Ukraine: Words and Pictures

I'm feeling nostalgic this week. And a little tired since my body doesn't know what time it is and why I'm waking up when it's dark outside and eating dinner when it looks too bright and inviting outside. Whose idea was daylight savings time anyway? (Benjamin Franklin? At least I think that's what they said on National Treasure.)

Anyho, so I've been thinking of traveling lately. But since I am stuck blessed to be home today, I am resorting to sifting through my files of days gone by living in Europe. (I still haven't had an English scone yet. Perhaps this would help my mood?) Instead of daydreaming I should be reading a novel for the parent/child book group my oldest and I joined, but I've always been the Push the Panic Button kind of student, so I'm taking a break…before I get started.

So here's a blast from the past, 1994 to be exact. Those of you who know me might remember that I served an LDS (aka Mormon, aka those two guys in suits wearing name tags and knocking on doors, only I'm a girl) mission to Kiev, Ukraine. At that time, the Ukraine was trying to figure out how to be Capitalist instead of Communist. It was a bumpy ride, especially if you were an American fond of hot showers, reliable electricity, grocery stores that stocked more than pickled beets, and public transportation that didn't involve smashing your body against strangers. Don't even get me started about standing in lines. Or the post office, where instead of the workers going "postal" the patrons could easily snap after waiting an hour only to be told that there were no more stamps to be had.  

But of course, there were good things, like borscht and black bread. And a nine-layer torte that a sweet old woman made for her own birthday celebration. And the chestnut trees lining the boulevard, blooming in great white flower cones that swayed in the breeze. And the lilacs with their intoxicating scent, perfuming the path to our apartment. And the open markets in the summer, women wrapped in scarves dropping a dollop of honey on the back of your hand, urging you to Eat, Eat! And of course there were the people, who could still laugh in spite of all the frustrations and uncertainties. These are some of the things that made all the cold showers worth it. And they are what prompted me to put some words and pictures of my experiences in the Ukraine together. So I could remember why I went there in the first place. And why I would gladly go back. 

So I'm inviting you to my memory party this week. Hope you enjoy yourselves. I know I will.

PS

If you can't read a picture, click on it to enlarge.

This is an excerpt from an inscription written in a book of poetry, given to me by my dear friend Maria. 

 She was right. My heart still feels hers, even though we are thousands of miles apart. 

 

Comments

[Dana]

Just when I think you are at your best writing words of humor, you change gears and blow me away with your words of wisdom and insight. Do write more of this. I loved reading it. Perhaps two books are in the making here!

[MaryB]

Yay! I love your mission photo essay! I always tell the kids about it...now they'll get to see and read it for themselves! Thank you for sharing!