Greetings everyone.
Well, all eight of us made it home safely. Both the Ohio and Texas/Arizona groups had some adventures along the way. Flights were almost missed, and a few of us missed connections in Chicago, but nevertheless we are now all home. I think it's safe to say we have finished our laundry and are finally rested up from the long journey from Budapest on Tuesday.
As we've begun comparing notes we all agree it was a great trip! For those of us who have been to Ukraine before, it was a wonderful opportunity to become re-acquainted with friends and "family members." And, for those among us who experienced this trip for the first time, I'm sure there are going to be loads of new friendships to cherish and remember.
I have downloaded my photos and will be sharing them with you over the next few days. If you happen to be in the Dewey, Arizona area, why not join us for worship on Sunday morning at 10:00? Suzie, Marge and I will be talking about the trip complete with a slide show and souvenirs.
And, I can't forget to mention that along the way, we picked up two students from St. Stephen's School in Mukachevo. Timi and Andras are in Upper Sandusky, Ohio right now. On Thursday they will arrive in Arizona for a few days. Plans include a visit to the Grand Canyon and Sedona.
Watch this blog for their impressions of the U.S. as they continue their visit with some of us. They'll be returning home July 19.
Keep reading and watch for photos as they come along. We all appreciate the response we've received regarding this blog. It's good to know that we have so many interested readers!
Take care,
Pastor Diane
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Bingo And Goodbye
We've haven't updated you recently and now we've arrived at the end of our time in Ukraine.
All week the game of Bingo has been central to our daily activities. After teaching our classes, the entire group of kids gathered in one classroom to play Bingo of all sorts and varieties. We've played single, double, postage-stamp, filling the entire card, etc. I think we've played so much Bingo, some of us are beginning to call out numbers in our sleep.
The students LOVE Bingo, it's probably all the "prizes" we give to the winners, sunglasses, candy, bracelets are truly popular items for the children to win. And they now know how to say numbers and letters in English!
On Friday our teaching week came to an end and Saturday was a day for goodbyes. Some of the children from St. Michael's Children Home and their parents, along with Maria Biro came to bid us farewell after some lunch and cake in Susanna's beautiful backyard.
After an afternoon of shopping with Kati, we said goodbye to her as well. As much as we are all looking forward to returning home, there have been hugs and tears too.
This has been an amazing trip for each one of us. We will be traveling to Budapest Sunday, and then on to the U.S. on Tuesday.
We are now in the process of attempting to fit all our purchases and gifts into bulging suitcases. I doubt that we'll have much room left to shop in Budapest, but you never know.
By the way, the group from Ohio will be bringing two high school students with them on Tuesday. This will be Andrew's and Timea's first plane trip and they are truly excited about spending a month in the U.S. They will also be traveling to Arizona for a few days.
We will try to find time to blog while in Budapest. We will be blogging after we get home so we can share more of our adventures with you.
Blessings to you all. See you soon!
All week the game of Bingo has been central to our daily activities. After teaching our classes, the entire group of kids gathered in one classroom to play Bingo of all sorts and varieties. We've played single, double, postage-stamp, filling the entire card, etc. I think we've played so much Bingo, some of us are beginning to call out numbers in our sleep.
The students LOVE Bingo, it's probably all the "prizes" we give to the winners, sunglasses, candy, bracelets are truly popular items for the children to win. And they now know how to say numbers and letters in English!
On Friday our teaching week came to an end and Saturday was a day for goodbyes. Some of the children from St. Michael's Children Home and their parents, along with Maria Biro came to bid us farewell after some lunch and cake in Susanna's beautiful backyard.
After an afternoon of shopping with Kati, we said goodbye to her as well. As much as we are all looking forward to returning home, there have been hugs and tears too.
This has been an amazing trip for each one of us. We will be traveling to Budapest Sunday, and then on to the U.S. on Tuesday.
We are now in the process of attempting to fit all our purchases and gifts into bulging suitcases. I doubt that we'll have much room left to shop in Budapest, but you never know.
By the way, the group from Ohio will be bringing two high school students with them on Tuesday. This will be Andrew's and Timea's first plane trip and they are truly excited about spending a month in the U.S. They will also be traveling to Arizona for a few days.
