Got up this morning to oatmeal! I love oatmeal! Other mornings I have had fish, various "porridge" dishes, borscht (soup), cutlets (chicken fried steak-ish)...I can't remember what all else. Jane doesn't think any one over 30 should drink milk...so we don't have cereal...and I'm not sure I would drink milk over here so it is really a mute point any way. Any ways...(a Karye-ism) I enjoyed the oatmeal.
Rita came at 10:30 and we started our day. I had to pick up a few more things for my family, some things for the hospital, and some stuff for the orphanage. So we had a full day of shopping to do! Everything was available and we got it all done.
While we were downtown I saw a wonderful sight. It is the "closing" of the season for motorcycles this weekend. There was a parade, of sorts, of bikes thru out the town. We were down town and they stopped traffic for 20 minutes. I saw one biker "explain", after getting off of his bike, just why it was that the guys car could not join in the line of bikes! It was very cool! There were all kinds from Harley's to scooters! I laughed and waved at them all!
After we left downtown, we had a few more stops then headed for the orphanage. We spent some time with the girls doing crafts and sharing. They did some stuff for me that I am really proud to show you all when I get home. I know that you will be just as impressed as I was! Afterwards, stopped off at Rita's place. Then home later!
It is late and I have to get back to my flat! I love you so very much.
Jackie
Saturday, September 5, 2009
School days...
Today is a school day and we are going to join Tanya at her school. I have gone to her before and her students are delightful.
We will be there at 11 and it will be great...
We had 3 classes, and the day ended at 2:10. It was very good. The children are sweet and I learned all of their names. Some classes were 13 or 14 or 15 kids. They were attentive and I had several teachers join us for class. It is interesting the differences in our teaching philosophies. What a difference a country makes! The teachers are glad to have the opportunities to see different things, and I am glad to learn from them as well.
They are all required to work on their classrooms, and I do mean WORK. They have to do all of the painting, repairing, etc. or it doesn't get done! I bet all of you US teachers are giving a great big "whewh" (or however you spell that) about YOUR fixing up your classrooms!
I was able to give Tanya a little "teacher pack" thanks to so many of you supporting me. She does not have the financial means to take care of all the things that she needs to have a smooth running class room, so you all took a little of the burden off of her, thank you.
I got to walk home by myself today and let my self in my flat. It was very nice to have some quiet time to myself as well. Jane is such a sweet sister, and I love her. You heard a "but" didn't you?
She is like living with your mother/grandmother/big sister all rolled into one. She worries about my getting "hungry" (have any of you EVER heard about ME letting myself get "hungry"?) She doesn't want me to drink cold things, she doesn't want me to get in a draft, she wants me to eat things that are best not mentioned! She has a crazy cat that she feeds by hand...and who LOVES me...stop laughing Rick...so any way...it is nice to be home by myself...just me and the cat!
We are going to Natasha's house later to work with her on pre-school stuff. She and Rita will be teaching the childrens classes later on this year and they are getting their stuff together to do that.
They live on the Left Bank, and it is more difficult to get to them. Natasha and Sasha have twin girls who are 2. She is contemplating home schooling them as well. We were able to share a couple of hours about teaching methods, Love And Logic, and general classroom and home discipline approaches. She is so quiet and reserved I hope I didn't permanently scar her! I can be a little intense about subjects I feel such passion for! They fed us dinner and later we shared tea together. It was a very pleasant evening. We left about 9:30 p.m. and were home around 10:00.
As we got off the van we saw several motorcycles at a nearby place. We went over to see them and ask questions. There were a mix of bikes, but several Harley's. My son, Wil, loves to ride Harley's so I got my picture with one of the bikers. I am glad to be home and I am glad that it is Friday! I can sleep in at least until 8:30 in the morning!
love you much,
Jackie
We will be there at 11 and it will be great...
We had 3 classes, and the day ended at 2:10. It was very good. The children are sweet and I learned all of their names. Some classes were 13 or 14 or 15 kids. They were attentive and I had several teachers join us for class. It is interesting the differences in our teaching philosophies. What a difference a country makes! The teachers are glad to have the opportunities to see different things, and I am glad to learn from them as well.
