tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66088580458364747522024-03-18T21:32:07.591-07:00Rudy & Hildegarde in UkraineBaergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-14755149428192988352011-11-16T00:01:00.001-08:002011-11-22T00:07:51.966-08:00HIGHLIGHTSThese are grey days. Trees have become bare and the air is filled with the acrid smoke of smoldering leaves. At the Centre, instead of burning we are trying to set an example by composting, a practice not implemented yet in our area of Ukraine. For us these are also days of reflection - looking back over the past three months, recalling people we've met and projects undertaken. Most memorable are times when we've been able to make personal connections. It's amazing what can happen despite language barriers.<br />
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Early on we visited Sasha, the 16 year old boy without arms. (for background information see May 8, 2007 blog). Since his tragic accident we have kept in touch with the family and have considered ways of helping him. For major assistance we were advised to wait until he was grown. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoFVmr8k5r2ecXDcct83u1q2Irrrf-IqFxl1Wf1VUdZ2bSu6rPYdxNp9IFEwkHOkQE6mrdxskFSwFbOaccOkExSlxai1QIR6BP0fR6wXp6lLoXXpkM5qwHlg51uNjrQaYvx0oaVG4UHUB/s1600/Ukraine+2011+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoFVmr8k5r2ecXDcct83u1q2Irrrf-IqFxl1Wf1VUdZ2bSu6rPYdxNp9IFEwkHOkQE6mrdxskFSwFbOaccOkExSlxai1QIR6BP0fR6wXp6lLoXXpkM5qwHlg51uNjrQaYvx0oaVG4UHUB/s320/Ukraine+2011+036.jpg" width="320" /></a>Recently we were surprised to see him with a friend, whizzing by on a bicycle. They were going so fast we almost missed seeing that his friend was steering and Sasha peddling. This boy isn't sitting on the sidelines feeling sorry for himself and his mother refuses to pamper him. The family lives in a little village in dire poverty, no father in the picture. Sasha's mother had work on a cooperative farm, but unfortunately this is seasonal. We plan to provide a computer for Sasha which will enable him to complete school assignments. Until now his education has been exclusively on an oral basis. The computer is ready - we're just waiting for a foot-operated mouse from America. Other issues under consideration are where to put the antenna and how to minimize risk of theft. The computer is going to be linked with our computers at the Centre and Dema will be able to monitor its use. We are so fortunate to have a manager who is also a computer whiz. The other idea we're exploring is adapting a bicycle or tricycle enabling Sasha to steer with his shoulders - hopefully set to go by spring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OASv5V3FjrYGU8mwX3uRi_N1Y82bMY94D_rhXkH94zQANyr1PEoF0MMilHcEPoflTArcFrehMkdyWY4ihRdIb885DpqdLrmGqAJJWRr4Aa_YQwdpqeh_BYNuvSy1rYbYaNXcMFSLchc6/s1600/Nov.19+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OASv5V3FjrYGU8mwX3uRi_N1Y82bMY94D_rhXkH94zQANyr1PEoF0MMilHcEPoflTArcFrehMkdyWY4ihRdIb885DpqdLrmGqAJJWRr4Aa_YQwdpqeh_BYNuvSy1rYbYaNXcMFSLchc6/s200/Nov.19+020.jpg" width="127" /></a>Dmitri is young man in a very different dilemma. He is a fifth year medical student. Last year he had the misfortune of being ill and missing three weeks of lectures. Consequently he was told that he was ineligible to write examinations even though he had studied and knew the material. At the end of the year he received a failing grade. Before the new term began he was informed that he would be admitted on the condition that he repeat the fifth year and no longer be eligible for the State Budget which meant paying much higher fees. What we would call extortion happens too often here. For a time it seemed that Dmitri would have to forfeit his dream. He is an orphan with few resources. For the past year his grandmother has sent him her pension; she survives on the equivalent of $2.50 weekly (earned by doing a little tutoring). We discovered that Dmitri had been living on a shoestring - his clothes and shoes falling apart, his rent in arrears. Then a series of miracles happened. Through a new financial arrangement he has been offered assistance with his studies and a big-hearted donor is covering his living expenses.<br />
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It's been a pleasure to connect with women in our little English class and in the Mom's group. Last week they learned to make "Crustless Quiche", a recipe that uses ingredients that all of them have in their kitchen. Since then, they say, this recipe has been served in their homes with many variations.<br />
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Each month we invite a guest for an inspirational or devotional meeting. Here you see Olga Rubel, our staff representative in Zaporozhye, teaching the importance of building life on a sold foundation of faith in Christ. Several women in the group have very difficult life situations and find this women's group a safe place to confide and to find support. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BE1vAMHfcO40nya9HJ12gbrTK73sK6AmSgMyym7qKbVXPAfUAT_eOGC1IcTZuDhi7yxIBZJAaHET7N4XE0xHYA7fSYye6aUz26xXaGhUiyoigUid4nZhDqYb4wv_R-L4BF29zLQCfQiT/s1600/Nov.19+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BE1vAMHfcO40nya9HJ12gbrTK73sK6AmSgMyym7qKbVXPAfUAT_eOGC1IcTZuDhi7yxIBZJAaHET7N4XE0xHYA7fSYye6aUz26xXaGhUiyoigUid4nZhDqYb4wv_R-L4BF29zLQCfQiT/s200/Nov.19+006.jpg" width="200" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMigNMNymobQ-CUM-0D1P_dnb1oOXasQS1LKKqmJt6oFfHqTMdvDdBTlKaav1PL9ydntsyF6J2mQezAexnSJRZrFpuMFgk29fDJ6xfLf6otKDF5NVGoiJq4iwB_fUKngm8u0e4NEtqOx3/s1600/Oct.19+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMigNMNymobQ-CUM-0D1P_dnb1oOXasQS1LKKqmJt6oFfHqTMdvDdBTlKaav1PL9ydntsyF6J2mQezAexnSJRZrFpuMFgk29fDJ6xfLf6otKDF5NVGoiJq4iwB_fUKngm8u0e4NEtqOx3/s200/Oct.19+004.jpg" width="200" /></a>Last month we made a little craft project - could be a pincushion or a Christmas ornament. Someone had the brilliant idea of making enough to these little treasures as Christmas gifts for all the seniors coming to our lunches. Thursday evening we held a work bee. Thanks to a friend in Canada we have wonderful fabrics to work with. Since all the stitching is done by hand it takes more than half an hour to make one - producing another sixty will be a labour of love. <br />
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It's the place, but more so the people who will hold a special spot in our memories - those we've been able to help, those we've had the joy of working with, those we've learned to know and love, and the many who are making this work possible. We thank you! <br />
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<i><b>For more information on the work of the Mennonite Centre visit our website at http://www.mennonitecentre.ca </b></i><br />
<i><b>Check out the December Newsletter for "gift options".</b></i><br />
<i><b>Don't miss the latest YouTube videos - Polonski Family - east of Kiev</b></i><br />
<i><b> - Two Mennonite Women - Stories of Survival</b></i><br />
<i><b> www.youtube.com /MennoniteCentre </b></i><br />
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<br />Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-90381923627450402522011-11-10T05:35:00.000-08:002011-11-11T04:48:17.142-08:00THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY SEEM - A FEW DAY-TO-DAY OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIENCESWinter is on its way - snow flurries are wafting through the air. It is crisp and cold, very different from our first autumn here in 2005. Then, we left for home the middle of December and it hadn't snowed yet. Our time is rapidly drawing to a close. Even though we think of ourselves as seasoned directors we still often find ourselves observing, making deductions, drawing quick conclusions and then "surprise", things aren't necessarily what they seem. A few examples.<br />
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<b>THE WILLMS HOUSE</b><br />
Known as "the villa" to our friends and neighbours, the ruins of this once grand residence is situated next door to our apartment. It was built in 1908 by Heinrich Willms and at that time was referred to as a "palace". The ground floor alone measures over 650 sq.m. It had a large space which was used as the Molochansk concert hall as recently as 15 years ago. Sadly there were no funds for upkeep so it fell into ruin and has become a hangout for kids, as well as alcoholics and drug-users So upset was the lady living upstairs, she threatened to make a personal phone called to President Yanukovych to have this situation addressed.<br />
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Last month we noticed unusual activity next door. The roof was being demolished, the interior torn apart and debris thrown outside. We felt greatly saddened as we saw the demolition continuing, feeling that no value was being placed on this once-beautiful heritage building. The yard was becoming a building supply headquarters; each day we saw people coming and hauling wood away. Then, to our surprise a crane appeared. Steel beams had been unloaded and were being hoisted up to brace the walls. Windows and door have been bricked up. It seems the building is being preserved after all.<br />
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Nobody can tell us what is happening. The workers themselves don't know. Rumours are flying around that perhaps it is going to be a hotel. We're prepared to be surprised again.<br />
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<b>JUST DESSERT</b><br />
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It's always a joy to host friends and to acquaint them with our work. Last week Henry and Leona Thiessen, who are currently teaching at Lithuania International University (formerly LCC), visited for several days hoping to trace their ancestral roots. For starters we thought they should experience an authentic Ukrainian dinner, so we took them to Domashnya Kuhnya (home cooking), which offers a buffet with an array of dishes from vereniki to pilmenye, blini to siriniki. Our friend Henry thought he should conclude the meal with something more familiar. Why not a piece of pie? To his surprise the pie-shaped wedge turned out to be another Ukrainian delicacy. Liver blini - layers of crepes alternating with layers of liver, a common Ukraine party dish. Yum-m! <br />
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<b>GOING CROSS-COUNTRY</b><br />
After a crash course in the history and geography of the Molotschna colony we set out to explore - first a walking tour through Molochansk, then a drive to the train station where Mennonites left either for a future in the West or banishment to Siberia, and on to the southern villages, from Jushanlee and Alexanderkrone to an adventure filled cross-country trip all the way to Alexandertal, following the footsteps Henry's father would have taken to court his sweetheart. <br />
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Finally we found the ruins of the MB church in Alexander-tal where they married. Henry picked up a souvenir brick.<br />
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It took a pioneering spirit because maps showed no roads for parts of this trip. Luckily Dema was driving and stopping periodically questioning "Gde Alexandrovsk"? He was always pointed east. We took the risk of hoping "things would be better than they seemed" and indeed the roads, as bad as they appeared, were better than driving to Tokmak.<br />
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<b>MOLOCHANSK MALL</b><br />