We will try to find time to blog while in Budapest. We will be blogging after we get home so we can share more of our adventures with you.
Blessings to you all. See you soon!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Rain, rain, rain
Here we are in town, with lots of shops and sites to see, but the rain just keeps coming. On Monday, we did manage to get to the market to see all the flowers and make some purchases. Some of us had to buy umbrellas, but they really didn't help as we attempted to walk from the town center to the Soup Kitchen for lunch. We ended up taking taxis, which was a great idea since the cobblestones were wet and a bit slippery.
We've been teaching English every afternoon. We have a great group of students some of whom are quite fluent in English. We've divided the students into three classes depending upon the number of years they have been studying English.
The kids are really enthusiastic and we hope they are beginning to become more comfortable speaking with us.
On Tuesday we visited a gypsy village, where people are living without running water. They now have a well where they can get clean water, for a long time the water wasn't safe and many of the village residents became sick.
In order to earn some money, people in the village make and sell a variety of woven baskets. We will be coming home loaded with them, assuming they'll fit in our suitcases.
Our hosts, Suzanna and Peter are going out of their way to make sure we're well fed and happy. Suzanna is preparing all sorts of food that Nicky likes so he is quite pleased.
This morning some of us are going to be having pedicures, our luxury for the week. You'll see photos soon.
We'll continue to update you and hope you are enjoying reading about our experiences.
We've been teaching English every afternoon. We have a great group of students some of whom are quite fluent in English. We've divided the students into three classes depending upon the number of years they have been studying English.
The kids are really enthusiastic and we hope they are beginning to become more comfortable speaking with us.
On Tuesday we visited a gypsy village, where people are living without running water. They now have a well where they can get clean water, for a long time the water wasn't safe and many of the village residents became sick.
In order to earn some money, people in the village make and sell a variety of woven baskets. We will be coming home loaded with them, assuming they'll fit in our suitcases.
Our hosts, Suzanna and Peter are going out of their way to make sure we're well fed and happy. Suzanna is preparing all sorts of food that Nicky likes so he is quite pleased.
This morning some of us are going to be having pedicures, our luxury for the week. You'll see photos soon.
We'll continue to update you and hope you are enjoying reading about our experiences.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
We have arrived
We have left St. Michael's Children Home and are now in Mukachevo. We all experienced some tearful moments as we said our goodbyes to the children, parents, our cook and translators. The most difficult goodbyes were with the children. Nicky had a hard time saying goodbye to his friend Joseph.
This morning seven of the children celebrated their First Communion. It was a beautifl Mass and the chidlren were wonderful. Following Mass the children and their guests had a party with pastries and cake.
Then there was lunch, appetizer, soup, main course and of course dessert! Immediately following lunch our luggage and all of us were loaded into vans to come to the city.
We were warmly welcomed by Peter and Susanna, lots of hugs and kisses all around. It wasn't long before we were invited to a Hungarian festival at the school. Many of us walked over to the school, some were given a ride. We met some friends as well as the students who will be traveling with Lana on the return trip to the U.S. We are hoping we can make arrangements for them to come to Arizona for a visit while they are in the U.S.
As usual we had an amazing dinner. Peter and Susanna are the best hosts ever. The food was great and the conversation was loads of fun as we spoke mish mash.
Time to go for now. It's getting late, more tomorrow after our first day of teaching. Good night!
This morning seven of the children celebrated their First Communion. It was a beautifl Mass and the chidlren were wonderful. Following Mass the children and their guests had a party with pastries and cake.
Then there was lunch, appetizer, soup, main course and of course dessert! Immediately following lunch our luggage and all of us were loaded into vans to come to the city.
We were warmly welcomed by Peter and Susanna, lots of hugs and kisses all around. It wasn't long before we were invited to a Hungarian festival at the school. Many of us walked over to the school, some were given a ride. We met some friends as well as the students who will be traveling with Lana on the return trip to the U.S. We are hoping we can make arrangements for them to come to Arizona for a visit while they are in the U.S.
As usual we had an amazing dinner. Peter and Susanna are the best hosts ever. The food was great and the conversation was loads of fun as we spoke mish mash.
Time to go for now. It's getting late, more tomorrow after our first day of teaching. Good night!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
The latest news
Here are Marjorie Martin's reflections for you.
