TENTH BIRTHDAY

Then

The Mennonite Centre celebrates 10 years!  Last week we had the pleasure of planning and participating in a special commemorative event – the fulfillment of a vision born more than a decade ago when Mennonites started coming back to Ukraine.  A quick review - in the year 2000 the former Halbstadt Maedchenschule was purchased and restored to become a centre for humanitarian aid and development.
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Now

The first NA directors, Herb and Maureen Klassen, pioneered this effort in the spring of 2001.  They recall “all the hard work that was needed to clean those old bricks of years of white paint.”  Al and Peggy Hiebert replaced the Klassens in the fall of the same year.  They report, “when we arrived the restoration of the building was in its final stages.  With help of the staff we were able to employ, we began programs at the Centre.  The Pensioners Tea was the first ongoing activity.” 

Ira Kurukina, our creative, dedicated and hardworking cook, has been with us from the beginning.  Sadly, her husband Sasha, who worked for years as our watchman, passed away early last week.  We attended the burial service which was an intimate affair in Ira’s yard.  Pastor Jakob Tiessen and members of the church conducted the service; then we all followed the procession to the cemetery, led by a man carrying a large wooden cross. People commented later, saying there had been such a dignified, respectful atmosphere at the graveside - usually there is a lot of wailing.  The family had been comforted by Jakob Tiessen's words about our heavenly home where there is no more sorrow and no more crying.   

Vladimir Nikolaivitch Ulyanov and Elena Ivanova Potruh have been coming to the Pensioners Tea regularly through the years. Vladimir Nikolaivitch remembers the crowds that gathered for the dedication ceremony at the Centre and the Cossack show in the park.  He suffers from depression, lives alone and says that coming to the teas relieves his loneliness.  He is also a poet and often entertains his tea companions by reciting his poetry.

Elena Ivanova keeps coming primarily “to see her friends and to sing songs.”  She praises God for the opportunity.  Each month birthdays are celebrated; Elena has kept all the birthday cards she’s received through the years.

As well she is grateful for the glasses we’ve provided. Since 2009 we've dispensed more than 625 pairs of glasses to needy seniors. When not wearing hers Elena proudly keeps them in her designer case. She also expressed appreciation on behalf of
her granddaughter who is able to study at the Zaporozhye Pedagogical Institute on a Centre scholarship.

The work at the Centre has grown to include projects in outlying areas and recently also in the former Chortitza and Yazykova colonies.  Hundreds of projects have been undertaken for individuals and institutions, some one-time only, others ongoing.  Through the years eight couples have come as NA Directors to work alongside our Ukrainian Manager.  Thinking of our involvements I’m sure that all of us would resonate with the sentiments of Herb and Maureen -

“we have fond memories of spring in Ukraine, the warmth of the friends we have made there, the vibrant red tulips and fragrant lilacs that welcomed us, to the sunflowers that bade us farewell.  They remind us of the resilience of the people of Ukraine, who stand tall and bloom, their faces always turning to the Sun, inspite of the many setbacks and challenges they face."



With ongoing gratitude to our donors we have been able to alleviate some of these challenges, enabling people to survive and grow and blossom. It's been a rewarding decade!

For further updates on Centre activities and details of our 10^th anniversary celebration check out the 2011 FOMCU fall newsletter that will be coming out soon.


If you wish to contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" or "FOMCU".  Cheques from American donors should be made out to "MFC-FOMCU".  All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck, Treasurer,  3675 North Service Rd.  Beamsville Ontario, Canada  L0R 1B1  Check our website at http://mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit card giving.

GRATITUDE & THANKSGIVING

In our day-to-day work at the Centre we can easily develop an attitude that sees, in the lives around us and in our surroundings, only that which is broken and requires fixing.  Needs are so great that it is sometimes hard to see beyond them. However there is so much more to see even though life isn't easy.  In the past few days we've seen people affirming the goodness of life, grateful for the goodness of simple things, the turning of the seasons, the sound of children's voices at play, the fruits of the harvest.

It's not always that we have the opportunity of seeing the difference that your giving makes.  Saturday however, we had just such an occasion. Some time ago Alexander Petrovich, the director of a Sports School in Tokmak came with a request for aid. There was a whole list of needs from balls, to mats, to shoes, to outfits. Our church at home took this on as an Advent giving project.  It is only now that we've had the opportunity of following up. We accepted an invitation to a competition at the school and had the pleasure of watching some of the action as well as participating in handing out awards and     trophies.
More than 40 children competed. These children, many of whom would be out on the streets, have a place to come to where they are affirmed, a place where they can build strong, healthy bodies, where they are learning sportsmanship are and building life skills. We were impressed how orderly the children were, how they waited their turns, how they applauded each other and how they followed instructions. They expressed their deepest thanks for all the support they have received, enabling them to carry on and even to compete with other communities.

One humongous beet!

Sunday we joined the Kutuzovka church for their Thanksgiving service - a three-hour event followed by a three-course meal. No translator whispering in our ear this time. The German and English speakers were all busy with their own specified tasks, busy making this day a grand success.


Over 150 people crowded into the small worship space - children were all dressed up. The sanctuary had been transformed with creative, colorful displays in every corner. Interesting to observe that the "tools of the trade",
                                            hoes and rakes, were part of the display.  It's mostly manual labour in this part of the world. Tables were set up outside and after the service all were treated to borscht, salad, mashed potatoes with a meat topping, various pastries and melons for dessert.



The culmination of the harvest season was celebrated in thanksgiving; an expression of gratitude to God that once again canning jars and root cellars have been filled for the coming winter.

**click into pictures to enlarge


If you wish to contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" or "FOMCU".  Cheques from American donors should be made out to "MFC-FOMCU".  All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck, Treasurer,  3675 North Service Rd.  Beamsville Ontario, Canada  L0R 1B1  Check our website at http://mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit card giving.

