Catching-Up

I know, I know. It's been 7 months since I've updated this blog. I received e-mails from various readers, asking if I was okay. And yes, to that question, I can answer that yes, I'm okay. I was waiting for something to happen before I blogged again.

At New Year's, I couldn't help but think "2011 will be just like 2010, but without the excitement of trying something new." That was a depressing thought. I could see the year mapped out clearly in front of me. And, it turns out, I was right. I had my many University classes to teach, my Russian to improve, the snow to curse...Winter dragged on this year. Our coldest day arrived at the end of February when it hit 22F degrees below 0. THAT was a cold night!

The problem with predicting the year to come, made me complacent and bored. I got that restless feeling that tells me it's time to move on. And, of course, I couldn't go anywhere. If Peace Corps has taught me anything it's that you NEVER sign a 2 year contract.

The positive points to 2011 have been the amount of traveling I've been able to accomplish. In January I met Mom in Paris for 3 days. It was SO wonderful to see her! And Paris is now officially my favorite European city. I sang "Happy Birthday" to Mom on the Eiffel Tower. It was a perfect trip! I also went to London, briefly, on my way back to Ukraine. I managed to squeeze in a show...I finally saw "Phantom of the Opera" performed! I can't tell you how much of a dream come true that was! :-)

Of course there have been various trips to Kiev (mostly business, but I manage to squeeze in some fun too!) Last week some friends and I traveled to Lenina...a small town located south of the Azov Sea in Crimea, Ukraine. It is so beautiful in Crimea. We swam in the Sea and visited with our Russian teacher. It was very relaxing.

And today, July 16th, is the beginning of a big adventure! Mom, Dad and Kaitlyn (niece) will arrive in Kiev in 3 hours! :-) We're traveling around Ukraine, Italy and France for the next 3 weeks. I'm so happy to have my family visiting me and I can't wait to hug them all!

I promise to write all about our trip when I'm back at site. Which won't be until the very end of August. And, just for the record, I only have 4 months left in Ukraine! :-) I'm excited for the next adventure...for I cannot predict what the future holds. And that's the way I like it.

More to follow...

50 Years of Peace

“In establishing our Peace Corps we intend to make full use of the resources and talents of private institutions and groups. Universities, voluntary agencies, labor unions and industry will be asked to share in this effort--contributing diverse sources of energy and imagination--making it clear that the responsibility for peace is the responsibility of our entire society.”- John F. Kennedy, March 1, 1961.

Fifty years tomorrow, March 1st, President Kennedy made the dream of American volunteerism a reality. On March 1st we begin the celebration of "Peace Corps Month".

Peace Corps' mission is to promote World Peace and Friendship around the world. I've always found the purpose of Peace Corps to be beautiful. While the reality of PC may be more bureaucratic then the original idea, it's still a fantastic dream. And I'm honored to be apart of it.

The Volunteers in Ukraine are busy at work organizing and creating a short documentary film about life as a PCV in Ukraine. We're organizing large projects in hope of educating Ukrainian's about Peace Corps and Americans, and educating Americans about Ukraine and what it means to serve as a PCV in a post-Soviet Union country. As for me, I'm busy marketing this product to broadcast journalists in Ukraine and in America. I'll let you know more closer to June.

Fifty year of volunteerism, friendship, and peace. All lovely reasons to celebrate. Please honor the 7,671 active Peace Corps Volunteers and the more than 200,000 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers by promoting Peace Corps and the vision of Sargent Shiver, John F. Kennedy and the many, many people it takes to fulfill a dream.

If you have Facebook, please change your profile picture on March 1st, 2011 to the artwork below. A very talented PCV in Ukraine created the artwork and we want our family and friends to participate, along with all of the RPCV's. Please spread the word and help us live our mission.

Peace be with you all

Facts About Ukraine

Hello dear readers,

If you're interested in Peace Corps Ukraine, please check out our remodeled version of the PC Ukraine website: http://pcukraine.org/


FACTS ABOUT UKRAINE*:

*Please note that some of these facts I've learned while living here. Others I found off the internet in an attempt to answer questions my Grandpa thinks of "what is the land mass of Ukraine in comparison to the US? Uhh... (The answer is slightly smaller than Texas) Enjoy! :-)

The national flower is the SUNFLOWER. It represents hope in Ukraine and can literally be found everywhere. The sunflower fields in the summer are breathtaking.

The colors on the Ukrainian flag are sky blue and sun yellow. Sky blue to represent the sky (obviously) and yellow to represent the wheat fields (which I've never seen).

They drive on the right side of the road, which is a blessing. But their driving can be terrifying. My trick? Just ignore what's going on.

They wear their wedding ring on the ring finger of their right hand instead of their left hand.

