The simplicity of Knocking

So the last several days I have been refraining from updating a blog filled with complaining, and I have done a good job on doing so.  You have to understand- living with about 40 little brothers and sisters can be a bit mentally draining.  I got all kinds of "little" ones: the one who screams, the one who stinks, the one who does not understand personal space, the one who asks a million questions, the one who doesn't understand no means NO, and ALL who don't understand the edicts of knocking.

I was told in my cross cultural training that I may experience the "open doors without knocking" experience.  I have a very long list "knocking" experiences  since living in the dorms, and I would really like to decrease this number.  Thank You for the invention of Locks!!

I have created a list of Knocking Edicts that I am sure you would never think twice to learn back home.

1. If the door is shut- KNOCK

• Do not just try shaking the door handle-- I LOCK the door both when I am inside and outside my room.
• if it is cracked open this does not give you the privilege to just walk on in and explore 

2. when you knock, several sturdy knocks should suffice.

• When you give me sturdy knocks- I hear it and I will come to the door as soon as I can.
• when you tap- I think it is the woodpecker outside my window
• when you knock constantly- you automatically annoy me and I put my headphones on and pretend to not hear you
• knock more than 10 times and no answer means: I either am not home, I am busy, or I just don't want to answer the door

3. There are time edicts for door knocking as there is for phone calling. 

• After "bed time" and 15 minutes before breakfast time don't even think about it. 

4. If you knock on the door and I answer and you just want to say hi, please don't knock on the door 2 minutes later to say hi again....  

So maybe this is a personalized list for my standards, but really.... 

Knocking and door positions is another special form of communication, and apparently it is not universal (just so you all are aware of that). 

The Story in my Host Sisters Eyes

My host sister wrote a story about my time living in her home while I was in training.  Because people always have different points of views to each story, I think you will enjoy what she wrote.  It is translated into English from her Ukrainian-- So I am sure you all can figure out the message.

 My host sister, Katya, and myself after making dinner for Mamma Inna

My American sister

By: Katya Yangol

My mom was first told about Americans from the "Peace Corps". At first, I did not care, but then I become more interested about it.
It is funny to remember those first moments when I saw Morgan. It was a rainy/snowy day and, frankly, I hardly remember how the first meeting went because I was very worried on what and how to speak with the American girl? All I remember is the moment when the car drove up to my house and it came out a short girl with dark beautiful hair. She smiled for all 32 teeth, but in the eyes I could read the excitement and fatigue. I gladly entered the threshold of the same broad smile, and when I was saying hello to the guest in her language, she was glad because I think she was afraid that she is in a foreign country with completely unknown people to her who even don’t speak English.
Within two weeks we became really close.
Every day, we did homework together, showed each other pictures of our friends, watching sitcoms, ate kilograms of cookies and candy. It was very cool! You could not tell that she is from another continent. 

We indeed have much in common. Most of what I liked in Morgan was her cheerfulness and optimism that have not left her, and eternal desire to help around the house and in the garden. By the way, she pulled all the weeds from the ground in the section I had to do, and for that I loved her even more.
I didn't feel any discomfort when she lived here. Even my mom and dad loved it like she was their daughter.
Sometimes I really want the days to return when Morgan lived in our house, because I at least had sister for a while to who I could tell everything to (besides near my family, and they do not understand what I mean). It was really cool!
While I didn't feel lonely, because not only did I have parents supporting me, but I had a new sister supporting me, too.
And I still regularly talk with her by phone and chatting on the Internet. In the summer I visited her in Kremenets, where she will live another year and a half.
The main thing I understood talking to an American, is that people are all really different, sometimes difficult to explain their behavior. But between us there is more in common than differences.
Here is an example: I did not feel that we were from different countries. Today I can say with confidence that people overseas are overall just like us.  There may be some different habits, languages, views on life but, when converge with a person for real, it seems that you have been together forever and have been going hand in hand all your life.

The Birthday Update

Thank You Ukraine for giving me a wonderful birthday celebration.  If one person finds out about your birthday--they all will know.  Today was just a wonderful day!

My new boots I bought to look more "professional"

Started my day off getting a phone call from my family which could not have started my day off any better.  Right after I got off the phone with them I put on my new heeled boots and went to the post office to get a wonderful birthday card from the parentals and then bought a doughnut for breakfast/  Right as I got back to my room the Director came and gave me chocolates and an espresso mug (had no idea how he knew about my birthday...).

I then went to the school stadium where I was greeted by all the trainers where they wished me a happy birthday.  This included all the old men giving me kisses wishing me good health.
**It is a Ukrainian tradition apparently, and I did not know about it until today.  I had received about 20 kisses from old men... I sure hope that it is only once a year that this happens.  I couldn't help but to laugh most of the time it was happening... Whoops!  There was one guy who had really REALLY bad breath that once I got home, I washed my face and brushed my teeth because the smell was "stuck" to me.  (sorry, that was kind of rude..)

All the birthday goodies I got today--can you say WOOOAH?

I then went to Pochaiv not really knowing why, but I went with the football trainer and when we got there I was informed that we were picking up 8 13/14 year old soccer boys to take them back to the stadium in Kremenets--- it was about a 20 minute "fast" drive.  Now a typical Ukrainian car is small.  So there were 7 boys piled in the back with the 8th boy sitting up in the front seat with me. Gosh, I love Ukraine sometimes...

After a whole bunch of soccer games, I then had my institute/college practice where all the girls gave me a ukrainian flower/ribbon headband and a soccer ball that they all signed.  Practice was then finished with some wonderful champagne.

Students ran all around school  to find me to give me a birthday "surprise"

Today was a great day.  I honestly felt so loved.  No one knew about my birthday until yesterday when Tanya randomly asked me when my birthday was...  and after telling her that it was "tomorrow" it obviously didn't take long for EVERYONE to find out.  I could not have asked for better day.  The weather was amazing with the sun was shining,  the temperature was decent, and the trees are just gorgeous with their fall colors.  Students brought me flowers, balloons, cards, and they all wished me a happy birthday in english.  The English teachers and Vasyl (the German language teacher) gave me a plant and a wonderful gift to remember Kremenets.

