Hi guys, it’s been 9 days since landing in Ukraine and it really feels like a month ago. Not to say that time is dragging on but our days have been so full! Our squad left Atlanta midnight and flew 11 hours to a layover in Turkey, and then another 2 hours to Ukraine. I did my best to sleep but probably only got 2 hours. I need to get better at sleeping in vehicles.
We had over 12 hours to kill in the airport. We did it though! We had some fun and explored and talked and just hung out.
My seat mates, Danny and Megan! I was really hoping I would be sitting with people I knew and we had a great time getting to know each other, and Megan and I had so much fun on that flight. Plus we were able to cuddle up and get some rest, which I couldn’t do with a total stranger!
The airplane food wasn’t too shabby 🙂
Since our first flight was delayed, we had about 10 minutes in the Turkish airport to get to our next flight, and the Megan’s were together again!
Goodbye Turkey!
Our first morning in Ukraine! Our squad stayed in a hostel in Lviv and then went our own ways to ministry! This is Laney and Makayla, two super fun gals on team Vathos!
Our host wasn’t picking us up until 1 so we had some time to explore Lviv!
On our way to Uzhgorod! Caroline, Morgan, Me, Emily, Brie, Charla, and our squad leader Carson.
Welcome to Uzhgorod!
Not at all did I expect to run into the Statue of Liberty over here…
For ministry for our first 2 weeks we are working at a day camp teaching English to the kids. Our lessons are only about 45 minutes a day and the rest of the day we get to have fun and build relationships with the kids and leaders.
This is Ira, I introduced her to the game thumb wrestle and that’s all we ever play now. She is so smart, and really loves learning English. 
I just picked an age range to work with here, not knowing anything about the leaders or kids, but they have been so great. Polina and Kate are 2 of the leaders and speak English well, so they keep me informed and include me in the activities. I lucked out with this group and I really enjoy it!
Kate, me, Yaroslav, and Polina.
I love receiving a good morning hug and a hello from these girls in the morning, it lets me know that I really am building a connection with them.
So that’s what we’ve been up to mostly. We’ve gone out to dinner and tried our best to order food. We probably look confused 95% of the time, but that’s okay because we’ll be confused together! Ukraine has been good to us, and I’m building a new routine over here and my body is adjusting to the time change.
On another note, 2 days ago I came down with my first illness on the Race! Got myself a head cold. My host’s fiance helped me talk to the pharmacist to get me some meds so hopefully I get well really soon. Pray that it gets better and this is the worst it’s gonna get.
Some of my teammates are going to an orphanage today (minus me obviously) and we will also be spending time there on our third week here!
That’s all I have for now. Don’t be afraid to leave questions in the comments or message me. I’d love to answer them!
Much love from Uzhgorod!