Hello to everyone. I see 27 happy children here who are being given a chance to make or have a better life. They live in a family environment. Five of the boys have been chosen to go to a camp in Lichtenstein. The requirement is they be thirteen. They will be there three weeks. A young man who is working here for the summer will be going as an interpreter and chaperone. His name is Dommick and he has taken a year away from college to work with the children. There are two college students here doing this work as well. What a wonderful thing to do.
More news from Lana,
Thursday we went to L'viv and met with the Rotary Club who worked with the Upper Sandusky Rotary Club to buy a van for the second house here in Rát. They were able to purchase a very nice used van. The parents are thrilled as it will make it easier to get the children to doctor appointments, music lessons, church camps, vacations and all sorts of other activities.
The Rotary Club arranged a tour of L'viv for us and it was quite informative. L'viv has a long and rich history, spanning many centuries. The city has also experienced conflict and turmoil throughout the years. There have been many other countries and empires that have ruled the city. For a time the city was part of Poland, then Russia. The Nazis moved in during World War II, then the Soviets. Finally the people of L'viv are able to live in relative freedom and with a sense of security.
Just to keep you up to date it is now Saturday morning and the kids are at home. Right now the boys are busily playing with bionicals that Mutsumi and Nicky brought with them. The boys are really excited and having a blast.
Our group will be going to Uzhgorod for lunch today. We will be celebrating Arpod's birthday. After we return, the children will be presenting a program for us with music and singing. Tomorrow seven of the children will have their First Communion. The worship service sounds as though it will be very lovely. A party will follow with lots of great food and cake of course.
Following the party we will be leaving St. Michaels. It will be difficult to say goodbye to everyone, but we are looking forward to more adventures next week in Mukachevo.
I'll try to send you all some photos when I have the chance.
We hope all is going well for you back home.
Diane Thomas
Hello to everyone. I see 27 happy children here who are being given a chance to make or have a better life. They live in a family environment. Five of the boys have been chosen to go to a camp in Lichtenstein. The requirement is they be thirteen. They will be there three weeks. A young man who is working here for the summer will be going as an interpreter and chaperone. His name is Dommick and he has taken a year away from college to work with the children. There are two college students here doing this work as well. What a wonderful thing to do.
More news from Lana,
Thursday we went to L'viv and met with the Rotary Club who worked with the Upper Sandusky Rotary Club to buy a van for the second house here in Rát. They were able to purchase a very nice used van. The parents are thrilled as it will make it easier to get the children to doctor appointments, music lessons, church camps, vacations and all sorts of other activities.
The Rotary Club arranged a tour of L'viv for us and it was quite informative. L'viv has a long and rich history, spanning many centuries. The city has also experienced conflict and turmoil throughout the years. There have been many other countries and empires that have ruled the city. For a time the city was part of Poland, then Russia. The Nazis moved in during World War II, then the Soviets. Finally the people of L'viv are able to live in relative freedom and with a sense of security.
Just to keep you up to date it is now Saturday morning and the kids are at home. Right now the boys are busily playing with bionicals that Mutsumi and Nicky brought with them. The boys are really excited and having a blast.
Our group will be going to Uzhgorod for lunch today. We will be celebrating Arpod's birthday. After we return, the children will be presenting a program for us with music and singing. Tomorrow seven of the children will have their First Communion. The worship service sounds as though it will be very lovely. A party will follow with lots of great food and cake of course.
Following the party we will be leaving St. Michaels. It will be difficult to say goodbye to everyone, but we are looking forward to more adventures next week in Mukachevo.
I'll try to send you all some photos when I have the chance.
We hope all is going well for you back home.
Diane Thomas
Friday, June 8, 2012
Some recent photos
We're sending you some photos, including pictures of some food (before we ate it all!)
 |
| Dinner, chicken cutlets, dumplings with veggies and cucumber cabbage salad |
Greetings everyone!
It's now Friday morning in Ukraine. The days have just flown by. We have been very busy playing with the boys and girls as well as visiting the mountains. Thursday we made a day trip to L'viv, a beautiful old city with wonderful old churches and buildings. L'viv is also hosting some of the World Cup football (soccer) matches.