No shoes in the house! Slippers are a must. In fact, Ukrainians have spare slippers for guests. I've come to enjoy this tradition. Less vacuuming.

On the train the toilet dumps on the tracks. Kind of weird to flush the toilet and see the ground below. Also means you can't use the toilet when the train has stopped at a station. Gotta learn how to squat while the train is roaring down the tracks.

They speak both Ukrainian and Russian. Language is a very political subject here and can often lead to a fight if you care about that stuff.

Whistling inside a building is considered bad luck.

When you forget something and have to go back to your home for it, you must look in the mirror and sit down for a minute or two, otherwise you'll have a terrible day.

Christians are forbidden from playing cards, it's considered gambling.

Private schools have uniforms, however, they look like naughty maid costumes that you would see at Halloween.

You have to pay to use the restroom in public places, but at least there is toilet paper, unlike the Philippines.

Bread, salt and mayonnaise are consumed at about every meal.

Commas are used as decimal points instead of periods.

You have to pay for plastic bags at the grocery store.

People don't smile at you or say Hello when you pass them on the street; they keep a very straight face.



Location: Eastern Europe*;
Neighbors are Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Russia, and Belarus

*Ukraine is part of former Soviet Union or USSR, one of the NIS states ("Newly Independent States"), and member of CIS ("Commonwealth of Independent States", a subdivision of the NIS)

Population: 48 million (down from peak of 51 million in 1980s)

Area: 603,000 km2 (slightly larger than France and slightly smaller than Texas)

Capital: Kyiv (or Kiev)*
*Kyiv is derived from Ukrainian and Kiev from Russian (Kiev is considered the birthplace of Russian and East Slavic culture and statehood). While Kyiv is now considered politically correct, Kiev appears in Google seven times more frequently.

Major cities: official populations
Kyiv - 2,635,300 (realistically approaching 4 million)
Kharkiv - 1,575,900
Dnipropetrovsk - 1,161,200
Donetsk - 1,101,800
Odesa - 1,059,500
Zaporizhya - 887,400
Lviv - 805,900
Kryvyy Rih - 703,000
Mykolayiv - 519,000
Mariupol - 490,000
Luhansk - 493,300
Languages: Ukrainian and Russian*

*Ukrainian is Ukraine's single official government language;
In everyday use the languages are about equally popular across Ukraine, though proportion of usage differs widely by region. However, the vast majority of the population is functionally bilingual.
More about language in Ukraine >>
Ethno-lingual makeup: by respondents' self-definition
Ukrainian-speaking Ukrainians: 38%
Russian-speaking Ukrainians: 30%
Russian-speaking Russians: 17%
not sure: 10%
other ethnicity: 5%

Geography: 95% of Ukraine is flat or nearly flat, with small rolling hills.
In the west the Carpathians rise to 2061 m (Hoverla), and in the south the Crimean Mountains reach 1545 m.

Date of independence: August 24, 1991

Major religions:
Ukrainian Orthodoxy, Moscow Patriarchate
Ukrainian Orthodoxy, Kyiv Patriarchate
Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodoxy
Ukrainian Catholicism (Uniate)
Protestantism, Jewish Orthodoxy, Greek Catholicism

GDP: $49.9 billion (2004), GDP per capita: $1023 (official*)
*In actuality, about 50% of Ukraine's economic production is "in the shadows," and actual earnings are greater. In addition, the hryvnia has been fixed to the dollar for years and is now quite undervalued. Using "purchasing power parity" the following numbers come closer to the truth: GDP: $260.4 billion, GDP per capita: $5400, GDP real growth rate: 9.4%
In 2004 Ukraine was Europe's fastest growing economy, but has yet to reach pre-1991 levels of economic production.
Currency: Hryvnia (or grivna, if transliterated from Russian), abbreviation = UAH (sometimes "hr"). Exchange rate since spring 2005 hovers around 5 UAH to 1 USD.
See current exchange rates (Dollar, Euro, and Ruble) in left column here
Handling money in Ukraine >>

Government structure: Republic
Powerful executive branch with five-year presidential term and Cabinet of Ministers with a Prime Minister appointed by the President. Legislative branch consists of unicameral 450-seat Verkhovna Rada (Supreme Council). People's deputies serve four-year terms. Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Constitutional Court. Ukraine's government structure is still in a developmental stage. During President Kuchma's terms (1994-2004) the executive branch became the only real center of power, but this is likely to be changed in 2005-2006 by a series of administrative and constitutional reforms. Ukraine consists of 27 administrative regions: 24 oblasts, the Crimea Autonomous Republic, and the cities of Kyiv and Sevastopol.
More on Ukraine's political system from Ukrainian Embassy in Canada
Links to Ukraine's principal governing bodies from Ukraine State Tax Administration

