(Don't) Look Back

     OK, now that I've had some time to think, I believe I'm able to put down some words to explain my feelings of the week. Looking back, I realize that it's been quite the adventure. Personally, I was tested to different limits than I'm used to. There were lessons on both sides; for the kids and for the teachers. Challenges were placed in our hands. It was up to us to juggle them all and see what might come crashing down. As it turns out, a few things did fall down throughout the week. But it wasn't a disaster. In the end, I believe our goal of planting seeds was highly successful.

In and Around the Lake

     There was also lots of sky. Unfortunately no mountains. Wait, you might say. What are you talking about, Brian? First, I'm referencing this song. But I'm also using that weirdness as a stepping off point to talk about my Saturday. The Saturday of "rest."

Working for the Weekend

     Well, that's it. We're finally done. All week I've been working in anticipation of getting to relax for the weekend and it's finally here. There was just the small matter of a camp, English lessons, games and Bible lessons to get through first. However, by the Grace of God I'm here now.

Peace of Mind

     I'm still here. But it's finally come down to the last day. Friday the 24th will be our final day in the Oleksandriya English camp. We've taught eight sessions so far, one morning and one afternoon each day. Each session has been a challenge with it's own particular obstacles and difficulties. However I'm ready to think about and do something else for a while.

Another One Bites the Dust

     And another one gone, and another one gone. Another one bites the dust. That's one more day done. And if the weather reports are accurate, it was the hottest day of the week. Two roasting hot days down and three to go.

Anna, Katya, me and the afternoon crew.

Good Morning Campers

     Well, that's wasn't as bad as I was worried it would be. I'm not going to write a lot tonight because of how tired I am. But I first wanted to say that for a first day, it went well. I really ought to write about Sunday too. This post is growing more than I want it to at this time of night when I still need to sleep.

Us, the pastor and his family and a few of the other attendees.

Train Kept A Rollin'

     Saturday the 18th is a travel and planning day for us (me and Rebecca the intern). We traveled to Oleksandriya for a VBS/English camp for children. It's run by a young local church. I should clarify that. It's not a church in the traditional sense. They haven't become "official" yet. Mostly, its a small group of Christians who meet together on Sunday to worship together. A true Matthew 18:20 church.

Teach Your Children

     Just a quick post today. I wanted to share a video I made of the English club ministry. A few months ago, David asked me to make a video that he could show to churches while he is back in the States. It's partially an advertisement for bringing new teachers here. But it's also a way of showing the human face of what we're doing here. Yes, teaching is involved. Hence the title of this post. But But the club is so much more than that. I've written thousands of words on the subject. Words alone, however, don't convey the impact of what's happening here. A video like this is an important part of sharing the challenges and fruit of this ministry with the people back home.

     You may have seen the rough draft I made of this video a couple of months ago. If not, you can find it here. This is the final version of that video. It was a lot of work editing and filming. I'm glad it's finally done. The editing process is still new to me. There was a lot of teaching and learning between the rough draft and this version. I've quickly found the limits of my computer and iMovie. If I keep doing this, I might have to invest in some better equipment in the future. Not just a good camera and microphone.

Danger Zone

     I think it's about time for another (ir)regularly scheduled update. It's only been almost a week and some interesting things have been happening. Also, the next week is going to be a busy/interesting one. But more on that later. Right now I want to show you my new deodorant. I bought it as much for the name as for the scent. I wasn't thrilled with the other options that would have left me smelling like either fruit or chemicals. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it), this one doesn't smell like jet exhaust and Tom Cruise. This one reminds me of a cross between pine trees and a sea breeze. I like it.

Just What I Needed

     So, I left off the last post with hoping that you'd have a relaxing Sunday. I can say that I did. And as the title indicates, it was just what I needed. Alternatively, I could have titled it "you might think" for the dichotomy of what was and what "should" be. But I've made my choice and I'm sticking with it.

Монумент радянським воїнам - танкістам визволителям Києва

"Tonight, public transportation's my private ride..."

     That's right folks, I'm writing today about public transportation. For the past week, I've been partaking of the other white mea...I mean, the other kind of wheels. Specifically I've been doing a lot more of it.

She was actually thrilled that I was there, despite the look on her face.

     OK, that got out of hand quickly. Let's start over. Since I've been taking care of the Eide's cat and dog, I needed to use the marshrutka and metro more than normal. Usually, I'll take the screeching, yellow, short bus two days a week to get to my language lessons. But this week with my temporary relocation, I needed a quick and convenient option and the marshrutka was it. It's shown me how comfortable my regular trips really are.
     I've written about public transportation in several posts in the past. I've said at various times it's uncomfortable (in terms of personal space) or it can be harrowing (driving like, what most Americans would consider, a maniac). And for the uninitiated or unfamiliar, it is those things. So I want, today, to talk about a few ideas about the ubiquitous little yellow (or red or orange) buses to remember on your next visit to Ukraine. Maybe in the future I'll talk about the metro or trams.