Welcome to my first blog entry of
the trip. Three days ago we arrived in Bahchisaray, Ukraine after a 16 hour
train ride from the country’s capital, Kiev. We are stationed here on a scenic
remote plot of land overlooking the mountainside and split by a stream with a
strong but cool current. We have been preparing
for a children’s Christian camp that began yesterday led by a local church.
Activities have included moving dirt, wood, bricks, trash, hay and more wood.
We have built a stage, showers, and cabins. Basically organizing the camp in
preparation for 30-40 children to come, have fun, and share the gospel. Last night we listened alongside the children
to a sermon in Russian then hung out by the campfire. The kids know more
English than we know Russian and we all enjoyed sharing and learning together.
I saw two “spootnik”, a falling star unlike any shooting star I have seen in
the past. The area is known for its night sky and has a prominent observatory
nearby.
Our translators have been a great asset, but I
don’t think grasped the urgency of us having access to the internet to
communicate with family and squad members.
The team is holding up good so far
despite the fact that we have no internet, no hot showers, we have washed our
clothes in the river, and our toilet reminds me of the scene of the outhouse
from Slumdog Millionare. The food has been surprisingly delicious including
mostly breads, cookies, soups, and pastas. In between our different jobs we
have taken advantage of the refreshing stream and lake for fun. I am looking
forward to the rest of our time in the Ukraine; the people are welcoming,
generous, and joyful. Most everyone we are surrounded by are constantly
laughing besides the “boss” who I equate to the ‘Ukrainian Tiger Woods’ due to
his intense focus. The language barrier has been tough at times but also has
kept things interesting. Fun fact: “Spicy Butt” basically means ‘thank you’ in
Russian. We hope to have access to the internet more frequently once things
slow down at the end of the week. Everyone is safe/healthy/enjoying each other’s
company.
To all of those who have been
generous enough to donate money to the trip I owe a big “spicy butt” (thank
you). I had hoped to send letters, but it doesn’t appear that is an option at
this time.
-CR