National holidays:
January 1 - New Year's Day
January 7 - Christmas (Orthodox calendar)
March 8 - International Women's Day
May 1 and 2 - International Workers' Solidarity Day
May 9 - Victory Day
June 28 - Constitution Day
August 24 - Independence Day

Economy:
Principal exports are metals, minerals, electronics, chemicals, and vegetables.
2004 Report on Ukraine's economy, investment climate, and economic freedom from The Heritage Foundation

Demographic structure:
Gradually aging population. The birth rate plummeted in the 1990s but is slowly recovering as the economic situation improves. One of the highest women-to-men ratios in the world.

Life expectancy: men - 62 years, women - 73 years

It's Midnight, let's eat!

Happy New Year!!!!

I hope you all had fun and happy Christmas' and New Year's celebrations, wherever you were.

Christmas was so wonderful! My best buddy and site mate, Pat, surprised me with a Christmas tree! I was very surprised and delighted. There may have been tears... ;-) It was a thoughtful gift and one that started out my Christmas with a bang!

We did not have a white Christmas this year (shockingly!) but we had a great time. Fellow Americans came to my home for Christmas day (about 5 visitors) and one dear Ukrainian friend, Ruslan. With the great help of Susan and Stacey, we cooked dinner. Pat was in charge of the chicken again. The whole meal was a success! Because afterwards everyone was too tired to do anything but just go to bed. We did manage to open presents. We did a White Elephant exchange this year. It was fun!

Ukrainians believe that how you spend your New Year's celebration reflects how your year will be spent. If mine is spent in the company of good friends, surrounded by laughter and merriment, then I'm off to a good start! Pat and I went to Brianka (just 10 minutes away) to our friend, and fellow PCV, Tessie's church party for New Years. There were lots of people, plenty of Russian and skip-bo! Can't ask for a better celebration!

In Ukraine New Year's is the biggest holiday, and it is celebrated all night long. At mid-night, we ate a feast that Tessie had prepared. Burritos! People lit off fireworks, we opened presents from Father Frost, we played games...it was incredible. I couldn't make it all night. So Pat and I went home with Tessie and crashed at her home for the night. The next day we played a board game that Pat had given me for Christmas, "миллионер" (Millionaire). It's basically the Russian version of Monopoly. We played for 3 hours! Pat won, but I didn't make it easy! :-)

It's hard to believe that this year, 2011, I will be leaving Ukraine to come home to America. To stay? Probably not for long. :-)

May your New Year be blessed--full of laughter and love.

To Be Continued...

Merry Christmas!

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy Holidays! I hope that the season finds you happy and healthy.

I have officially been a Peace Corps Volunteer for one year in Ukraine. I've lived at my site for 12 months now. And I've been in Ukraine for a total of 15 months. With just 11 more to go. It's hard to believe how fast time flies.

What have I learned in 2010?

1.) I can now speak Russian well enough that the Ukrainians are complimenting me on no longer completely butchering their language.

2.) I can cook soup and borscht without thinking about it.

3.) There really are 100 ways to prepare potatoes.

4.) I've come to appreciate Soviet merchandise, furniture and equipment. So what if the hot water tank might explode your entire apartment if you light it incorrectly? Don't light it incorrectly. Problem solved.

5.) I have a greater understanding of the Soviet Union and its impact on Eastern Europe.

6.) I can successfully sleep on 16 hour train rides. And I no longer feel that 16 hours on a train is long.

7.) That when drinking tea, you must have chocolate. And a day without tea is a crime.

8.) I know who Lenin is.

9.) That squat toilets are really not THAT terrible.

10.) There is no such thing as too much garlic. It cures all ailments. As does tea with lemon.

11.) Teaching is about educating students about the joys of thinking, not telling them what to think. My students are amazing and a wonderful gift in my life.

12.) Diplomacy.

The last item I have learned while serving as president of the Volunteer Advisory Council. It has been a challenge, but I've enjoyed my role on VAC. I've learned a great deal about Peace Corps and the way the US Government conducts international relations. This practice on VAC has led me to want to work for the State Department when I return to America next December. I will begin applying for jobs in June. I'm hoping that someday I work in Communications for the State Department through the Foreign Service. Time will tell...

For now, I'm preparing for another Christmas away from home. This year many Volunteers will be joining Pat and I in Stakhanov to celebrate. We had Thanksgiving here last month, and it was such a hit, that people have requested to return for Christmas. I still do not have a tree, but I'm hoping that next week that will change.

