Here is an article that appeared in The Daily News in Longview, Wa about Peace Corps. This is the local newspaper at home. :-) The article was released Dec. 17, 2009--The same day I swore in as a PCV in Ukraine!
When it comes to people who want to make a difference in the world, Cowlitz County is outpacing most of the nation.
For 2009, the county produced the fourth-most number of Peace Corps volunteers per capita in the nation, with nearly 10 for every 100,000 residents, the federal agency announced this week.
"Typically Washington and Oregon are in the top states every year for the number of volunteers" (per capita), said Matt Hogue, a Peace Corps recruiter for the Northwest Regional Office in Seattle. "We just seem to be states that are civic-minded. People here have a sense of wanting to give back and (who have) a sense of adventure."
JoEllen LaPlant, who recently returned from a 27-month stint in Bulgaria, fits that description.
"For me, it was just a time I wanted a new direction," she said. "It's a way to give back to the world. It tests you, it tests your limitations, and you grow in ways you never knew you could."
LaPlant, 50, lived in a town called Montana in the northwest region of Bulgaria, one of the poorest areas in a poor Eastern European country, she said. While there, she worked in the municipality's European Integration Department.
"I did a lot of translating, a lot of work on definition and computer skills," she said. "I also did computer training at the library and taught an English class. You just find and do whatever you can do."
LaPlant, a Kelso graduate, lives in Seattle, but she was counted as a volunteer from the local area because she listed Kelso as her home base. Her parents, Jim and Ellen Van Hook, live in Kelso.
Being an older volunteer, she was given a little more latitude about where she would be assigned, she said.
"I had asked for an Eastern European country. Part of it was accessibility if I needed to get home because of my parents versus being in the middle of Africa," she said. "It was a safety net knowing that I could be home in 15 to 16 hours."
LaPlant said she lived in a studio-style apartment the local municipality supplied for her. "It was in a Communist-style cement building," she said. "I was on the sixth floor. They did have elevators, but it was too scary."
She walked to work and shopped the local markets where there was always fresh fruit and vegetables.
The Slavic language, with its Cyrillic alphabet, was difficult to learn, she said.
"For almost three months you live with a host family for training in language and culture," she said. "You have to get to an intermediate-low level, and they keep testing you until you have enough language for survival skills."
Jessica Strickland of Castle Rock has just completed her three-month stint with two host families in Ukraine and Thursday was formally sworn in as a Peace Corps volunteer there. She was on her way by train to her permanent assignment in Eastern Ukraine, in a town close to the Russian border, said her mother, high school English teacher Sue Strickland.
Strickland said her 24-year-old daughter worked very hard to learn Russian, another difficult language.
"She pretty much immersed herself with her host families," Strickland said. "In the second host family, the grandmother spoke nothing but Russian. Jessica felt proud that after six weeks there, she could have an hour-long conversation with the grandmother."
In Ukraine, Jessica Strickland will be teaching English at a pedagogical college, which is similar to a community college.
Strickland said she was surprised her daughter wanted to be a teacher, but not so surprised at her joining the Peace Corps.
"She's always been very adventurous," she said.
Hogue, the recruiter, said the Peace Corps seeks people who have knowledge or skills that would benefit a community.
"We look at relevant degrees or work experience and ideally fit your role to a place needing your skills," he said. Then there are medical and background checks and paperwork before getting an official invitation from Washington, D.C., to join the corps. The process takes nine to 15 months, he said.
LaPlant said she was ready to return home, but she's also is starting to miss the people and the environment of Bulgaria.
"It's a struggle you can't even imagine before you go," she said, "then you find joy that you can't even imagine before you go.
"I've made friends for a lifetime."
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Thursday, April 8, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Congratulations! You're a Woman!
March 25, 2010
The 8th of March is Women’s Day here in Ukraine. All women are celebrated and honored on this day. My students gave me chocolate, roses, a salt bowl and a glass turtle. I’ve never been given a gift for just being a woman before. Sweet! It really was a fun celebration. And it is such a major holiday here. The Friday before the students and male teachers prepared a concert of singing and skits. I couldn’t find a theme—but it really was hilarious to watch! I had lunch with the Foreign Language teachers—there are 7 of us. That is always a cultural experience. :-) It may be the drinking in the middle of the day that I still find shocking. I politely decline their offers for more. I think after the third toast, I’m done. On birthdays there are 49 toasts! Yikes!
I spent most of the 3 day weekend lesson planning for my US Country Studies class. I have taught my students about the geography of the country, its important early history, slavery, civil rights and will teach them about…uh…something really incredible next week. :-) But back to the holiday weekend—Pat and Tessie came over Sunday and we made Russian Pie. It was delicious! And Pat thoughtfully gave Tes and I a cake to celebrate the holiday. My friend (and fellow PCV) Matt E. sent me a “congratulations!” card. I think America should adopt this holiday of celebrating its women. You can’t help but feel loved and appreciated after this holiday!
March proved to be fun all month long. Pat and I had visitors recently—our friends Jess H. and Jean M. came to Stakhanov to spend their spring break. Sadly, I had to work. But the ladies stayed in the dorm with me and I did end up spending a lot of my time with them. We visited the park in Stakhanov! You can finally see it now that the snow has all melted away. I hope the weather continues to be sunny and bright. I think I may become depressed if that white stuff starts falling from the sky again. The four of us walked all around Stakhanov and saw the pond, cathedral and stadium. Our park has a Ferris wheel in it! For some amazing and ridiculous photos of our week together, go check out my facebook page. We also played a few hours of cards. And laughed a lot. The phrase “Thanks for the squirrels” will forever be immortalized. It was such a joy to have them here. I hope to visit Jess for her birthday in May—and that’s only an 11 hour train ride. Piece of cake!