I've asked the others to add to our blog. Charlotte Leeth writes. "I have seen piles of bricks grow into a children's home. It's not an orphanage, but a true children's home. The children live in houses with a mother and father and boys and girls of all ages. Thanks for all the help from the States, they have been provided with some of the necessities they otherwise might not have.
It's now Friday morning in Ukraine. The days have just flown by. We have been very busy playing with the boys and girls as well as visiting the mountains. Thursday we made a day trip to L'viv, a beautiful old city with wonderful old churches and buildings. L'viv is also hosting some of the World Cup football (soccer) matches.
I've asked the others to add to our blog. Charlotte Leeth writes. "I have seen piles of bricks grow into a children's home. It's not an orphanage, but a true children's home. The children live in houses with a mother and father and boys and girls of all ages. Thanks for all the help from the States, they have been provided with some of the necessities they otherwise might not have.
Lana's comments and thoughts
We are having a great trip with new experiences every day. The children were very excited to see us and they remember how to play Bingo and Uno. They are doing well on the flash cards and we are picking up some Hungarian, Ukrainian and Russian. What we speak here is a true mish mash.
Nicky, the 12 year old who came with us has made a great friend, Josef. Nicky is definitely ahead of us in the language department, and is very good for all the kids to encourage them to speak English.
The children enjoy playing cards so we taught them the simple game of "garbage." We also brought baseball gloves, bats and balls and are trying to teach them baseball.
Our hosts are wonderful. We have been very welcomed and the food is delicious. We have fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and good bread every meal as well as other good things. We have had stuffed cabbage, potato casserole and breaded chicken cutlets.
On Tuesday we went to Szenevír, a national park with a deep lake. Swimming is not allowed there. There is a legend about star crossed lovers. We enjoyed shaslik (a meat kabob) at a restaurant there. On the way home, we were trying to get pictures of different things like haystacks, farmers in the field and cows with there herders.
Lana Sakash
Nicky, the 12 year old who came with us has made a great friend, Josef. Nicky is definitely ahead of us in the language department, and is very good for all the kids to encourage them to speak English.
The children enjoy playing cards so we taught them the simple game of "garbage." We also brought baseball gloves, bats and balls and are trying to teach them baseball.
Our hosts are wonderful. We have been very welcomed and the food is delicious. We have fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and good bread every meal as well as other good things. We have had stuffed cabbage, potato casserole and breaded chicken cutlets.
On Tuesday we went to Szenevír, a national park with a deep lake. Swimming is not allowed there. There is a legend about star crossed lovers. We enjoyed shaslik (a meat kabob) at a restaurant there. On the way home, we were trying to get pictures of different things like haystacks, farmers in the field and cows with there herders.
Lana Sakash
More Experiences to Share
It is still Friday here in Ukraine, I've been attempting to share these blogs with you all morning. What with getting used to using a Hungarian computer and then an outage of electricity, I hope I'll finally be able to get this project finished.
On Thursday our group traveled to L'viv, a very old and historic city in western Ukraine. It is quite beautiful with lots of history, old buildings and lovely churches. Some of the World Cup (soccer) matches are being played in L'viv so there are more tourists than usual. Even so, we were able to see a great deal of the oldest parts of town. We've also been to the mountains which are filled with trees and loads of green grass, unlike the desert some of us are used to.
I've asked other members of our group to share some of their thoughts, reflections and experiences, so the rest of this post will be in their words.
Charlotte Leeth writes: "I have seen piles of bricks grow into a children's home. It is not an orphanage, but a true children's home. The children live in houses with a mother and father and boys and girls of all ages. Thanks for all the help from the States they have been provided with some necessities they otherwise might not have.
Here's what Suzie Mostoller has to share: "There is so much of interest here that is different from life in the U.S. Our Dewey is something of a farm community, but with new homes being built an acre here 5 acres there. Here in Rát we definitely see a farm community, but it is a community with homes up and down the streets. As soon as the homes stop, farm land begins. We have cabbage and cuke cole slaw daily, so we know those are big crops. Corn and grains are also big. Sometimes they will grow 3 20 foot rows of cabbage and have 10 pole bean plants in the middle of a huge field of corn. We think that's a private garden in the middle of a "crop for sale." 10-12 cows are herded down the street about 6:30 AM and return about 7 PM. Families have one or two cows and hire a herder who picks up all the village cows and takes them to the pasture for the day. There are no curbs or sidewalks, so we walk in the street and call "car" as they barrel down the street avoiding pot holes. The ice cream man came by in his cart this morning, beeping his horn-no music! Each house has a distinctive wrought iron fence in front. They have lots of flower gardens, veggie gardens and grape arbors down the driveways. People say they make good wine in the fall, but they haven't shared with us!