2010 has been a challenging year. But, upon reflection, I would say it has been my happiest year of the decade. I'm doing exactly what I've always wanted to do. Serving my country as a Peace Corps Volunteer abroad. God has truly blessed me with opportunities, friends and a loving family. I could not ask for anything more.

May this Christmas find you with loved ones and in good spirits. And may 2011 be full of laughter and love. And find our world in peace. God bless!

Happy Birthday, Peace Corps!

Here is an amazing and fun article about the 50th Anniversary of Peace Corps. All of the celebrations are fast approaching in 2011. Peace Corps Ukraine plans to have their party in June! Enjoy the article!

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/150/peace-be-with-you.html

First Bell

This new school year has already proven to be a challenge.

The "First Bell" ceremony happened September 1st. Our official back-to-school day. I went to the college, not knowing what to expect. I met my new students, and gave hugs to all of my students from last year. And the never ending picture taking happened soon after. It was wonderful to see them all again, and to meet new faces. After the ceremony (which involved singing and a speech from our Dean) everyone was dismissed. So much for back to class!

The next day proved to be more educational. I jumped into teaching with both feet, not paying much attention to what my colleagues were saying about me. I was so excited to be back in the classroom; and to be moving.

That's right! I moved Sept. 4th into my very own apartment. I live about a 15 minute walk (which will double in the winter) from my college. It's about a block farther from my original home--the dormitory. For those of you who do not know, I was miserable in the dorms. There was too much drama happening at my college because of my fishbowl living arrangements, and I'm so happy to no longer be under the ever vigilant eye of my university. My new home is HUGE! It has 2 bedrooms, a large living room, decent sized kitchen and, of course, the bathroom. I do not, however, have a shower. So I bathe in a bucket, but at least I have hot water! :-) My new community has been very welcoming. 4 other apartments in the building are vacated, and my neighbors are lovely people. I tutor the little girl that lives downstairs. Her parent's are wonderful to me, and they give me chocolate and fruit for tutoring their daughter. Great exchange! Plus, tutoring her gives me an excuse to practice my Russian. And there is a little store but a 3 minute walk away. The little old ladies that work there are so kind to me. They are constantly giving me free food. They are such dears!

And I have a cat! Her name is Lucy, as in "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." She was a stray that a colleague found and delivered late evening on Sept. 11. Lucy is crazy! But it's been nice to have someone to greet me when I come home.

Everything was going so well in September. The new apartment, full class load. Life was great! I began teaching "To Kill a Mockingbird" to my 4th year University students. They seem to be enjoying the book and the discussions we've had about stereotypes, racism and equality. I hope to finish the book after their winter break.

While I thought there were no more problems with my university once I moved, I was sadly mistaken. The complaint I usually receive the most is "why can't you teach more like a man?" I don't even know what that means, but I hear it often. When I arrived at my university 11 months ago, they asked me to teach literature like an American. So I have. And now the complaint is that I teach differently then my Ukrainian counterparts. Uhh.... I'm not even sure what to say to them. Well, nothing that would be culturally sensitive anyways.

The teachers may have a problem with me, but my students do not. And I believe that as long as the students are happy with me, that is all that matters. After all, I came from America to teach the students. Not worry what the teachers think of me. Besides, I do not have much longer.

Can you believe that I have been in country for 14 months!? And I have just 12 more to go! I can officially return home as of Nov. 17, 2011. I haven't made up my mind when exactly I'm coming home, but it will be sometime near the end of November, early December of 2011.

Even with all of the drama at my school, I am really happy here in Ukraine. I absolutely adore my students. And I love teaching. The 3 English Clubs Pat and I co-teach are the highlights of my week! I actually look forward to Friday night English Club at the college. :-)

I'm currently working on a grant, as well. I'd like to create an English Resource Center at my college, to give the students an opportunity to read books in English. The desire is there, the means are not.

Something else that has been a surprise is my life as a Peace Corps Volunteer. You know, it feels divided. Sometimes you feel like a PCV, other times you simply feel like a teacher in a foreign country. In October, I felt both. I've mentioned VAC before. The Volunteer Advisory Council. Last December my batch (#37) elected me to be one of their two representatives. Aidan was also elected. He and I make a great team. We are entrusted to bring all of our groups concerns to the office 4 times a year in Kyiv. It is a huge responsibility, and one that is never a cake walk. But Aidan and I take our positions seriously. And about 3 weeks ago, the other VAC representatives elected me as their President. I was, and am, honored and overwhelmed by their confidence in me. I'm doing my best to not let all of the 492 (give or take a few) PCV's in Ukraine down.

So, overall, everything is really great. I'm happy, despite the bumps in the road. I hope to bring you more good news in the future regarding my university and life as a PCV in Ukraine.

More to Follow...

