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!!!