I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.  Though I am half a world away from most of my friends and family, I think this year was one of the most memorable and special birthdays.  Thank you to all who helped make this day so special.

Until Next Time,
I am 22 and this upcoming year I have a feeling is going to be a BIG one.

Baseball, Fighting, and Confusion

3 weeks have passed since school has started, and though it seems like it has been longer, I can't believe it is almost October!

The first couple weeks have been filled with confusion, small talk trying to get to know the teachers and staff at the school, and  a miracle.  The Director put me in contact with the football trainer of Kremenets, and he agreed to help me start a girls' football team at my school.  Not only did he just do that, he has been picking me up 3 days a week to go play with the college/institute boys and girls at the stadium in the center.  It is awesome because it is has been a great/easy way to make friends and, there is nothing I like better than to go outside and play soccer.  (football is soccer here, if you have not caught on to that yet...)

Besides the soccer deal I got going on, everything else is pretty much at a standstill.  I am having a difficult time getting English Club launched simply because of schedule conflicts.Overall the "work" related aspect of my service has been an "odd" 3 weeks with confrontations, mis-communications, traveling, and figuring things out slowly but surely.  But I can reassure you that me hanging out with the kids, playing, etc.  is very successful (I guess that is kind of my job?)--I am not too sure...

Kremenets Internat Little League team 

Lucky for me, there is a little league baseball tournament this weekend.  Vasyl Tarasko is the Director of Little League baseball in Ukraine. He is from America but is Ukrainian and came here around 20 or so years ago.  It was awesome being a part of his "project" and I think it is awesome how he went back to his roots to help improve the lives of the younger generation.


Saturday the kids had a lottery raffle for baseball hats, shirts, balls, mits, etc.  Of course, there is always that one special kid you spot out right at the beginning and he becomes your "secret" favorite.   Well this boy, Tolik, proved his special place in my heart.  Each kid received a raffle ticket-- then, all those raffle tickets were used as the order of who got to pick an item.  Vasyl went through the numbers 2 rounds and was about to start going on the third.  I looked at Tolik and he had that "why wasn't my number called looked?" and I knew something was up.  Finally, I asked him how many times he got to pick an item and he told me 1.  He was just sitting there not saying anything, already grateful for what he got the first time.  I was on a mission to make sure he got to get at least a baseball hat. I told Vasyl and Samantha (another PCV) what was up, so when Samantha started calling out numbers, She just called out Tolik's so that he could get a baseball hat.  She then found Tolik's number on the table (it never made it back in the bag), so we put it back in the bag just in time for the "surprise presents" raffle. When Vasyl pulled out the ticket-- It was Tolik's!!!  He recieved a Poland/Ukraine EuroCup scarf, a Boston Red Sox hat, Yankees hat, 2 baseballs, batting gloves, and a new glove.  At first I thought he Vasyl rigged  it because he felt bad, but he really did pull out the missing number!

Tolik opening his surprise box

Anyways, he was the happiest kid ever!  And I was happy too!  He thought I was his fairy godmother for doing something!  I love when the appreciative, polite, and happy kids get things!!

Fiesty girls- they are great! 

So the baseball teams stayed in the dorms too, and was it exciting!!  There was so much going on this weekend for everyone--I loved it!    Yesterday the teams were all leaving but, the team from Luhansk, Lutuhyne wasn't leaving until 1am to catch a 3 am train so I got to hang out with all the internat kids, Tolik, and his teammates. I guess I have now faced reality with what really goes on in some of these kids lives.  There was so much fighting I didn't know what to do!  I physically had to break up 3 fights yesterday and finally had the most ridiculous conversation with about 15-20 kids telling them that it is SO not cool to fight-- but I had no idea how to say fight, so I just acted it out.... I am not too sure how affective that was- but at least I know I should practice some disciplinary Ukrainian.  I just threatened to take my soccer ball and not play with them anymore.  It seemed to work-- and at dinner the ones involved got in trouble by the teachers on duty so they were not allowed to go outside after dinner.  I thought--GOOD!  It was bad.  Anytime someone accidentally got hit with a ball or didn't get their way, they would start crying and act out in fighting.  So that is my next project-- teaching them how to handle their quick angered emotions and not retaliating with violence.

So to wrap it up-- Everything is going well!  I know that with time, I will find my place here and will feel the comfort of "being home".  And I have decided that I hope to have a soccer girl and a baseball boy someday.  God willing.  :)

Until Next Time,


Play Ball!

Unrelated

So I go in Pinterest a lot during my free time, and I just saw a quote saying " Eat to live but, don't live to eat" and when I read this I said to myself, and to Caitlyn "I DISAGREE"!!!  Some of my best memories in life come from food.  There are some foods I will NEVER want to try, and some that I a DYING to try.  Food is delicious, and I think that it is totally fine to want to live so that you can eat more.  Yes, I probably have a food problem, but who doesn't!?  I love to eat, and I know for a fact that if I knew I was going to die in a week it will be spent with everyone I love eating delicious food all day long. 

So take this Pinterest and all you thin-spiration quotes!

I will post a real post about the updates/ events going on in my life when I have "time"

Until Next Time,
Chow down on some delicious grub!

First Bell

"The essence of Frazer's achievements was that he saw the need to stand outside his own culture to understand other cultures."

Sir James George Frazer (social anthropologist)

Before I came to Ukraine, I made a photo calendar on Shutterfly filled with pictures of friends and family back home.  Because I could only do it for 18 months, I decided to start September 2011 (today)!!!  Each month I included photos that reminded me of that month along with one of my favorite quotes from the book Simply Living.  It so happens that the quote above was this months selected favorite.  

Today was the First Bell.   In Ukraine, school is started off every year with a First Bell.   Today at 9am, children, parents, and faculty members all gathered in front of school ready to welcome the first day  along with welcoming the first time school children.  Here you could see all the children in their fine attire along with a bunch of beautiful and colorful flowers in their hands waiting to give to their teachers.  At this ceremony/parade (whatever you want to call it), a first form girl sits on the shoulders of an 11th form boy and rings the symbolic First Bell signifying the start of the school year.  Along with this, there were a lot of other festivities pertaining to the First form (grade), and the 11th form. This year is a very special year for my school, not only because I am here (joke), but because this year is the 50th anniversary of the school. We have completed the new "Performing Arts Center", and boy does it look beautiful!!!  We are also trying to hurry up to finish the museum of the school's history before October 15th (the anniversary date).   I will post pictures of these rooms as soon as I take the photos of them! 