More to follow…
The 8th of March is Women’s Day here in Ukraine. All women are celebrated and honored on this day. My students gave me chocolate, roses, a salt bowl and a glass turtle. I’ve never been given a gift for just being a woman before. Sweet! It really was a fun celebration. And it is such a major holiday here. The Friday before the students and male teachers prepared a concert of singing and skits. I couldn’t find a theme—but it really was hilarious to watch! I had lunch with the Foreign Language teachers—there are 7 of us. That is always a cultural experience. :-) It may be the drinking in the middle of the day that I still find shocking. I politely decline their offers for more. I think after the third toast, I’m done. On birthdays there are 49 toasts! Yikes!
I spent most of the 3 day weekend lesson planning for my US Country Studies class. I have taught my students about the geography of the country, its important early history, slavery, civil rights and will teach them about…uh…something really incredible next week. :-) But back to the holiday weekend—Pat and Tessie came over Sunday and we made Russian Pie. It was delicious! And Pat thoughtfully gave Tes and I a cake to celebrate the holiday. My friend (and fellow PCV) Matt E. sent me a “congratulations!” card. I think America should adopt this holiday of celebrating its women. You can’t help but feel loved and appreciated after this holiday!
March proved to be fun all month long. Pat and I had visitors recently—our friends Jess H. and Jean M. came to Stakhanov to spend their spring break. Sadly, I had to work. But the ladies stayed in the dorm with me and I did end up spending a lot of my time with them. We visited the park in Stakhanov! You can finally see it now that the snow has all melted away. I hope the weather continues to be sunny and bright. I think I may become depressed if that white stuff starts falling from the sky again. The four of us walked all around Stakhanov and saw the pond, cathedral and stadium. Our park has a Ferris wheel in it! For some amazing and ridiculous photos of our week together, go check out my facebook page. We also played a few hours of cards. And laughed a lot. The phrase “Thanks for the squirrels” will forever be immortalized. It was such a joy to have them here. I hope to visit Jess for her birthday in May—and that’s only an 11 hour train ride. Piece of cake!
More to follow…
All by Myself!!!
Last December before leaving for our sites the PCV’s in my batch elected two Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC) representatives to voice all concerns to the staff in Kiev. Well…I, along with Aidan, was elected to this position by batch #37. Our first VAC meeting was in mid-February in Kiev. The train trip from Stakhanov to Kiev takes 15 hours. It was a looong train ride. However, it was my first train ride by myself. I was so excited! Well, to be honest, I was very nervous about this trip. But once I managed to find my train car, everything was downhill from there. I’m so proud of myself for possessing enough Russian to get from my town to the capital and back, alone. It feels like a small achievement.
My site mate, Pat, speaks Russian very well. He’s been studying for 5 years now. Sharing a site with him is a joy for many reasons, and it helps that he can communicate better with the locals then I can. But at times I feel so inferior and helpless—which leaves me humiliated. I would be lost without Pat for many reasons, not just because of his impressive language skills. He’s a good friend and it’s wonderful to share Stakhanov with him. I enjoy cooking and laughing with him on a weekly basis.
Pat has his English Club at his high school on Thursdays and I have mine at the college on Fridays. We help each other with these programs. And recently we have taken on a community English Club once a month beginning in April. We’re excited! English club is so much fun! The students really enjoy the experience and I love getting to know each of them better. I absolutely adore my students in Stakhanov. They make my job so easy with their eagerness to learn and participate.
I also enjoy traveling away from site occasionally, too. It was great to go to Kiev for VAC last February. The other VAC reps are wonderful people and it was wonderful to meet them all. The meeting centered around the growth of PC Ukraine. Right now we have more than 300 PCV’s in country right now. This time next year that number will jump to 600! It’s incredible! But the staff has assured us that they are ready for the increase and our new Country Director, Doug Teschner, also seems prepared to lead our ever-growing program.
While in Kiev, I managed to visit my friend Yulya. She was a foreign exchange student in high school nine years ago! Yes, she’s Ukrainian. And we have kept in touch all these years. It was great to see her and visit! I love how small the world is! Later that same day some of the VAC reps and our CD, Doug, went to the ballet. We enjoyed a performance set to the music of Figaro. It was enchanting! Pictures of the opera house can be found on facebook. I certainly enjoy my time here in Ukraine. I hope to learn as much as possible, see all the country has to offer and experience every inch of its rich and delightful culture.
More to follow…
My site mate, Pat, speaks Russian very well. He’s been studying for 5 years now. Sharing a site with him is a joy for many reasons, and it helps that he can communicate better with the locals then I can. But at times I feel so inferior and helpless—which leaves me humiliated. I would be lost without Pat for many reasons, not just because of his impressive language skills. He’s a good friend and it’s wonderful to share Stakhanov with him. I enjoy cooking and laughing with him on a weekly basis.
Pat has his English Club at his high school on Thursdays and I have mine at the college on Fridays. We help each other with these programs. And recently we have taken on a community English Club once a month beginning in April. We’re excited! English club is so much fun! The students really enjoy the experience and I love getting to know each of them better. I absolutely adore my students in Stakhanov. They make my job so easy with their eagerness to learn and participate.