We've often wondered how people manage with their meagre incomes. We know that many rely on their gardens and root cellars, but there are staples they must buy. We think we've discovered an answer - the Molochansk mall. Going down a maze of streets from the Mennonite Centre we find businesses hidden behind residential gates. On one side of the street is an unmarked gate with a doorbell. Part of the house has been converted into a bulk food store - it is possible to buy sugar, flour and other staples by the kilo at much cheaper prices than in the market or the little shops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEAQwbzaCkp9hldoCLE7hnYmA2YqIt5nUeiGX1lSm6Dw5HOadrVX_XwbLTuwYD3iTpGa4FMJ-zMNRLxrp4nrvt6S-OXm-redIozpDk420eMpfWdg_QEL62LKFlFF1qBUXFCGrIoZiMQkV/s1600/Nov.+11+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEAQwbzaCkp9hldoCLE7hnYmA2YqIt5nUeiGX1lSm6Dw5HOadrVX_XwbLTuwYD3iTpGa4FMJ-zMNRLxrp4nrvt6S-OXm-redIozpDk420eMpfWdg_QEL62LKFlFF1qBUXFCGrIoZiMQkV/s200/Nov.+11+015.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXCZGATMtwMoqgx0AVWNzTmUHKQSvgwCnvrsZ_sh69HAzAMyT4jzc_OrcbRKjNiATvtzuociNt7yFa0MEGvAtebRFDWfgOpJN_-wNSo5mbda0tzT0752ZQ_TMf93Fl46qG_SaO7he9s37/s1600/Nov.+11+014-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXCZGATMtwMoqgx0AVWNzTmUHKQSvgwCnvrsZ_sh69HAzAMyT4jzc_OrcbRKjNiATvtzuociNt7yFa0MEGvAtebRFDWfgOpJN_-wNSo5mbda0tzT0752ZQ_TMf93Fl46qG_SaO7he9s37/s200/Nov.+11+014-1.jpg" width="155" /></a>Across the street is another larger gate, it is boldly marked "Second Hand", a term that has become part of the Russian vocabulary. Here is a regular department store - a clothing section, shoe department, lingerie deparment, linens and kitchen-ware . It is possible to get designer clothing here, sometimes even new, at unbelievable prices and if you have an "in" with the proprietor, she will call you when a new shipment comes in. Apparently containers are still being shipped from western Europe and the UK. This explains why many women look so surprisingly up-to-date.<br />
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Impressions of a more serious nature and updates, on our final blog next week.,<br />
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<br />Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-3431681550603257612011-11-03T11:51:00.000-07:002011-11-03T11:51:47.191-07:00EXPANDING OUR UNDERSTANDING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaznrmjr1SSssC3jFaGLZWQGSS4db__4moWYRDfP_n552J4ku_XGkT6QOif9Oe816tcTH7vLZH5uol3lWdXl1-DxSIcG9jkLqmW4n7GhVZg54zrO7D01fnpzpv715z9KM71QaA4X4gfbNi/s1600/Oct.26+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaznrmjr1SSssC3jFaGLZWQGSS4db__4moWYRDfP_n552J4ku_XGkT6QOif9Oe816tcTH7vLZH5uol3lWdXl1-DxSIcG9jkLqmW4n7GhVZg54zrO7D01fnpzpv715z9KM71QaA4X4gfbNi/s200/Oct.26+006.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florence, Zena and Lucy</td></tr>
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Recently we've been encouraged as we've had opportunities to hear from others in our region who are working to make a difference in the lives of the poor and disadvantaged. Delegates of various Mennonite charitable organizations in Ukraine have been meeting annually for mutual support and sharing. This year it was our privilege to host this gathering at the Mennonite Centre. It was also an opportunity to increase our understanding and broaden our perspective on many different facets of involvement. For example we heard Zena, a young social worker from Zaporozhye report about the Florence Centre, which was begun 15 years ago by Florence and Otto Driedger, social work professors from Regina. Today this centre is operating twelve programs, concentrating mainly on providing support for children with disabilities and their parents. Lucy Romanenko is directing a social work program at the university which involves student practicums and supervision. They are also working on creating a volunteer base, a concept that is just beginning to take root in Ukraine. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwH68QunejylOQT2lgCzUFudUeN0k2zjUV-ef-4BPla6Bhv6nyi6-f56NJjcHUmw9I006tOCkPqoUOECBIfxttoWuFK3nZJAjomPwJtsAngknR37ROPljVH9d3iWXT7yr93obw_udk-QW/s1600/Oct.26+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwH68QunejylOQT2lgCzUFudUeN0k2zjUV-ef-4BPla6Bhv6nyi6-f56NJjcHUmw9I006tOCkPqoUOECBIfxttoWuFK3nZJAjomPwJtsAngknR37ROPljVH9d3iWXT7yr93obw_udk-QW/s200/Oct.26+004.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OlfLaf9VIcsqUPrM8JExUYBB7GjiiEs1W675RD0pHEeV6S0ZcJ-YhokbLQUhELMTW1r9HYGddNFSI-93fP3KKuIZ1TczpbVcsIqFVY_2Q4uBrGLSC2TNyPBW_nPdnLJ4sSMui1sMoi5r/s1600/Oct.26+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OlfLaf9VIcsqUPrM8JExUYBB7GjiiEs1W675RD0pHEeV6S0ZcJ-YhokbLQUhELMTW1r9HYGddNFSI-93fP3KKuIZ1TczpbVcsIqFVY_2Q4uBrGLSC2TNyPBW_nPdnLJ4sSMui1sMoi5r/s200/Oct.26+003.jpg" width="200" /></a>Representatives from the First Mennonite Church shared about some of their struggles in recent years and how they have changed from being inward looking to focusing on reaching out to needy people in their community and looking ahead with optimism.<br />
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Boris Letkemann, director of the Family Centre in Zaporozhye spoke about their objective, introducing people to faith and life by focusing mainly on those who cannot take care of them-selves without some assistance. This centre operates a small respite program for elderly and incapacitated persons as well as providing home support to ninety people in the city.<br />
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John and Evelyn Wiens told us about the New Hope Centre - a recent church plant in Zaporozhye that is attracting many young people. They also shared their vision to begin a trade school in the village of Nikolaipole, offering opportunities to orphans who must leave the orphanage at age sixteen. Survival statistics for these young people are dismal to say the least, many going into a life a drug abuse, crime and prostitution. They plan to begin next September by offering programs in dairy farming/agriculture, operating a bakery and possibly a welding course, hoping to house these young people in three group homes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO3vkKxQSF8RsZwnJVmbezXwoYaFSJ-nfDKLtaV46ghTIPOHnI8M0Tnivh9KFMAYUFvFasAh-os8TQKMtYzlNpWG0x8rw2omZLwlOGIyT4zE3isVlLNf70v0o_q_umxUX-I5pjzpAfnh0/s1600/Oct.29+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO3vkKxQSF8RsZwnJVmbezXwoYaFSJ-nfDKLtaV46ghTIPOHnI8M0Tnivh9KFMAYUFvFasAh-os8TQKMtYzlNpWG0x8rw2omZLwlOGIyT4zE3isVlLNf70v0o_q_umxUX-I5pjzpAfnh0/s320/Oct.29+027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A farmer in training</td></tr>
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A dairy farm begun last year by a missionary couple from Steinbach Manitoba is expected to help fund this venture as well as providing educational training. Last Friday we were able to visit this place. It is already a thriving business, Garry Verhoog has no problem selling milk and plans to expand into varieties of cheese making.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYRP7JeGVlB-OXG6VvN5ok4vDDDEbe7h7BTLTlo4taelhmqx4sT_cD0O2tGQxIjYxkxr7ekUzuZy7-ja8146mr1XlOXIcIW-GxlIsSIIuzmuX8MC6zHuJ_X7l70lCHxwIHEYWTnx5Xvev/s1600/Oct.29+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYRP7JeGVlB-OXG6VvN5ok4vDDDEbe7h7BTLTlo4taelhmqx4sT_cD0O2tGQxIjYxkxr7ekUzuZy7-ja8146mr1XlOXIcIW-GxlIsSIIuzmuX8MC6zHuJ_X7l70lCHxwIHEYWTnx5Xvev/s400/Oct.29+028.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Garry and Teresa live in a house that closely resembles the house my grandmother and her seven children moved into when they were driven from their estate in the early 1920's. Many former Mennonite buildings still exist in Nikolaipole, however we've searched in vain for this house, nothing to match my photograph. A short distance down the road is the school my aunts and uncles attended. It is still the village school. The<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olga Rubel below, school director on stairs</td></tr>
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Mennonite Centre has been able to provide assistance with classroom equipment. The director recognizes us and welcomes us in. Much of the interior is still in original condition and we once more mount the staircase. A century after construction some ornate sections of the railing are still intact. It's always an emotional experience as our thoughts go back 90 years to those very difficult times.<br />
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We've spent this day with Olga Rubel, our capable staff member in the Zaporozhye area. Together we've visited some of our projects, made deliveries, then met with our medical emergency aid representatives in two villages thanking them for the volunteer efforts they've provided through the years, faithfully distributing medications to those with few resources, keeping meticulous records and reporting back punctually. Through the generosity of our donors it's a privilege to carry on this work and to increase our presence in the former Chortitza and Yazykovo colonies.<br />
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<i>The link to a new video on "Care for the Elderly in Molochansk" can be found at </i>www.youtube.com/MennoniteCentre<br />
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<b><i>For more information on the Mennonite Centre visit our website at </i>http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/</b><br />
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<br />Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-45648188803697416922011-10-26T03:29:00.000-07:002011-10-26T03:29:49.512-07:00ON GIVING THANKSOver the past month we have had the opportunity of celebrating Thanksgiving with two different Mennonite congregations. On both occasions it was a delight to see young and old participating in a variety of ways. A skit acted out by children at the Bolkovoya church was particularly memorable. The setting is a discussion about a needy family in the neighborhood.<br />
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Two children dressed as hens are listening in. They hear that true living faith looks for a way to lend a helping hand, so the question arises, "Can we spare a hen?" Then the dilemma of which to choose - the big one or the little one? <i>(A much bigger issue here than for those of us who have so much.)</i> After a bit of agonizing the tension is resolved - the bigger one has to go.<br />
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Almost daily people with various needs come to the Centre asking for help. It's not uncommon to have two or three waiting. We see them sitting in our entry foyer writing out their applications. So one day when two women arrived with three children in tow, we didn't pay much attention until they had been here for about half an hour writing and consulting with each other. What long list were they planning to present? Here is that list: <br />
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We want to express our great gratitude for:<br />
<ul>
<li>In your Centre there is always a peaceful atmosphere.</li>
<li>People can come only to keep warm</li>
<li>The staff is always so helpful and respectful</li>
<li>A big thank you to all the doctors who listen to our health problems and always understand us.</li>
<li>A special thank you to Dr. Chernova for the professional great care with which she treats her patients.</li>
<li>A big significance is the financial support in people's difficulties, things are getting more expensive every day </li>
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With gratitude and respect <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEirzFGt8azue2Daaa9vZEEUdOfeaWaw3OmAbD_7XED9-I4nYiamJkO31Caq91Q118mBDafYqCverAaVYSFnqbWdYbGxpFnxdiayz6bovs1e6CvP3PqWTJv21qw3kEzEHcgGd5_mxk20qb/s1600/Oct.16+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEirzFGt8azue2Daaa9vZEEUdOfeaWaw3OmAbD_7XED9-I4nYiamJkO31Caq91Q118mBDafYqCverAaVYSFnqbWdYbGxpFnxdiayz6bovs1e6CvP3PqWTJv21qw3kEzEHcgGd5_mxk20qb/s200/Oct.16+011.jpg" width="150" /></a>A few days later another woman, bearing a bouquet of beautiful roses, came to thank us for helping fund her husband's surgery. He had been in so much pain and unable to eat. The operation was a success. We aren't always aware of outcomes, although we do make attempts to follow up on our giving. All the more gratifying when people report back on their own.<br />
