Ukraine, the first stop on my 11 month journey. 

Ministry: Team Submerge will be landing in Lviv, Ukraine on August 8th and on August 9th, we will make our way down to Uzhhorod, Ukraine where we will be serving for the month!!! Uzhhorod is located right by the Slovakian border and a little above the Hungarian border. While in Ukraine our team will be working with a day camp for at-risk teens and teens with high functioning disabilities. There is a possibility of some university outreach as well. 

 Our team is so, so, SO excited to get to build relationships with and love on the people of Uzhhorod and to spend a month getting to experience Ukraine! 

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UKRAINE

 

It was formerly the second largest economy in the Soviet Union, this nation now struggles with poverty. The orphan population is growing and human trafficking is as well. 

The most common religion is Eastern Orthodoxy. It’s estimated that 75% of the population believes in God, but only 37% attend any kind of service regularly.

Caught between the East and the West, the past and the future, the people of Ukraine need to know God sees and loves them.

 

FUN FACTS!

Currency: Ukrainian Hryvnia

Language: Ukrainian

Religion: 72% Orthodox, 14% Ukrainian Greek Orthodox, 14% other

CULTURE!

Ukrainians, especially the older generation, remain reserved in public and rarely making eye contact. They will shake hands with new acquaintances and use Mr./Mrs., as a sign of respect.

It is considered bad luck to hand someone money directly. Store clerks will expect you to place money in a small bowl—in which they will also return your change.

Offering a small gift is considered very important when visiting someone’s home. Superstition dictates that flowers should only be given in odd numbers.

 

All country info is copied and pasted from https://www.worldrace.org/location/ukraine 

 

VLOGS!

Here are some fun vlogs from former world racers in Ukraine!