Orthodox Easter celebrations 2011

This is actually a post I had to write for my Cultural Anthropology class.

On Saturday night at 11:30, one of the other missionaries and I went to part of an Orthodox service. The interior of the church was beautiful – no wonder Volodomyr was convinced to convert to Orthodoxy in 988! The walls were covered with paintings of Biblical scenes and saints. The iconostasis had icons of saints in ornate golden frames.

[More information about the cathedral/monastery I visited can be found here.]

I saw people proceeding through a line to view a glass coffin that held some part of a saint, after which they knelt and crossed themselves. (Did you know the Orthodox cross themselves the opposite way that the Catholics do?) Some time later, the liturgical part of the service began. The priest recited/read something that repeated “Lord, have mercy” and everyone would cross themselves and bow. (The liturgy was in Russian and it was even harder to understand than at my church.) Later there was some kind of responsive reading/recitation, where the priest read and the women’s choir sang. We left after this part.

My contraband photo I took inside the women's monastery church.

It is customary here for people to bring their baskets with their food to be blessed by the priest’s holy water in the wee hours of the morning. In the morning, I saw many people carrying their baskets with cloths draped over them that said “Christ is risen.” I knew that they had been to church that day.

Lady with her Easter basket

At the sunrise service, Zena’s mom talked about how Lenin was still dead and in his tomb. She can’t say that Lenin’s with her, but she can say that CHRIST is with her. Later, my pastor preached a sermon about how Christ conquered death—the unknown. This means we have power and victory, and that Christ can deliver us from fear.

Nazarene sunrise service

Easter is celebrated (at the church) for 3 days here, even though Monday was the only day off from work. I was near an Orthodox church on Monday, and could still hear them ringing the bells in celebration.

As I looked around at the people gathered inside, I thought of them as the people who ride the bus with me, who I pass on the streets. I wondered what impact Christ’s resurrection had on their lives, if they connected Christ’s victory over death to possible victory in their own lives (especially for the drunk people I saw later).

The ritual in the Orthodox church reminded that there are millions around the world celebrating with me, and millions (billions?) more that have celebrated in the past in similar or very different ways. What connects us all is the fact that we are rejoicing over Christ’s incarnation, sacrifice, and resurrection. The beauty of the church reminded me that God is a God of beauty – God makes “beautiful things out of us” (“Beautiful Things”, Gungor song).

Ukrainian Easter Celebrations

This year is my first year to celebrate both Palm Sunday and Easter with my Ukrainian church family (last year I was in Israel).  The next week is going to be busy with writing my term paper for my online course, but let me give you a little taste of the celebrations here.  I'll post pictures when I get a chance.

Palm Sunday is actually called Willow Sunday here, because people use pussy willow branches instead of palm leaves.  I saw countless numbers of people carrying bundles of these willows in the few days preceding "Willow Sunday," and afterwards no one had use for the unsold ones.  I wonder what they do with them at church, if they get them blessed or something.

On Wednesday, our church held a concert by an a cappella group from Tennessee.

Our church also has Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services, but I was unable to attend them because I had plans with friends already.  (Does that make me a bad Christian, for making plans on Good Friday that don't involve church? hah.)

At 6am on Easter morning, there will be a sunrise service, behind St. Michael's cathedral, overlooking the Dnieper.  This will be followed by a regular 11am worship service back at the church, and then the missionary staff will have dinner together at 5pm.  (Somehow, I WILL fit a nap in there!)

Two videos of Ukrainian Easter Eggs.

Symbolism:


How to make Ukrainian Easter Eggs:

Monday the 18th.

Geometry class:
*Attempted to throw a marker at the circle I'd drawn on the board. I missed.
*Drew what was supposed to be a regular pentagon inscribed in a circle.  The pentagon looked like home plate with a floppy edge.  I told my students, "Observe this diagram," first meaning to take note of where the shaded regions were.  But then one of them looked at it and laughed at how terrible the drawing was.

Precalc class:
*I introduced "limits" to my students, and played the Eagles' song "Take it to the Limit" as a tribute to my high school calculus teacher Mrs. Quimby.  She played that song when she taught us about limits.  One of my students said something like, "Oh, so this song wasn't written just for limits?":)

Lunchtime:
*Worked with 2 geometry students on 2 different assignments.  THAT was confusing, but I think they understood the work.