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A week ago we visited Alyona, the twelve year old daughter of one of our night watchmen. When she was a year old it became evident that she was profoundly deaf. We have been assisting this family for many years. by providing hearing aids and batteries. Since she was four years old Alyona has spent week days at a residential school for hearing impaired children, coming home only for weekends. Last year when we were here they requested assistance in providing a private tutor. She was at that age of maturity where she would receive optimum benefit. Now we were able to see the results of this expenditure.<br />
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Alyona is very proficient in sign language, and she is also speaking. With a little bit of coaxing she read us two pages from her reader and carried on a conversation with her mother. She also counted off on her fingers and gave us the names of eleven friends. At home the family is trying to encourage verbal com-munication although Alyona prefers to sign, because it requires much less effort on her part. At this point her speech is on a monotone level, however it is intelligible enough that with my very limited Russian I was able to pick out a few words. What a joy and a privilege to see lives of individuals and families being changed. This family is very grateful, as are we, for the many donors who are making this work possible.<br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #446666; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #cceedd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 10pt;">I<i>f you wish to
contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Ukraine</st1:country-region>
make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ukraine</st1:place></st1:country-region>"
or "FOMCU". Cheques from American donors should be made out to
"MFC-FOMCU". All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck,
Treasurer, <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">3675 North
Service Rd.</st1:address></st1:street> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Beamsville</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">Ontario</st1:state>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> <st1:postalcode w:st="on">L0R 1B1</st1:postalcode></st1:place>
Check our website at http://mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit
card giving.</i></span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #446666; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #cceedd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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<br />Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-44968483443627063732011-10-19T03:43:00.000-07:002011-10-19T03:43:18.189-07:00LESSONS IN MORE WITH LESSDay after day we keep being challenged by people around us who are able to do much with very little. Many of the things we take so much for granted at home either don't work here or are in deplorable condition. For instance, having constant running water is a luxury reserved for those who have their own wells. Last week without warning the water went off, fortunately we had a little stored away, but not much. Next day we get up - still no water. We look out and see people on the street hauling large containers of water. All Molochansk is without water. We better get to the store fast before the supply runs out. By afternoon the water is back - twenty-four hours; not so bad after all.<br />
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For the past few months the water at the Centre has been more off than on. We're amazed that our staff does what they do under these circumstnces, keeping the place clean, cooking for seniors and guests with hardly a complaint. The good news is that a well is in the planning for the next year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ira washing dishes with very little water</td></tr>
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Despite water shortages wonderful things come out of the kitchen. This morning Ira surprised us. She said she just cleared her fridge of leftovers and <i>"voila"</i> a cake. A gift to the staff - it tasted even better than it looked. Ira puts on a brave front but she is in mourning having recently lost her husband. We try to be supportive as best we can.<br />
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Recently we've become acquainted with two young entrepreneurs. Last year Denis and Vitaly started a business digging wells and fixing doors. This year they are branching out into farming. With the aid of a small loan they've leased two hectares of land and have planted strawberries and garlic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKZE2f0Sp4m-DiRSDKBqmtEZM5aiOXVBQZtxT52n_1IX36JdaxDJafKCbVtpttycm0T4yqCd7Y0axCvwbT7jxqWeIg15JSTSD7CodQGxc9RMu9qH_2F0q-KfVdLZT4JowPNRSIzN3Gm66/s1600/Sept+22+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKZE2f0Sp4m-DiRSDKBqmtEZM5aiOXVBQZtxT52n_1IX36JdaxDJafKCbVtpttycm0T4yqCd7Y0axCvwbT7jxqWeIg15JSTSD7CodQGxc9RMu9qH_2F0q-KfVdLZT4JowPNRSIzN3Gm66/s320/Sept+22+035.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Several weeks ago they took us out of town to show us their accomplish-ment. We saw the huge field of seven thousand strawberry plants, planted in raised, plastic-covered rows, with drip irrigation in place. To maintain and assure watering they have dug a well 36 metres deep yielding fresh clean water. So far they've planted half an hectare and next year they hope to do the rest. One hectare is almost 2 1/2 acres. They plan to do all the berry picking themselves - strawberries fetch a good price in spring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aHEDgg7TyAFZoHEfztOnHiTFDj-cU519egk3irLCirG43jxOBRemcKygqkheYV8ksCe1JrS6G_2JJDB08YH71_ThWX-tHK68ZYJk2JEU0J7Ywv_O28Xbwsv3zitM0rtxxwX6QPyLbIM5/s1600/Oct.6+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aHEDgg7TyAFZoHEfztOnHiTFDj-cU519egk3irLCirG43jxOBRemcKygqkheYV8ksCe1JrS6G_2JJDB08YH71_ThWX-tHK68ZYJk2JEU0J7Ywv_O28Xbwsv3zitM0rtxxwX6QPyLbIM5/s200/Oct.6+037.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DzGol_ZuGvXZeT15ieSE4rWg8VWIExa0RxhobgqGd6pPcMcUbeyTD860tdqIFdjiENRNueIbkw0-KSz2aoo8JLujh3YMrl2OWbyyjAjWA5jXklaNkv3nBOICz5VDonmmyPU1wZYMN9rX/s1600/Sept+22+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DzGol_ZuGvXZeT15ieSE4rWg8VWIExa0RxhobgqGd6pPcMcUbeyTD860tdqIFdjiENRNueIbkw0-KSz2aoo8JLujh3YMrl2OWbyyjAjWA5jXklaNkv3nBOICz5VDonmmyPU1wZYMN9rX/s200/Sept+22+033.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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We applaud and encourage these enterprising young people for undertaking such a project. In this part of Ukraine it is rare to see men taking initiative and being willing to work hard. Perhaps these men and their families can be an inspiration.<br />
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Denis' wife Svieta is another example of a hard worker. For the past several days she has been busy scraping the plaster off the walls and replastering the kitchen below our apartment. The Centre owns this studio apartment and has made it available to Lilia, a missionary from Germany who is responsible for the senior's home at the church. This kitchen was in very poor shape, rotting cupboards and mildewed walls.<br />
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When the cupboards were moved out a mouse "graveyard" was laid bare. Again we see young people willing to do hard dirty work. Svieta is more than grateful for her reward - she can have the old cupboards - Denis will restore them to use in their little home that doesn't yet have indoor plumbing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9ejp1PSZ3M4YIOnsc0BAYlBUprkZtt59HLwWzt1rS2IWat9L09tQx-cqR97CIVL_ohjHrOlqyPWpHi3sCIBBu2b0bcbDJqESmkXpLFcn4JbLdR5Yy6L8tT-Qn9eNc7i1lo-fAB-urdo1/s1600/Oct.16+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9ejp1PSZ3M4YIOnsc0BAYlBUprkZtt59HLwWzt1rS2IWat9L09tQx-cqR97CIVL_ohjHrOlqyPWpHi3sCIBBu2b0bcbDJqESmkXpLFcn4JbLdR5Yy6L8tT-Qn9eNc7i1lo-fAB-urdo1/s400/Oct.16+030.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two formidable females arriving at church in style!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRCVUzKUHuN7Wvd7fim-c1nc81YY9u9WAOHfSSYCju02i_yUX6gI9BlsdnqXKWXw4mrBDDpFT9uBBoTOZ7Mfk0RiLiBNxJrihbXjXe3L9Rf8htJA3nOe_orQIbynrvU6cxRHYJ_nH55vl/s1600/Oct.16+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRCVUzKUHuN7Wvd7fim-c1nc81YY9u9WAOHfSSYCju02i_yUX6gI9BlsdnqXKWXw4mrBDDpFT9uBBoTOZ7Mfk0RiLiBNxJrihbXjXe3L9Rf8htJA3nOe_orQIbynrvU6cxRHYJ_nH55vl/s320/Oct.16+032.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRCVUzKUHuN7Wvd7fim-c1nc81YY9u9WAOHfSSYCju02i_yUX6gI9BlsdnqXKWXw4mrBDDpFT9uBBoTOZ7Mfk0RiLiBNxJrihbXjXe3L9Rf8htJA3nOe_orQIbynrvU6cxRHYJ_nH55vl/s1600/Oct.16+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></a>On Sunday we had another opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving. The Bolkovoya Mennonite Church, situated no more than a kilometre from Ruekenau, the location of the first MB church, invited our congregation as well as others to join them for this service. Their creative display symbolized the life-<br />
giving fruits of the soil and their toil, truly what keeps these villages going. For 2 1/2 hours people sang, spoke and recited their gratitude. Then this twenty member congregation hosted over a hundred of us for dinner!<br />
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As I prepare to post this blog the water has gone off again.<br />
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Our ongoing gratitude to the donors that make the work of the Mennonite Centre possible.<br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #446666; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #cceedd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 10pt;">I<i>f you wish to
contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Ukraine</st1:country-region>
make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ukraine</st1:place></st1:country-region>"
or "FOMCU". Cheques from American donors should be made out to
"MFC-FOMCU". All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck,
Treasurer, <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">3675 North
Service Rd.</st1:address></st1:street> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Beamsville</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">Ontario</st1:state>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> <st1:postalcode w:st="on">L0R 1B1</st1:postalcode></st1:place>
Check our website at http://mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit
card giving.</i></span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #446666; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #cceedd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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</span></div>Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-41314703382090104712011-10-13T02:08:00.000-07:002011-10-13T07:48:56.433-07:00A DRIVE THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDEAs far as<b> </b>we know there are only two people still living in the former Molotschna colony with direct ties to our Mennonite past. Each time we return we wonder, will they still be there. Both women are in their 90's. Both women survived the sufferings of the Stalin years. Both women live at home, looked after by family that care about them. Last week we decided to take a day and look them up, heading first of all to Vladovka, the village that now encompasses both former villages of Hierschau and Waldheim. To get there we pass through Landskrone - there is nothing left to identify this former Mennonite village. When we first came to this area of Molotschna in 1997 a landmark stood out on the landscape; a lone brick wall, the remainder of the church Rudy's mother attended in her childhood. The outline of Gothic-shaped windows with buttresses between testified to a grandeur that once was, the architecture so different from anything else in the area.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTI9S9zMjTPcWPNgh3VBbWwmF9sCHcCXi_UNlJ1yYxAbDvFBX3nOFoC2PXNVekB4sMoCC0KrGe4cUKjvVeAMLhvWTMesNhD2foxAPWTXUymgxFrbpH6G2e-LLFlHFiZAehuuJ8DuxC_8H/s1600/Oct+4+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTI9S9zMjTPcWPNgh3VBbWwmF9sCHcCXi_UNlJ1yYxAbDvFBX3nOFoC2PXNVekB4sMoCC0KrGe4cUKjvVeAMLhvWTMesNhD2foxAPWTXUymgxFrbpH6G2e-LLFlHFiZAehuuJ8DuxC_8H/s400/Oct+4+003.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