Honestly, today was overall a good day, but it was probably one of the most awkward days of my entire life.  Now I have always been in awkward moments and it is no big deal to me, but today was awkward and frustrating. There is something about being the new kid on the block but being the new kid on the block that doesn't speak the native language is something entirely different.  Now I put on that smile and say "добрий день"  to all those people I pass, but Ukrainians are so hard to read by their facial expressions... I mean come on-- slap a smile on for me or something!!    So after not knowing what was going on the entire day and just being stared at with that straight face of theirs for about 4 hours, it got a tad bit frustrating.  BUT--- Kids always save the day.  I went back to my room once a teacher told me I could, and once I got there,  I did not like the way the day ended... I thought to myself "what the He!! just happened?"  So I decided to go for round 2.  I grabbed my bag and my camera and walked outside and walked up to a group of students and they all started shouting "Hello" "What is your name"  "how age you" etc. (pauses were filled with laughter) and I responded in Ukrainian which they absolutely got a kick out of... and then we became friends-- Just like that!  Viola!  Easy! Done!  Kids rock!  I wish everyone had that care free and friendly mentality that children have... at what age do we start losing that attitude, anyways??

Now, everyday I may need to remind myself whenever I feel any kind of frustration or negativity as to why I am here.  But that is OK because I have come up with a system to counteract those feeling.  That system is: every time I start to feel that frustration or negativity, I need to look at the bigger picture, I need to come up with at least 2 positives about that situation, and I need to think again what my intentions are on being here and think of things I can do better to turn those intentions into actions and behaviors.

This month's quote from my 18 month photo calendar ties in well for today's feelings.   I joined the Peace Corps to step outside my own culture and comfort zone to experience and understand another culture.  I knew coming here that it would probably be more culturally challenging, for me personally, than to go back to Africa.  But, today is a little reminder that I have so much more to learn here. I have not fully gotten an understanding of the culture hence my frustration and stress on not knowing what is going on.  So, here it is.   Cheers to the start of a wonderful new school year.  May this year be filled with children learning more than just the basic curriculum, and may it be filled with me learning more about Ukrainian culture, myself, and us as a people and a global community.  May it be filled with new friendships and wonderful memories!  

Until Next Time,

Bonne Chance,  бажаю успіху, and good luck!

Appreciating the small wonders of each and every day

For the past 2 months now, I have spent every other day thinking of thousands of potential future plans  and I ask myself these questions more than I should—“ what am I going to do when I am done with Peace Corps?” , “exactly how many more days do I have here?”, “exactly how many days can I use to travel in and around Ukraine?”    and then finally, it became clear as I was doing my daily “stumbling” that I stumbled upon a blog post called Don't put your life on hold where it had a note saying:

Lonya on a typical day at camp

         “First, I was dying to finish my high    
          school and start college.
          And then I was dying to finish college and
          start working.
          Then I was dying to marry and have
          children.
          And then I was dying for my children to  
          grow old enough so I could go back to
          work.
          But then I was dying to retire.
          And now I am dying…
          And suddenly I realized I forgot to live.”

Now, when I think back on everything, I most definitely lived, so far.  I have no regrets and no “what ifs” but, I most definitely wonder if my excessive thoughts about future plans might hold me back on the adventure of life… But then again, I don’t think so.  I have always been a big planner, but I plan so much I have about 20 different “routes” plus the roller coaster route.  And boy has life has been a roller coaster these past 2 years, and it is amazing what has happened  *Probably the best 2 years of my life.  2 years ago I would never guess I would have done the things I have done, and now I get to enjoy another 2 years of my life in Ukraine, and who knows!  Maybe I will have the same feelings as I do about the next two years as I do about the past 2 years!

***********

 living life in the moment: Gotta love the Discotheque!!

Vanya at the Discotheque!

I still have no idea about what I am going to be doing at my site.  I have been stressing the last couple days about what I am going to be doing, because seriously—I sometimes feel like I have done NOTHING since I have been here.  I then have to remind myself that being a successful Peace Corps Volunteer doesn’t necessarily mean you need to get thousands of dollars for your site in grant money, or coming up with this grand project that will “save the world”, or even coming up with a big project in general.  Though all these things have got to be an added bonus to the job, the most important thing is building relationships with the 

youth.   As I look back on the last 5 months I have 

been here, I realize that is exactly what I have done.  It is about doing the things I love to do, and then 

including the kids.  Who knew that playing soccer, 

making jewelry, painting, dancing, walking around town, going on hikes, eating ice cream, having “photo shoots”, playing board games/card games, and watching movies would be considered “working”.   I have never been one with the words.  I never know what to say in many situations, but I am good with my actions.  I show the kids how to be a good role model through my actions.  I try to spread the love through compassion, giving kids’ attention, giving them the time of day, and showing that I am vulnerable just like they are sometimes. 

I really don’t know what is in store for me for the next two years let alone the next 3 months, but HEY!  I am going to not forget to live, and enjoy this wonderful roller coaster of life.

 ***************************************

Mom and Dad on their visit:  Eating DELICIOUS pastries in the beautiful city of Lviv

I also wanted to include in this post an “I love you” to all my family and friends.  I miss you all so much but, the one great thing about you all is your encouragement and support.  I know that no matter the distance, we are family, and when we do meet again, it may not be the same, but it sure as heck will be an AWESOME time--- like always.  So thanks for keeping my spirits up during some “lonely” times at site… (but don’t worry- the kids are moving in tomorrow, so I don’t think I will be lonely anymore). 

**Photos from Bona Hill in Kremenets (my town).  

Bona Hill Castle Ruins

View of the Institute/ Orthodox Churches from the top of Bona Hill

HELLO KREMENETS!!  Morgan Roth is here to stay for good!!!  (at least 2 years)

Overwhelming amount of updates!

There are people who are blessed with the ability word things, the capability to learn languages with little to no struggle, and to keep in touch with family and friends.