I also enjoy traveling away from site occasionally, too. It was great to go to Kiev for VAC last February. The other VAC reps are wonderful people and it was wonderful to meet them all. The meeting centered around the growth of PC Ukraine. Right now we have more than 300 PCV’s in country right now. This time next year that number will jump to 600! It’s incredible! But the staff has assured us that they are ready for the increase and our new Country Director, Doug Teschner, also seems prepared to lead our ever-growing program.
While in Kiev, I managed to visit my friend Yulya. She was a foreign exchange student in high school nine years ago! Yes, she’s Ukrainian. And we have kept in touch all these years. It was great to see her and visit! I love how small the world is! Later that same day some of the VAC reps and our CD, Doug, went to the ballet. We enjoyed a performance set to the music of Figaro. It was enchanting! Pictures of the opera house can be found on facebook. I certainly enjoy my time here in Ukraine. I hope to learn as much as possible, see all the country has to offer and experience every inch of its rich and delightful culture.
More to follow…
Pancakes and 25 Candles
February was a busy month. As was March. And the months before those. And I’m sure my schedule will continue to be hectic until the term is over and summer is here. I still do not have internet, so I use Pat’s internet once or twice a week to check in. Here is what I haven’t been telling you…
February 14 was the Maslaneetsa festival in Ukraine. It is a Russian festival celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is tradition to burn a statue of winter and eat pancakes—because they are round and golden like the sun. It is also supposed to be the last festival before Lent begins. In the Russian Orthodox Church, those who are devout cannot eat meat or dairy until Easter Sunday. Which is another reason pancakes are eaten at the Maslaneetsa festival. It was a lot of pancakes in a two day period. Pat and I went to the center of town (which is where the Lenin statue is located) to join in the festivities. It was also the warmest day we’d had in Stakhanov since we had arrived. We still needed three layers and gloves, hats and a scarf, but still. It was warmer. And it didn’t snow. A plus any day. To celebrate the festival, men climb a greased pole and who ever reaches the top wins a prize. It was hilarious to watch. Some on them wore nothing but their underwear as they climbed the pull. And most of them did reach the top. Bystanders would throw snowballs at the contestants. I took plenty of photos if you’re interested. You can see them on my facebook page. Eventually the pole climbing ended and the large consumption of vodka began. This made both Pat and I uncomfortable, so we left and went back to my dormitory. Pat’s Ukrainian counterpart (and our friend) Ruslan met us and we all had tea at my place. Later Jorge and Tessie (more PCV’s) came over for pancakes, juice and lots of laughter. We had tea (of course) and had a lot of fun celebrating this festival.
I think I drink 5-8 cups of tea a day. I’m worried that I have become addicted to this habit. And I also now must eat cookies and chocolate while I’m drinking my tea. It’s the Ukrainian way. And they do have the best chocolate in the world here. No contest! I may have a problem when I go back to America…
My birthday was a hoot! My students in all of my classes made me posters, cards, and cakes to celebrate my birthday. I blew out 25 candles this year. I was given adorable and funny-looking Ukrainian figurines, a tiger piggy-bank and a picture frame. It was fun! The English professors at the University took me and Pat out for pizza that night. It was fun to celebrate my birthday with my new friends. They certainly made my first birthday away from home an easy and enjoyable one. I feel so blessed!
I like to evaluate my progress in life at each birthday. Just to see how my views and opinions have changed in a year. What has happened to me and what I hope to happen the next year. I like to make wishes and send my hopes into the world. This is probably silly, but it is something I’ve always done. This birthday found me more blessed then the last. I’m single again, but I realize love isn’t an impossibility for me. I’m also more confident in myself and I feel so incredibly lucky to have such wonderful and warm friends and family. And I’m a Peace Corps Volunteer once again! Last year I was so confused and upset. This year I feel assured that what I am doing is what I was meant to do. And I feel so happy here in Ukraine. There is nowhere else I’d rather be at present. Life is beautiful and perfect right now—an improvement from last year indeed. :-)
More to follow…
February 14 was the Maslaneetsa festival in Ukraine. It is a Russian festival celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is tradition to burn a statue of winter and eat pancakes—because they are round and golden like the sun. It is also supposed to be the last festival before Lent begins. In the Russian Orthodox Church, those who are devout cannot eat meat or dairy until Easter Sunday. Which is another reason pancakes are eaten at the Maslaneetsa festival. It was a lot of pancakes in a two day period. Pat and I went to the center of town (which is where the Lenin statue is located) to join in the festivities. It was also the warmest day we’d had in Stakhanov since we had arrived. We still needed three layers and gloves, hats and a scarf, but still. It was warmer. And it didn’t snow. A plus any day. To celebrate the festival, men climb a greased pole and who ever reaches the top wins a prize. It was hilarious to watch. Some on them wore nothing but their underwear as they climbed the pull. And most of them did reach the top. Bystanders would throw snowballs at the contestants. I took plenty of photos if you’re interested. You can see them on my facebook page. Eventually the pole climbing ended and the large consumption of vodka began. This made both Pat and I uncomfortable, so we left and went back to my dormitory. Pat’s Ukrainian counterpart (and our friend) Ruslan met us and we all had tea at my place. Later Jorge and Tessie (more PCV’s) came over for pancakes, juice and lots of laughter. We had tea (of course) and had a lot of fun celebrating this festival.
