Well, I’ve been in Kiev, Ukraine for over a week now, and I am enjoying myself immensely! This is a city that is full of history and excitement, and I’ve had the opportunity to see a lot of it this first week. These first two weeks were dedicated to my adjusting to the language and culture (and time zone, apparently) and to give me an idea of what the ministry looks like if Kiev.
I’ve had the privilege of taking multiple trips downtown Kiev to see the important sights to the history of this city and these people. I have seen many monuments and statues honoring the people who built and defended the Ukrainian people. Some of the most amazing sights have been the churches of this city—they are remarkable. The religious structures, such as St. Michael’s Monastery, St. Andrew’s Church, and the Lavra, have been some of my favorite stops.
I’ve had the privilege of taking multiple trips downtown Kiev to see the important sights to the history of this city and these people. I have seen many monuments and statues honoring the people who built and defended the Ukrainian people. Some of the most amazing sights have been the churches of this city—they are remarkable. The religious structures, such as St. Michael’s Monastery, St. Andrew’s Church, and the Lavra, have been some of my favorite stops.
However, I’ve also enjoyed seeing some of the buildings of the arts, such as the National Philharmonic and the Opera House; we’ve also visited some important squares, such as the Contract Square and Independence Square; and other points of Ukrainian culture, such as the main street, Khreschatyk, the Presidential Palace, the Dnieper River and Lobanovsky Dynamo Stadium (futbol). Below, I’ve posted a few pictures of the places I’ve visited this last week.
Other than learning about the history of this culture, I have been concentrating on trying to learn more of the Russian language. I studied the language in college, but it is very different to use the language outside of the classroom. I have been blessed with a wonderful Russian teacher who spent four days in classes with me this week, and will conclude my lessons next week, right before I travel down to Kremenchuk.
So far, my trip has been a huge encouragement and a wonderful learning experience. I trust that in the weeks to come, I will learn even more about the culture and the language as I have more opportunities to work with the wonderful Ukrainian people. I can’t wait to see all the new and exciting places at my next location and I’m equally anticipating my time in the English camps. But, more on that later…
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