Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love??

I’ve experienced the tough, waiting on the love part. Monday through Wednesday were half days filled with last tests and relaxed lessons for the students because Thursday marked Christmas for Ukrainians. Since Wednesday, I have just been lounging around the host family’s house. They feed me which is nice of them but it is a little forced. Definitely feeling the lost of independence while coming on 3 months of being in Ukraine. Most decisions that are about me aren’t made by me.

I’m looking forward to eventually getting my own flat. I will be able to establish a normalcy that is much needed in my life. As of now my vice principle is still looking for a flat. It is hard to find something that meets PC’s standards as well as price range. So I’m practicing patience for the moment being.

I taught a few classes this week at school. I have realized that God and the teacher’s who I frustrated throughout my own schooling are giggling a bit at me. Ukrainian students are overall good kids but I have a number of mischievous ones in my classes, but I’m taking it all in stride because for the longest time I was the class clown at the back of the class.

This week was a week of firsts. I received my first mail here at my site. Letters from my pops, Sandra (swimmer) and Kimberly. Let’s just say getting mail as a PCV is up there with winning lotto ticket and finding a good parking space on North Central’s campus. Thank you guys for sending me the mail definitely saved my sanity on those days.

Oh, but probably the less enjoyable of the firsts was me biting it. I’ve had many close calls on the ice and snow here in Ukraine. But yesterday my luck ran out. Coming down the pedestrian bridge that goes over the train tracks here in Kivertsi , next thing I know I’m going down. I attempted to grab the railing but considering it was as icy as where I stepped, it didn’t help me much. I slid down until coming to a stop at the bottom. Oh, with only roughly 20 people watching I stood up said loudly, “well that was awesome” and kept trucking to the supermarket.

So this week through and through was probably the one I have struggled with the most. My bible has come in handy looking for strength to keep a good attitude and to live in the present as well as the faith to see the positive of what the Lord has to teach me here in Ukraine. But at times this isn’t the easiest task. Please send lots of prayers in the direction of Ukraine. It is greatly appreciated.
Miss you all.
Kate