We've taken two day trips and have driven on the super highways into the Carpathian Mountains. We went to a beautiful lake in the mountains, then stopped for a wonderful shashlik lunch-- grilled veal on sticks, potatoes similar to scalloped potatoes, and the usual cole slaw. Oh--SO GOOD! Along the way we noticed the hay stacks that are so different from ours. A single stack in the center supports the hay that droops down in a sort of shaggy triangular shape to a platform on the bottom that keeps it off the ground and therefore doesn't get muddy. (I hope I have a picture!) They remind me of cousin Itt on the Addams Family TV show.
More later
On Thursday our group traveled to L'viv, a very old and historic city in western Ukraine. It is quite beautiful with lots of history, old buildings and lovely churches. Some of the World Cup (soccer) matches are being played in L'viv so there are more tourists than usual. Even so, we were able to see a great deal of the oldest parts of town. We've also been to the mountains which are filled with trees and loads of green grass, unlike the desert some of us are used to.
I've asked other members of our group to share some of their thoughts, reflections and experiences, so the rest of this post will be in their words.
Charlotte Leeth writes: "I have seen piles of bricks grow into a children's home. It is not an orphanage, but a true children's home. The children live in houses with a mother and father and boys and girls of all ages. Thanks for all the help from the States they have been provided with some necessities they otherwise might not have.
Here's what Suzie Mostoller has to share: "There is so much of interest here that is different from life in the U.S. Our Dewey is something of a farm community, but with new homes being built an acre here 5 acres there. Here in Rát we definitely see a farm community, but it is a community with homes up and down the streets. As soon as the homes stop, farm land begins. We have cabbage and cuke cole slaw daily, so we know those are big crops. Corn and grains are also big. Sometimes they will grow 3 20 foot rows of cabbage and have 10 pole bean plants in the middle of a huge field of corn. We think that's a private garden in the middle of a "crop for sale." 10-12 cows are herded down the street about 6:30 AM and return about 7 PM. Families have one or two cows and hire a herder who picks up all the village cows and takes them to the pasture for the day. There are no curbs or sidewalks, so we walk in the street and call "car" as they barrel down the street avoiding pot holes. The ice cream man came by in his cart this morning, beeping his horn-no music! Each house has a distinctive wrought iron fence in front. They have lots of flower gardens, veggie gardens and grape arbors down the driveways. People say they make good wine in the fall, but they haven't shared with us!
We've taken two day trips and have driven on the super highways into the Carpathian Mountains. We went to a beautiful lake in the mountains, then stopped for a wonderful shashlik lunch-- grilled veal on sticks, potatoes similar to scalloped potatoes, and the usual cole slaw. Oh--SO GOOD! Along the way we noticed the hay stacks that are so different from ours. A single stack in the center supports the hay that droops down in a sort of shaggy triangular shape to a platform on the bottom that keeps it off the ground and therefore doesn't get muddy. (I hope I have a picture!) They remind me of cousin Itt on the Addams Family TV show.
More later
Experiences to be shared
From Mutsumi, "Children at this orphanage are well taken care of and nice people. They are very sweet and friendly. Their hugs are special to me'!!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Hi everyone!
We are in the middle of our Ukrainian adventure and having a wonderful experience. Monday the children were at home all day, it was a school holiday in honor of Pentecost. The sun was shining and so we were able to play games and read stories to the kids.
Suzie brought out her maps of the U.S., Texas and Arizona. We showed the boys and girls where we live. All the children wanted to see the map of Texas so that they could see the place where Nick lives.
Marjorie helped some children with painting and coloring projects. Mutsumi began teaching the older girls how to make beaded jewelry. They have been very excited about creating bracelets, earrings and necklaces.
Lana played Bingo with the children, the prize for winning was a pair of sunglasses. Of course, like all kids, some of them tried to tell us that they had won even though they hadn't. All of them wanted sunglasses!