This day we look for a knoll on the flat landscape. It's not the first time we've dug around in the overgrown rubble. Sure enough, we find what we're looking for - more tiles, adorned with a distinctive floral pattern once composing the floor of the church. We take them with us to place in the museum room at the Mennonite Centre.<br />
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Another kilometer down the road and we pull in to a little driveway. As we walk to the door we see Margareta Krivetz, nee Plett, looking through the window. She's still alive and recognizes us immediately - a joyful reunion with Rudy's second cousin.<br />
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Previously, Margareta had told us her story - how she and her mother had made their way to Moscow in 1929; how they with many others had been denied emigration and been forcibly sent back. Margareta married a Ukrainian and they had four sons. All have died, two sons as a result of the Chernoboyl.disaster. She feels blessed that a daughter-in-law has taken her in. Margareta struggles a bit to communicate in German, but gradually the words come back. Recalling life with her husband she said, "Ich hatte einen goldenen Mann." I had a golden husband. We sing "Gott ist die Liebe" together and there are tears. Perhaps we can see her one more time before we leave Ukraine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXPp_hVr7u7fLdUhmLmEB0EtnZy_i521fo8KzBxlxa6a9IngUTvHnbL56IFf7ccNS6HIaDPU5lC1blZfVYQJVMxHE8Ai0SDYmb2dI44eTAJgV2d9Q5HSekpfo91guIyqPT4ULKRoIAfOs/s1600/Oct+4+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXPp_hVr7u7fLdUhmLmEB0EtnZy_i521fo8KzBxlxa6a9IngUTvHnbL56IFf7ccNS6HIaDPU5lC1blZfVYQJVMxHE8Ai0SDYmb2dI44eTAJgV2d9Q5HSekpfo91guIyqPT4ULKRoIAfOs/s200/Oct+4+032.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rVYm-B6XV_mTs3WIJG6I5Ent3GOfbo3QPAGlZcMbj856Iu2Sw0lV9n6E9pWBSvbI4mk70Ba0uE8AMwVHdoCM8KfwsQlNdOyepG4azyOSu2S4EwKrVVxd5qihTfWAHUVKCkGAHpWM0ML4/s1600/Oct+4+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rVYm-B6XV_mTs3WIJG6I5Ent3GOfbo3QPAGlZcMbj856Iu2Sw0lV9n6E9pWBSvbI4mk70Ba0uE8AMwVHdoCM8KfwsQlNdOyepG4azyOSu2S4EwKrVVxd5qihTfWAHUVKCkGAHpWM0ML4/s200/Oct+4+034.jpg" width="200" /></a>We now head southwest, passing the first MB church building in Rueckenau, and then on through other villages to Alexanderkrone and the home of Rita Pankratz. She is out in her yard, greets us warmly and tells us that she will soon be 93. <br />
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As we sit outdoors for the next half hour, she reviews her life in fluent German. She recalls how her husband was taken away in the latter 1930's and how she and her two young children were sent to Siberia. She told us it was so far north that there was snow year round, and how hard she had to work outdoors those long and difficult ten years. Miraculously one day word came that her husband was still alive. He had been released and able to return home. He was hoping that she hadn't remarried and would she want to rejoin him. Returning home again to the same house she lives in today was beyond her dreams.<br />
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In recent years the family has been greatly helped by donations from Mennonite tourists that have come by. She is deeply grateful for this and also that her grandson is able to study aided by our scholarship program. Again we couldn't leave without singing - we joined her in four stanzas of "Wir warten auf den Heiland bis Er kommt." Both these dear women have a faith that has sustained them through all the difficulties of the years.<br />
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One more short stop before we head for home. Just around the bend of the road leading from Alexanderkrone is the remains of an old Dutch-style windmill built long ago by Abe Konrad's grandfather who was a skilled mill builder. It operated until 1952 and still stands as a sentinel on the steppe land.<br />
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This has been a day of immersion in Mennonite history. We are reminded that it's because of our history that we are here and we feel a strong personal reconnection to our past. Though sadly we see tangible evidence of our ancestral civilization gradually fading away, it is the people we have come to help.<br />
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Had we not been in Kiev last weekend we would have attended a Ukrainian Mennonite conference gathering at Kutuzovka. Six out of eight congregations sent members to this celebration - some 150 people came together. Though not ethnic Mennnonite in origin, it is very encouraging to know that these people are making positive contributions to their communities. There is new history in the making.<br />
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<i><b>A video of our 10th Anniversary Celebration has been posted on YouTube.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Search youtube/Mennonite Centre 10th Anniversary </b></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #446666; color: #cceedd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #446666; color: #cceedd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I<i>f 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. <b>All contributions are greatly appreciated</b></i></span></span></i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-50334997073132631502011-10-05T03:32:00.000-07:002011-10-05T03:32:54.288-07:00A TOWN IN SEARCH OF A HERO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shortly after our arrival in Ukraine we were told that we should try to visit Gulyaipole, a town situated about 100 km. from Molochansk. The Ukrainian tour guide who was telling us this also mentioned that the town has either an ignominious or else a proud history, depending on which person there, you might be talking to. Apparently the town is divided in this matter. </div>
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Last Thursday we decided, would be the day. The way there wove through beautiful farmland. Trees along the roadside were beginning to change colour. The town of Guyaipole is on the eastern edge of the former Schoenfeld Colony, unfamiliar territory and the history unknown to us. We find out that Mennonites first came to this area from Molochna in 1868 and remained until 1919.<br />
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Gulyaipole is the birthplace of Nestor Makhnov and was also for a number of years the headquarters of his army of insurrectionists. It is doubtful that there's a person of Russian Mennonite heritage who hasn't heard this name. Years ago his name struck terror in the hearts of our parents and grandparents because there was hardly a family that hadn't been affected in one way or another by the lawlessness and anarchy that erupted in 1918. Extreme atrocities were committed by Makhnov and his guerrilla bands, pillaging, murder and rape. In 1919, at its peak, he had an army of close to 100,000 men. Houses were destroyed, fields devastated and land seized and redistributed. At first, large rural landholdings were the primary targets. Personally, my grandparents were driven from their estate not too far from the Schoenfeld Colony, buildings were burned to the ground and grandfather died somewhere in flight.<br />
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Gulyaipole has a museum named in honour of Nestor Makhnov. We walk into the building and are greeted by the director who gives us an extensive tour. On display are artifacts dating from antiquity to the present time. We come to the section that deals with the period of the Russian Revolution and the Civil War.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkLC6Htr-wpME5pb_G9pU3FKLYkcIcYgdG5yypSPA-lvbExw4l7ArfdpMcvnJZ88V1GYMaNQcbUPlNm5LK-8jud2-J8gziloV1PxbSkwueuFybBbGQNTzXk6aHlMhCv4HSG_37aYYA4rg/s1600/Sept+28+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkLC6Htr-wpME5pb_G9pU3FKLYkcIcYgdG5yypSPA-lvbExw4l7ArfdpMcvnJZ88V1GYMaNQcbUPlNm5LK-8jud2-J8gziloV1PxbSkwueuFybBbGQNTzXk6aHlMhCv4HSG_37aYYA4rg/s320/Sept+28+012.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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It is jolting to see a wagon, which we are told is a Mennonite wagon expropri-ated by Makhnov.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ECTXdhMHdTY3wpwVvAQtggV1mfkxVuFHsJ56pEcy1puQolGVx95wUbSrQ5Q21hUEoakPtDN_iBWEc78S4VXG1VUxT7IoBcprvY8TiYO33UjSbMeR9iYBn4SirduPC8adTROehGbv-2CI/s1600/Sept+28+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ECTXdhMHdTY3wpwVvAQtggV1mfkxVuFHsJ56pEcy1puQolGVx95wUbSrQ5Q21hUEoakPtDN_iBWEc78S4VXG1VUxT7IoBcprvY8TiYO33UjSbMeR9iYBn4SirduPC8adTROehGbv-2CI/s200/Sept+28+013.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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Mounted on the wagon are guns and the black flag of death. The inscription reads "Death to all who stand in the way of freedom for the working people." For many here Makhnov remains a folk hero.<br />
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The museum also covers the Soviet period. We are told that Gulyaipole flourished during this time - that it had sixteen industries and employment. Today, she says, the town has only two. One is a bakery, owned and operated by a Turk. She didn't divulge the second though asked, which leads me to think that it could perhaps be tourism. The name of Nestor Makhnov lives on and the museum is impressive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53daRTx4bHvF5QoT-z3LgJqaNGXdfyVkJoqWnY55w2FcCYR1ZyzJ7HqZjTeiX9ixpAVHARjQpOpq7_SOuSQFyQ3nf85klb0pcEUtxazElDBxUCZzbuJHu9gSoypDeVCbBilp2bqxYQ8ws/s1600/Sept+28+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53daRTx4bHvF5QoT-z3LgJqaNGXdfyVkJoqWnY55w2FcCYR1ZyzJ7HqZjTeiX9ixpAVHARjQpOpq7_SOuSQFyQ3nf85klb0pcEUtxazElDBxUCZzbuJHu9gSoypDeVCbBilp2bqxYQ8ws/s400/Sept+28+020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the neighborhood of the museum is another impressive building. We are told that in Mennonite times this was the Kreuger implement factory though Victor Penner tells us this hasn't been historically substantiated. Architecturally it looks similar to other Mennonite buildings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XrnnNdE8uQG-rgdFhrVGGX6MSP2x4HTfOHy53Pz_rgX1t3_ZkLYAQWBGeCdbFcwzcj1VKzWpUOIPQdPUfB9lhX9Z3QmMB7ZYydvGLN7e4VQQmhMKCGz8xaK6FmBer8-Pcii0Yn_zPPJ1/s1600/Sept+28+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XrnnNdE8uQG-rgdFhrVGGX6MSP2x4HTfOHy53Pz_rgX1t3_ZkLYAQWBGeCdbFcwzcj1VKzWpUOIPQdPUfB9lhX9Z3QmMB7ZYydvGLN7e4VQQmhMKCGz8xaK6FmBer8-Pcii0Yn_zPPJ1/s200/Sept+28+014.jpg" width="200" /></a>On display in the museum we had seen sets of cutlery, purported to have been manufactured in this building, perhaps by Mennonite craftsmen. Today the building appears to be standing idle.<br />
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The visit leaves us emotionally shaken. We had decided ahead of time that we would come to listen without being confrontational. We leave a copy of the Ukrainian translation of Rudy Friesen's book "Building on the Past". It was gratefully received. We hope this can help to broaden understanding of this difficult period of history where anarchy and destruction held the upper hand.<br />
<br />
At the Centre not a week goes by where we do not have international visitors. It is a pleasure to show people around and to tell them what we do and why we are here. So we try to keep on increasing our historical knowledge in order to wisely interpret our past.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #446666; color: #cceedd; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I<i>f 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.</i></span><br />