Well, let's just say those 3 are definitely not my best traits...

So much has happened that I have not updated on, but in all reality, I am way too lazy to think of a way to explain what has happened.  I don't have many photos to show, I don't have any creative way of explaining it, so I am just going to put everything that has happened in the "secret/overflow" section.  Though nothing is a secret, I am putting the 2 into the same category for when that time does come.

School is starting next week, and after a bit of a misunderstanding with my job duties as a youth development volunteer, I am finally on track to compiling a list of extracurricular activities and projects for this upcoming school year.  I think I made a friend  (though a дуже обережно) because I am not trying to get married... But I think the German teacher and I can be awesome friends!  he actually has decent English, and is pretty cool.

The kids who live in the school are still gone, and I am more than anxious to meet them.  I have a gut feeling they are going to be my main target!  But really, I am digging deep into that creativity river in my head trying to come up with ideas and projects that really will benefit the school/community.  It is a good thing Peace Corps gave us that warning that it will take time to figure out the needs of your organization(s) because I am starting to go crazy that I have not really done anything yet.  I officially have the world map project in writing for projects throughout the school year, written down for March (but you should all know that does not mean anything).  I am also currently working on the logistics of a girl's football (soccer) team here.  I am hoping that we get the numbers, and then I will start doing some grant writing for equipment and what not!  I mean, I am at a starting point, which is reassuring, and it helps to have an awesome Regional Manager who is so encouraging and who has got my back no matter what.

I guess that this information can do.  I am working on my writing skills to make my blogs seem a little more interesting, but in the meantime-- you will just have to deal.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Today is Ukraine's 20th birthday being an independent country!  It is quite amazing to think how young this country is, yet how much history it has been through.  So today I celebrated it by going to the castle ruins "Bona Hill" in my town with 2 10th form students and watched a ceremony for a new monument, and then went to the park and enjoyed the same concert I saw yesterday!   Welcome to Ukraine!  It was great

No beer or vodka, but the evening ended with my making some delicious Mac N Cheez, so it is all good.

Until Next Time,
Stay Classy Friends!

Welcome to Ukraine # 2322823

So every time I experience something culturally interesting, I think to myself: "Welcome to Ukraine".

Today I got that exciting whirl of "Welcome to Ukraine" fix for the next month.

As I was waiting patiently 10 min. after I was supposed to meet some of the students, anticipating on going on a hike with them, I decided to give the English teacher a call to see if she was with the kids.  On the phone, she said "yes yes, please come to me".

Let me add this visual:  All the teachers are at school today because it is staff photo day (who knew?!)  So when I go up to the English teachers' room in my "work out" clothes--still anticipating on going on a HIKE, I am informed that I am taking a staff photo right now with the language department staff.  As many of you already know, Ukrainians dress up, high heels, make up, beautiful dresses to school-- and here I am black soccer shorts, tennis shoes, and my gray invisible children shirt.... WHOOPS!  

One of my counterparts- who I absolutely LOVE is the psychologist, and she kept saying I look nice, and I just know it is her way of indirectly saying-- "we all know you are American and you stand out anyways, so don't worry about it".

On top of that, The teachers have been talking about getting me together with the German teacher.  Well I finally met this man today--and they really couldn't have made it any more obvious... The two of us got so close to each other like we have known each other for years in the STAFF photo!!! this is when I would insert my infamous quote "oy yoy yoy"...

Tis' the life of a Peace Corps volunteer, right?  Now I am in my room typing this laughing and smiling about this joyous eventful unplanned morning.

Urgent Prayers Needed

It has been awhile since I posted, and though I have much to update on (and I will soon),  I want to keep this post dedicated to my dear friend Robyn.

On August 10th, she was in a car accident and has been in critical condition/ in a medically induced coma.
There have been many miracles thus far, and prayers are much needed for her and her family for more miracles to happen.

Right now the biggest thing is her ICP #-- the lower the number the better (it means the swelling in the brain is decreasing), once this number lowers, they will then be able to continue with the chain of events to slowly start waking her up again.

I have known Robyn for years and she is the sweetest, kindest, most loving, thoughtful person I know.  Seriously.

Please keep the thoughts, love, and prayers flowing for Robs and her family.  This world would not be the same without her enormous bubbly personality, crazy big smile, and contagious laugh.

and let it begin!

After a very nice and relaxing week with my host sister being here, everything is finally starting to fall into place.  I have 2 days until the awesomeness begins!!

I have decided to head back to the summer campgrounds where I was at a couple weeks ago to hang out/ help with the other camp that was there when Big Bang was going on.  I am so excited to go back and see some of those kids again!  

Plus, right after, I am going to Lviv for the weekend to see my American parents!!!  I am lucky to have parents who are willing to take the time and money to fly out to me so early in my service.  WHOO HOO!!  It is going to be AMAZING!!

Once I get back from camp and Lviv, the 2 week crunch time before school starts begins and I made sure to tell the Director of the school that I wanted to work!  All the teachers will be back by the 15th preparing their classrooms, and I will help out with anyone who wants it!   And before you know it school begins!   I still have absolutely no idea what I will be doing, but we will just see when the time comes.

That is all... A great month it is indeed!   Camp, Lviv, Parents, WORK!!!

Until Next Time,
YAY FOR DOING STUFF!!! 

Summer Storms

Now, when I was told that I will be packing my bags for Ukraine, NO ONE informed me about the summer weather.  This summer has been a very interesting one in terms of what I am doing and of course, the weather....

I do know that the climate in Ukraine varies based on location.  I am not sure if it is just the west, but there are some CRAZY thunder storms.   I sit in my room watching lightning flash and thunder roar.  I absolutely love it!  

It only gets a little annoying when I decide to take a walk either to the supermarket or just an "excursion".  One second it will be hot and sunny and the next the sky decides it wants to change: dark clouds, roaring thunder, and flashing lights.  On the positive side, when I have been out and about when this happens, it enters the "Great memories of site"...

I still don't own an umbrella, and I do not know how much longer I can last without having one with me at all times, but I will let you know when I cave in and buy one.

In the meantime, I am loving this weather in the summer--something new!