A SUNDAY AFTERNOON STROLL

We walk the streets of Molochansk and ask ourselves some questions. Has anything changed since we were here last, 15 months ago? As we dodge the potholes and large concrete blocks covering sewer openings we notice that roads have deteriorated further.  Cars weave from one side of the road to the other to avoid obstructions.  We see that two of three service stations in town are now abandoned. We are told that these two had tried to undercut the price of the state gas station by watering down the gas. They haven't survived. There are still cars on the road indicating that some people have jobs. We arrive at the main street and pop into some of the little stores.  Prices on almost everything have risen considerably.  According to World Bank figures, since the economic downturn in 2008, the Ukraine hryvnia  has lost about 40% of its value against the US dollar. Understandably this is having a devastating effect particularly on seniors and the unemployed. The good news is that Ukraine is expecting a very good grain harvest this year which could help stabilize prices.

Looking across the street and seeing the town duck pond, reminds us of our Mennonite past.  As we wander around it, we muse and wonder what it may have looked like then - a hundred years ago or more. Was it a gathering place?  Might it have been a place for a romantic tryst? Situated in the centre of town and lined with poplars to the west, it still holds charm. A year ago the townspeople planted more than 100 trees around its perimeter; only a few hardy ones survive.

We continue our walk, turning the corner toward home. Soon we come across the backyard of the Mennonite Centre.  We hear children's excited voices and as we come closer we see many children, young and older, playing games.  This is the regular Sunday afternoon Sunday School run by the Kutuzovka Mennonite Church.  We offer use of the building and yard enabling many town children to attend - we counted more than 30.

Just before we turn another corner toward our apartment building, half-hidden in the trees, is another remnant of Mennonite times. One hundred years ago this ornate gate would have been an entrance to a wealthy Mennonite home or estate. Its sturdiness has withstood the elements, also attempts to tear it down in order to reuse the bricks. Again our imagination gets going.

Along the route today we've passed many other gates, all of them hanging with this season's abundance, delicious mouth-watering grapes. The richness of the soil has produced another plentiful harvest, enabling people to survive. We've been grateful beneficiaries of this bounty. Again this week people with various needs have come through our gate asking for assistance. Together with Dema, our Ukrainian director, and our board of  directors we discern how best to respond. Through the generosity of our donors we have the joy of offering hope to many. Thank you!

If you wish to contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" or "FOMCU".  Cheques from American donors should be made out to "MFC-FOMCU".  All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck, Treasurer,  3675 North Service Rd.  Beamsville Ontario, Canada  L0R 1B1  Check our website at http://mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit card giving.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Each return to Ukraine is a new beginning - a renewal of friendships and acquaintances, a reviewing and catching up on projects and activities at the Mennonite Centre, learning and adjusting again to what works and doesn't work in this part of the world.  This time it didn't take us very long to plunge in.

After our arrival last Tuesday evening and a short night's sleep we were off before 8 a.m. to attend a very important and delightful event marking the beginning of the new school year.  "First Bell" much like "Last Bell" in spring, is a pageant involving school children, teachers, parents, town dignitaries and all others interested.  We had received a special invitation.  The red carpet is rolled out and proceedings take place on the school ground.               Children, bearing flowers for their teachers, are dressed in their finest.  First graders and the graduating class are particularly singled out and honored.  All are encouraged to put in their best efforts as they embark on another year of learning.  Prior to this, parents have spent time and effort cleaning, renovating and decorating classroom; no state budget for this type of thing.  A prize goes to the most creative effort.  Again, it becomes obvious that Ukraine loves its children.

On the other end of life's spectrum, the elderly, haven't received as much care and attention.  In this past week we've been pleased to learn that there is now some state funding to provide residential care to needy seniors in our area.  Right next to the building that was once Muntau hospital, built by Mennonites in 1889, is the former Molochansk hospital.  The second floor is currently being renovated to become a 30 bed senior's home.  To assist this venture the Mennonite Centre has provided an industrial size stove, fridge, washing machine and boiler, also funding to rebuild the bathing/shower areas, replacing old plumbing with plastic pipes.

In addition we've funded the purchase and installation of three large water storage tanks to maintain constant water pressure and a sufficient supply should the water go off, which has happened four times since we've been here.  Twice this past week we've been invited to come and view the progress.  It was deeply heartwarming to discover that a prominent businessman, living in the apartment above us, has volunteered his time as project manager.  Not only that, he is also donating sinks to be installed in each resident room.  He told us, "I have observed the work Mennonites have been doing through the years and now it is my turn to give something back to the community."

He had a bright smile on his face as he showed us around.  Modeling civil society is one of our mandates at the Centre.  How wonderful to see this becoming contagious. Another new beginning!  It is worth remembering that back in 1903 Mennonite villages in the Halbstadt (Molochansk) community established a 60 resident facility for the elderly who could no longer be cared for by their families.

Over the past five years the Kutuzovka Mennonite Church, the church where we worship, has been providing elder care on a smaller scale. Currently nine women are being cared for.  On Sunday four of these babushki with their caregiver Lili, sang a praise song during the service.  They feel that they are living in a paradise.  It is our privilege to also support this venture financially.

Saturday, as an expression of  thanks, we invited our staff and their families to a picnic at the river.  Lots of food, fun and games - a great way to launch a new season.

Our continued gratitude to all the donors that make this work possible.  If you wish to contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" or "FOMCU".  Cheques from American donors should be made out to "MFC-FOMCU".  All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck, Treasurer,  3675 North Service Rd.  Beamsville Ontario, Canada  L0R 1B1  Check our website at http://mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit card giving.