Silence Only Makes the Haters Stronger

Raise your voice, and make a fuss! Don't let fear and hate destroy humanity time and time again. Stop the harassment towards those of other races, genders, and sexual orientation. The death of Tyler Clementi and the other alleged gay teens is an unnecessary tragedy that could have and should have been avoided. We're all one, we're all equal. And no one deserves to live in fear.

"First they put away the dealers
Keep our kids safe and off the streets
Then they put away the prostitutes
Keep married men cloistered at home
Then they shooed away the bums
Then they beat and bashed the queers
Turned away the asylum seekers
Fed us suspicions and fears
We didn't raise our voice
We didn't make a fuss
It's funny there was no one left to notice when they came for us"
~NOFX "Re-gaining Unconsciousness"~

Schooool's Out For Summa!

Sorry for the delay between blogs.

Classes ended early June. I spent 7 hours at a picnic with my 3rd year University students and later another 2 hours walking in the park with some of them. We talked about everything. It was a fun way to end my first semester teaching in Ukraine.

I spent most of June traveling around Eastern Ukraine visiting friends and preparing for my departure to the USA. In early July my friend Jess and I traveled to Chernigiv, the first city we lived in while training for Peace Corps. I stayed with my wonderful host family and had a great time. I'd forgotten how much I loved Chernigiv and how much my host family feels like my family. They are my Ukrainian family. I noticed that during the 3 days I stayed with them, I had no problem with the bossiness or insistence on their part. Tanya and Toita Nina are my family; they're like my two aunts telling me what to do. When the teachers at the college I work for begin to act this way, I get upset and usually tell them to stop. But not with Tanya and Nina. :-) Family gets a pass...

And finally! July 5th at 9:00 pm I made my way towards the airport. It took an hour to get there by bus. I believe it is because of all the traffic, for the airport is in Kiev. I had to stay at the airport overnight. It was a long 8 hours. I thought I'd sleep but, sadly, no. I did, however, meet two nice young men from India and we spent the early morning hours talking about our lives. I had a great time chatting with them and they are now my facebook friends. :-) I was SO exhausted and excited when I finally boarded the plane at 6:00 AM. I slept the whole way to Amsterdam. Changed planes and spent the next 10 hours on my last flight reading and watching movies. As the plane descended into Portland, Oregon I switched on my iPod and listened to "Ain't That America" by Simon and Garfunkel. I was overwhelmed with my happiness. To see the Columbia River, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier all from the plane. I smiled and whispered "welcome home." I was very pushy on my way out of customs. A trait I have, unfortunately, picked up in Ukraine. I couldn't contain my excitement to see my family! As fast as I could, I dragged my suitcase behind me and zipped around people, smiling wide the whole time. And then, the crowds parting, I saw Mom, Dad and Kaitlyn waiting for me just past the security gates. It was a BIG hug the four of us shared. It was a wonderful moment and one I look forward to repeating when I come home again.

My 25 days in America were crazy! It was so wonderful to see and hug my Mom. It's hard to believe it will be nearly a year before I receive another hug from her. And I loved spending so much time with my family!
*Mom, Kaitlyn and I went to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland for two days. We saw Pride and Prejudice and the Merchant of Venice performed. It was lovely.
*We had traveled to Southern Oregon so that I could see one of my dearest friends, Amanda Hewitt, tie the knot. She looked SO beautiful and happy. I'm thrilled for her!
*Hiked 7 miles with Becca at Mt. St. Helens. That was a fabulous day!
*Went shopping a lot. We quickly discovered that I had lost 4 pant sizes! Living in Ukraine has been good for me. I feel healthy.
*Went to the Strickland Family Reunion
*Read "Radiant Shadows" by Melissa Marr. How I found time to read while I was home, I don't know. But I loved the book and look forward to the next book come the spring.
*Did vodka shots with Shawn and Nick to celebrate their new marriage to one another. I brought the vodka from Ukraine as their wedding gift.
*Chatted with Sean nearly everyday. That was wonderful to be in the same country as him for a change. We met in PC Philippines and I'm happy we've kept in touch, even after 2 years. He's now in Korea and I'm SO happy for him.
*Took Ian, Catherine, Kaitlyn, Eric and Kelly to the Oregon Zoo. We had a blast!
*Spent hours at Powell's with Mom. I love that bookstore, but the owners have totally sold out. It is now a tourist trap and their prices are way too expensive now. It makes me sad.
*Spent my final day with the family at home. It was such a lovely surprise that Luther came home from Iraq the day before I left. So I was able to give him a hug and wish him and Taylor a warm congratulations on their engagement. As of Oct. 2nd, they are married.