I think I drink 5-8 cups of tea a day. I’m worried that I have become addicted to this habit. And I also now must eat cookies and chocolate while I’m drinking my tea. It’s the Ukrainian way. And they do have the best chocolate in the world here. No contest! I may have a problem when I go back to America…
My birthday was a hoot! My students in all of my classes made me posters, cards, and cakes to celebrate my birthday. I blew out 25 candles this year. I was given adorable and funny-looking Ukrainian figurines, a tiger piggy-bank and a picture frame. It was fun! The English professors at the University took me and Pat out for pizza that night. It was fun to celebrate my birthday with my new friends. They certainly made my first birthday away from home an easy and enjoyable one. I feel so blessed!
I like to evaluate my progress in life at each birthday. Just to see how my views and opinions have changed in a year. What has happened to me and what I hope to happen the next year. I like to make wishes and send my hopes into the world. This is probably silly, but it is something I’ve always done. This birthday found me more blessed then the last. I’m single again, but I realize love isn’t an impossibility for me. I’m also more confident in myself and I feel so incredibly lucky to have such wonderful and warm friends and family. And I’m a Peace Corps Volunteer once again! Last year I was so confused and upset. This year I feel assured that what I am doing is what I was meant to do. And I feel so happy here in Ukraine. There is nowhere else I’d rather be at present. Life is beautiful and perfect right now—an improvement from last year indeed. :-)
More to follow…
Cemya Saturdays
February 14, 2010
My Saturdays have become my family days here in Ukraine. Each Saturday my good friend and colleague, Tanya, invites me to her home for dinner with her family. Tanya and her son, Sergey, speak English. But Tanya’s husband, Valery, does not. :-) This gives me the opportunity to practice my Russian and to learn more. The family is always eager to teach me more and more Russian. And I am always happy to learn.
Saturday, 2/6/’10, I went with my friend Pat to visit Tanya and her neighbors. They had prepared a feast of verinkiey, a very delicious Ukrainian dish. Pat and I laughed and ate with our 7 new Ukrainian friends for 5 hours! We listened to Zeppelin, Hendrix, and other incredible artists from the ‘60s. We sang and played with the children and discussed politics (in Russian) with the adults. It was an amazing night. Which followed an amazing day—Pat and I attended his school’s concert earlier that morning. We applauded the girls as they sang “Auld Lang Syne” and “My Bonny” in English. :-) And danced a Scottish folk dance! It was “the random thing I saw” for the day. I have at least one a day. All are entertaining.
I am very thankful for Tanya and her family. They have made the transition from PST to site effortless. I always have their support. It is Tanya that has worked so hard to help me install internet in the dormitory. I look forward to finally being able to plan my lessons as home, instead of imposing on Pat’s hospitality. He has been very kind in allowing me to visit his apartment and use his internet whenever I like. The internet café near my home can be a hassle to use, what with all of the college students frequenting the establishment and staring over my shoulder as I type. I’m not sure why they’re interested.
My students are amazing! I love teaching at the Pedagogical College & Lugansk University. I’m only teaching four classes right now. I look forward to adding more with time. I also help Pat with his English club for the middle school/high school students. And my English club will begin 2/19 at the college—Pat is helping me with mine. We will introduce ourselves and talk about America. I believe I can now deliver this speech on auto-pilot.
Actually, Pat and I find it amusing how we are now invited to every event, together. Dinners, concerts, festivals…it doesn’t matter. It’s always an open invitation for Джессика
И Патрик. Last Saturday, 2/13, Pat and I went to the library with Tanya and walked around the park. It was more of Stakhanov. I’m still surprised by how much the city I haven’t seen yet, but I blame the snow & ice—and my intense hatred for both. After our excursion, we walked to Tanya’s home to eat блини (pancakes.) Last week was the final week before Lent and to celebrate everyone eats pancakes. According to the Russian Orthadox Church, people are not allowed to eat dairy or meat during Lent. Now, from what I’ve observed, most Ukrainians are not religious. However, this practice of eating pancakes this week seems to be observed by everyone here in Stakhanov. On Sunday we celebrated Maslaneetza, the end of winter carnival. I look forward to telling you all about it in my next blog update.
Oh, a BIG thank you to everyone who has sent letters and packages. :-) I can’t tell you how much I appreciate something of home. Take care!
More to follow…
My Saturdays have become my family days here in Ukraine. Each Saturday my good friend and colleague, Tanya, invites me to her home for dinner with her family. Tanya and her son, Sergey, speak English. But Tanya’s husband, Valery, does not. :-) This gives me the opportunity to practice my Russian and to learn more. The family is always eager to teach me more and more Russian. And I am always happy to learn.
Saturday, 2/6/’10, I went with my friend Pat to visit Tanya and her neighbors. They had prepared a feast of verinkiey, a very delicious Ukrainian dish. Pat and I laughed and ate with our 7 new Ukrainian friends for 5 hours! We listened to Zeppelin, Hendrix, and other incredible artists from the ‘60s. We sang and played with the children and discussed politics (in Russian) with the adults. It was an amazing night. Which followed an amazing day—Pat and I attended his school’s concert earlier that morning. We applauded the girls as they sang “Auld Lang Syne” and “My Bonny” in English. :-) And danced a Scottish folk dance! It was “the random thing I saw” for the day. I have at least one a day. All are entertaining.