That is all for now.
Until Next Time,
stay dry! ;-)

What keeps me going

So summer time at site is not boring... Just EXTREMELY lonely.

There are so many things that I want to do--and I do them, but after awhile doing everything by myself gets pretty flippin' lonely.

One thing I did today to kill some time was hang all my letters from my mom on my wall--right next to my dream catcher (Pictured to the right).... but that only took 30 min tops.

At times it is hard to understand why I am here, especially when there is so much going on back home.  It is hard to hear about family members being sick and not being able to be there by their side, it is hard to see someone I like so much move on, it is hard not to be there to root on the siblings in all their events like they did for me all those years, and it is exciting to see people get married-- it is only a bummer I can't be there to help celebrate.
But the good family and friends all remind me that I am here for a reason, and the love and support I get from them makes me keep my head up and keep moving.-- so I thank you.

It doesn't help that there are NO kids around.  But I can only imagine how my life will do a 180 degree turn once the kids move into the dorms. ** Dance parties, games, hanging out, soccer, tutoring, making jewelry, EVERYTHING!

So for the next month or so, I am hanging in there and trying to keep positive enjoying the moment and looking forward to the next

Until next time,

I am enjoying the peace.

Rusty...

Many of you may already know about my dog, Rusty.  He is an old pup and has definitely gotten around...

I felt like I would write a short sweet update about his adventure so far in Ukraine. He has gotten to see every place I have seen, and is loving it!! He definitely misses the kids from the internat back at camp in Haivoron.  

You see, when I stayed an extra night with the other camp, all the kids gave Rusty special attention that he hasn't had in awhile, and I am pretty sure they all fell in love with him, I mean, how can they not??  He is so easy going and lovable.  

He is getting really old and doesn't like pictures taken of him because of his "bad" eye, but he agreed to take one just for this blog post as long as I covered up his eye.  

Anyways, he says hello to everyone back home (especially his bestie, Baby).  Rusty and I are staying occupied by coloring, reading, and stumbleupon.

Rusty on top of Ukrainian Embroidery work with a homemade "I love you" heart covering his eye.

From Boredom to Pochaiv

The day began with my having NOTHING to do (like usual).  It is difficult arriving to site in the summer. But I am taking advantage of all this time to myself.  Anyways, today I woke up early and lounged around for a bit.  Then a knock on my door turned out to be my Counter Part.  There was not much to say, but she was just checking on me.  (One thing I learned is to always be dressed, or at least have a dress near by to slip on because my door gets knocked on frequently, and now that it is known that I am back, I should be prepared)

   

My CP informed me about a group of Americans in town doing a VBS in the center.  One of my students, Nadia is coming by tomorrow morning to take me with her to VBS to meet them.  It should be interesting, and I am kind of excited!  So after all that information was passed along, I didn't think I was going to do anything for the day.  I was planning on going to the park and just people watch, but about an hour later, the Director of my school told me to come downstairs.   So I did, and voila!  A group of Americans! and.... they were a DIFFERENT group of Americans than the ones I am planning on meeting tomorrow.

They came to the school to bring chairs for the classrooms.  They are from near Seattle, Washington but all of them speak either Russian or Ukrainian fluently because they are either from  here originally or their parents are from here.  After talking with them for a bit, they invited me to go to Pochaiv Lavra Monastery.

Ok, I am making this short and sweet.  After being told that my dress was too short I had to put a black skirt wrap on.  Ana and Liz (pictured to the right) also had to put on the blue scarf thing and cover their shoulders).  Once we got that all taken care of--in we went!  Pochaiv was unbelievable- the art work and structure of everything was absolutely phenomenal! But in terms of how people were worshiping in there was a shock for the girls.

Because this is a culturally sensitive issue, if you would like to know more about what I saw and how worship goes on in the monastery, let me know, I would be happy to inform you in an e-mail.  

But overall, it was a fun excursion!   Here are a couple pictures of the monastery.  I made a cool connection with Vitalliy, the pastor of a church in Ternopil (the one the Americans were with), and told him to give me a call if and whenever he needs help with anything.  So hopefully he will take up my offer and I will be able to do some partner work with him!

Besides that, all is well and sweaty!

Until next time...

Re-emphasizing the magic moments of camp

Because so much happened at camp, the best way for me to explain it is to give you a top 25 things that happened.  So here it goes!

1. I got lost, and by the grace of God, wonderful and kind people were so kind to help me out
2. Discotheque EVERY night
3. Ivanna Kupala day- I made a flower head dress for my "lover" to fetch out of the water
4. At the lake where the celebration took place, I saw a real floating lantern (as stated in the previous blog)  But I didn't mention how I took a paddle boat out for 15 minutes with Becca for only 5 uah. (less than a dollar!)
5. Burnt my feet on hot sand playing soccer and now have a giant blood blister on my big toe
6. I did my rendition of Glee's rain dance to the Rhianna and Eminem song.  In my crazy wacky outfit, I started dancing in the rain and stomping around.  Didn't get it on video, but according to others it looked really cool.  I felt free, and it was one of the funnest things I have done... EVER it took puddle jumping to an entire different art.  I even got the camper Sasha who is a dancer to join me!
7. Julia and I with the help of all the other volunteers pulled off a successful haunted house regardless of a lack of funding!  
8. for this haunted house, I crocheted a giant spider web with very cheap gray yarn and a crochet needle I made out of a stick -- very magical if you ask me!
9. for the 2 weeks I was there, I slept on a bed made of pillows--It was like I was like an easy going princess-  I didn't have just one pea under my pillow- I had mold, spiders, mosquitoes, and feathers!
10. I did my "specialty stunt" at the lake during the night.... if you don't know, don't ask...
11. I came home with some very beautiful beaded jewelry made by the kids
12. 4th of July was spent at a discotheque in town-- and did not feel like 4th of July at all, but it was still fun
13. The last night there was a huge bon fire with REAL JiffyPuff Marshmallows!! with the lack of graham crackers, I made s'mores out of some type of cookie and put a little bit of chocolate on it.  I had to make sure that my 2 new good friends Vanya and Andriy tried it, so I had to go search for them at the discotheque, told them to follow me, and then made them the best s'more I could possibly make.  (They loved it!  even though Andriy only got a marshmallow : / )
14. One night there was a horrible heavy metal band that played, and it was sooo awful.  To make it fun, some of the guy volunteers told me to get on stage and jump off and that they would catch me... and so I did!  WHOO HOO  Rock on!
15. I did a lot of head banging with Team Samurai-  talk about neck cramp... 
16. I learned how to do the Thriller dance
17. The campers thought I was an awesome dancer.... HAHA I played the role, and I think I even fooled myself!  
18. Becca and I on the last day of camp when everyone was gone walked to the market and bought a big juicy and delicious watermelon on the side of the road!!  дуже смачно! 
19. The little girls are phenomenal braiders and my little friend Yulia braided my hair all the time in a whole bunch of funky ways! 
20. Did I mention that there was a discotheque EVERY NIGHT!!?!   I never got sick of it!  (minus the same songs they played over and over again....)
21. The campers were so gifted!  Everyone was SUPER good at least one thing whether it be dancing, sports, beading, drawing, musically talented, arm strength or finding GIANT mushrooms...  I have felt that about all the kids in Ukraine.  It is awesome!
22. I got to spend 2 weeks with some awesome people..  Especially 4 volunteer girls that I became even closer with and I am soooo glad that we got to bond!
23. I met my peer advisor* and finally got advice!!     *A peer advisor is someone Peace Corps sets you up with before you leave for Ukraine and they are there to answer any of your questions before you leave and during training... but you all know I am not one with many questions, so I never really talked to her. But we joked about it and she is FREAKIN AWESOME!   I now know to ask her advice if needed.... (each person's experience is different, so you never know!)
24. Late at night a couple of us would sneak to the hot showers, but every now and then when it was locked, we took cold showers, but enjoyed it with singing some good songs!
25. I made some awesome new friends and I am so stoked to go back next year knowing what I am getting myself into...  (this isn't really a magical moment, but overall it is magical)

