Saturday, June 07, 2008

update #1 from Kiev, Ukraine

Hello from Kiev, Ukraine!

This week Nadine and I have been settling in and getting acclimated to life in the capital city of Ukraine. We have visited many "touristy" places and have tried the Ukrainian dishes of vareneeky (dumplings) and borsch (soup). Also, we have spent a good bit of time with Cliff and Heike, our site coordinator and his wife, and enjoyed their company. Charly, our friend from Canada, has taken us on public transportation and has been a great friend this first week here. One aspect of life here that is definitely not seen in the States is the use of sidewalks for parking and even driving--whatever it takes to find a space or get where they need to go! We have been doing a lot of walking and so it has become important to watch out for cars even on the sidewalks. :)

Charly is a children's ministries director from Canada, and she was here this week leading a seminar in basic puppetry skills for the folks at the church. This was great because we learned how to make simple puppets and how to use puppets, a skill that may come in handy later this summer. We have also been able to meet people from this church and a couple other local Nazarene churches. Tomorrow (Sunday) we will be presenting a short skit and song ("Big House") with our puppets for the kids here at the Kiev church during Sunday school.

Please be praying for us as next week (Monday) we leave for ten days to Chernovtsy. While there, we will be working with disabled children. Also, be praying for us as we work to learn the language. We have a few basic phrases down, but still have a long way to go!

Anyway, I hope you have a great day, and thanks for your prayers and support!

In Christ,
Jessica

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