They are all required to work on their classrooms, and I do mean WORK. They have to do all of the painting, repairing, etc. or it doesn't get done! I bet all of you US teachers are giving a great big "whewh" (or however you spell that) about YOUR fixing up your classrooms!
I was able to give Tanya a little "teacher pack" thanks to so many of you supporting me. She does not have the financial means to take care of all the things that she needs to have a smooth running class room, so you all took a little of the burden off of her, thank you.
I got to walk home by myself today and let my self in my flat. It was very nice to have some quiet time to myself as well. Jane is such a sweet sister, and I love her. You heard a "but" didn't you?
She is like living with your mother/grandmother/big sister all rolled into one. She worries about my getting "hungry" (have any of you EVER heard about ME letting myself get "hungry"?) She doesn't want me to drink cold things, she doesn't want me to get in a draft, she wants me to eat things that are best not mentioned! She has a crazy cat that she feeds by hand...and who LOVES me...stop laughing Rick...so any way...it is nice to be home by myself...just me and the cat!
We are going to Natasha's house later to work with her on pre-school stuff. She and Rita will be teaching the childrens classes later on this year and they are getting their stuff together to do that.
They live on the Left Bank, and it is more difficult to get to them. Natasha and Sasha have twin girls who are 2. She is contemplating home schooling them as well. We were able to share a couple of hours about teaching methods, Love And Logic, and general classroom and home discipline approaches. She is so quiet and reserved I hope I didn't permanently scar her! I can be a little intense about subjects I feel such passion for! They fed us dinner and later we shared tea together. It was a very pleasant evening. We left about 9:30 p.m. and were home around 10:00.
As we got off the van we saw several motorcycles at a nearby place. We went over to see them and ask questions. There were a mix of bikes, but several Harley's. My son, Wil, loves to ride Harley's so I got my picture with one of the bikers. I am glad to be home and I am glad that it is Friday! I can sleep in at least until 8:30 in the morning!
love you much,
Jackie
I'm disappointed, but leaning not on my own understanding...
We got back to hear that the school principal had cancelled our plans to visit one of the schools. I was very disappointed, but, this is Ukraine and they have their own way about things. It was a good time to regroup and rest after the train ride home.
I had some time to shop for items that were asked for, and we would have Ladies Class that night, too. I actually got to go to the class by my self today. I let Rita, my interpreter go home. She was tired and there was a couple of hours before class...I assured her that I would be fine by myself...
When it was time to leave the flat, Jayne was not home yet, so I just left. I knew my van number was 53...I just walked out to the street and stuck out my hand when 53 came by...just like a regular Ukrainian...I got on...paid my fair and sat right behind the driver. I couldn't remember the name of my stop, so I would have to be VERY close in order to stop him in time for me to get off.
When it was my time to say "stop bajshalsta" some one else needed off at the same stop so I didn't have to say anything! I was a little relieved, I'm not sure my Russian is enough to get him to stop! (but probably I could have communicated "I'm getting off of this van right here!")
Our class was very good. We had 17 ladies attend, and we shared laughs, tears, and stories as well as tea. I do love these ladies SO! We got out of class and on our way home around 8-ish. The trip home was an adventure...you knew it would be!
Rita, Tanya and I walked some of the older ladies to the van stop and then rode with them to their stops. They were hilarious. I picture Jackie, Karen, Sharon, Kathy and Elise doing much the same. There were loud discussions, opinions, and scolding each other on "correct" ways. Old Helen is so much like a Russian Jackie I have to laugh. She is teasing, laughing, acting crazy, and just a hoot! I laughed at their antics and thought of my sisters at home...I hope we still love each other this much when we get old...older!
Helen is in her late seventies, Antanina is also, Nadeshda is 86! 86! She still uses public transportation, does her own shopping, and goes everywhere by herself! She is something else! When she goes to heaven I'm gonna miss her a lot!
