An Important Message!

…by video from Novoukrainka (specifically, my 4th grade class)

Happy Holidays from Ukraine!

I’m looking forward to my trip home next Thursday (I begin the journey on Sunday). Today was our first day back from quarantine. It felt so good to be back! The roads were full of slush and school was cold, but it was so energizing to see my students again.

On Saturday, I’ll head into Kirovohrad for a holiday party – should be a fun time…

Also, please spread the word about my presentation at WSU Vancouver (details in the previous blog post). Hope to see you there!

Sending love your way, especially during the holidays,

Natalie

Mark Your Calendars!

Why: To experience daily life in Ukraine as a Peace Corps volunteer through pictures, stories, and video that I have prepared with my community and school to share with you.

When: Thursday, January 7, 2010 beginning at 6:00pm

Where: Washington State University Vancouver campus (Undergraduate Classroom Building, Room #1) Click here for a map, directions, and parking information.


Hope to see you there!

Warmest Regards,
Natalie

Inspiring Turkey Health (and other good happenings)

Well, it has been two weeks since my last blog entry… really, only two weeks? I have so many stories to share!


Wonderful news: my SPA grant was funded for a Multimedia Resource and Training Center in our region! You can read more about this grant on my other blog. Throughout this process, I have been impressed with the staff’s enthusiasm for this project and their willingness to share these resources within the region. I have been working with three teachers closely, none of which are my counterpart, to define the goals of this project. I will certainly keep you updated as the funding is received and the project is implemented.

Las week, I spent some time in Kyiv to say goodbye to volunteers from Group 33 who have completed their service. Cheers to Group 33!

Me and Jessica - we lived in the same oblast, so we worked on projects together, traveled together, visited each others' sites, and definitely supported each other. Jess, you'll be missed!

In Kyiv (from left to right): Evan (Group 33), Dorothy (Group 34), me, and Curtis (Group 33).

Our Goodbye Lunch in honor of Seth (Group 33). With Sarah (Group 35) and Dorothy. We went to a traditional Ukrainian restaurant - of course, how could Seth eat anything else on his last day in Ukraine?

Here I am with Brittany (Group 33) - a fellow Portlander! I only met her a few weeks ago, it's unfortunate I didn't meet her earlier! We will have a Voodoo Doughnut date as soon as I'm back...

This week my focus has been on getting back into a routine. Even though school has started, I have been going to school each day to meet with teachers, work on grants and the Peer Advisor program, and socialize. It really does feel great to be back at school. Here's a picture one of my students put on vkontakte (Russian version of Facebook). This picture was taken when I had a small group of students over to prepare for an English competition... the sweet thing about this is it had the caption: "Oh))) She is so cool))) We <3 U. Natalie)))"... (for those of you who aren't familiar with '<3' symbol, it is supposed to be a sideways heart. Don't feel too bad, I had to look it up because I didn't have a clue!).

Part of getting back into my routine is running outside again. Since I’ve moved, I haven’t spent much time at the stadium near my new apartment – until now. Well, as I’ve quickly discovered, it seems that the stadium’s main use is a poultry exercise ring. Yes, many babushkas are often walking their geese and turkeys around the track… normally, sharing doesn’t bother me. However, having a flock of eight to ten turkeys charging me is terrifying! They’ll start in the middle of the field, then, without warning, they’ll all start running towards me – I panic – run faster – and then they usually run behind me and stop for a rest… Other than being scared, it does take my mind off running because I’m constantly tracking the flock! I like how my friend Christie responded after I sang my woes to her about the chasing turkeys, she said, “Well, you’re inspiring them to run!” Yes, way to put a positive spin on it… but I’d rather they be inspired somewhere else. On that note, Happy Thanksgiving!


With love,
Natalie

Disheartened in Week Two of Quarantine

It’s time for some honesty: I have been having a rough time in Ukraine lately. No, nothing out of the ordinary has caused my optimism to disappear; in fact, I can’t quite put my finger on the cause of my perpetual sour mood. So, I’ve made a list of possible reasons and will try to communicate each of them. Throughout this blog, I feel that I’ve maintained a fairly positive attitude and it has been reflective of my state. However, this one will take a turn, so I apologize up front.