I am very thankful for Tanya and her family. They have made the transition from PST to site effortless. I always have their support. It is Tanya that has worked so hard to help me install internet in the dormitory. I look forward to finally being able to plan my lessons as home, instead of imposing on Pat’s hospitality. He has been very kind in allowing me to visit his apartment and use his internet whenever I like. The internet café near my home can be a hassle to use, what with all of the college students frequenting the establishment and staring over my shoulder as I type. I’m not sure why they’re interested.
My students are amazing! I love teaching at the Pedagogical College & Lugansk University. I’m only teaching four classes right now. I look forward to adding more with time. I also help Pat with his English club for the middle school/high school students. And my English club will begin 2/19 at the college—Pat is helping me with mine. We will introduce ourselves and talk about America. I believe I can now deliver this speech on auto-pilot.
Actually, Pat and I find it amusing how we are now invited to every event, together. Dinners, concerts, festivals…it doesn’t matter. It’s always an open invitation for Джессика
И Патрик. Last Saturday, 2/13, Pat and I went to the library with Tanya and walked around the park. It was more of Stakhanov. I’m still surprised by how much the city I haven’t seen yet, but I blame the snow & ice—and my intense hatred for both. After our excursion, we walked to Tanya’s home to eat блини (pancakes.) Last week was the final week before Lent and to celebrate everyone eats pancakes. According to the Russian Orthadox Church, people are not allowed to eat dairy or meat during Lent. Now, from what I’ve observed, most Ukrainians are not religious. However, this practice of eating pancakes this week seems to be observed by everyone here in Stakhanov. On Sunday we celebrated Maslaneetza, the end of winter carnival. I look forward to telling you all about it in my next blog update.
Oh, a BIG thank you to everyone who has sent letters and packages. :-) I can’t tell you how much I appreciate something of home. Take care!
More to follow…
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Maail Tiiime!
Jessica Strickland, PCV
Karla Libknekhta
building: 56, Apt. 4
Stakhanov, 94016
Lugansk Oblast
UKRAINE
вул. Карла Либкнехта, 56/4
м. Стаханов 94016
Луганська
UKRAINE
1-17-2010
Happy New Year! I hope that it is a year full of happiness for you all. My new life in Ukraine has been very busy, thus far. As you know training is over and I am now living at my permanent site in Stakhanov. I’m still deciding if I want to live in the dorm for two years or move into an apartment to insure my privacy. I am looking at a large apartment this week with my dear friend Tanya, so I will make my decision soon.
I had a severe case of chronic bronchitis for 3 weeks! It took me forever to heal. So I missed American Christmas, New Year, Ukrainian Christmas and Ukrainian Old New Year. I was sick for all of the celebrations.
But I’m happy to report that I am very well now and last week I finally visited the University where I will be teaching. My students are wonderful. I’m teaching 4th year college students—meaning this is their final year before earning their BA. And I’m also teaching the post-graduate students. They’re all very eager in the classroom and genuinely pleased that I am here. Which is a great relief! I am very fond of the English teachers at the University. Sasha, Anna, Svitlana and Tanya have all been very kind and welcoming. I am teaching one of Svitlana’s classes and two of Tanya’s. I believe I will also be teaching one of Anna’s English classes and lecturing occasionally at Sasha’s Country Studies class. I’ve already begun teaching and I’m having a marvelous time. I’m so thrilled to be here in Ukraine, teaching in Stakhanov, and a Peace Corps Volunteer once again.
Right now, my internet access is extremely unreliable. I’m hoping that I can have internet access in my home by my birthday. And according to my friend, Tanya, I will! I realize that many of you have sent emails trying to communicate with me. As of right now, I use the internet maybe once a week, and cannot always open my email. So please be patient with me. Trust me, as frustrated as you are with the lack of communication, I’m 10 times more annoyed! For now, I’m encouraging everyone to send letters. Well, I’m always encouraging snail mail. Nothing makes me happier while I’m away from home then receiving mail! As for my mailing address…It is in the above box. I wrote it in both Russian & English. The majority of Ukrainians do not speak English, so it is difficult for them to understand what the letters intended destination may be. I strongly recommend printing the address above and pasting it on whatever you would like to mail me. It will be easier for everyone, I believe. Later I will get a P.O. Box and that will make it easier for you to send mail. And, yes, for those of you who have asked, I am dreaming about things from home. Like peanut butter. :-) And I’ve compiled a “Care Package Wish List,” for those of you who are interested, and it will be updated as often as I can manage. Thank you to everyone who has already sent letters, cards and packages. I cannot tell you how much this means to me. And I’m in the process of writing everyone back; I promise a response will be mailed presently.
I shall write again soon! Take care always.
More to follow…
CARE PACKAGE WISH LIST
HEALTH & BEAUTY
• **Swim-Ear Drying Aid (found at Target or Kaiser)
• Clean & Clear Advanced Acne Spot Control
• Tylenol Cold (daytime & nighttime)
• Sudafed PE Severe Cold
• Imodium
• Mucinex
• Antibacterial Hand Gel
• Urban Decay Eye-Shadow Primer
• HALLS Cough Drops
• Robutusin Cough Gel Tablets
FOOD
• JIF Creamy Peanut Butter!!!