Got to go for now...I'm thinking of all my sisters right now...ALL of you!
love you much,
Jackie
I had some time to shop for items that were asked for, and we would have Ladies Class that night, too. I actually got to go to the class by my self today. I let Rita, my interpreter go home. She was tired and there was a couple of hours before class...I assured her that I would be fine by myself...
When it was time to leave the flat, Jayne was not home yet, so I just left. I knew my van number was 53...I just walked out to the street and stuck out my hand when 53 came by...just like a regular Ukrainian...I got on...paid my fair and sat right behind the driver. I couldn't remember the name of my stop, so I would have to be VERY close in order to stop him in time for me to get off.
When it was my time to say "stop bajshalsta" some one else needed off at the same stop so I didn't have to say anything! I was a little relieved, I'm not sure my Russian is enough to get him to stop! (but probably I could have communicated "I'm getting off of this van right here!")
Our class was very good. We had 17 ladies attend, and we shared laughs, tears, and stories as well as tea. I do love these ladies SO! We got out of class and on our way home around 8-ish. The trip home was an adventure...you knew it would be!
Rita, Tanya and I walked some of the older ladies to the van stop and then rode with them to their stops. They were hilarious. I picture Jackie, Karen, Sharon, Kathy and Elise doing much the same. There were loud discussions, opinions, and scolding each other on "correct" ways. Old Helen is so much like a Russian Jackie I have to laugh. She is teasing, laughing, acting crazy, and just a hoot! I laughed at their antics and thought of my sisters at home...I hope we still love each other this much when we get old...older!
Helen is in her late seventies, Antanina is also, Nadeshda is 86! 86! She still uses public transportation, does her own shopping, and goes everywhere by herself! She is something else! When she goes to heaven I'm gonna miss her a lot!
Got to go for now...I'm thinking of all my sisters right now...ALL of you!
love you much,
Jackie
Sophia is beautiful...
The park is very beautiful. Our hotel is across the street from it and there is a very nice restaurant in the hotel.
There was an adventure getting to the hotel...you didn't think there wouldn't be did you? We got off the train very early and asked about the transportation to the park. The bus we were shown was right there so we hopped on. Rita asked a couple of times if we were on our way to the park and was told "sure". When we arrived at the gate, it was the gate on the opposite end of where we were staying and then we had to find transportation to the actual gate where we were going to stay. Of course there was only a taxi from where we were. But, we got there and started thru the checking in process.
You have to understand, this hotel did not have a check in desk brimming with employees or guests...we had to hunt to find it on the second floor. They said that we could not check in for several more hours because other people would have to leave and then we could check in. What other people? We didn't really see many other people, but, we went to eat at the restaurant and waited. One person checked out that I could see, and shortly after, we were allowed to go into our room. In fact, we were allowed to see three different rooms to see which one we wanted. Go figure!
Our room is very lovely, it has two rooms and a nice bathroom. Bathrooms have become something of interest to me. Some are MUCH better than others! I knew that it was going to be okay when I saw how nice our bathroom was! We cleaned up a little bit and were ready to visit the park.
Wouldn't you know it...the first day of school coincided with our visit. That is the one day of the year that the children get in free! So we shared our nice quiet park with about 300 school children. They were dressed in school uniforms like I have never seen before. They looked a little like French Maid Costumes at Halloween. The girls all had dark dresses (VERY short), white aprons, white knee high socks, and HIGH heels. Oh, and on their heads were these ENORMOUS white pom pom like bows. I couldn't help but giggle every time I saw a young girl (14 - 18) looking like a Halloween party. They were looking at my outfit as if it was weird, and I was thinking the same thing about them!
Our trip back home was much more pleasant. We shared a compartment with a lady my age who was very sweet. We had a lunch packed and read some while we traveled. Our cab driver, on the way to the train station, gave us the grand tour of the town. He said that we would be way too early for the train and that we should see some sights while we had a chance. He didn't even charge us for the extra tour. The bathroom wasn't any better, but the trip didn't seem so bad going home.
