Strap in folks- I have a bit of blog spam ready for you but I promise that I’ll make it worth it! I’ve been trying to decide which blogs to post first and even which stories that I’m supposed to share. SO, sorry that its taken me so long!
Before coming on the race I told myself that I was going to post at least one blog a month just celebrating the good and awesome things about each country and honestly it has been harder than I thought. There is no way to compress the fullness and depth of Ukraine into a blog and I would not be able to do it justice even if I tried. So, I’ve decided not to use my words, but instead use pictures (I know you’re all thrilled that I’m finally posting pictures of what I’ve been doing… Mom this one is for you)
So here is the Ukraine that the Lord has allowed me to see, experience, and love:
During my first few days in Ukraine, my ministry host Clinton showed us a Netflix documentary about the war in Ukraine. I 110% recommend this film to everyone. I learned so much about the history of the people in Ukraine as well as their spirit and grit.
In 2013, Ukrainian college students gathered in a public square and peacefully protested the Ukrainian president’s decision to pull out of a deal with Europe and enter into a competing deal with Russia (I don’t remember the complete details of the political aspect here and that is why I recommend watching the movie). The police force came out and viciously beat up the protesters (who were, again, all young college kids protesting peacefully). The Ukrainian people were not about this and the next day an even larger group of protesters assembled to support those who had been beaten. Protesters grew and violence from the police continued and eventually it escalated to the point of people being murdered. These protests continued for months (during the winter too- so like it was cold and people were living in this public square protesting). They fought against the injustices done to the college students, and eventually against a militarized police.
The movie explains this all really well and it shows the heart of the Ukrainian people in a beautiful way. During the midst of adversity, they fought for each other and did not allow violence to be excused- a beautiful picture of honor and love in community.
These are the people of Ukraine.
I’m not usually a fan of mountains, but I can admit that like, holy cow, they are breathtaking. God loves to reveal Himself through His creation and I saw Him in the mountains this month.
We were able to go to so many castles this month, all of them beautiful. I can just see the good gifts that God gives us in these castles. The ability to create, to think, to build, to imagine, those are gifts that God gives us and when we steward them well we end up with some pretty cool stuff.
The buildings here are beautiful. Everything is old (in a good way) and orate and the streets smell like grapes from all of the grape vines that grow on/next to the buildings. There are beautiful cobblestone streets and most people walk everywhere and just hang out outside (which was super cool).
The busses were often packed and most people ended up standing (the bus is not packed in this photo obviously), but without fail people would always get up and offer their seats to the elderly and to children. It was such a casual sacrifice of comfort that illustrated the respect for others that is so much a part of the culture here.
There were many times on the bus where we were so packed in there that you couldn’t help but bump into other people. I can say that I never felt unsafe on the bus, even being so close to strangers was not uncomfortable because of the mutual respect that the Ukrainian people have for each other.
There is color everywhere- it was amazing. Everything was interesting to look at and taking a walk was always an adventure. This is a door that I found tucked in an alleyway (PSA: I wasn’t snooping around sketchy alleys. I promise I was safe). I walked by it again later and found out that its just a storage room. I don’t know what really gets me about this door but I just love it.
I saw Orthodox/Catholic Churches everywhere in Ukraine. While I tend to disagree with their teachings, I can so clearly see a reverence for God here. I always think: God deserves all of this. Even if though I have a personal relationship with Him, and He is my Abba, He still deserves reverence, and there is beauty in that.
This is Rudy. He was one of the ministry contacts that we worked with. He specifically does a lot of work with the various orphanages around Uzhhorod. He is funny and energetic and has a heart for his home and for the orphans living there. He is a connecter. Rudy joked with us, laughed with us, adventured with us, pushed us, and encouraged us. I am so thankful for having the opportunity to share in his vision. It’s impossible to spend time with Rudy without having some of his passion rub off on you.
Clinton was our main ministry contact. He is from good ol’ Mississippi but has a heart for the people of Ukraine. He ignited a passion in me that I wasn’t expecting. He just got engaged (Literally like the week before we got to Ukraine) so we didn’t get to spend as much time with him because of our busy schedule and his wedding planning, BUT the way he talks about Ukraine and the people of Ukraine just show a deep love and commitment that is inspiring. Clinton was actually a part of one of the first World Race teams ever, so It was also really cool to pick his brain about the race.
There is so much that I can’t show you and so much that I didn’t even get to see or experience. I won’t pretend to know this country intimately, or to fully understand their community or culture, because that wouldn’t be true. What I can tell you is that God loves Ukraine and that He is working here in the lives of His people.
I love you guys.
Much love,
Morgan
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