The Magical and Mystical 3 weeks of summer

I have just returned from Summer camp in the town of Haivoron in the Kirovogradska Oblast.  When I was thinking about what I wanted to write about camp, the things that popped to my mind were like magical moments living a fairy tale.

As many know, Ukraine is FILLED with holidays.  I am pretty sure there is a holiday at least once a week.  It is a great excuse to celebrate.   At camp, I got to celebrate the US Independence day, Ivan Kupala Day, "Halloween", and each day of camp there was a competition/theme which lead me to believe everyday was a holiday at camp.

Lena, Me, and Christine

 Now, Ivanna Kupala Day gets its own little section here.  The volunteers were given a "break" that night to got to the lake and enjoy the festivities that go on.  It includes jumping over fire, throwing flower head dresses into the water, and lots of drinks, music, and celebrating.  I got to create my own flower head dress which was a total blast, and as the sun set and the sky got darker, I witnessed a real floating lantern.  Now I think the reason why this was so cool is because the movie Tangled is by far on my top charts and I watch it almost every other day as I eat dinner.  This night of celebration reminded me so much of the movie that I felt like I was in a fairy tale, and it was AWESOME!  My little cousin Jazzy would have absolutely LOVED this holiday!  I will bring  it back to the states when I go home so she can celebrate it too and have just as much fun as I did.  


Back at camp, the teams had a chalk drawing competition of the holiday.I think one of my favorite things about Ukraine is the creativity and artistic talent that EVERYONE has!

I think I should back up a little bit to the experience of traveling to camp.  I think it is important for everyone to go through what I went through because it just makes you a stronger person… HAHA

I bought a train ticket to Vinnytsia and was told that I could easily catch a marshutka or electrichka to Haivoron from there.  So I believed what I was told, and went for it.  Once I reached Vinnytsia, it was pouring rain, and I had no idea where to go.  After asking information about going to haivoron on an electrichka, the lady informed me that they only went there on Saturday and Monday.  It was a Wednesday…  So I asked a babushka how to get to the avtovokzal (bus station),to make an attempt to get on a bus.  After given directions, and following them correctly, I made it.  Unfortunately there was no bus to Haivoron, so I decided to get to the nearest big city, Uman.  After calling Becca about my dilemma, the volunteers at camp hooked me up with Kris, a PCV in Uman and she said I could stay at her place for the night.  Well, yay me! --  I missed my stop in Uman because I fell asleep!!!! So as it gets darker, we drove for another 2 hours until the next stop.  The bus driver probably was annoyed with me as I kept asking him what I should do but after my sad face and smiles, he could only feel sorry for me, so he made sure that I got on a bus going back to Uman by having the lady who worked the night shift at this bus stop make sure I get on the bus going back without having to pay!  After standing in the middle of who knows where for 2 hours from 10- midnight, I got on a bus back to Uman where Kris then met me at the bus station.  The next morning, I rushed to the bus station to hop on the bus that either left at 8:20  or 8:45… good thing I rushed because it was the 8:20 bus, and I had to run and flag it down to stop.  Ohhh joyous traveling in Ukraine. 

Samurai Samurai WHOOT WHOOT WHOOT!

So once I finally got to camp, all went smoothly.  I ended up being a co-team leader for the Samurai team.   The Samurai team was full of energy and tricks up their sleeve that they kept all of us volunteers on our toes, but there is no other team I would have wanted to be a team leader for.   I was originally going to teach multi-culturism, but one thing I have learned to be is flexible, and it sure pays off to be flexible here in Ukraine.  And I will most definitely want to be a team leader again next year.

dance like your look alike competition

I had so much fun at the discotheque every night, making beads in the day, playing soccer, swimming
in the lake, helping team Samurai prepare for their

competitions, playing volleyball, and just hanging out… ALL DAY LONG!

One of the many football matches.  Andriy from Internat

Camp Big Bang has definitely been the most fun I have had since I being here, and it was sad to leave.  There were 2 camps going on at the site.  One was Big Bang and the other one was from a school.  They were going to be there for 6 weeks, as Big Bang was only 3 weeks.  The kids at the other camp were so amazing.  I felt like I bonded

with some of them more than some other the BB campers.  Due to train scheduling, I was leaving 2 days after camp ended, so I asked if I could stay with the internat group for the remainder of my time.  And I am

SOOO GLAD I did.  Those last 2 days were fun in a different way.  I think because these kids all live together throughout the year, they are more like brothers and sisters, and I felt like I was part of a big family camping trip.  Saying goodbye to them actually made me tear up for a bit…  But Anna, the leader told me that she would call me to help out on their next trip.  They are only 15 hours away from my site…. No big deal in terms of Ukrainian time….