I enjoyed the park, we got to see the tomb of a Hasidic Jewish guy who attracts thousands of visitors each year, and we got the grand tour of the town as well. The evenings were quiet, the weather was fabulous, the park was beautiful...God is good!
We returned to Dneper to a torential down pour. I was glad that Jayne told me to pack an umbrella. Sasha picked us up at 4:30 a.m. and we went home to rest.
I am glad I had a day of rest in a beautiful place.
I love you all,
Jackie
There was an adventure getting to the hotel...you didn't think there wouldn't be did you? We got off the train very early and asked about the transportation to the park. The bus we were shown was right there so we hopped on. Rita asked a couple of times if we were on our way to the park and was told "sure". When we arrived at the gate, it was the gate on the opposite end of where we were staying and then we had to find transportation to the actual gate where we were going to stay. Of course there was only a taxi from where we were. But, we got there and started thru the checking in process.
You have to understand, this hotel did not have a check in desk brimming with employees or guests...we had to hunt to find it on the second floor. They said that we could not check in for several more hours because other people would have to leave and then we could check in. What other people? We didn't really see many other people, but, we went to eat at the restaurant and waited. One person checked out that I could see, and shortly after, we were allowed to go into our room. In fact, we were allowed to see three different rooms to see which one we wanted. Go figure!
Our room is very lovely, it has two rooms and a nice bathroom. Bathrooms have become something of interest to me. Some are MUCH better than others! I knew that it was going to be okay when I saw how nice our bathroom was! We cleaned up a little bit and were ready to visit the park.
Wouldn't you know it...the first day of school coincided with our visit. That is the one day of the year that the children get in free! So we shared our nice quiet park with about 300 school children. They were dressed in school uniforms like I have never seen before. They looked a little like French Maid Costumes at Halloween. The girls all had dark dresses (VERY short), white aprons, white knee high socks, and HIGH heels. Oh, and on their heads were these ENORMOUS white pom pom like bows. I couldn't help but giggle every time I saw a young girl (14 - 18) looking like a Halloween party. They were looking at my outfit as if it was weird, and I was thinking the same thing about them!
Our trip back home was much more pleasant. We shared a compartment with a lady my age who was very sweet. We had a lunch packed and read some while we traveled. Our cab driver, on the way to the train station, gave us the grand tour of the town. He said that we would be way too early for the train and that we should see some sights while we had a chance. He didn't even charge us for the extra tour. The bathroom wasn't any better, but the trip didn't seem so bad going home.
I enjoyed the park, we got to see the tomb of a Hasidic Jewish guy who attracts thousands of visitors each year, and we got the grand tour of the town as well. The evenings were quiet, the weather was fabulous, the park was beautiful...God is good!
We returned to Dneper to a torential down pour. I was glad that Jayne told me to pack an umbrella. Sasha picked us up at 4:30 a.m. and we went home to rest.
I am glad I had a day of rest in a beautiful place.
I love you all,
Jackie
I rode "the bull" for the full 8 seconds
A Ukrainian train is like no other...Picture yourself back in the late forties or early fifties...in Russia...got it?? Now you can see what kind of train we were on. It is not a bad ride if you like Six Flags a lot...just kidding. The ride on the train from Dneper to Uman was much like taking a bus from Dallas to El Paso. You will certainly stop at every place that has more than one house standing close together. We stopped so often I wasn't sure that we would make it before it was time for us to come home!
You have to understand the train system here as well. You buy a place to sleep in a compartment that sleeps four. It really doesn't matter to them WHICH four are sleeping together. We were joined by a young man who looked like he was in his late 20's or early 30's. It was very hard to even think about sleeping with him in the same room with us...(stop laughing Ben Andersen)...so we neither one got very much sleep.