Possible Reason #1: Three Weeks of Quarantine

According to Peace Corps volunteers who have been in Ukraine longer, this semester should supposedly be one of the most productive semesters with students. We’re able to see the results of exposing students to a native-English speaker and finally understanding the Ukrainian school system. I’ve started developing strong relationships with students and they understand my expectations. However, with this four week break from school (we had one week of Fall break before the quarantine was announced), I haven’t seen my students in almost a month. When we return to school, we will have less than a month before the holidays to finish the semester. Bottom line: I miss my students; after all, they’re the reason I’m here.



Possible Reason #2: Brrr… Winter Weather is Here

It’s muddy, cold, wet, and I hate walking and standing in this type of weather for long periods of time. In the states, there are certain things I can count on: any building I entered would most likely be heated to a comfortable temperature, my mode of transportation is heated, sidewalks and paved roads make it easier to avoid mud, and I rarely had to stand outside for long periods of time waiting for a bus, train, or taxi. Yes, it’s cold here. But not only is it cold outside, it’s cold in most buildings. In fact, I can’t think of any other building I’ve been in other than the Peace Corps office that is actually heated to a comfortable temperature. School is freezing and stores are certainly cold, too.



Possible Reason #3: One Year Mark

I’ve learned a lot in the 14 months of living here. However, there are other emotions wrapped around the one year mark. For example, questions start to arise such as: Have I been making a difference at all? Am I accomplishing anything? What does my future hold after Peace Corps? The past year has certainly sped by, but it doesn’t mean that I’m not scared of the year to come. I still have another year here and that’s daunting.



Possible Reason #4: Saying Goodbye to Group 33 Friends

Group 33, which is the group of volunteers one year ahead of my group, is officially leaving Ukraine beginning next week. I have worked, cried, laughed, and traveled with these volunteers. It’s really the first group of volunteers that I have become close with and is leaving. It is difficult to say goodbye to such good friends – especially when they were the people I looked up to as a new volunteer. They have been my mentors… I have learned so much from many of these volunteers. Next Tuesday, I will say goodbye to many people from this group who will be exiting Ukraine by the end of next week. I don’t like this pattern of saying goodbye.



Possible Reason #5: Holidays Around the Corner

For Thanksgiving, it looks like I’ll be headed to Western Ukraine for the first time. Larisa, my friend from Yakima whom I shared a room with in Philadelphia at staging, will be hosting me for Thanksgiving. It looks like it will be just the two of us – which is exactly how we want it. We need some girl time. It should be fun. But, knowing that I’ll miss another Christmas from home doesn’t necessarily sit well. On a positive note, I am scheduled to arrive in PDX on December 31 at noon and will be home for nineteen days – it should be an awesome trip! I can’t explain how much I’m looking forward to this trip… Even though I have some great plans for the holidays, it still reminds me that I constantly miss family, friends, and home.



Possible Reason #6: Where Is Everyone?

During the winter, as the weather becomes more difficult to travel in, people in Ukraine tend to stay in their homes. During the summer and autumn months, I’m regularly meeting with students, neighbors, and babushkas throughout the neighborhood. However, as winter sets in, people seem to stay locked away inside their houses. All of a sudden, it’s no longer safe to be outdoors after 4pm because it’s so dark and no one is in the streets. Makes for long evenings… (especially during quarantine time).



Even though this seemed like an extended complaint session, it has helped me own up to my thoughts, reflect on my mood, and think about the positive plans I have in the near future. To end on a good note, here are some things I’m looking forward to or recent happenings that I am thankful for:

1. I had a fabulous birthday party in Kharkiv! Complete with nearly thirty friends, a free cake, delicious Italian food, fun games, and a club later in the evening.