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<br />Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-88497803099439798632011-09-27T23:22:00.000-07:002011-09-27T23:23:00.104-07:00TENTH BIRTHDAY<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6QvuQGJrizFQ0eLNcDTG5c6U_wZJ310-E2RtIb7DfPC-EgsBX0zafVEtK1ahl8fgyMR5n_1QGTo2NUizT_Iuowl6Ih3w-Hncz-_BdBvTiGX3cq7_8CLVUrqFVBI58RQ1aDZn6kjUyEWf/s1600/Sept+26+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6QvuQGJrizFQ0eLNcDTG5c6U_wZJ310-E2RtIb7DfPC-EgsBX0zafVEtK1ahl8fgyMR5n_1QGTo2NUizT_Iuowl6Ih3w-Hncz-_BdBvTiGX3cq7_8CLVUrqFVBI58RQ1aDZn6kjUyEWf/s200/Sept+26+002.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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 <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ukraine. A quick review - in the year 2000 the former Halbstadt Maedchenschule was purchased a</st1:place></st1:country-region>nd restored to become a centre for humanitarian aid and development.<br />
.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AHH1aOGiP2QirNEyaXrk7XPQsau22tPsddtPEOnOlDL-ttGb2Nsm-fmxK2WFOcm_CXk1hT8rRglZUwFrK5vBTmgUvu0O2DKDQm_xbJzyhVM_YD7SCqm6j4nXMm3Xvy0lW7Nw01YiPOC-/s1600/Sept+26+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AHH1aOGiP2QirNEyaXrk7XPQsau22tPsddtPEOnOlDL-ttGb2Nsm-fmxK2WFOcm_CXk1hT8rRglZUwFrK5vBTmgUvu0O2DKDQm_xbJzyhVM_YD7SCqm6j4nXMm3Xvy0lW7Nw01YiPOC-/s200/Sept+26+005.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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.” </div>
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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. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6bqus7WrQq4v6BHc9UZG7JiJfEq6MmTEYxJvvORlhmfvr7Kore7RpDwHhAcCI1v1zumHSx3AkgYFH0jn3fEZPq7CgVR2_4ZTEi1Y1kMbpvCxmZU8kmQ-tXZfRPforQldovhsNbHXRW30/s1600/Sept+22+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6bqus7WrQq4v6BHc9UZG7JiJfEq6MmTEYxJvvORlhmfvr7Kore7RpDwHhAcCI1v1zumHSx3AkgYFH0jn3fEZPq7CgVR2_4ZTEi1Y1kMbpvCxmZU8kmQ-tXZfRPforQldovhsNbHXRW30/s200/Sept+22+039.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbEg6bwN-gpFwApgobYXrZRz6GI3Ca8POq8HSVhkpJJgqbtKUP9Caz0v2uTNJVXXt5NNdeKepdBxRnSd85Pn5-BcU2SAcqKwkDXqg023o8JLd0C4Ko9bX2OV_pi6a5RasYh5RjFfcULuL/s1600/Sept+22+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbEg6bwN-gpFwApgobYXrZRz6GI3Ca8POq8HSVhkpJJgqbtKUP9Caz0v2uTNJVXXt5NNdeKepdBxRnSd85Pn5-BcU2SAcqKwkDXqg023o8JLd0C4Ko9bX2OV_pi6a5RasYh5RjFfcULuL/s200/Sept+22+041.jpg" width="200" /></a>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.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi-Y5HPxgKg4ATr2c_n_nx735qUPwcIb0g4DViZX3EeMVWLMKjCin4NXiN-DFOC8hDdBxm8oJ60bfA8BUb0ime0dMTlue8Hvrn9p4_oAzqD4iGxbHtTspjggJC-6JioosMDDyA-m9mlGI/s1600/Sept+22+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi-Y5HPxgKg4ATr2c_n_nx735qUPwcIb0g4DViZX3EeMVWLMKjCin4NXiN-DFOC8hDdBxm8oJ60bfA8BUb0ime0dMTlue8Hvrn9p4_oAzqD4iGxbHtTspjggJC-6JioosMDDyA-m9mlGI/s200/Sept+22+042.jpg" width="200" /></a>her granddaughter who is able to study at the
Zaporozhye Pedagogical Institute on a Centre scholarship.</div>
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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 -<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYbLJvGhWD-XGhrLxRzTGY3Q5PHSNU8tfwtUButaGMzHcx7bFBd71sch-J5JYq62ZQJZHLubvjNUZN2tdDwSIQ9ImhZuNH4lEeNsl1P1NqWzr4_vLY1JwWXRcQnFsO3fG0iL3UGGdrq5I/s1600/DSCN5012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYbLJvGhWD-XGhrLxRzTGY3Q5PHSNU8tfwtUButaGMzHcx7bFBd71sch-J5JYq62ZQJZHLubvjNUZN2tdDwSIQ9ImhZuNH4lEeNsl1P1NqWzr4_vLY1JwWXRcQnFsO3fG0iL3UGGdrq5I/s200/DSCN5012.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
“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."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFa7JbDoDWL8iUlA2aUbIVBTHs-MjsxuFWNJl3f8abZfVLLPVIhdmzDN6ziUlu8Q5jtwytTReep5v_-fYSbBdCK1cD_ITsAr0jAb0FsSxLjpck_nN7Sid8AveYav5uVcOWLfyecgtC7KX2/s1600/Sept+7+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFa7JbDoDWL8iUlA2aUbIVBTHs-MjsxuFWNJl3f8abZfVLLPVIhdmzDN6ziUlu8Q5jtwytTReep5v_-fYSbBdCK1cD_ITsAr0jAb0FsSxLjpck_nN7Sid8AveYav5uVcOWLfyecgtC7KX2/s320/Sept+7+006.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
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!</div>
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For further updates on Centre activities and details of our 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary celebration
check out the 2011 FOMCU fall newsletter that will be coming out soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-78953810547500301542011-09-19T11:21:00.000-07:002011-09-19T11:34:53.685-07:00GRATITUDE & THANKSGIVING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9Ja5TFaSCF3vl27Ebd2G2R_FtzNl_LjYTxa44-YB2OsGh7r8vq8MwYrpIi_3xU7G4dTyhlpJeRfV_MK7DNv_AqS8rSKZmCR7Zx5UIQt91Ndgnet4QtX2EKtPX47wG1fGod8V6mcBslkQ/s1600/Sept+17+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9Ja5TFaSCF3vl27Ebd2G2R_FtzNl_LjYTxa44-YB2OsGh7r8vq8MwYrpIi_3xU7G4dTyhlpJeRfV_MK7DNv_AqS8rSKZmCR7Zx5UIQt91Ndgnet4QtX2EKtPX47wG1fGod8V6mcBslkQ/s400/Sept+17+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismxu8aItl1u0-r6itB1PNvD_wBDJBJutug3ttzbA_FVVETLBuuxw9caT0WcSWPMWpQfcl0rlUcGWPF0ynznDPGNKZLLnWrOq9O9wqcmLvlHERLodcdoITivFA4DkJmNyixdr0V0gk2LpS/s1600/Sept+17+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismxu8aItl1u0-r6itB1PNvD_wBDJBJutug3ttzbA_FVVETLBuuxw9caT0WcSWPMWpQfcl0rlUcGWPF0ynznDPGNKZLLnWrOq9O9wqcmLvlHERLodcdoITivFA4DkJmNyixdr0V0gk2LpS/s200/Sept+17+003.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHYsytQOue2PU46v8Xda092bJehttfzBoL-tz8tUsN0RG9DbXqDmay8VJ8Kaf05IIi5oHJXmCD0v2DKlhOT31Hx_n-a6v_PRB_0tG_bdISvFJH9N8c7kKkKDXdWK5swu-wFVpkjOiqzbf/s1600/Sept+17+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHYsytQOue2PU46v8Xda092bJehttfzBoL-tz8tUsN0RG9DbXqDmay8VJ8Kaf05IIi5oHJXmCD0v2DKlhOT31Hx_n-a6v_PRB_0tG_bdISvFJH9N8c7kKkKDXdWK5swu-wFVpkjOiqzbf/s200/Sept+17+009.jpg" width="200" /></a>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.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQH0ceXnbjTR6aGOJsuJ3pcQ8HJScETzBNrrGWtturO7ydLnvKASjuW7bX5K5Qufu6yILE5733Bm3ZYU0C3o4GfBlzXaBo5DxdzmhDkLXN1v34kAF600mvlkWMrSdY7wTsaOami-YSrR-/s1600/Sept+17+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQH0ceXnbjTR6aGOJsuJ3pcQ8HJScETzBNrrGWtturO7ydLnvKASjuW7bX5K5Qufu6yILE5733Bm3ZYU0C3o4GfBlzXaBo5DxdzmhDkLXN1v34kAF600mvlkWMrSdY7wTsaOami-YSrR-/s200/Sept+17+013.jpg" width="150" /></a>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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKHvdl5OGc9AgveYejOwFdHxu41K6f4pKX29Uxo_nqNADaAMx3e7Hvt9L0h00OT9eLG3KlnGK8aaDjg5OSAiA8G04ypCQFd48zkRDsHvBoPPGItdSur4ao1Mx_4L_hK-yXUxP2znmG0Wh/s1600/Sept+18+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKHvdl5OGc9AgveYejOwFdHxu41K6f4pKX29Uxo_nqNADaAMx3e7Hvt9L0h00OT9eLG3KlnGK8aaDjg5OSAiA8G04ypCQFd48zkRDsHvBoPPGItdSur4ao1Mx_4L_hK-yXUxP2znmG0Wh/s200/Sept+18+007.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One humongous beet!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCe_2GMfU9IYalKr-xs1-oN1Wa-CZH5KG-fiAyFyTl3pIsRCtElSjYH1Abt9LihzyZuYmlrH4KGHYRcoAZzdYAwS98jhUS0tW-etglSrK3ats68dJuL-vC1IonLCjDk26PiQtnqjdZnD-h/s1600/Sept+18+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCe_2GMfU9IYalKr-xs1-oN1Wa-CZH5KG-fiAyFyTl3pIsRCtElSjYH1Abt9LihzyZuYmlrH4KGHYRcoAZzdYAwS98jhUS0tW-etglSrK3ats68dJuL-vC1IonLCjDk26PiQtnqjdZnD-h/s200/Sept+18+006.jpg" width="200" /></a>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. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4AoETjlGoA_Y6OkewjHduJU3x8kUNllldX9mWQf_Cs27LR6pHbUM0jQoO3Nso-EqzOCq0FA4kXdBnw7Dx2t6simayF2yOsaohk0QDr5Mc6I3Vm12K4h8fIjxCcxUEiVpko9CimqFcf6V/s1600/Sept+18+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4AoETjlGoA_Y6OkewjHduJU3x8kUNllldX9mWQf_Cs27LR6pHbUM0jQoO3Nso-EqzOCq0FA4kXdBnw7Dx2t6simayF2yOsaohk0QDr5Mc6I3Vm12K4h8fIjxCcxUEiVpko9CimqFcf6V/s320/Sept+18+010.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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",<br />
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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZqyKVOFRVuzhL2CoXe-8kq7xYdrvKXuRUMNiGKx8ovjiwpV9DK78xKfiVN9dkCEmYm4uZ4ncB9mEjaD9_X5OuLqwDtN5cY4AzmE8VNCdoy8ikSEOyluynqyi9UyftkVtjzUBzZUCjI-O/s1600/Sept+18+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZqyKVOFRVuzhL2CoXe-8kq7xYdrvKXuRUMNiGKx8ovjiwpV9DK78xKfiVN9dkCEmYm4uZ4ncB9mEjaD9_X5OuLqwDtN5cY4AzmE8VNCdoy8ikSEOyluynqyi9UyftkVtjzUBzZUCjI-O/s400/Sept+18+014.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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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.<br />
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**<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">click into pictures to enlarge</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-55425844869201621352011-09-14T06:56:00.000-07:002011-09-14T06:56:25.763-07:00A SUNDAY AFTERNOON STROLLWe 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqle3O3pFg_zwp-sNj3EhB2hKfc5bQy_n1EcgSeW0G93r96gPquqACP5w9-xuWDkpNrMnXpTCWsR_Rl82qiVU8rhiPSCsyKslg8o42Vmc7N3ubwkvU2z6nr_yOF8ZaM6o46PI_Pc6Q1IX/s1600/4636A629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqle3O3pFg_zwp-sNj3EhB2hKfc5bQy_n1EcgSeW0G93r96gPquqACP5w9-xuWDkpNrMnXpTCWsR_Rl82qiVU8rhiPSCsyKslg8o42Vmc7N3ubwkvU2z6nr_yOF8ZaM6o46PI_Pc6Q1IX/s320/4636A629.jpg" width="320" /></a>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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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! <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<br />Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-1341633917125988732011-09-06T01:57:00.000-07:002011-09-07T04:39:05.069-07:00NEW BEGINNINGSEach 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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqI7IM5hTW-kV1HgIkK2TDUfUxBWNKmA-sHXnxh5AQPiMiaXZD6mo8I1eOXTN_qzQGUvAe38XZ9iq8dAn5hm6bllNJA3_t58X0Aj6OgNLznaD3yayaEM4k40WxR-XDsSnFB7J2f3x-Lct-/s1600/Ukraine+2011+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqI7IM5hTW-kV1HgIkK2TDUfUxBWNKmA-sHXnxh5AQPiMiaXZD6mo8I1eOXTN_qzQGUvAe38XZ9iq8dAn5hm6bllNJA3_t58X0Aj6OgNLznaD3yayaEM4k40WxR-XDsSnFB7J2f3x-Lct-/s320/Ukraine+2011+014.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KLwcBbWIBlcj6exBUoUZbThtocngfzSWgKkpB0v_Dz7ZBEvquWtrgzrYsl5djWlY19XtyephA3TxpIwgchBiOulaYYCy_bbzhopatT0R-O8FYGWwjeG7mCFDzqAAEvryhysuFxViWMrB/s1600/Ukraine+2011+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KLwcBbWIBlcj6exBUoUZbThtocngfzSWgKkpB0v_Dz7ZBEvquWtrgzrYsl5djWlY19XtyephA3TxpIwgchBiOulaYYCy_bbzhopatT0R-O8FYGWwjeG7mCFDzqAAEvryhysuFxViWMrB/s320/Ukraine+2011+011.jpg" width="320" /></a>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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWui5ad96LkbRWQEwVq7zcgxVcCNdCR4oPyfqKZrBuoo7BCBF1HhE-X8iBYPgt2Z5bi3KHcTrAMDMLByVu6KiuKAdWZOji8b38nl84yVQcjQ-pCfxhilLYMVf1VZrsggxT2TuBfFnLJ1RH/s1600/Ukraine+2011+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWui5ad96LkbRWQEwVq7zcgxVcCNdCR4oPyfqKZrBuoo7BCBF1HhE-X8iBYPgt2Z5bi3KHcTrAMDMLByVu6KiuKAdWZOji8b38nl84yVQcjQ-pCfxhilLYMVf1VZrsggxT2TuBfFnLJ1RH/s200/Ukraine+2011+023.jpg" width="150" /></a>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." <br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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.</span>Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-75453724995578473022010-05-31T01:20:00.000-07:002010-06-17T22:28:44.889-07:00POSTLUDETomorrow morning we leave for home. Our three months have flown by, not quite enough time to see everything th<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7db4JwzziRVpF9rrpGIAidd_VVnyjG5v1OlJK-vlkyx-tbHIl2Hf6hyphenhyphenDTRv1Qwbz103Ab92i_QefIQhoHh46O3cABnzzhY4ZMXAm0CBn-MPj6kP1JUwwOHu4dayLSKARZL2xXxoFDDBP/s1600/DSCN5344.