The ride was very much like a bad ride at 6 Flags. Every time they came to a stop...which was VERY often...you were jerked forward and then backward. If you had been asleep before, you weren't now. Also, several of the stops were at actual train stations and the loud speaker squawking out unintelligable Russian was very hard to sleep thru, if by chance, the kleig lights didn't wake you. The other stops were so fast I'm not sure that I could have gotten up the steps and into the train before it took off again.
As for the bathroom...
I'm not sure there are words that would describe that experience. Anyone from the old school Casa View may remember the Express Bus. It had a place in the very back next to the emergency exit that served the same purpose. Using that facility was like riding a bull, thus the name "the Bull". Well...I tell you what...give me the old Express! This Ukrainian version is something else!
You have to make sure that you roll up your pants before you go in because there is usually water standing on the floor. And if there is toilet paper it is more like the cheapest version of paper towel available. Then...IF you can stand, there is a stainless steel potty that smells like...you don't really want to know the answer to that! All the while rolling down the tracks, so you are in a Port-a-potty on wheels and the driver is drunk! It sways and jerks so much that they have a grab bar so that you won't fall down. Of course when I am finished I can't make the sink water work at all so my hands are...you don't really want to know the answer to THAT one either! It is an exciting adventure to try and hit the right place while swaying and twisting and trying to hold your breath! You ladies know exactly what I'm talking about. Rita, I might add MUCH after the fact, told me you are supposed to put on foot on the toilet seat, one foot on the ground, and hold to the grab bar with one hand. (the other one is up in the air rodeo style I am sure) It apparantly gives you a sense of stability or something! Next time I'm on a Ukrainian train I'll try it!
Just wanted you to have something to be thankful for today!
love you much,
Jackie
You have to understand the train system here as well. You buy a place to sleep in a compartment that sleeps four. It really doesn't matter to them WHICH four are sleeping together. We were joined by a young man who looked like he was in his late 20's or early 30's. It was very hard to even think about sleeping with him in the same room with us...(stop laughing Ben Andersen)...so we neither one got very much sleep.
The ride was very much like a bad ride at 6 Flags. Every time they came to a stop...which was VERY often...you were jerked forward and then backward. If you had been asleep before, you weren't now. Also, several of the stops were at actual train stations and the loud speaker squawking out unintelligable Russian was very hard to sleep thru, if by chance, the kleig lights didn't wake you. The other stops were so fast I'm not sure that I could have gotten up the steps and into the train before it took off again.
As for the bathroom...
I'm not sure there are words that would describe that experience. Anyone from the old school Casa View may remember the Express Bus. It had a place in the very back next to the emergency exit that served the same purpose. Using that facility was like riding a bull, thus the name "the Bull". Well...I tell you what...give me the old Express! This Ukrainian version is something else!
You have to make sure that you roll up your pants before you go in because there is usually water standing on the floor. And if there is toilet paper it is more like the cheapest version of paper towel available. Then...IF you can stand, there is a stainless steel potty that smells like...you don't really want to know the answer to that! All the while rolling down the tracks, so you are in a Port-a-potty on wheels and the driver is drunk! It sways and jerks so much that they have a grab bar so that you won't fall down. Of course when I am finished I can't make the sink water work at all so my hands are...you don't really want to know the answer to THAT one either! It is an exciting adventure to try and hit the right place while swaying and twisting and trying to hold your breath! You ladies know exactly what I'm talking about. Rita, I might add MUCH after the fact, told me you are supposed to put on foot on the toilet seat, one foot on the ground, and hold to the grab bar with one hand. (the other one is up in the air rodeo style I am sure) It apparantly gives you a sense of stability or something! Next time I'm on a Ukrainian train I'll try it!
Just wanted you to have something to be thankful for today!
love you much,
Jackie
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Monday, Monday...
This morning we got an early start and it was a good thing! One of the girls from the Dawn who has finished school and is now looking for work hooked us up with her boyfriend. He has a small car and we needed immediate and reliable transportation for this day to work.