Mom and Dad drove me to the airport. As always. One of these days I will go to the airport and it will not have be be such a production. I gave my parents several hugs and waved goodbye as I passed though security once again. On a happy note, they (and Kaitlyn) will be arriving in Ukraine July 16, 2011! :-D I'm SO excited to show them my world!

When I arrived in Ukraine, I discovered that my 2 bags (full of new clothes and food I can't buy in Ukraine) were still in Amsterdam! Note to travelers, avoid any Dutch airlines. Evidently this is a recurring issue. It took 4 hours at the Kiev Airport to finally fill out and file my form that said what to do with my lost luggage. The next day, I was on my train back to Stakhanov when my luggage was delivered to the Peace Corps office in Kiev. Thankfully, my dear friend and "big bro" Jorge Armando Supelano came to the rescue! He was traveling through Kiev and he dragged my 2 heavy bags onto the train and to Lugansk Oblast for me. I met him at the train station and picked up my bags. I am eternally grateful for what he did and I can't thank him enough.

A week later Jorge and I traveled to Yalta in the Crimea. We spent 2 days enjoying the sunshine and the sites while admiring the beauty of the Black Sea. He and I took a boat to see The Swallow's Nest--a small castle on a cliff overlooking the sea and, in the distance, the city of Yalta. We had a fabulous time! We then traveled to Lenina and met up with Blonde Jess to visit our Russian teacher Lyuda. We spent 4 days with her at the Sea of Azov. The water was so blue and warm. We spent hours and hours swimming and sun tanning. We went shopping together in a 2,000 year old city and Lyuda was impressed with how much my Russian has improved. That's a relief! We spent one night camped out on the beach at the sea. My first real camping trip! It was wonderful to wake up in the morning and run into the sea. I loved every minute of our Crimean adventure and look forward to next summer's trip to visit Lyuda.

This was a long blog, but then it was a long summer. A few days after returning from Crimea, I, along with 7 of my students, traveled to the center of Ukraine for Camp LEAD. It was fabulous, but I'm afraid all the traveling caught up with me and I caught laryngitis and fell ill with bronchitis all at the same time. So I had to leave camp early and come home to Stakhanov. Much has changed in my city, but that is for another blog.

More to follow...

Oh Glorious Spring!

May 19, 2010

"Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer." -Geoffrey B. Charlesworth

Spring! Oh glorious spring! You have arrived at last! The unforgiving winter has seen its day and now spring has graced us with her splendid presence. The trees are in bloom, the lilacs in blossom—bringing sweet, familiar smells to brighten the day. The swallows play their game of tag in the early morning sky, while the little бабушки settle in to their day of selling aloe plants and tulips outside the busy markets. The May rain adds harmony to the baritone crash of the thunder as it shakes my bedroom window. And the lightning illuminates the poor souls caught out in the tempest without the benefit of an umbrella.

Ukraine in the spring is magnificent. I find myself breathless as I gaze upon the rolling hills of green as far as the eye can see. Its beauty is outstanding. So far this month has brought lazy afternoons of picnicking in the park with friends, while lying in the sunshine reading and dozing. The rainy, stormy days that we have often had this past week makes me a little homesick, as it reminds me of the bipolar weather of Washington State…of home.

However, despite the occasional wistfulness for home, I am incredibly happy here in Ukraine. While teaching today, I took a moment to reflect upon the 5 months that I have lived in Stakhanov and how far I have come with my students already. They are so wonderful. Each of them makes living here worthwhile. I can’t imagine a better place for me right now then Stakhanov, Ukraine. Life is absolutely perfect.

And it helps that I have such sensational friends. :-) And an amazing site mate. Tessie, Pat and Jorge have all been blessings. I’m not sure what I would do without them.

Spring has prompted many trips away from site already. In April I visited my dear friend Nazgol in her town, about 2-3 hours from Stakhanov. It was lovely to see her. And a couple weeks ago I traveled to my twins site—Blonde Jess! She lives in the southern part of Ukraine. We celebrated her 24th birthday and had a marvelous time. I sure miss that girl when we’re apart! I’m already planning my next trip with her, along with many other adventures around Ukraine.

Besides traveling, spring has brought something else: holidays. Three so far, and another next week. Easter happened to coincide with the non-orthodox calendar this year. I celebrated with Pat very early in the morning at our local cathedral. We went with his Ukrainian counterpart, and our mutual friend, Ruslan. It was very interesting to spend this holiday the traditional Ukrainian way; going to the church at 5:00 AM to have our food and ourselves drenched…I mean blessed…with holy water by the priest. Later, after Pat and I made amazing apple-cinnamon pancakes for breakfast, we went to Tessie’s church and celebrated Easter with her friends. Now our friends as well.  It was a pleasure to meet them all.

