Pray for Ukraine

Tom and I visited Kiev, Ukraine many times during the five years we lived in Russia. Often we would stay for 2 or more weeks at a time for Tom to teach there and for us to renew our Russian visas. Our youngest son, Spencer, lived there for a year. We have friends there. We know missionaries serving there now that attended language school with us in Russia.  Last night several of our friends were posting on Facebook about the young man in the photo.  He was 20 years old and was killed by the police. Protests have been going on in Ukraine since November. But, last night they turned deadly.

You can read about the violence here:

CNN:   Ukraine protest movement: At least 4 killed in clashes with police

Reuters: Ukraine opposition say they'll brave bullets after talks with Yanukovich fail

Washington Post: Ukraine’s protests are back. Here’s why.

Buzzfeed: World Economic Forum Drops Ukrainian Prime Minister As Protesters Die In Kiev


I won't print anyone's name, but, one friend said that things are getting worse and not better.  One said that it is very scary there.  One friend reported that television signals had been turned off and fears that they will lose their internet connection as well.  And yet another said that their only hope is in Christ and the prayers of believers.  All we can do from afar is watch and pray.  Please pray with us for Ukraine, her government, and her people.

How Yulia Timoshenko got her hairdo!

some things are the same...

Here is a photo from McDonalds in Ternopil, Ukraine. We stopped there on our way to the airport the day we were flying back to Russia. McDonalds is pretty much the same all over the world... the most noticeable difference is the language on the menu!

One thing that was different and immediately stood out for us was seeing people wearing masks. I realize they face the public all day long but it was a little unnerving to see McDonalds staff in masks!

Dinner at the Old Mill in Ternopil, Ukraine

Last night Tom and I were taken out to dinner by Sasha and his lovely wife, Luda. Sasha is the director of the school here in Ternopil. We were treated to an incredible meal in a Ukrainian restaurant. All of the decorations were antiques and the wait staff dresses in traditional Ukrainian attire.

Tom and I were issued a challenge right off the bat. The appetizer was sala with bread and garlic. We have both tried sala before so that was not new. The challenge from Sasha was: would we be willing to eat it again or face being put on Sasha's black list?! We both passed with flying colors. Sala is basically bacon fat. This particular restaurant melts it into a spread with various spices and all you have to do is put a layer of it on the fresh bread, top that layer with thinly sliced garlic and then enjoy!

After the appetizer of bread and sala we had green borsht:

Our green borscht was presented in the this freshly baked bread!

The yellow is just of bit of butter... once it was stirred it was sooo tasty!!

Take notice of the ceramic cup with no handles. That was our drinking glass. The small wicker container shaped like a shoe held the silverware. Tom had salmon steak with Ternopil potatoes and I had cabbage rolls. It was a great meal, very filling and beautifully presented.

And the time with Sasha and Luda... Priceless!

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A quarantine in Ternopil

We just found out last night about this quarantine here in the city. We saw store clerks yesterday wearing masks and that was our first clue. Late last night we were told to close the windows due to the spraying that was going on. We were told that the buses and trains are no longer running in and out of the city. We are hoping that we will still make our plane on Saturday... keep us in your prayers!

УНІАН (www.unian.net)

28.10.2009 13:04
Flu is in Ukraine

In Ternopil a quarantine is prolonged because of high level of prevalence of flu and acute respiratory viral infection.

The press office of the city council disclosed to an UNIAN correspondent, the relevant decision was made today at the regular session of city extraordinary antiepidemic commission under chairmanship of deputy city chairman on social issues Roman Legkiy.

During the session the head state sanitary inspector of Ternopil Volodymyr Panichev said that as of October 27 level of prevalence of acute respiratory viral infection and diseases similar to flu in the city makes up 255.5 per 10 thousands of population.

УНІАН (www.unian.net)

29.10.2009 11:48
Educational institutions are closed in two Oblasts because of flu

The quarantine in educational institutions is announced in the Ternopil and Ivano-Frankovsk Oblasts because of spreading of flu.

The Propaganda Center of the Directorate of the Emergency Ministry disclosed to UNIAN that education is suspended in 10 universities, 11 vocational training colleges and colleges in the Ternopil Oblast of Ukraine and in Ternopil from October 28.

The relevant decrees were issued by heads of the educational institutional institutions because of growth of number of flu and ARD cases. As of 22.00 pm, October 28, 244.5 ill people per 10 thousands of population are registered.

check out the details...

This little house is the dining hall... there are three houses on this property. I love the paint job on this one. Even though this is a university it has a "home" feel to it!

Museum of Folk Architecture

On Saturday we visited the Ukraine Architectural Museum. We were able to go into this tiny Orthodox Church... I love seeing the inside of old churches. I wish that I could have freely taken photos inside. The view of the ceiling was incredible. The art work is always amazing, inspirational and joy to behold!

Ukrainian playground

It has rained several days in a row since we got here... so these kids have not had much of a chance to play outdoors.

This little playground is across the street from where the boat is anchored. When the weather is nice, we get to hear the joyful sound of kids playing!!