I don’t really know what else to say to keep this short and sweet, but really.   Big Bang rocks and I am so glad I decided to hop on that train and go for it (even after all the travel difficulties) because I made some awesome lifelong relationships there and learned some really cool neat tricks/ talents!

a quick video clip of my dormitory/ apt.

A quick clip of my apt.

The 9 days of change and adjustment

After an hour to try to get photos uploaded--it isn't working, so apologies to the lack of color/pictures in this LONG blog....

I am slowly settling in to this new/ancient town of Kremenets in the Ternopil’ska Oblast.  It is much larger than Kulykivka, but it still has that “small town” feel to it.  Ok, maybe more of that “medium town” feel. 

Let’s rewind a couple days, though.  I know it has been awhile since I have updated this blog, so bear (or is it bare?) with me on this long and adventurous post (yes, it will be long—brace yourself because Morgan is about to do some story telling…)

On the rainy morning of the 13th, I had my bags packed and was ready to leave.  Mamma and Katya sent me off the same way as they welcomed me, only this time, it was so vivid.  The first day arriving to Kulykivka it was snowing.  As I stood in the center of what seemed to be “boom town”, I saw Mamma Inna walking on the other side of the street in high heel and I thought to myself – “ARE YOU SERIOUS?!”.  I also remember Tato pulling up in a TINY car with his friend (although I didn’t know who was who—let alone try to figure it out).  They MADE all of my luggage fit… and again, the same thought popped into my mind— “ARE YOU SERIOUS?!” kind of embarrassing, but at least I remember it.  After that, it was pretty much all a blur except for me thinking that Mamma Inna said she has a one year old daughter, which turned out to be 15 year old Katya.  But leaving was a different story….   I knew exactly where I was going, and I knew exactly who I was leaving behind.  Coming, it was all a mystery, but now I honestly felt like I was leaving home all over again.  That thought of “boom town” turned out to be a very warm, friendly, and upbeat place and the center which didn’t seem like such a “center” at first is a place where a lot of my memories in Kulykivka were held. 

Anyways … I said my “see ya laterz” and was off to Kiev.  After several days of “very interesting and fun” meetings (sarcasm), I swore in to become a Peace Corps Volunteer.  It was a great feeling and it is so nice to finally say that I am a volunteer. My host family came to the swearing in ceremony, but unfortunately I had to scadaddle quickly to get to the bus on time to go to the train station.  Olena, the psychologist at the boarding school I will be teaching at…..    Ooops.   Rewind again.

On the 13^th, when I arrived in Kiev, the first thing that was done was site announcements.  The magical time had finally made it to the present- and I found out that I would be going to Kremenets working at a boarding school.   Boarding schools here are different from what I think a boarding school is, so if you are more interested about it, just let me know. 

Ok, fast forward again.  So Olena, is one of my counterparts.   After talking to some PC staff, I realized that it is possible to have many counterparts, which is what seems to be happening.  Olena and I got on the train—we rode Kupe cart (ya—living large!)  J From 7 pm- 2 am we were on the train and from the train station, her son, Sasha picked us up and drove us an hour and a half to Kremenets.  Of course for all of those who know me, I passed out.  Olena practically yelled at me to wake up so that I could see some things on the road (even though at times I didn’t understand what she was trying to show/tell me).  But, once we drove to почаїв (Pochaiv), she woke me up and there I saw this HUGE Monastery and it was absolutely gorgeous.  It was lit up and everything –I felt like I was part of a fairy tale or something! Short story that was turned into a long story short—made it to the school at 3:30 in the morning, carried my luggage up to the 3^rd floor of the dormitory and saw a first glance at my new home for the next 2 years.  I am living in school, in the dormitory section—but my place is amazing!  I have lime green see-through curtains and 2 comfortable beds (there was originally 4, but I took 2 of them out)—what else can I ask for?!  Plus, there is a перегід—(a hallway that connects 2 buildings together) from my dormitory to the school which means that in the wintertime when it is storming—I don’t even need to walk outside to get to work!!!  HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!

Anyways, I have not even been here a week, but honestly I am lonely.  Ian has been such a blessing (a fellow PCV sitemate) with showing me around and making me feel welcomed.  Even though it was a short time we were sitemates, it was definitely worth it. –So Ian, thank you for everything and the best of luck in the future.

It is really hard to live on your own in a different country not knowing anyone, and I know it will get easier and I am sure I will make friends in no time, but man—these last couple days are going by a little too slow.   And, it doesn’t help to not have internet (but, by the time anybody reads this, I would have gotten internet by now).  So this is a little ad:  Anyone who wants to come visit—you have a free place to stay in a very comfortable bed right next to me +  I will even cook you some delicious Ukrainian food (or anything else). 

Just to wrap this up, because I can go on for quite some time, Kremenets is a really cool town.  There is so much history here and I have been enjoying my time learning about it all.   I am still interested to know if there is a Wikipedia thing on it (thanks for getting me hooked Carly and Ryan) because it is really fascinating.  I will make another post sometime soon on the history behind the town if you are interested—or you can check out Wikipedia and see if you find anything.

I guess I am going to wrap this baby up!

Until next time,

Try buying a baguette and a doughnut for under a dollar…

Ya, I did that today!

Love, Mo

Say Farewell... For Now.

The countdown is a whole WHOPPIN 2 days!

In 2 days I say goodbye to my host family of the last 3 months.

In 2 days I need to pack all my stuff and wait to find out the mysterious oblast, region, city/village that awaits my residence for the next 2 years of my life

In 2 days I leave the great town of Kulykivka that has really felt like home.

In 2 days I get to start all over again

In 2 days I am reunited with all the fellow PCTs



All in all, the time flew by so fast and I have NO idea where it went.    Not only is time flying by fast here, but back home as well.   So many friends graduating, getting ready for babies!!, marriages right around the corner, and especially my siblings getting older....   (weird!)