May 1st was the May Day celebration in Ukraine. I spent that holiday with Pat and Tessie, too! We had a picnic in the park and enjoyed the sunshine. Later we went to the park and enjoyed the festivities—which included many young Ukrainians dancing on stage to various songs. It was a joy to be a part of it all.

May 9th was the European celebration of the WWII Victory Day! I was at Blonde Jess’ site that day, so I saw the memorial covered in flowers with her. And later I enjoyed the fireworks while I waited at the train station.

Next Monday is the celebration of the Pentecost. Which means yet another day of no school. That means, in the four full weeks of May, that we only had ONE week that we attended classes the entire work week. Which, I admit, was fun…if not disruptive. But we have worked! In fact, I have been crazy busy grading papers and finalizing for the end of the term—which is June 5th. I still have a stack of papers to attack with my red pen. Hopefully that happens tomorrow.
Besides school, we have also been very busy at English club. Pat and I run THREE English clubs. One at his school, one at mine and our new addition is the community English club—which at our first meeting had 44 people! Our second meeting was last weekend at our number decreased by half, which was more manageable. However, Tessie and Jorge were kind enough to help us out at this last meeting, which Pat and I appreciated very much.

This weekend Pat, Tessie and I are traveling the 1.5 hours to Lugansk to shop and just have fun in the big city. And later, Pat and I will play basketball with some of the students from the University. We’ve played with a few kids from the college and Pat’s school, which I have greatly enjoyed. I’m looking forward to playing a game with the students this Sunday. Should be fun!

Spring, oh glorious spring! You have finally arrived! And for that, I am eternally grateful.

More to follow…

[gallery]

America: The New Soviet Union

I sent the following to a talk radio show in Portland, OR after listening to him discuss the new Arizona Immigration Law. Thought I'd forward it on to you. Let me know your thoughts.


My name is Jessica. I'm from Washington State, but currently live and work in Ukraine as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I teach English as a Foreign Language to University students. As a foreigner, I must say I agree with President Obama and all those opposed to Arizona's new law. It is terrifying to walk down the streets of Ukraine and be afraid to speak English to a companion or on the phone. Because as soon as I (we) do, we're stopped by the police and asked for our documents. We're harassed by the police in Ukraine on different occasions. They do discriminate against race, gender and, most especially, because I'm an American. It's an awful feeling and it saddens me to think that America may be becoming more like a post Soviet Union country with laws such as the immigration law in Arizona. There are other alternatives to the illegal immigration problem facing America, instead of treating everyone, citizens alike, as criminals.


Peace,

Jessica

to read about the new law visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/24/us/politics/24immig.html

Cowlitz County in Washington State Booming with PCV's!

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."

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…

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…

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…

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…

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! :-)

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...

PST Wrap-Up

Today marked the day of the first real snow fall during my stay in Ukraine. One of many days, I predict. I decided that because I went to college in Eastern Washington I could easily maneuver the city in tennis shoes. Uh… I believe I’ll wear my snow boots tomorrow. I made this decision the 7th time I slipped on the ice (no, I didn’t fall.) This morning when my host Toyta (aunt) announced from the kookneea (kitchen) “Jesseeka, snig cevonia,” (Jessica, snow today) I laughed, delighted at the news. The fresh blanket of snow made the city bright and beautiful today. I was in a wonderful mood as I slowly, cautiously walked the normally 12 minute walk to my Russian teacher’s apartment. (It took me 26 minutes to walk there today!) I do not believe the reason for my happiness can only be associated with the snow. Today was the final day of language class and tomorrow is my Language Proficiency Interview…or you could call it my Russian exam. I’m not sure where Pre-Service Training went, but it is quickly wrapping up. I leave Chernigiv on Dec. 14 for a conference in Kiev. The swearing-in ceremony is Dec. 17. I feel like the last year I have been stuck in a perpetual PST. I’m looking forward to being a PCV once again.

Unfortunately, I am not as close to this batch of PCV’s as I was with my batch in the Philippines. First of all, this batch has 113 people! My PCP group only had 69—and at mid-service their numbers now stand at 50! PCP Group #267 are all amazing people full of ideals and a general respect for humanity and peace. And I'm pleased that so are many people in PC Ukraine batch #37. Many of them genuinely care about their jobs as PCV’s and I know they will shine at their permanent sites. The announcement of our sites will happen on Dec. 14. I have already been told I will teach at the university level, although I do not know where yet. But as soon as I can, I’ll let my world know where in Ukraine I am located.