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 191px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478145774311489794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7db4JwzziRVpF9rrpGIAidd_VVnyjG5v1OlJK-vlkyx-tbHIl2Hf6hyphenhyphenDTRv1Qwbz103Ab92i_QefIQhoHh46O3cABnzzhY4ZMXAm0CBn-MPj6kP1JUwwOHu4dayLSKARZL2xXxoFDDBP/s200/DSCN5344.JPG" /></a>rough, but others will come and carry on. It's been another adventure and activity packed week. As in other years we were invited to attend graduations and final concerts of the Molochansk band, music and dance schools. We have supported each of these institutions and it is a pleasure to see them thriving. Most memorable <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstJg2GFrhH6tOgaSoWMsp0bxggGZ_ngomfFTuvBKKWAw3RtodGLgYCMcEQbO1d2NQqI4Vak2Ehet-34Nl_9ZAp92LmnPMdcrCy9JyywRiqu5wn20F3W9C0kiyuYqtqdmM4kwXRVfVdLp_/s1600/DSCN5348.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478159045474945730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstJg2GFrhH6tOgaSoWMsp0bxggGZ_ngomfFTuvBKKWAw3RtodGLgYCMcEQbO1d2NQqI4Vak2Ehet-34Nl_9ZAp92LmnPMdcrCy9JyywRiqu5wn20F3W9C0kiyuYqtqdmM4kwXRVfVdLp_/s200/DSCN5348.JPG" /></a>was the dance concert at which a tribute was given to Nikolai Nikolaiovich, the beloved director of the Molochansk Music School, who passed away in April. While the band played Albinoni's <em>Adagio in G Minor,</em> a powerpoint of his life was shown and dancers, many of them weeping, performed beautifully choreographed movements by candlelight. His legacy will live on.<br /><br />The "Last Bell" ceremony at the Ukrainian school was a gala outdoor production. On observation we decided <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5M95SACFCkzEfsw_dhyphenhyphenDB9Aas0705Vu1w91srdL53SJ4LPbmMCDAwXhzQbxdls96RSTG4hjeDXhNgt9OW24ywjlpuqQr2CobfW08bzV3YD_lx1ZyMX9yd1QVEq9M9sopWWYJ-zGiLyNs/s1600/P1040140.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478075834171992466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5M95SACFCkzEfsw_dhyphenhyphenDB9Aas0705Vu1w91srdL53SJ4LPbmMCDAwXhzQbxdls96RSTG4hjeDXhNgt9OW24ywjlpuqQr2CobfW08bzV3YD_lx1ZyMX9yd1QVEq9M9sopWWYJ-zGiLyNs/s200/P1040140.JPG" /></a>that the theme had to be "Launched to Fly." Actors dressed in blac<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxwNbZnjIgWNRNvJM_hyphenhyphen8Hk6-UJGTm89eGqc_rOATFRRVCF9VDH2jrRnfLATfHJvfSjN2X1RwjiO7EcL7flyZ7Pub45EDgpFiOzHayQWifKLKwJ1WW4-hjPFq7IKqIZDgyT7MzBmGINdN/s1600/P1040145.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478075136009118482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxwNbZnjIgWNRNvJM_hyphenhyphen8Hk6-UJGTm89eGqc_rOATFRRVCF9VDH2jrRnfLATfHJvfSjN2X1RwjiO7EcL7flyZ7Pub45EDgpFiOzHayQWifKLKwJ1WW4-hjPFq7IKqIZDgyT7MzBmGINdN/s200/P1040145.JPG" /></a>k and white performed a pantomine which included releasing a black and white bird. There were emotional farewells to teachers, parents were honored, then the torch was passed to younger students. The ceremony concluded as graduates symbolically released balloons into the sky. One hopes the world they will be entering will open doors of opportunity for them, allowing them to fly.<br /><br />Lack of employment and corruption remain huge problems. Russlan is 31 years old. He is a recovering alcoholic. Four years ago, he told us, he was a very bad man. Then our pastor and his wife, Jacob and Natasha Tiessen, offered him shelter. Today people do not believe he is the same person. Last month he was able to find employment in a greenhouse, working 13 hour days. The first weeks he was given positive feedback, then on the fourth week his employer began finding fault with him. This escalated and finally he was sent away, given only bus fare home. This is the second such incident we've heard about in past weeks. There seems little protection for employees unless a formal contract is entered into. Before we left home a friend handed us some money to be used for a project of our choice. Rudy had the idea of providing a bicycle for a boy from a poor family.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-awOMgqzLniNbNhiBWXK20sR-2JyX4rgwnitKToustNUdNxx28zpTHQjrVazPy5kKw8TYqpn_oTKIz-rIoAz0MSuXKH4qElLuttieI_P9s4gN8CTrInnODYh-hGwiOoNkIl8pQfBBHyZ/s1600/DSCN5316.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478073904777184722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-awOMgqzLniNbNhiBWXK20sR-2JyX4rgwnitKToustNUdNxx28zpTHQjrVazPy5kKw8TYqpn_oTKIz-rIoAz0MSuXKH4qElLuttieI_P9s4gN8CTrInnODYh-hGwiOoNkIl8pQfBBHyZ/s320/DSCN5316.JPG" /></a> We were talking about this with the Tiessens when Jacob asked, "how about a 31 year old boy?" Russlan is living with them again, has no means of transportation and is wanting to look for further work. There was no doubt in our minds that this was the right opportunity. Thursday we had the joy of presenting him with a new bicycle. For a moment he was speechless, then he immediately offered a prayer of thanksgiving. We've been told that he went around town telling people this story. He was told "this can't possibly happen , there has to be something sinister behind it." Experience has made many people suspicious and distrusting.<br /><br />This week we again had the joy of hosting friends from home. Peter and Hilda Goertzen and their relatives from Germany joined us for several days. We spent Saturday driving through the countryside, visiting former Mennonite villages. Both Hilda and Ru<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LmnIV2Evtk__So42cJRLTc31qYO3FWRob_ChfyPyjccyVkImS7xJhYtFRHrQ2y_BZ__mPVK1zopzU_oQfY-6b5Xaep8FUruy1mO3wUndE56KZoDvux-fb6bOnscb4OBwkb8Zxi4hNpr1/s1600/P1040209.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478073233964677874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LmnIV2Evtk__So42cJRLTc31qYO3FWRob_ChfyPyjccyVkImS7xJhYtFRHrQ2y_BZ__mPVK1zopzU_oQfY-6b5Xaep8FUruy1mO3wUndE56KZoDvux-fb6bOnscb4OBwkb8Zxi4hNpr1/s320/P1040209.JPG" /></a>dy have roots in Hierschau. Several years ago we had connected with Margarita Krivetz, nee Plett, Rudy's distant relative. In the meantime we heard that she had moved to Zaporozhye, was very ill and unresponsive. People in Hierschau, however, told us that she was back living with her daughter-in-law. We managed to locate her and there was immediate recognition. What a joyful reunion with this delightful ninety year old.<br /><br />Yesterday, one more fascinating day. We had the opportunity of hosting 60 MEDA representatives from North America as well as the Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine, His Excellencey, Daniel Caron. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL9Z8K_ZppUhH6oEKGKhkT6-RPjEG3C-RGpRAX4xfYuTv0spzmMtTKqvfEEkQ94IjyF3Tj05Y9WClvnIUa_IOUEyZ2aws6qUr9YDIqDg-2e_vLYUhaH_MyPdGUFQcqp6qz03GqL7XzaHE/s1600/DSCN5419.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 228px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478067663158771954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL9Z8K_ZppUhH6oEKGKhkT6-RPjEG3C-RGpRAX4xfYuTv0spzmMtTKqvfEEkQ94IjyF3Tj05Y9WClvnIUa_IOUEyZ2aws6qUr9YDIqDg-2e_vLYUhaH_MyPdGUFQcqp6qz03GqL7XzaHE/s320/DSCN5419.JPG" /></a>Mennonite Economic Development Associates has been given a multi-million dollar CIDA grant and is one and one half years into a five year project aimed at helping 5000 small scale farmers in the Zaporozhye region and Crimea get access to credit and gain skills in planting, storing, packaging and marketing their produce. Ukraine used to be the breadbasket of Europe. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl11P2XdPgzhpFd8BVOazzCVE7sJ2thdiZO3dcz-9ibOpcLmxSkGgqv8QzIy0mQSnXD0lrU4mOTisA3REUHLLmFZIPhfBGOoXBgYcEA7Qo_zOU2LsKdOnfbN1-m4rXg-COAAwdfBnB7t0f/s1600/DSCN5405.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478068384513315346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl11P2XdPgzhpFd8BVOazzCVE7sJ2thdiZO3dcz-9ibOpcLmxSkGgqv8QzIy0mQSnXD0lrU4mOTisA3REUHLLmFZIPhfBGOoXBgYcEA7Qo_zOU2LsKdOnfbN1-m4rXg-COAAwdfBnB7t0f/s320/DSCN5405.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />the Ambassador & Rudy<br /><br />Now Ukraine farmers are again tilling Russian Mennonite ancestral soil. We joined Steve Wright, (photo to right) the director of the project, and the MEDA group in visiting two model farmers in our area. One Molochansk farmer has a cell of 75 farmers producing table grapes, seedlings and garlic. He is obviously prospering. The other is operating on a much smaller scale, also producing grape seedlings, str<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ4iJKiC95cL-MXckF_YEpFziYqKXyLVrIegRxNK41gXbMGnVinJuy9fkmv-cVtDBhuQD83ux_iAcs-vjy9o9XpAeM76so6FLkXjsASW8v0DJ1095fK9bf9PWBXlhpdahsL_LswtrWGHn/s1600/DSCN5423.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478067152325404946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ4iJKiC95cL-MXckF_YEpFziYqKXyLVrIegRxNK41gXbMGnVinJuy9fkmv-cVtDBhuQD83ux_iAcs-vjy9o9XpAeM76so6FLkXjsASW8v0DJ1095fK9bf9PWBXlhpdahsL_LswtrWGHn/s320/DSCN5423.JPG" /></a>awberries and roses. Our staff provided a delicious noon meal and we were entertained by Natasha, a Ukrainian MEDA staff person who sang Ukrainian folksongs, accompanying herself on the bandura. In the afternoon we escorted a group on visits to former Mennonite historical sites. It was interesting to visit Juschanlee, to think back to the time of Johann Cornies more than 150 years ago and realize what he was able to achieve in land reforms and agricultural practices in the Mennonite colonies. Perhaps history will repeat itself.Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-71941977740621465382010-05-23T10:39:00.000-07:002010-05-31T01:18:08.485-07:00SEEING AND PERCEIVINGAfter two weeks o<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmuWvOI0biZUC40nyMF72g6koe-PN-ktK4Eoo7ftIDxpORm1KU6hNlsK8FTR8Fv8ASXfzz2zedMcyB1cLUUYlhv15cINxn-X63LHwGox-GfVbkDME3l4LMqtW22qb0Q9078H0BZlAE5xY/s1600/P1040029.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474835327645988130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmuWvOI0biZUC40nyMF72g6koe-PN-ktK4Eoo7ftIDxpORm1KU6hNlsK8FTR8Fv8ASXfzz2zedMcyB1cLUUYlhv15cINxn-X63LHwGox-GfVbkDME3l4LMqtW22qb0Q9078H0BZlAE5xY/s320/P1040029.JPG" /></a>f rainy weather the landscape is lush and green, meadow grasses more than waist-high in places; acacia trees lining the streets, spreading their graceful branches laden with blossoms exuding intoxicating perfume; fruit trees bursting with ripe cherries and apricots swelling before our eyes. As we look out of our kitchen window we observe people foraging for mushrooms on the soccer field. All of this so different from last year when frosts destroyed blossoms and rains failed to come in time. If all goes well Ukraine should have an abundant harvest this year.<br /><br />As we travel city and country roads we still see remnants of our Menn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxEaPs9O36iFI9BRoaIV0iT2-Nrcqzrt3kY_6cPOmPMTQm_EZ0y2JyPsOSI4smjKu8Yr_KhAOTNZccyZ-A7jMHrm3IlcTTSEK_aNW9G5QjT2XX5vCtpGFB0wXDUkz0BsqG6sRSUQS33QU/s1600/DSCN5260.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474777937364115026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxEaPs9O36iFI9BRoaIV0iT2-Nrcqzrt3kY_6cPOmPMTQm_EZ0y2JyPsOSI4smjKu8Yr_KhAOTNZccyZ-A7jMHrm3IlcTTSEK_aNW9G5QjT2XX5vCtpGFB0wXDUkz0BsqG6sRSUQS33QU/s320/DSCN5260.JPG" /></a>onite past, but sadly many buildings are crumbling. This week we had the opportunity of driving to Chortitza and I was able once again to see the girls' school my mother attended in the early 1920's. This magnificent building was erected in 1904 to provide high school education for girls. It is still a school today; it hurts to see the structure deteriorating. There is no money to provide the needed repairs. A few days ago we received a visit by the head doctor of our local hospital t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmr0kYY4WtlVPD3IV2kqpHHCe0cSrG2ZSrZn7Cj7qDaT5FrwrP-VRHT5t418cvanndxWgo9RSeiwaRm6KTrOpJU_8wRyU941fUgJje1R_-Vn1K_dnWaAFFgaD3lVBrkqkElgUDfpP2bJ0/s1600/P1030947.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474763129660148946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmr0kYY4WtlVPD3IV2kqpHHCe0cSrG2ZSrZn7Cj7qDaT5FrwrP-VRHT5t418cvanndxWgo9RSeiwaRm6KTrOpJU_8wRyU941fUgJje1R_-Vn1K_dnWaAFFgaD3lVBrkqkElgUDfpP2bJ0/s320/P1030947.JPG" /></a>elling us that they are being forced to downsize, offering us the former Muntau Hospital, suggesting that we could use the space to operate a nursing home. It is too costly for them to heat and a lot of repair is needed. A century ago this hospital was led to prominence by Dr. Tavonious who loved the people and at the same time kept abreast of scientific medical advances. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Do27PHTqubJd-jkP_5pQ9-5cvvzqidlfUktHDvcff0Fzu-4X3opFJFZ8ZbjQP4M93LmqwsoyN_KbytD2-9a7NOuSFLsRtwpUUGE5NHKuCLVAdVrqCeuM8oVzNibVKoZAqW3RS8bzoxeA/s1600/DSCN5123.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474777344776673778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Do27PHTqubJd-jkP_5pQ9-5cvvzqidlfUktHDvcff0Fzu-4X3opFJFZ8ZbjQP4M93LmqwsoyN_KbytD2-9a7NOuSFLsRtwpUUGE5NHKuCLVAdVrqCeuM8oVzNibVKoZAqW3RS8bzoxeA/s320/DSCN5123.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Next door to our apartment we see the shell of the former Willms mansion which was built in 1908 and at that time referred to as a "palace". It's former grandeur is still evident. As recently as 15 years ago the building was used as a concert hall and a place to host special events. Destruction set in after Ukraine independence because there was no money or will to maintain it. Sadly it has become a hangout. Tourists from North America and Europe continue to arrive hoping to connect with their past and set foot on ancestral soil. This week we hosted two such groups. It takes a bit of courage and dexterity to enter the Willms mansion. Walking through the enormous salon at one end of the house there were differences of opinion as to what the recessed space in front of the stage was meant to be. Some suggested an orchestra pit, others a baptismal tank. So much for orientation and perception. It's a pleasure to host these groups, to show them through our museum and to relay information. Our cooks provide delectable meals on request.<br /><br />Wednesday our Mom's group had a cooking class - using ingredients that are readily available in every household - bread and eggs. They decided that next month they would like t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmF4t1Ib8gC1u07mnevpUMRfvCtsAPmNrMPs1H9I_siGjxQCBD3Ue2gpZMEb9cacE5jhgci_lTZ62gkZsp7LZ2iF0663rE4xa7PGQgRudD07owZsw4eQjFkNLUAqmABBlJ6vzMtCnPS3C/s1600/P1030964.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474758679951161554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmF4t1Ib8gC1u07mnevpUMRfvCtsAPmNrMPs1H9I_siGjxQCBD3Ue2gpZMEb9cacE5jhgci_lTZ62gkZsp7LZ2iF0663rE4xa7PGQgRudD07owZsw4eQjFkNLUAqmABBlJ6vzMtCnPS3C/s200/P1030964.JPG" /></a>o branch out from the known <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmia-s5BVJCYBG83hr81Ok33PWMau4wdK3EfrChZ207D8kjRmfzKuur_m9UrzQAk8MpnrUvPeQPkgrtjLMgRJdcIfuaw-kRNwbZJQaNVsdYJE4BvSZQYdjWlyLpfELZQgKxtFFbN6Zrdx8/s1600/P1030965.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474758277539357490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmia-s5BVJCYBG83hr81Ok33PWMau4wdK3EfrChZ207D8kjRmfzKuur_m9UrzQAk8MpnrUvPeQPkgrtjLMgRJdcIfuaw-kRNwbZJQaNVsdYJE4BvSZQYdjWlyLpfELZQgKxtFFbN6Zrdx8/s200/P1030965.JPG" /></a>and try something a little more exotic. Many are single moms, some living with a parent, unemployed, depending on their kitchen gardens for their livelihood. For most, this two hour block in the week in an oasis, a time of listening and sharing, a time of creativity and fun, a time when they can forget their day-to-day cares and burdens. The group is lead by Oksana, who is also our able bookkeeper.<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 409px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474761049487393074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHruec97FnBfKRYDGHJgAtOB_Ho_JxcgtNACytNfCpUEVhN-lP3pSKIPLnHmYojMA9CFdWQRT_ta4UKTZ_o7hiYYYkgXoPABX94wvzPGBSHr1JkiiXSyG_SOgu4K84J7UeS9EIhVjV7UlF/s400/P1030973.JPG" />More than 300 young people attended another "Youth for Life" presentation on Thursday. It was held a the local Russian school. A further event is planned for the Tokmak city schools in September. So far over 20 schools have participated. Each school is choosing a student who exhibits a healthy life-style. An awards ceremony is in the offing later this week. </p><p>A visit to the local psychiatric hospital was an eye-opener in terms of facilit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_a346ywCdYKnFDhHxx7qH2ecomacnvPt98hn94c9quQCjO4iWhyRJATHnaEetGie3xYuocgdPibw5zLt1rLpu0yHg5jgN7DIfeHukdsShp6CxqGf5cen-bE9kElhEOq3NkIkEFk4aWll/s1600/P1030956.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474781496275001666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_a346ywCdYKnFDhHxx7qH2ecomacnvPt98hn94c9quQCjO4iWhyRJATHnaEetGie3xYuocgdPibw5zLt1rLpu0yHg5jgN7DIfeHukdsShp6CxqGf5cen-bE9kElhEOq3NkIkEFk4aWll/s320/P1030956.JPG" /></a>y and patient care. This large facility services the region and again there is little government money for upkeep and repair. The floors in the women's section were in dreadful condition and our organization agreed to put in tiles. Staff expressed deep appre-ciation when we went to see the finished task.<br /><br />Ben Stobbe, our board chair from Victoria BC, is with us for two weeks. It has been very helpful in terms of review and setting goals for the organization. Our time is rapidly drawing to a close. Our eyes have been opened to a greater understanding of Mennonite history, faith and culture here in Ukraine and also the needs around us. We hope and pray that our perceptions will lead to helpful decision making and enablement.</p>Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-71133140944413753322010-05-17T07:26:00.000-07:002010-05-17T13:21:33.251-07:00STEPPING INTO THE PASTOver the past week we've had the pleasure and the privilege of delving into various aspects of our Mennonite past. We joined our friends, Peter <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d2IJeFbKjf70Ot0bTlquy3AjgzeWAoNpLUm8prxr2ABsfM7_XRvSK1jUoDkj1lhRwn2GBc3Yhvh25FqdpSfwoWuGgl085RGEfwYYUsbKTdG9POAKalq3AAxCDwZYseDCV-WL6MzMb4ib/s1600/DSCN5146.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472307007109046930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d2IJeFbKjf70Ot0bTlquy3AjgzeWAoNpLUm8prxr2ABsfM7_XRvSK1jUoDkj1lhRwn2GBc3Yhvh25FqdpSfwoWuGgl085RGEfwYYUsbKTdG9POAKalq3AAxCDwZYseDCV-WL6MzMb4ib/s200/DSCN5146.JPG" /></a>and Helene in their quest to find Helene's ancestral villages. She knew that h<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKSWnH5yv7DVHTLBo85MSlOJkOy-zgnIhE4y8NQBolIeKQCw0rJnr9VS6ytnFre6AWy5cot58P_VOb-7pkO9P4r5Xr1vvjI6HsocqPWMRzMbv7rCVIjxfuiRCIcG_JoL7a9dNiGsGe20O/s1600/DSCN5155.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472307275082758962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKSWnH5yv7DVHTLBo85MSlOJkOy-zgnIhE4y8NQBolIeKQCw0rJnr9VS6ytnFre6AWy5cot58P_VOb-7pkO9P4r5Xr1vvjI6HsocqPWMRzMbv7rCVIjxfuiRCIcG_JoL7a9dNiGsGe20O/s200/DSCN5155.JPG" /></a>er maternal grandmother had married into the Nikolai Schmidt family, wealthy landowners of the Steinbach estate in the southeastern corner of the Molotschna colony. It wasn't difficult to find the place. Many buildings still remain and are maintained as part of an orphanage surrounded by lush green fields and golden meadows. Aside from a few young boys, the place seemed deserted. We took our time wandering through the area, sharing memories that had been passed along through the generations. Finding the village of Franzthal however, was another story. This was the village where Helene's father grew up. She knew the general location, even farther east than Steinbach, but had been told that nothing remains. Her father, for whom it was very important that Helene at least set foot on familial soil, had given precise instructions. "Get to the village of 'Nelhovtje,' go through and yo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdf0yImNIBifjfmsKLVGZ8HILCOBiPF426PURNFWKWPo-hbhVTWs0IWdjM-tAclyaxQfD87BQZ7bLfdeqTIakeoT7H0lEkYzxd03dVg8YQ-TCYcN8ZlmtoeCGAmeLipBzuYEov0adZdIN/s1600/DSCN5185.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472306649117480242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdf0yImNIBifjfmsKLVGZ8HILCOBiPF426PURNFWKWPo-hbhVTWs0IWdjM-tAclyaxQfD87BQZ7bLfdeqTIakeoT7H0lEkYzxd03dVg8YQ-TCYcN8ZlmtoeCGAmeLipBzuYEov0adZdIN/s320/DSCN5185.JPG" /></a>u will find a bridge over the Juschanlee river. On the other side is Franzthal." As a young man living in this region in the 1940's, it had been his job to deliver the post on horseback, riding from village to village. We managed to find "Nelhovtje", drove through the village in the direction of the river until the road became a narrow track. Should we carry on? As<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpYL9JzObE8_j0V4LWr5c-in3ThllEQdA3Ormr13vOyUaejItidu4Xyrhekp_dfd7EEBoeYHtEqQoU8ahyIb9n3zMEWXE4NOWKaCEQRBLXnkwl-Y0dtg_Xi7lyBx9a5Jm25Tyb6VrPLnd/s1600/DSCN5193.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472305781265113826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpYL9JzObE8_j0V4LWr5c-in3ThllEQdA3Ormr13vOyUaejItidu4Xyrhekp_dfd7EEBoeYHtEqQoU8ahyIb9n3zMEWXE4NOWKaCEQRBLXnkwl-Y0dtg_Xi7lyBx9a5Jm25Tyb6VrPLnd/s320/DSCN5193.JPG" /></a> we sat and deliberated, a car drove up. Using what meagre Russia we had plus sign language we indicated that we were looking for Franzthal. The people in turn indicated that they would be right back and sure enough, in minutes found someone who could speak English. Yes, we could drive down the track and would soon come to the river. Before long a beautiful pastoral vista unfolded, but sadly the bridge spanned only half the river. As we strolled along the meandering stream, seeing a loon and a heron, we tried to imagine ourselves 150 years ago, glancing across the water and seeing a thriving Mennonite village with 3 flourmills, a brickyard and other businesses, farms and orchards.<br /><br />A major highlight at the end of the week again took us back 150 years, but this time in a different direction. We had the opportunity of participating in a celebration commemorating the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Mennonite Brethren church on the site of the first MB church building in the village of Rueckenau. Together with many Ukrainians from surrounding <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472304717536823698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikN4YmwiTHHfRpq804i983zWWxUVdXPCVk9z-V-t7DHF8dVeJcpPHOCVvgGqT0L_hgXvwsznFwCZF451vDxthmCdk6XzL0B3-TPs_qHKqx37ETArBVHICHnWEeKbiylGom6a-oOqwR0EE8/s400/DSCN5211.JPG" /> communities we joined an international delegation from Japan, Germany, Brazil and Canada. Unfortunately representatives from Paraguay were held up in Vienna due to a visa problem. As we waited for proceedings to get underway, it was a delight to see a familiar face, Margarita, who had spent a year in Abbotsford with the MCC Volunteer Exchange Program. She is now back home in Zaporozhye.<br />Interestingly, it was Ukrainian dignitaries who welcomed us to the commemoration. Elizaveta Vladyslavovna recounted the history of Mennonites coming to Ukraine at the invitiation of Catherine the Great to colonize the Russian steppes, on to the disintegration and tragic end of the Mennonite commonwealth. She asked us to honour our past and not be ashamed of our motherland. Repre<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNnLEViFgAXe3kR4XCQKmQdPzx7zNED-g2B_WTIovExwZc7V9hHie7zGqCxOvEJojpSyt6EsR2UiVbnj9HfUv1mefLRk4AQwk4YVQAkj3VI2A8hETqrkRTeokLNHErWJbm8FIpLkSFMr2/s1600/DSCN5219.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472298309500309586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNnLEViFgAXe3kR4XCQKmQdPzx7zNED-g2B_WTIovExwZc7V9hHie7zGqCxOvEJojpSyt6EsR2UiVbnj9HfUv1mefLRk4AQwk4YVQAkj3VI2A8hETqrkRTeokLNHErWJbm8FIpLkSFMr2/s200/DSCN5219.JPG" /></a>sentatives from the Zaporozhye Oblast and the Tokmak<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgc1ov0F8t4U2upZYNNBfN7hGju-xqmY8coYthciBB6-BsoAHh8WAUKAlwJey3EjUKZYFVxZ9JADqJJPjK-Yjb3dVuu1z0LayloNV2uI5mgqYAX51yyJ6u36n156gNVuX9MXTzb8B6nyI/s1600/DSCN5220.