• Veggie Soups
• Peanut Butter Crackers
• Bisquick
• Corn Bread Mix
• Kraft Macaroni
• Cookie/Brownie/Muffin Mixes
• Vegetarian Chili
• Crystal Light—peach tea, lemonade, tea
• Baking Powder
• Taco Seasoning
• Any/All Spices!
• Hot Cocoa Mix
• Ginger Tea
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Baking Chips
• Peanut Sauce
• Sweet Tarts candy
Vanilla Extract
MISC.
• Febreze
• Coffee Filters (so I can filter my water from the tap)
• Books
• DVD’s
• iTunes Gift Cards
• Scented Candles
• Photos of family & friends
• Potato Peeler
• Can Opener
• Tide Stain Remover Sticks
TECHNOLOGY
• 1 TB External Hard Drive (mine broke)
• Electronic Book to read PDF files
CLOTHES
• Sweaters (XL)
• WigWam warm Socks (shoe size: 11)
• Thermal Silk Long Underwear (XL)
• Anything Warm! :-)
Karla Libknekhta
building: 56, Apt. 4
Stakhanov, 94016
Lugansk Oblast
UKRAINE
вул. Карла Либкнехта, 56/4
м. Стаханов 94016
Луганська
UKRAINE
1-17-2010
Happy New Year! I hope that it is a year full of happiness for you all. My new life in Ukraine has been very busy, thus far. As you know training is over and I am now living at my permanent site in Stakhanov. I’m still deciding if I want to live in the dorm for two years or move into an apartment to insure my privacy. I am looking at a large apartment this week with my dear friend Tanya, so I will make my decision soon.
I had a severe case of chronic bronchitis for 3 weeks! It took me forever to heal. So I missed American Christmas, New Year, Ukrainian Christmas and Ukrainian Old New Year. I was sick for all of the celebrations.
But I’m happy to report that I am very well now and last week I finally visited the University where I will be teaching. My students are wonderful. I’m teaching 4th year college students—meaning this is their final year before earning their BA. And I’m also teaching the post-graduate students. They’re all very eager in the classroom and genuinely pleased that I am here. Which is a great relief! I am very fond of the English teachers at the University. Sasha, Anna, Svitlana and Tanya have all been very kind and welcoming. I am teaching one of Svitlana’s classes and two of Tanya’s. I believe I will also be teaching one of Anna’s English classes and lecturing occasionally at Sasha’s Country Studies class. I’ve already begun teaching and I’m having a marvelous time. I’m so thrilled to be here in Ukraine, teaching in Stakhanov, and a Peace Corps Volunteer once again.
Right now, my internet access is extremely unreliable. I’m hoping that I can have internet access in my home by my birthday. And according to my friend, Tanya, I will! I realize that many of you have sent emails trying to communicate with me. As of right now, I use the internet maybe once a week, and cannot always open my email. So please be patient with me. Trust me, as frustrated as you are with the lack of communication, I’m 10 times more annoyed! For now, I’m encouraging everyone to send letters. Well, I’m always encouraging snail mail. Nothing makes me happier while I’m away from home then receiving mail! As for my mailing address…It is in the above box. I wrote it in both Russian & English. The majority of Ukrainians do not speak English, so it is difficult for them to understand what the letters intended destination may be. I strongly recommend printing the address above and pasting it on whatever you would like to mail me. It will be easier for everyone, I believe. Later I will get a P.O. Box and that will make it easier for you to send mail. And, yes, for those of you who have asked, I am dreaming about things from home. Like peanut butter. :-) And I’ve compiled a “Care Package Wish List,” for those of you who are interested, and it will be updated as often as I can manage. Thank you to everyone who has already sent letters, cards and packages. I cannot tell you how much this means to me. And I’m in the process of writing everyone back; I promise a response will be mailed presently.
I shall write again soon! Take care always.
More to follow…
CARE PACKAGE WISH LIST
HEALTH & BEAUTY
• **Swim-Ear Drying Aid (found at Target or Kaiser)
• Clean & Clear Advanced Acne Spot Control
• Tylenol Cold (daytime & nighttime)
• Sudafed PE Severe Cold
• Imodium
• Mucinex
• Antibacterial Hand Gel
• Urban Decay Eye-Shadow Primer
• HALLS Cough Drops
• Robutusin Cough Gel Tablets
FOOD
• JIF Creamy Peanut Butter!!!
• Veggie Soups
• Peanut Butter Crackers
• Bisquick
• Corn Bread Mix
• Kraft Macaroni
• Cookie/Brownie/Muffin Mixes
• Vegetarian Chili
• Crystal Light—peach tea, lemonade, tea
• Baking Powder
• Taco Seasoning
• Any/All Spices!
• Hot Cocoa Mix
• Ginger Tea
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Baking Chips
• Peanut Sauce
• Sweet Tarts candy
Vanilla Extract
MISC.
• Febreze
• Coffee Filters (so I can filter my water from the tap)
• Books
• DVD’s
• iTunes Gift Cards
• Scented Candles
• Photos of family & friends
• Potato Peeler
• Can Opener
• Tide Stain Remover Sticks
TECHNOLOGY
• 1 TB External Hard Drive (mine broke)
• Electronic Book to read PDF files
CLOTHES
• Sweaters (XL)
• WigWam warm Socks (shoe size: 11)
• Thermal Silk Long Underwear (XL)
• Anything Warm! :-)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Christmas Note from Ukraine
12-25-2009
Merry Christmas, my dear readers.