6th grade math and Bible:
*I can't think of anything right now.

study hall period:
*listened to my roommate share her testimony with the seniors.

after school:
*graded papers

at home:
*ate dinner that my roommate fixed: salad (lettuce, feta cheese, olives, sunflower seeds, carrots) and rice
*walked up to the corner store by Куренивский Ринок, checked it out, and bought some ice cream (we wanted to buy these jelly-filled donuts, but the kiosk closed before we could get back!).
*window shopped (literally) as we walked home
*edited Trino's thesis (chapter 3)
*listened to my roommate play the alto saxophone
*chatted with friends via Skype
*read some
*went to bed!

March 2011 KCA Update

Hello, family and friends!

Spring might finally be here in Ukraine.  One thing is for sure -- the April showers are!  Here is an update about the past month.

My Brother's Visit
In the middle of March, my younger brother came to visit me during his spring break.  While he was here, we did some sightseeing, watched some KCA basketball games, and also went to school for Pi Day* (3/14).  In addition to the classic touristy places, we also visited the National Aviation Museum, which I had never heard of -- it's got lots of old Soviet airplanes and helicopters.  In our stop at Andrevsky Spusk (for souvenirs), we also went exploring and hiking up a random but kind of creepy hill -- I'm glad that he shared my sense of adventure!  I really enjoyed seeing him and spending time with him around the city, and introducing him to my friends.  Some of my friends asked if he was my twin! :)

Adam and I in the bell tower of St. Sofia's -- it was a really windy day!

*The formula for circumference of a circle is 2*pi*radius, and pi = 3.14159...  Pi Day is celebrated on March 14, and my students brought in pies for us to enjoy. :)

Language Skills Improving!
In the past month or so, I think I've sensed that my Russian skills are getting better -- listening and possibly speaking.  When Adam was here, I often traveled with him on public transport, to get food, and served as translator.  I can understand what people ask on the bus -- for example, "is Kurenivskiy rinok the next stop?" It also helps this year that my roommate and I have a Ukrainian landlady next door that comes over once a month so we can pay our utility bills.  Still, though, if I don't have translation during a Sunday sermon, my attention span is only about 15-20 minutes -- after that, I can't even attempt to figure out what is being said and simply want to sleep.  Yesterday, I met with three ladies from church to interview them for a class project.  Most of our interview took place in Russian, and I will need to double-check with them later to make sure I understood them correctly.  One skill I need to practice is repeating what was just said -- this helps me practice new phrases and lets them know that I really do understand.

Summer Plans
On June 8, I will be flying back to America for the summer.  My summer will consist of spending time with friends and family, but also to raise support for one more year of teaching/ministry in Ukraine.  During the week of July 5, I will be a sponsor for the "Missionary Kid District" at Nazarene Youth Conference in Kentucky.  I am also looking for some occasional, flexible work -- like tutoring or babysitting.

Since KCA does not pay its teachers a salary, I need to raise enough funds to cover my food, transportation (airline tickets and public transport once here), utilities, rent, mandatory medical insurance, and language study; plus this year I plan to attend the Eurasia Regional Conference for the Church of the Nazarene.  This total comes to approximately $12,000.

I have already been scheduled to speak at 4 churches in Maryland/Pennsylvania, and I'm looking to speak in New England on July 24.  If you are a pastor or missions president, please consider scheduling a time for me to come and share what God is doing here in Ukraine.

If you are interested in sponsoring me monthly, visit http://web.nazarene.org/goto/ukrainejh to contribute online.  

KCA High School varsity boys basketball team and fans after the championship game

Upcoming Dates:
April 17: English lesson at Obolon

Praises:
*A restful spring break in Ireland with some classmates/friends -- now I feel rejuvenated, ready for these last 2 months of teaching
*I booked my airplane tickets to Kentucky, and had thought that I would have to pay around $300 (this was even Southwest's airfare).  I bought it on Continental for only $160, and will only have to pay $25 for a checked bag (rather than $50, like I'd thought).

Prayer Requests:
*Focus and motivation to do my homework in a timely way (Russian language or for my NTS course)
*A summer job and provision of finances for next year

*To show love and grace to my students even if I don’t feel like it

*To believe what God says about me – to find my identity in Christ

Psalm 65 (NIV):

I'll leave you with this, friends. :)

Jessica

I read this the other day, and it reminded me of how God provides for us, and takes action to answer our prayers.  God's provision and presence are what we need to satisfy us, nothing that we could improvise on our own. 

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

 1 What mighty praise, O God, belongs to you in Zion.  We will fulfill our vows to you, for you answer our prayers.

      All of us must come to you.

 3 Though we are overwhelmed by our sins,

      you forgive them all.