We have been eating our way through the day. Big breakfasts of cheese, bread, fruit, tomatoes, cucumbers, sausage along with loads of tea and coffee. It seems as though we just finish breakfast when lunch rolls around. Wonderful homemade soups, more bread, and dessert. We have been eating dinners in the homes where the children live with their house parents. On top of salad, potatoes, and meat we have the most beautiful and amazing cakes (torte) for dessert.
After dinner last night, Lana and I decided we needed to "exercise" so we walked laps in the large room on the second floor of the guest house where we are staying.
So far we are having a marvelous time talking and learning about the children here at St. Michael's and hearing about the plans for the fourth house as well as a rehab center that is under construction here at St. Michael's.
I have posted some photos of the children and our group. I hope you enjoy them.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Ukraine in June: Ukraine in June
Ukraine in June: Ukraine in JuneGreetings from Ukraine! We're having a wonderful time. The children are loads
fun. Nick (Suzie's grandson) is always playing. He and his mom are quite popular. I've been having
some problems getting to this blog. I hope it's beginning to work now. We managed the long plane
ride and best of all the luggage arrived at the same time we did. It's Monday afternoon and the children are playing. They wore some of us out this morning so we're indulging in a little quiet
time right now.
The food is wonderful and it seems as though we're eating all the time!
Tomorrow we're heading to the mountains.
More later
Blessings,
Pastor Diane
fun. Nick (Suzie's grandson) is always playing. He and his mom are quite popular. I've been having
some problems getting to this blog. I hope it's beginning to work now. We managed the long plane
ride and best of all the luggage arrived at the same time we did. It's Monday afternoon and the children are playing. They wore some of us out this morning so we're indulging in a little quiet
time right now.
The food is wonderful and it seems as though we're eating all the time!
Tomorrow we're heading to the mountains.
More later
Blessings,
Pastor Diane
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Almost ready
Greetings Friends,
The time is almost here. We've been getting ourselves and our suitcases ready to roll on Friday. As always, it seems as though there are too many last minute tasks and projects, not to mention shopping trips. We're taking all sorts of items with us, everything from bags of marshmallows to children's aspirin.
Right now we're just hoping that everything fits, and that we'll have room in the luggage for some clothes to wear.
Our cameras are charged, so keep in touch and watch for our photos of our adventures. We'll try to check in with you as we're travelling.
Blessings to you all.
Pastor Diane
The time is almost here. We've been getting ourselves and our suitcases ready to roll on Friday. As always, it seems as though there are too many last minute tasks and projects, not to mention shopping trips. We're taking all sorts of items with us, everything from bags of marshmallows to children's aspirin.
Right now we're just hoping that everything fits, and that we'll have room in the luggage for some clothes to wear.
Our cameras are charged, so keep in touch and watch for our photos of our adventures. We'll try to check in with you as we're travelling.
Blessings to you all.
Pastor Diane
Friday, May 11, 2012
Ukraine in June: Count down to June
Ukraine in June: Count down to June: The count down is on! We're getting ready for the big departure June 1. Suzie, Marj and I have been planning this for months and now it's ju...
Count down to June
The count down is on! We're getting ready for the big departure June 1. Suzie, Marj and I have been planning this for months and now it's just a few short weeks away.
We all have loads to do before we take off, but we're really excited about the long trip to Ukraine.
I know we're going to have lots of adventures and wonderful experiences.
I hope our friends at Faith Community will figure out to read our blogs during our trip. We plan to keep in touch with all of you and hopefully send you some photos as well. So, watch for our latest news from Ukraine.
Our first week will be spent at the Children's Home in Rativa and then it will be on to Mukachevo
We'll be in touch.
Blessings to you all.
Pastor Diane
We all have loads to do before we take off, but we're really excited about the long trip to Ukraine.
I know we're going to have lots of adventures and wonderful experiences.
I hope our friends at Faith Community will figure out to read our blogs during our trip. We plan to keep in touch with all of you and hopefully send you some photos as well. So, watch for our latest news from Ukraine.
Our first week will be spent at the Children's Home in Rativa and then it will be on to Mukachevo
We'll be in touch.
Blessings to you all.
Pastor Diane
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