This is the first Christmas that I have spent away from home. But I am not dwelling on that fact, for I have too much to be thankful for. 2009 has been a year of uncertainty for me. Just a year ago I was in and out of hospitals and watching my dreams of Peace Corps be ripped out of my grasp. Never did I dream that the following Christmas would find me a Peace Corps Volunteer once again, this time serving in Ukraine.
As of Dec. 17, 2009 I am an active PCV. 113 Americans swore in as Volunteers in Ukraine for batch #37. We spent 4 days in Kiev, during record low temperatures and the beginning of one of the fiercest winters Ukraine has seen in a long time (or so we’re constantly informed.) After the swearing-in ceremony we all left my train or by bus for our sites.
My site is Stakhanov (S-ta-han-ov) in the Lugansk (Loo-gan-sk) oblast. Just an hour or so drive from the Russian border. Everyone speaks Russian here. This region is known as one of the most difficult to live in because of the air quality (it’s a coal mining region), economy and political beliefs. The fact that the Soviet Union has disbanded escapes the notice of some of the locals. I’ve only been here a week and so far have not had any trouble with anyone due to the fact that I am a foreigner. Of course, I have had bronchitis 5 out of the 7 days I have been here, and have spent little time outside of my dorm room. Don’t worry, I’m on the mend. It just takes time.
When I do go back to work I will be an English professor at Stakanov Pedagogical College and Lugansk University. I’m very eager to begin working and meet my students. I’ve already met 5 professors from the English department. They and 7 of my students greeted me upon my arrival. My students carried all of my many bags to my dorm room and the teachers welcomed me with a celebratory lunch. Yes I am living in the dormitory. My home is on the second floor where all the visiting professors stay. There is no one living here besides myself. I found it creepy at first, but since I have spent so much time here lately I have grown accustomed to the silence. The nice cleaning lady visits my floor daily. I enjoy speaking Russian with her and the lovely den mothers that work on the ground floor. They have all been very welcoming. And all are concerned about my health. They are such dears.
I have 2 rooms that I use. The first room is my living quarters and the second I use for storage and washing my laundry by hand. I have been informed that at some point the building will install washing machines…but that may or may not be within the 2 years that I will live here. We’ll see! For now, I am growing used to washing a little every day. I have my own bathroom, but the shower, living room and kitchen are common rooms. Like I said, no one else is staying here for now. I think of this floor as mine now.
And I’m not alone in Stakhanov. Another Volunteer, Patrick, lives only 4 blocks away from me. He is teaching high school. We were in training together and he’s a good friend. We’re both pleased to be sharing a site. We’ve already begun discussing plans the two of us would like to accomplish within both of our schools. The teachers at his school are just as eager to meet me as the teachers from the University. My good friend Jorge is only 20 minutes away and another PCV, Tessie, lives just 10 minutes away. Tessie has been here a year & a half now and invited everyone to her home for Christmas. But since I am ill, I chose to stay home and heal. I’ll meet her later, I’m sure. My friend Nozgol is 40 minutes away and Susan is an hour away in the city of Lugansk. I am surrounded by Americans.
Getting to site was quite the ordeal! As we were leaving, the bus taking us to the train station was stuck in a major traffic jam due to the icy road conditions. So we missed our train and spent 4 hours in traffic. It was a long 4 hours, because all of the Ukrainian counterparts were panicking. The PCV’s were much more relaxed about the situation. We knew Peace Corps would take care of the problem. The Ukrainians were not willing to be soothed by our blasé attitudes. My counterpart in particular was a challenge. I hope that improves soon so our working relationship will be one of prosperity. We left for the train station the following day very early only to have the drivers drop us off at the wrong location. The Peace Corps drivers had to come and help move all of our luggage. I alone had 7 bags! You can imagine all the luggage that 20 of us had. We finally made our train, but had to ride 3rd class because of the last minute purchase of our tickets. It was interesting… I had never ridden on a train before. Jorge, Pat and I all rode in the same car, along with our counterparts. I had fun getting to know Pat and Jorge’s counterparts. Very nice guys. But the car was packed! We had to sleep on the top bunks of the train. That was an interesting adventure. Lol! It was a 16 hour trip and when we arrived we only had 3 minutes to get all of our luggage off the train. My counterpart kept yelling at me to sit down and let the boys carry all the luggage. Uhh…yeah right. Jorge and Pat did not appreciate her attitude. I helped, of course. When have I ever done anything I didn’t want to do? As soon as I stepped off the train (with relief) I face planted right into the snow bank! Lol! Because it has snowed 3.5 inches in just 2 days at my site. Dragging our luggage through that was a challenge!
The second night of my arrival, some children threw a snowball and broke my outside window! That scarred me, to say the least! I ran downstairs to tell the den mother. But when I arrived I realized I couldn’t adequately explain the situation to her because I do not know the appropriate verbs in Russian yet. So basically all I said to her in Russian was “man”, “snow” and “window.” My acting helped fill in the blanks. She understood and walked upstairs to view the damage. The windows are double paned and thankfully the inside window was not broken, so I wasn’t cold that night. The following day 2 men arrived to fix my window. They were very kind and after hearing my cough told me to stay warm and eat garlic so I heal fast. Lol! I do love Ukraine!
My internet access is limited but I will try to frequently keep you all informed of my adventures in Stakhanov. Take care and happy New Year!
More to follow...