 4 What joy for those you choose to bring near,

      those who live in your holy courts.

   What festivities await us

      inside your holy Temple.

 5 You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,

      O God our savior.

   You are the hope of everyone on earth,

      even those who sail on distant seas.

 6 You formed the mountains by your power

      and armed yourself with mighty strength.

 7 You quieted the raging oceans

      with their pounding waves

      and silenced the shouting of the nations.

 8 Those who live at the ends of the earth

      stand in awe of your wonders.

   From where the sun rises to where it sets,

      you inspire shouts of joy.

 9 You take care of the earth and water it,

      making it rich and fertile.

   The river of God has plenty of water;

      it provides a bountiful harvest of grain,

      for you have ordered it so.

 10 You drench the plowed ground with rain,

      melting the clods and leveling the ridges.

   You soften the earth with showers

      and bless its abundant crops.

 11 You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;

      even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.

 12 The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture,

      and the hillsides blossom with joy.

 13 The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,

      and the valleys are carpeted with grain.

      They all shout and sing for joy!

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

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.

Connecting over Chai

Many of you might have picked up along the way that "chai" is a type of tea. Starbucks sells "Chai Tea" on their menu.

After I began learning Russian, I learned that the word "chai" (чай) actually means tea. Hence, I find it redundant to talk about chai tea.

The following is taken from Michelle's blog, another missionary in Kyiv. (emphases mine)

Then I was asked if I would like hot tea. I said yes automatically and immediately hot water appeared from an electric kettle and I quickly dunked a tea bag in my mug and began to drink the tea without thinking. I made no connection whatsoever that the hot drink was going to make me even more uncomfortable than I already felt. I didn’t even think about asking for cold water which would have been much more refreshing. You see, I live in Ukraine and in Ukraine tea is not just a drink, it’s a ritual that nurtures relationships. And if you want relationships with Ukrainians, you drink tea....

Tea in Ukraine is another concept entirely. If you are invited to drink tea with someone, you are being invited into a relationship. A mandatory mutual experience to get to know each other or if already friends, a way to catch up on each other’s lives and get to know each other even better.

By assimilation, I quickly picked up the tea ritual without too many difficulties. I learned that wherever I went, tea would most likely be served. Friends would offer it in their homes and I needed to have a supply of different teas on hand in mine to offer when friends came to visit as well.....

To prepare tea for a friend and know exactly how they like it made, big cup, small cup, green tea or black, weak or strong, how many spoons of sugar, well, that is a sign of true friendship.

So if you are visiting Ukraine, and someone offers to share a cup of tea with you, don’t wrinkle your nose and suggest McDonald’s. You just missed the point. You were invited into a relationship and no matter how hot it is, drink your tea and make a friend.

Every Sunday after the morning service, tea and cookies are available at church. Often people mill about the hallway, chatting with one another. As I think about this custom, it has held true at every church I've visited in Kyiv (all 3 of them).  Whenever we are at Obolon, we sit and drink tea with the people there, before we leave for lunch or home.  So many times during my trip in summer 2008 we'd sit and drink tea and talk with the pastors.

Side cultural note:  I've never seen anyone carrying a travel-type mug for coffee/tea on the streets or on public transport.  I do see people buying small cups (about 200 mL) of steaming hot coffee/tea from kiosks on the street.


Sometimes I gladly accept the offer of hot tea because I've just come inside from the FREEZING COLD outdoors!  When my roommate and I were in Vinnitsa in November, we drank 4 cups of tea in one day (before 7pm) -- one was at breakfast with Natasha, another was to warm up after walking, another was at House of James with Vitalik and his wife, and our last cup was back at the church. 

Truthfully, sometimes I decline the offer of tea. Because the tea is hot, the drinker must sip it slowly, and that requires more time.  If I'm thirsty, or if my throat is dry, I want to drink something right down and not wait for it to cool.

One Sunday I was offered tea, but we were leaving before I could finish it. I felt terrible not being able to finish it and having to pour it down the drain. (I'm not sure why carrying it with me wasn't a viable option...) More often than not, my friends and I will head out as soon as church is over for lunch at McDonald's or some other place.

Yet, this time that is required for drinking the hot tea is time that is spent savoring conversations with others. I may not understand 100% of what people say to me, but what is important is that I am there with them, being invited into their lives, and that I am willing to listen and to allow them to enter into my life.  I suspect that this will be a cultural habit that I will continue even after I leave Ukraine.

Photo credit: drowsywater.com