about as big as Mother's Day in the US, but all women are honored.  Last year, our headmaster gave us flowers (and the day off).  This year, I think I am having a movie night with some friends, then a brunch with a few folks from the Bible study I attend (through the international church).

Rising Fuel Costs
A few days ago, one of my friends asked me if gas prices were rising in Ukraine.  I told him I didn't know, because I don't have a car and don't pay attention to the costs.  The reality is that everyone is being affected, even those who don't have a car.

In late January, my roommate and I found out that bus #464 had increased its fare from 2 грн to 2.50грн.  This was understandable, because it is such a long route -- it goes from Lukyanivs'ka metro, past our house, to Mins'ka metro (near the Obolon church).  We just didn't like pulling out a coin to hand the driver along with our 2грн bill.

To get to/from school, we can take the 6K, 25, or 587, all of which cost 2 грн.  A couple weeks ago, I discovered that the 6K had also gone up to 2.50.  Today, bus 25 was 2.50 too!!  Also, I noted that the exchange rate had gone from 7.93 грн = US$1 down to 7.90грн.