Merry Christmas, my dear readers.
This is the first Christmas that I have spent away from home. But I am not dwelling on that fact, for I have too much to be thankful for. 2009 has been a year of uncertainty for me. Just a year ago I was in and out of hospitals and watching my dreams of Peace Corps be ripped out of my grasp. Never did I dream that the following Christmas would find me a Peace Corps Volunteer once again, this time serving in Ukraine.
As of Dec. 17, 2009 I am an active PCV. 113 Americans swore in as Volunteers in Ukraine for batch #37. We spent 4 days in Kiev, during record low temperatures and the beginning of one of the fiercest winters Ukraine has seen in a long time (or so we’re constantly informed.) After the swearing-in ceremony we all left my train or by bus for our sites.
My site is Stakhanov (S-ta-han-ov) in the Lugansk (Loo-gan-sk) oblast. Just an hour or so drive from the Russian border. Everyone speaks Russian here. This region is known as one of the most difficult to live in because of the air quality (it’s a coal mining region), economy and political beliefs. The fact that the Soviet Union has disbanded escapes the notice of some of the locals. I’ve only been here a week and so far have not had any trouble with anyone due to the fact that I am a foreigner. Of course, I have had bronchitis 5 out of the 7 days I have been here, and have spent little time outside of my dorm room. Don’t worry, I’m on the mend. It just takes time.
When I do go back to work I will be an English professor at Stakanov Pedagogical College and Lugansk University. I’m very eager to begin working and meet my students. I’ve already met 5 professors from the English department. They and 7 of my students greeted me upon my arrival. My students carried all of my many bags to my dorm room and the teachers welcomed me with a celebratory lunch. Yes I am living in the dormitory. My home is on the second floor where all the visiting professors stay. There is no one living here besides myself. I found it creepy at first, but since I have spent so much time here lately I have grown accustomed to the silence. The nice cleaning lady visits my floor daily. I enjoy speaking Russian with her and the lovely den mothers that work on the ground floor. They have all been very welcoming. And all are concerned about my health. They are such dears.
I have 2 rooms that I use. The first room is my living quarters and the second I use for storage and washing my laundry by hand. I have been informed that at some point the building will install washing machines…but that may or may not be within the 2 years that I will live here. We’ll see! For now, I am growing used to washing a little every day. I have my own bathroom, but the shower, living room and kitchen are common rooms. Like I said, no one else is staying here for now. I think of this floor as mine now.
And I’m not alone in Stakhanov. Another Volunteer, Patrick, lives only 4 blocks away from me. He is teaching high school. We were in training together and he’s a good friend. We’re both pleased to be sharing a site. We’ve already begun discussing plans the two of us would like to accomplish within both of our schools. The teachers at his school are just as eager to meet me as the teachers from the University. My good friend Jorge is only 20 minutes away and another PCV, Tessie, lives just 10 minutes away. Tessie has been here a year & a half now and invited everyone to her home for Christmas. But since I am ill, I chose to stay home and heal. I’ll meet her later, I’m sure. My friend Nozgol is 40 minutes away and Susan is an hour away in the city of Lugansk. I am surrounded by Americans.
Getting to site was quite the ordeal! As we were leaving, the bus taking us to the train station was stuck in a major traffic jam due to the icy road conditions. So we missed our train and spent 4 hours in traffic. It was a long 4 hours, because all of the Ukrainian counterparts were panicking. The PCV’s were much more relaxed about the situation. We knew Peace Corps would take care of the problem. The Ukrainians were not willing to be soothed by our blasé attitudes. My counterpart in particular was a challenge. I hope that improves soon so our working relationship will be one of prosperity. We left for the train station the following day very early only to have the drivers drop us off at the wrong location. The Peace Corps drivers had to come and help move all of our luggage. I alone had 7 bags! You can imagine all the luggage that 20 of us had. We finally made our train, but had to ride 3rd class because of the last minute purchase of our tickets. It was interesting… I had never ridden on a train before. Jorge, Pat and I all rode in the same car, along with our counterparts. I had fun getting to know Pat and Jorge’s counterparts. Very nice guys. But the car was packed! We had to sleep on the top bunks of the train. That was an interesting adventure. Lol! It was a 16 hour trip and when we arrived we only had 3 minutes to get all of our luggage off the train. My counterpart kept yelling at me to sit down and let the boys carry all the luggage. Uhh…yeah right. Jorge and Pat did not appreciate her attitude. I helped, of course. When have I ever done anything I didn’t want to do? As soon as I stepped off the train (with relief) I face planted right into the snow bank! Lol! Because it has snowed 3.5 inches in just 2 days at my site. Dragging our luggage through that was a challenge!
The second night of my arrival, some children threw a snowball and broke my outside window! That scarred me, to say the least! I ran downstairs to tell the den mother. But when I arrived I realized I couldn’t adequately explain the situation to her because I do not know the appropriate verbs in Russian yet. So basically all I said to her in Russian was “man”, “snow” and “window.” My acting helped fill in the blanks. She understood and walked upstairs to view the damage. The windows are double paned and thankfully the inside window was not broken, so I wasn’t cold that night. The following day 2 men arrived to fix my window. They were very kind and after hearing my cough told me to stay warm and eat garlic so I heal fast. Lol! I do love Ukraine!
My internet access is limited but I will try to frequently keep you all informed of my adventures in Stakhanov. Take care and happy New Year!
More to follow...
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