2. Awesome Halloween party in Kharkiv! Here's a picture from Halloween (costumes from left to right: Drag Cop, Field mouse, Flapper, Mr. Stay Puft from Ghostbusters, Gladiator, and a Lion):

One more picture from Kharkiv - we're exploring the city:

3. Next Week: Warden Training (once again) in Crimea

4. School will begin Monday, November 23

5. Thanksgiving in L’viv with Larisa

6. Trip home for Holly’s wedding (December 31 – January 18)

7. Planning a Spring Break trip with Brian and Justin to Italy

Thank you for supporting me throughout my highs and lows in Peace Corps...
Take care,
Love Nat

Winter Blues? Very likely.

It has been almost a month since my last posting. I'm not quite sure what is holding me back from posting... I'm just having a difficult time right now. Just a quick update for you: all is well with me, the school year is flying by, and I had a fabulous birthday last Thursday - complete with many friends, cake with candles, and my new coat (thanks mom and dad for sending it in my care package).

For now, I just want to update you on the Swine Flu scare in Ukraine. On Friday, most PCVs were informed of the quarantine in effect throughout the country. School has been cancelled for three weeks and we should avoid any large public gatherings. I'm well and I haven't heard of any cases in my town. Speculations about the harsh restrictions are being discussed (see article below).

Sorry this is so short...more to come later.
Love Nat.

Ukraine Bans Big Crowds to Combat Swine Flu
By: Clifford J. Levy
Published in the New York Times on October 31, 2009

MOSCOW — The Ukrainian government is taking some of the sternest measures in the world against the spread of the swine flu virus, ordering schools nationwide to close for three weeks, banning public gatherings and imposing restrictions on travel.

(Photo caption: Yuriy Dyachyshyn/Agence France-Presse- Newlyweds in Lviv, Ukraine, on Saturday. The government has ordered an anti-flu crackdown.)

Prime Minister Yulia V. Tymoshenko announced the measures on Friday in response to rising fears about swine flu, especially in western Ukraine. Federal health officials said 33 people had died of the flu across the country, although there was conflicting information about which type of the virus was to blame.


The situation in Ukraine “has reached the epidemic threshold,” Ms. Tymoshenko said. The ban on public gatherings, she said, would apply to “all large-scale events, concerts, movie showings and any other gatherings of people for the next three weeks.”


The World Health Organization said it would send a team to Ukraine to assist the authorities.
News reports from the western part of the country said there were long lines at pharmacies as people sought medication and masks.


With all rallies canceled, the antiflu measures were expected to have an immediate impact on the campaign for Ukraine’s presidency. The election is on Jan. 17, and Ms. Tymoshenko formally registered as a candidate on Saturday.


The virus is spreading across Eastern Europe, but it was not clear why Ms. Tymoshenko chose to undertake stronger moves, like closing schools nationwide, than her counterparts in Russia and Poland.


There were indications, however, that the government’s response was being influenced by electoral politics. Ms. Tymoshenko, one of the leading candidates, and her bitter rival, President Viktor A. Yushchenko, who is far behind in polls in his bid for re-election, both sought to make clear that they were aggressively addressing the outbreak.


On Friday, Mr. Yushchenko criticized Ms. Tymoshenko, saying he had ordered an inquiry into why the country was not, in his opinion, prepared.


“We will have an assessment of the issues that arose — why this has turned out to be so acute,” he said.

Field Trip Memories...

Last week, I went on two "excursions" with my students. Not the typical school field trips we would take in the states, but I really enjoyed this time with my students!

On Wednesday, we went to a collective farm to dig up carrots for our school cafeteria. Apparently, the students work in the fields quite a bit in September to allow the school heavily discounted veggies. Each student was assigned a three meter plot to gather carrots. I walked parallel to the row of students, helping each one along the way. It was an especially good time for my 5th grade students to practice speaking English with me - without having the pressure of a lesson situation. I finished the field trip by eating lunch with my students, having a throwing contest, playing tag, and finally taking home some carrots and green onions. Here are some pictures from our day:

On Thursday, 6th through 11th graders traveled about 20 kilometers outside town to a sanitorium, which is sort of like a "resort"...basically a place for people to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In the middle of a forest with small lake, we hiked into the forest and set up camp. Each class brought a ton of food and cooked on an open fire. We had competitions, played soccer, and explored the forest. The teachers are great planners - one of the competitions involved each class preparing a meal for the teachers, so we had all our food provided by the classes... worked out well for us! Not only did I enjoy the time with my students, but I also loved being so deep in the forest - so relaxing and reminded me of home :(

Here are some pictures I took throughout the day:

One of the first tasks each class began working on was marking off their "Class Territory" with string - I was constantly having to search for string before walking into the students' camp or I would have taken the string to the face! Here are some 6th graders marking off their campsite:

"What are you doing?" I asked the students when I saw them clearing the leaves from the paths. "It will be our stadium," one student replied with a smile. Sure enough, this later became the place for soccer games!

11th graders preparing for the feast!

Vlad, one of my 6th grade students:

Nazaar and me posing...

Timur, Vlad, and Zhenya (they don't look happy in this picture, but they really were having a good time!)

With Nazaar and Zhenya, both 6th grade students.

I have many pictures with my 6th grade students - this is the class I am probably closest with. Last semester, I had an English club for 6th grade only and I usually had between 15-20 students attend three days each week. We would play games, talk about our lives, watch movies, play soccer - and certainly practice English! This was also the grade I conducted my demonstrative lesson for Peace Corps staff two weeks ago, they're a great bunch of kids!

Here's Yana, a 6th grade student, gathering decorations to hang from the territory string.

With Vadim and Aloyna, two 6th grade students.

Striking a pose with Vadim and Kolya...

With Inna, an 11th grade student:

My 8th grade girls!

With Inna and Nastia, both 8th grade students.

Dasha and her father, Arkan preparing the delicious meal! Later on our physical education teacher, Yura, was encouraging me to date Arkan...ummm, I think that would be slightly awkward to date a student's father. Just a guess, though.

Zhenya, one of my trouble-making 9th grade boys, chopping firewood. Love this kid!

With Sasha, who is now in 9th grade! Just this past week, Sasha and I spent nearly 30 hours working on her application for the FLEX program (Future Leaders Exchange Program). This program would allow Sasha to study for one academic year at a high school in the states. The application was exhausting, but I sure have high hopes for her. I'll keep you updated!

With Dasha, another 9th grade student. Can you see us through the smoke from the fire?

Now this is a picnic! Food for the 10th grade (plus, they're barbequeing potatoes, buckwheat, and pork)!

10th grade girls:

Not only do they create a fence from string, but they also made a door from string. Here is Diana and Masha, two girls from my 10th grade class.

Another one of my 10th grade students, Vadim, cooking up some delicious potatoes!

That's right, bring on the food to the teachers, students!

8th grade girls:

Yum! Yep, I cooked it all!

With Dasha:

Later in the afternoon, students started to get tired from eating and running all over the place! Here are some of my 7th grade boys taking a break:

With some 6th grade students - yeah, that's my Dima giving me the bunny ears! There's a joke among volunteers any student with the name "Dima" usually equals a trouble-maker, and he's living up to his name in this photo!

Stas and Zhenya, two of my 9th grade students:

Some of my 6th grade students built an awesome fort!

The fort even has a guard, pictured below with Vadim and Dima.

And we had to take pictures of us inside the fort (I even had to take my shoes off to go inside because they had placed blankets on the ground to lay on)...

And the self-proclaimed Director of the fort-construction: Igor

Vlad peeking out from inside the fort:

We were hiding in the bushes trying to scare some of the older students with animal sounds...I'm sure you can guess, they weren't scared...

Vlad and Vlad, both from my 9th grade class - both have a great sense of humor!

Playing cards with my 9th grade students: Dasha, Ania, Vlad, and Vlad. We started out playing Durak (a popular Ukrainian card game), but the boys soon wanted to learn poker. Another day, another day, boys...

These two trips with my students were so refreshing - it was great to spend time with them outside school. I'm looking forward to this next school year taking off, but I already have the sense that it will be over before I know it (and I don't like this). Looking forward to more fun times with my students, afterall, this is the reason I'm here.

Sending love your way,

Nat