Julia gladly asked Sasha for his help and he was very gracious to help us. We had to go to the Metro (Ukraines version of Sam's Club)and purchase some diapers, soap, socks, and a small washing machine for the boys to use on socks and underwear. They are not very good at making sure everything is cleaned just so...girls I think are much better at that! Anyway, it was a small washer, much like a bucket that has an agitater in it! (any of you trying to make any analogies about agitation should just STOP right now!!)
Any way...we bought the things that we needed and added them to some things we already had for the girls and went over to the Dawn right away. We had some school supplies, and some craft stuff for their pictures, and some time to visit with them. It was a good time for me. They are so much like American teens...and in such a difficult situation...they are so unlike American teens! Some days I am amazed at their tenacity in the face of all they encounter!
After the Dawn, we made it across to the Left Bank and saw Tamara, the head nurse, from Hospital #5. We were able to supply them with soap, paper towels (they have new, much needed, sanitation rules)to replace their cloth towels, and diapers. We have more things that we have to add to their list before I go, but that will come another day. She was so glad to see us and it was a time to renew an old friendship.
After the hospital, thank you to Sasha, we had to a chance to visit the Baby House. (at the hospital, the babies were sleepinh, but we did get a few pictures, they were asleep at the Baby House as well)We got to talk to the nurses because the babies were sleeping. It was a time to share why I do the things that I do, and some differences from US. One baby, Artiom (Tom), woke up and entertained us all for awhile. Rita went to the principle and tried to get the necessary papers...of course she was not available today so Rita will have to go another day. This is Ukraine and things do not hardly ever go as planned.
We did manage to get all three things I wanted to do today DONE...but...I would have liked to have held the babies...done more with the girls...I guess I just have to be happy with what IS and not fret over what IS NOT!
We were taken to the train by Sasha later in the evening. I am ready to have a day of rest and a visit to Sophia Park.
I love you all very much...
Jackie
Julia gladly asked Sasha for his help and he was very gracious to help us. We had to go to the Metro (Ukraines version of Sam's Club)and purchase some diapers, soap, socks, and a small washing machine for the boys to use on socks and underwear. They are not very good at making sure everything is cleaned just so...girls I think are much better at that! Anyway, it was a small washer, much like a bucket that has an agitater in it! (any of you trying to make any analogies about agitation should just STOP right now!!)
Any way...we bought the things that we needed and added them to some things we already had for the girls and went over to the Dawn right away. We had some school supplies, and some craft stuff for their pictures, and some time to visit with them. It was a good time for me. They are so much like American teens...and in such a difficult situation...they are so unlike American teens! Some days I am amazed at their tenacity in the face of all they encounter!
After the Dawn, we made it across to the Left Bank and saw Tamara, the head nurse, from Hospital #5. We were able to supply them with soap, paper towels (they have new, much needed, sanitation rules)to replace their cloth towels, and diapers. We have more things that we have to add to their list before I go, but that will come another day. She was so glad to see us and it was a time to renew an old friendship.
After the hospital, thank you to Sasha, we had to a chance to visit the Baby House. (at the hospital, the babies were sleepinh, but we did get a few pictures, they were asleep at the Baby House as well)We got to talk to the nurses because the babies were sleeping. It was a time to share why I do the things that I do, and some differences from US. One baby, Artiom (Tom), woke up and entertained us all for awhile. Rita went to the principle and tried to get the necessary papers...of course she was not available today so Rita will have to go another day. This is Ukraine and things do not hardly ever go as planned.
We did manage to get all three things I wanted to do today DONE...but...I would have liked to have held the babies...done more with the girls...I guess I just have to be happy with what IS and not fret over what IS NOT!
We were taken to the train by Sasha later in the evening. I am ready to have a day of rest and a visit to Sophia Park.
I love you all very much...
Jackie
I'm baaaaccckkk....
I have been out of contact for a couple of days so I know that you are all anxiously awaiting the return of "the blog"...
Well...maybe you want to read about some things going on here! So, I will post blogs according to the day they happened...keep reading....
love you all!
Well...maybe you want to read about some things going on here! So, I will post blogs according to the day they happened...keep reading....
love you all!
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