faith, hope, love

I cannot contain my excitement anymore. UKRAINE IN TWO DAYS! I can hardly believe it; time absolutely flew. I have been busy packing, learning some basic Ukrainian vocabulary and familiarizing myself with Ukrainian culture. As I've mentioned, my mom's side of the family is Ukrainian so this trip tugs my heart strings for sure. I'm so looking forward to going there and having all my Baba's (Grandma) stories come to life. Then when I get back with my stories and pictures she can relive it through me (since she hasn't been back to Ukraine in a long time).

My packing list is insanely long.. mind you, I despise packing (yet love to travel; figure that one out) and am always fully and overly prepared for any situation that may occur so I probably won't need a third of my list. The plan is to dwindle it down as my suitcase has less and less space; there is no other way to go about it. To weeks in an unfamiliar country and culture is pretty difficult to pack for. Wish me luck.

As for this Ukrainian vocabulary.. that might even be more tricky than the packing! Baba was at our house this past weekend for Easter dinner which was a perfect opportunity to be taught some basic words and phrases. I apologize if you don't understand the pronunciation of these words by how I spell them; I did it in such a way that I will at least have a chance at remembering.
- dobre daine (good day)
- dobre vercher (good evening)
- moi-ye imya [Handreika] (my name is (Andrea))
- yuck my yih sheh (how are you?)
- veohdah (water)
- neezh (knife)
- viloch-ka (fork)
- loshka (spoon)
- shnee dah nyah (breakfast)
- obeed (lunch)
- vercherah (supper)
- deeyah quoiyou (thank you)
- pro shoo (please)
- tak (yes)
- nee (no)
- ya nee ho chu (I don't want it)
- yah yes'Canadei (I'm from Canada)
Looks like a pretty good list to me. And just think, I'll have eleven hours on a plane for memorization. It will be done.

One of the things I'm most nervous about is the difference in culture. Ukrainians are pretty conservative, especially Christian Ukrainians. Ukrainians are also very superstitious so I need to be careful to remember certain things so I don't offend anyone.. that would be the worst. I will have to wear a head covering while I'm there. I'm not particularly anxious about that; I actually think it's kind of cool - being able to participate and blend (as much as possible, which is, admittedly, not much) with their culture. No passing anything or handshaking over the threshold of a doorway. Do not put Bible on the ground. As a young single girl do not sit at the corners of any tables. Firm handshake and direct eye contact. No pointing; motion with entire hand. Long skirts/dresses worn to church. Present gifts (especially flowers) in odd numbers; even numbers only for funerals. NEVER confuse Ukraine and Russia or Ukrainian and Russian. And much, much more!

I suppose I feel pretty prepared. As ready as one can be for a trip of this nature anyway. .. The only thing I'm not ready for is the flight. It will be about nine and a half hours to Poland (where our layover is) then an additional two hours to Odessa, Ukraine. NINE plus hours .. in an aircraft. .. with lavatories. Lavatories! I am not a fan of using the washroom while in the air. Not that any of you actually want to know that, but.. you're reading my blog. So ha. Anyway.. generally there's approximately 50 passengers to ONE bathroom. That's a lot. Andddddd, just when I decide to work up the courage to go, the plane hits turbulence, I hear the seat belt sign go on and the pilot says, "We are experiencing some slight turbulence. All passengers return to your seats please." Pft. Of course. It always happens to me. Pretty sure this is totally inevitable since it's not possible, or healthy, to hold it for that long. .. hm, I wonder..

Well, this will probably be the last post before Ukraine so I will post lots of pictures and stories when I return! Until then, farewell!
















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