A week later...

It is hard to believe that I have been in my house, driving on familiar roads, and speaking English for the past week. It's such a kick to walk into a room and have several people do a double take because they didn't know I was back in the US yet. It is fun to see everyone and hear what has transpired in people's lives over the past five months.

But, today, perhaps in part because I slept horribly last night -- just when I thought the jet lag was beginning to balance itself out -- the 'reverse culture shock' started settling in. Often when you travel you anticipate being shocked or not used to certain traditions. When you come back home, everything is supposed to be golden... right?

For me, it's not that my bubble bursts necessarily, it's just that I am annoyed when I hear people complaining about things around them. Don't they understand what they have to be grateful for? And, I am aggravated with the pace of our culture, and, please don't point out the fact that I flew in the day before I started back at my seminary classes. I'd much rather burrow in my dillusion of our culture than be convicted about poor choices that I have made! :)

I get emails from friends in Ukraine and look at pictures and miss them. I remind myself that the first couple of weeks were hard in Ukraine because I missed everyone in the states. Now, it's reversed. It doesn't seem fair tonight that my heart is in two places. I told my niece this weekend that some people go and visit another country and come back saying, that was nice, God used it to teach me some lessons and now I'm going to live my life here. I also told her that I am not one of these people. That from the very first time that I visited Ukraine, that God made them a special people to me. I will always be torn between two countries.

Enamored with Barbie

Riding the metro to church tonight, there was a father and his young daughter standing next to me. As I watched the little girl she was gazing at her new barbie doll still packaged. Her eyes never left the doll, even as they exited the car and were walking down the platform.

There are several thoughts and emotions that are stirred tonight from that brief encounter. First, the effect of globalization on everyone -- even the youngest -- and the long term effects. Second, I can't help but think about the over abundance of toys that most children in America 'benefit'? from... And, the over commercialization of Christmas - how we, westerners, are sucked into the mentality of always needing more... And, last, the commonality of the human race, simplified in the gaze of a child being nudged on by her father as she strolled down the platform.

Mixed emotions

As I prepare to return to the States I am excited to see family and friends. I am anxious to sleep in my own bed and not to be dependent on public transportation. But, I am dreading saying goodbye to so many friends here. Since my first visit to Ukraine in 1993 I've said that a part of me will always be here. This stay has only verified those emotions.

I managed to sing and greet the church this morning without tears, but Monday night we are having several of our close friends over for dinner before I leave bright and early on Tuesday at 4:45 am for the airport. I land in GR at 4:18 for any interested...

Thank you for sharing in this journey with me. As I return home I will continue to blog through some of the reverse culture shock issues that arrise.

God's Parting GIft to me in Kyiv

Tonight on my way home from church, I sat down on the mashrutka waiting to leave the Metro station and heard someone outside saying, "Amy, Amy, Amy". I looked out to see two of my former missions students waving at me. In true American fashion, I jumped up and stuck my head out the door and invited them to ride home with me. We sat and talked all the way back to the University. In my broken Russian and in their broken English we managed to learn about each other's break. Please pray with me for their parents, Victor and Vera who are not beleivers. The girls want them to understand their love for God and this is very difficult for them. We ended our journey with the walk from the bus stop with one of them on each side of me arm in arm. They told me they miss me already and how much they love me! How can you not love to hear this spoken with so much innocence and sincerity? What a nice surprise for my ride home tonight!

Holiday Tidings!

Sunday night I sang O Holy Night and We Fall Down. One of the benefits of extending the holiday season is that there are 3 weeks of Christmas services. Peter is very gracious to continue accompanying me.

My friend Natasha and I on New Year's weekend. I will miss her so much when I go to the States.

We went to a baby shower last week. There were many similarities to the ones we've attended in the States. However, when we moved into the living room to open gifts a completely different woman started opening all of the gifts. Sarah had just prayed for Nadia and her husbnad Vova to have wisdom raising their child -- Nadia is the woman standing behind the sofa. Sarah and I just looked at each other and snickered. We didn't know what was going on. Finally, I got up the nerve to ask Natasha who was sitting next to me, "Now, who exactly is having the baby?" Ha ha ha ha!!! Nadia. Imagine our releif!! I guess there is one difference -- the mother to be usually is the one who opens the gifts!!!!!!!!!!!

Ula and I making some food for our New Year's Eve Dinner at Victor and Luba's dacha (cottage).

a picture is worth a thousand words

The past 2 Saturdays there have been large gatherings of children at Bucha Church for the distribution of OCC gifts. They start with a drama of the Christmas Story. One group was children from Bucha and the church, the other was form surrounding villages. Next week is a group of children with special needs. It has been so much fun to help in the giving of these gifts that have been so thoughfully prepared.

The sheep 'resting' before their part in the program.

This Babushka and her grandson are regular attenders at the church we work with. They were excited about the Operation Christmas Child gift!