I apologize for the lack of blog entries during PST. I’m afraid it has been a rather hectic 11 weeks. Here is what you’ve missed:
• Due to a mutated version of the swine flu (known as the California flu/ American flu) that fiercely affected Ukraine, the schools were closed for 4 weeks. This, of course, meant absolutely no teaching during the quarantine. It was a strange time. People walked around the streets wearing face masks, grocery stores were running low on produce because everyone was panicking and buying food quickly. Also, some host families felt nervous about having an American living in their home, and asked Peace Corps to please find them a new home. First of all, this made us feel like lepers and also like puppies in need of good homes. While my host family did not have this reaction, I had different issues in that department…
• My 1st host family in Ukraine had a difficult time understanding that Peace Corps expected them to feed me at least twice a day with the 1200 G (grieves) they were paid monthly. The woman who had the tile of my host mom preferred to spend her money on vodka rather than food. It was a strange household and I was always sick due to the constant secondhand smoke I inhaled in the apartment. My bronchitis was out of control and I lost 15 lbs in 2 months. This freaked out the Peace Corps doctors (PCMO) so they requested I be moved. Unfortunately, Peace Corps make the mistake of telling the crazy woman I lived with the night before I was to leave. She threw a fit and kicked me out at 10 pm. I met my new host family at mid-night while wearing my pajamas. It was awkward, but thankfully, a blessing. My new host family is incredible. They have no objections to feeding me and try to do so often….LOL! My host Toyta just asked if I wanted to eat borscht right now. I told her I would later and I had to promise I would eat it all. My host mom, Tanya, is a librarian—she’s 50. Toyta Nina (Tanya’s mother) is 74. They are both dear women and I’m very happy to have lived with them for the past 5 weeks. I will miss them when I move out next week, but I plan to visit in the spring at Easter.

Those are the two most important events during my PST. I did get a chance to teach once after the quarantine. I didn’t realize I was being evaluated at the time, and apparently Peace Corps Ukraine officials were very impressed at my teaching abilities. *shrug* That is one of the reasons they have decided not to place me at the high school level, and chose to place me at the University. I’m looking forward to this new challenge, to all the adventures I’m sure to have while living here in Ukraine, to once again calling myself a Peace Corps Volunteer, and I most especially look forward to the next 2 years. Hope you’ll continue to follow my blog…the journey has just begun.

More to follow…

An Old Begining

October is nearing an end. The vivid yellows and golds that have decorated the city have become muddy brown underneath the daily foot traffic. Gloves and warmer coats have been unpacked as the chill in the air threatens winters imminent arrival only weeks away. People cram into marshutkas or buses rather then lose the battle to the persistent wind. The weather does not affect the attire of the natives, especially the women. Short skirts and high heel boots are still evident despite the elements. I shake my head in despair, knowing that I will never fully acclimate to the culture, for I have no plans to wear high heels on the ice nor wear a skirt while it's -2 degrees Celsius. Five weeks in Ukraine and the attire of the women still manages to shock me. I feel rather ridiculous in my heavy winter coat and long pants, gloves, ear muffs and flat winter boots. I have to remember to behave on the streets and blend in. Which means don't dance around while listening to my iPod, which is something I definitely would do in America.

For the most part, it is difficult to remember I am in Ukraine. Well...I am living in a city. Which is very different from my sheltered existence in the woods of Washington. But Chernihiv is a lovely city full of history and I have enjoyed exploring all it has to offer. For example, last Saturday my cluster (d) and our link cluster (c) along with our Peace Corps TCF & LCF's explored the cities catacombs from the 12 century. It was quite the adventure. The monks lived in the catacombs--their lives were spent silently and in prayer. We walked/crawled through the room where all the bodies were cremated and/or buried. I can't even begin to explain the rush this experience brought for me...nor how dirty I was when we finally surfaced.
It is hard to wrap my mind around a country with such history. This is my first time in Europe and the fact that I come from a country that is only a measly 200 years old is evident as I walk around a 1200 year old city such as Chernihiv. I have only seen a sliver of Ukraine, but so far I find it to be a beautiful and incredible country. I would definitely recommend people to see this amazing, gorgeous and developing country before the newness of their independence wears off and Ukraine becomes as popular as Western Europe. I have yet to visit the neighboring countries to the West, but I doubt that these places will hold the same charm for me as Ukraine most assuredly does.

I look forward to sharing more about this country as more events occur. I will do my best to blog often. However, training is keeping me busy and I hardly find a time to do anything but study Russian, write English lesson plans, plus the many other duties required during PST. One month down, just 2 more to go before swearing in! :-) I would like to thank Connie, Loren, Aaron and my Mom for the letters. I can't even begin to explain how happy each piece of mail I receive makes me. But I know the current and former PCV's understand. Thank you so much! I shall write soon, dear readers. Take care and Odachee! (Good luck)

More to follow...