This is a big week for many people, and I know next month will be an even bigger month for some.   Congratulations everyone on their success, completions, and new additions to family.

This Ukrainian sunshine is amazing, and I don't want it to leave as quickly as it came.... but boy do Ukrainians tan nice!!!

Until Next time,
Happy Summer and enjoy the sunshine!

Love Mo.



Please, don't forget to watch this slideshow!   If you have time, it is the summary of some of the things I have done here in Kulykivka in the past 3 months.  (It is in 2 parts until I can find a way to upload it as 1 part)
PST video Pt. 1
PST video Pt. 2

Final Countdown

As I have less than a week until I find out where I will be living for the next two years, and the excitement is starting to kick in!

I will officially be a Peace Corps Volunteer in 9 days!

I just want to give everyone the heads up that I am planning on posting a PST summary slideshow/video before I leave for Kiev, so stay posted!

Until then,

I hope you Nor Cal friends get some nice weather soon!

Love  Mo.

Short and Sweet

The countdown begins.  It is officially 22 days until I find out where I will be placed in Ukraine for my 2 year service, and 25 days when I swear in to become a Peace Corps Volunteer.

I feel like this past week is the week where relationships are finally started to be created.  The first 7 weeks was filled with lesson planning, classes, homework, meeting, etc.  and now that school is coming to an end with no more classes to teach, I have had some time to actually go out in the community and hang out with the kids playing a friendly game of football.

some of the boys I play football with- watching the adults play

I am the person who strongly believes that everything happens for a reason.  I am so thankful for all those years I devoted to soccer.  I have had several people ask me hear as to whether or not I missed playing.  It always caught me by surprise too because I have not really thought about it. But I guess when I first stopped playing competitively, I sometimes felt like I wasted all those years of hard work or that I quit too soon, but really I just started playing a different kind of game, and everyone around the world calls it football. These past couple years I have had the opportunity to connect with kids from around the world by the simple action of kicking a ball.  The nice plus about all those years spent playing soccer is that I am actually half decent (although I am Really REALLY rusty) and the kids enjoy playing with me.  In the town of Kulykivka, there is not one single girls' football team, and it is really weird to see a girl play.  So when I go out on to the field and I am playing with new people, they literally give me a straight up confused look, and even that doesn't describe how funny their faces look.  For all those who know me on the field, all it takes is that one little dance step fake that gets them all to go "OOOOOOOOO" and start actually play.  Anyways, to give everyone the answer to "Do you miss playing?"  The answer is HECK NO.  I am still to this day playing the game I love but am working with kids while I am doing it, and I would not change that in a million years to play competitively.


But to make the title of this blog true to it's name, I will let you all know (which is probably just my grandmother and mom) what are the highlights to my day and the highlights to the past 2 weeks here in Ukraine.

Highlights of a typical day here

our stick figured bodies acting out our Ukrainian dance

• Everyday I walk down my street, there is a dog I named Spot who sprints towards me and then rolls over right by my feet wanting a belly rub.  Apparently the 20 seconds of a belly rub is totally worth it to him to spring a 50 yard dash.  
• Saying Hello to all the Babusyas and Deduces on my street as the respond with something I don't understand or an offer of a shot of vodka.
• My Mamma's home cooked meals every night
• language class being over
• being able to have a 20 minute conversation with my host Mamma without Katya having to "paracladeet" (translate)
• saying hello to the kids/ playing football or some kind of tag/hide and seek game (I still have not fully understood all the rules that they tried explaining to me a million times).
• Ukrainian dance lessons

The "Cool" things I have done in the past 2 weeks

This is Matt Brady in the catacombs everyone!

• 2 weeks ago was Victory Day where we celebrated the victory of WWII and gave our respects and thanks to the veterans. I went to the parade in Kulykivka, and though it wasn't as big as the big cities, it was really neat to see how patriotic this country is.
• I taught my last class (first class by myself, here) to 6th grade.  Taught them environment/ littering/ the 3 Rs/ decomposition.  Though in the beginning I was hoping that the class would be cancelled and I was afraid the whole lesson would go terribly wrong because I didn't have any Ukrainian translations except for the definitions of the material I was teaching.  But, it turned out to be my best lesson, the most fun, and most comfortable.  My Ukrainian language is also well enough where I can make simple commands and get my point across, so it was perfect!  They even LOVED making litter art!!!
• I went clubbing with my host Mamma, and 2 other clustermates and their host moms in Chernihiv.... It was an interesting experience, but NEVER AGAIN.
• English club, I think, is overall successful.  Simon and I are working with 7th grade and the other 3 clustermates are working with 10th grade.  Our 7th grade kids are so into baseball, and Simon and I have been really enjoyed teaching them the game.   It was really neat to see how big of a mess it was the first week, and this past Friday, we actually somewhat played a game.... (making progress= GREAT!)
• After PST University for Youth Development Trainees, I went with the "Kozelets Cluster" to the catacombs.  It was super neat!!  I was also fooled into a joke, which was really funny.  There is a circular part of the catacombs that has a really good acoustic sound, and as we were walking out, I was staring at these 2 girls standing around the circle. She then told us to stand around to fill the circle. This is how the dialog went once we completed the circle:
• Girl:  Do you see?
• Kym (Kozelets girl):  No I don't...
• 2 Girls:  hhhhmmmmmmm (they started to hum--which actually sounded pretty cool)
• Matt Brady:  starts humming too!!
• Me:  Attempted to humm and burst out into laughter.  (I tried keeping my cool so I literally shove my sweatshirt in my mouth, try to refrain from peeing my pants, as well as, figuring out a way to breathe.  Seriously, it was dark, I had no idea what was going on, and I felt soo disrespectful and my laughter was out of control.... I blame it on Matt's humming.
• Me:  I walk away and say "vbachte"- Sorry
• Girl:  It is ok........  *10 seconds pass after me feeling like a terribly rude person*   In a no accent way: It is a joke.
  
  So I know this doesn't really seem like a great story, but if you were there, you would have understood.  it was really neat to get fooled, in such a cool way! 

Anywho,  I have a lot more, but I can't think right now.  

So until next day, 

Put a smile on and enjoy the day!