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472297238304480546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgc1ov0F8t4U2upZYNNBfN7hGju-xqmY8coYthciBB6-BsoAHh8WAUKAlwJey3EjUKZYFVxZ9JADqJJPjK-Yjb3dVuu1z0LayloNV2uI5mgqYAX51yyJ6u36n156gNVuX9MXTzb8B6nyI/s200/DSCN5220.JPG" /></a> Region gave greetings. We were entertained by a Ukrainian folk ensemble and Marina Romanova sang an moving song in German and Ukrainian. In answer to my query about the text, she wrote out these words: <em>Das Lied ist ueber Russland, die verlassen ist von Mennoniten. Sie muessen zurueck reisen. Es tut leid, das Elternhaus und Graeber zu verlassen. </em>Translated: the song is about Russia, left by the Mennonites. They must return. It hurts to leave fatherland and gravesites behind. Greetings were relayed by Johann Matthies, MBMSI representative for Europe and Asia. David Wiebe, Executive Director of the Canadian MB Conference addressed the audience as well as giving greetings from ICOMB, The International Community of Mennonite Brethren. Rev. Moriki H<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5E-cNLQvClUtSodpgrQfXVR9viNkr8Wu2Eu6JevDnylII4FRM5a65COlWb0_2uUpCdEexnsmvQJ-2D7OUnDhWCp67BOMnWwOUK-jMnBuo_pfa-LcDWIZYG7Ovw8nhKeCWqf52NdvYtDK_/s1600/DSCN5223.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472299790906666162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5E-cNLQvClUtSodpgrQfXVR9viNkr8Wu2Eu6JevDnylII4FRM5a65COlWb0_2uUpCdEexnsmvQJ-2D7OUnDhWCp67BOMnWwOUK-jMnBuo_pfa-LcDWIZYG7Ovw8nhKeCWqf52NdvYtDK_/s320/DSCN5223.JPG" /></a>atakenaka from Tokyo spoke about the chain of events causing Mennonites to leave Ukraine, to move to North America, then to come to Japan as missionaries sharing the gospel. He closed with a prayer of gratitude. Then finally, the unveiling of the plaque engraved in Ukrainian, German and English. Mounted next to a pole which once held a communist flag on the wall of what is now a sunflower oil factory this memorial drew Ukrainians and Mennonites from around the world together in unity and will remain a symbol in the community.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472295611750085458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpkT0gfhYZZt7bElK1pE9opSrIvP_bvy2QIg5t72dmJedzhu5E9xhxwa1ZkHbVJbtcrSAWsx20_a_JdsRrf0TcKIBQU482tRhAOYNOUtiRDCrKOpEMDgdC8Ms1v7ZHO-sJks0xwGEsIfq/s400/P1030933.JPG" />Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-42533400490310053442010-05-07T10:50:00.000-07:002010-05-08T13:20:46.414-07:00SHORT LEAVE IN KIEVThis has been a week brimming with experiences, some pure delight and others thought- provoking. On Monday evening we boarded the train for the nine hour journey to Kiev. We'd heard various comments and warnings were we ever to attempt this mode of travel. For example, "Don't drink too much before you depart because you don't want to have to use the washroom." Or "If you value your well-being politely decline the offer of tea, because the same lady making the tea also cleans the bathrooms." Needless to say, we had some apprehensions, none of which materialized. Dema, who grew up in Kiev, accompanied us and we were graciously hosted by his in-laws. His knowledge of the city was invaluable to us as we visited many historical sights. It was pure joy to share these experiences with Peter and Helene, friends from home. We met them at the airport and allowed them barely enough time to catch their breath before the sight-seeing began. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMUzUzb3NYo_5tpPxhLTK4BvPaIjRn6yfQ0qVpreosDLwRpmbdpHgWOJ48_cLFg4z0Y_Ep_8Fcspuu7vyB75qW0r5yMOrnvdA8UKBlt2GIlXHHO4nuEst9rOrzngbMVwcMZ-pc1-Tznmu/s1600/P1010630+(Large).JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468990253549510290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMUzUzb3NYo_5tpPxhLTK4BvPaIjRn6yfQ0qVpreosDLwRpmbdpHgWOJ48_cLFg4z0Y_Ep_8Fcspuu7vyB75qW0r5yMOrnvdA8UKBlt2GIlXHHO4nuEst9rOrzngbMVwcMZ-pc1-Tznmu/s320/P1010630+(Large).JPG" /></a><br /><br />Most heart-rending was our visit to the Babi Yar Memorial commemorating the loss of more than 33,000 Jews during the genocide that occurred at the site on Sept. 29-30, 1941. The bed of forget-me-nots was a poignant reminder. Our day ended with a stroll through the centre of the city at dusk, seeing the sunset on the Dnieper River and the lights illuminating monuments and historical places.<br /><br />Next morning we met up with friends, Kim and Wes Janzen and their three teen-aged children who are currently in Ukraine with Music Mission Kiev. Part of Wes' assign<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc2J_EbnsGiSvEIwzcnbUB8XMzsTFUlHTbZnrSHMuoSvwmr3-gHXcg11fabuM3rgDn-7kqvC2sA68LR2-10hRk2FKJ0F83pjcaM2L329KKZh5h0aX96L9arQzfWVVy61HFC-Kue-Zeu-s/s1600/P1030737.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468988503263546754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc2J_EbnsGiSvEIwzcnbUB8XMzsTFUlHTbZnrSHMuoSvwmr3-gHXcg11fabuM3rgDn-7kqvC2sA68LR2-10hRk2FKJ0F83pjcaM2L329KKZh5h0aX96L9arQzfWVVy61HFC-Kue-Zeu-s/s200/P1030737.JPG" /></a>m<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuo8PPGlwaQ1hBiUXgrBqVAv7LyrfEPAMJ4A258WlX1Gdre3-y8ii5gyFsmpgzfv5XPdfY1ZzDaSyeMyS-BIUtGLKi82EvaAyKwBaUnusHotycJD_IjLXD7gczk8GpHQeDqBj5CdVs4iM/s1600/New+Image.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468993218157568370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuo8PPGlwaQ1hBiUXgrBqVAv7LyrfEPAMJ4A258WlX1Gdre3-y8ii5gyFsmpgzfv5XPdfY1ZzDaSyeMyS-BIUtGLKi82EvaAyKwBaUnusHotycJD_IjLXD7gczk8GpHQeDqBj5CdVs4iM/s200/New+Image.JPG" /></a>ent is serving as guest conductor of the Kiev Symphony and Chorus. He also teaches up to 100 students at the seminary at St. Michaels Ukrainian Orthodox Church and has developed a warm relationship with the Metropolitan. We were invited to join them on a one-hour tour of the cathedral museum/gallery. It was inspiring to see these two men, the #2 official of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and an evangelical musician/missionary <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYsB5s5TlabABt3jTDVk_TFlMEs8kM3abGO-PK98dJkJNvLkX_TIjvtBF7UVfjQRsD4ZUUW4VyqHlC-wQcr1J-Ys6Lka9UMYq99H-qdeRvVlix8F1o0pb6qI2mvuey1Q1N9EWKPZcySxI/s1600/DSCN5069.JPG"></a>relating as kinsmen in the faith, both concerned with building God's kingdom. We had the opportunity to tell them about our work at the Mennon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPTl5f7ozAOutgssHSC7JpJ6wbULY5dSFo_PA7OYZeJrLUTPKj_NcaZeFdIMpiGGCjAiIgSswdaL22zW5hiWGLeqakHoOUof3E4XmirPNkrnkIWqruwb-hDW1m53UM9QbyEuekU1Xnybv/s1600/DSCN5085.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 323px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468986715258128498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPTl5f7ozAOutgssHSC7JpJ6wbULY5dSFo_PA7OYZeJrLUTPKj_NcaZeFdIMpiGGCjAiIgSswdaL22zW5hiWGLeqakHoOUof3E4XmirPNkrnkIWqruwb-hDW1m53UM9QbyEuekU1Xnybv/s320/DSCN5085.JPG" /></a>ite Centre. Similar to what we do, Music Mission Kiev also helps widows, orphans and conducts children's camps. The Horbans had brought a suitcase plus several big bags of wool sent by John and Rita Thiessen for their widows group. There was great rejoicing at the unpacking!<br />We were invited to return in the afternoon and listen to Wes rehearse the Symphony Chorus in Haydn's <em>Creation</em> and Monteverdi's <em>Beatus Vir.</em> What a wonderful choir - all music academy graduates. Had we been fluent in Ukrainian we would have been tempted to join in. We gratefully accepted the Janzen's invitation to dinner and joined them at the opera in the evening. The performance of Donizetti's <em>Elixir of Love</em> at the grand National Opera House was the crowning event of the day.<br /><br />During the mid-day interval we visited the Chernobyl Museum, another worthwhile experience. It was sobering to learn that this disaster was a horrific consequence of poor decision-making.<br /><br />On our final day, a guided tour of the Golden Gate of Kiev gave us a broad understanding of the history of this city. It was interesting to see parts of the fortification wall still in existence, dating back more than 1000 years. We concluded our sightseeing by visiting St. Sophia's Cathedral. This complex with its 13 golden domes blending into the skyline dates back 900 years. We climbed to the top of the bell tower and enjoyed the panoramic views.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468985474107477106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKmTzKvBUiacDS6ncWxl1DRAKc8YCivBLdoBUXFBnRVTd8AV5l5olFAlrh9r-tiHR-Lo5D_XRrvK-NdLC0OdtcRbFMYnQygx_hCwFqAw6YnfX1h9CfTlIY4hCzowtFIYNWov2qmRXThz3/s400/P1010766+(Medium).JPG" />The picture was taken from the bell tower and shows St. Michaels in the distance.<br /><br />Another 9 hour night of shaking and rattling as the train brought us back to Zaporozhye. We are left with a rich array of cultural, spiritual and historical experiences and memories to ponder.Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-78573472820243051632010-04-27T04:42:00.000-07:002010-04-29T01:42:41.232-07:00MORE YOUTH FOR LIFEIt continues to be a joy to be able to help young people struggling with disabilities and seeing the difference even a little aid can make to their lives. The same holds true as we become aware of the needs of institutions and organizations. Sadly, in this country so many of these are underfunded. Several examples.<br /><br />Meet Oleg Bondaryenko,the bandmaster o<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijC08RK4txjP3H7ejt7zUDt6njOCYpwEp9czbc56myjBEJeARi3GnIaiAOYcATvc253rgpXKVf2cO80wVS_jnM986gOHeSJG1_lm_oUSUKhCcoW_3e7OI6ZGEX6Vmh_ad1IbIwyLi7bVX3/s1600/P1030484.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465462157712988290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijC08RK4txjP3H7ejt7zUDt6njOCYpwEp9czbc56myjBEJeARi3GnIaiAOYcATvc253rgpXKVf2cO80wVS_jnM986gOHeSJG1_lm_oUSUKhCcoW_3e7OI6ZGEX6Vmh_ad1IbIwyLi7bVX3/s200/P1030484.JPG" /></a>f Molochansk Music School. Each weekday afternoon he instructs young people in the intricacies of playing brass, woodwind and percussion instruments as well as working with the band. Not so long ago this group was struggling along, playing on a few battered instruments dating back to communist times. Currently the only funding provided by government is small teacher salaries. In 2006 the government put this school on the closure list. Due in large part to lobbying by Canadian musicians the school was allowed to remain open. In addition to the band, well qualified teachers continue to offer instruction in piano, strings, voice and dance.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHosk-CBgsPYX3_JMbnSGGPnRQckW6ZlrkcWn_CGicJrEwAc0OQQcux57RIoBHBoA-rkLOn-Sgve0_1hkwotioeYxcHrFVnLfx_gkNEpWdhxHe9U3wdrrV0HMiJHgJDu7Y5lxI4s8rPvK/s1600/P1030487.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465462605966308498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHosk-CBgsPYX3_JMbnSGGPnRQckW6ZlrkcWn_CGicJrEwAc0OQQcux57RIoBHBoA-rkLOn-Sgve0_1hkwotioeYxcHrFVnLfx_gkNEpWdhxHe9U3wdrrV0HMiJHgJDu7Y5lxI4s8rPvK/s200/P1030487.JPG" /></a>Over the years, thanks to donations by individual supporters, we have brought 12 instruments from Canada. These have enabled the band to enter national competitions. Last year they placed second in Zaporozhye and one of the trumpeters won first place in the solo class. It has now become possible to purchase fairly acceptable band instruments in Ukraine. Several days ago it was our joy to meet with Oleg and give him the good news that our board of directors approved purchase of ten more instruments. It is difficult to describe the look on his face when he received this information - almost disbelief. More instruments will enable more young people to participate and will complete the instruments required for a full band. He told us that band alumni are now playing in six major orchestras in Ukraine.<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465466970867122130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYCygI6QxO3JP2sehq2DFPjLASpTDvg-N00C2PCk3lQXGMwiP4Q4O7NBVk1sLtYV6CVjQ2x4wIJxSz01J3DlRVzDHTAUtXb9HyLresqnnIV1Z1zI1Mp7sKSoSSqIalJ9f_8N_IyWyjBgv/s400/U1109.JPG" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_Ziy64Rmgu6xx2sA9Cn-8piDu18-DrU9_dswSUKmqlIoxXV-XOWMJImtnKW2bN1t9usk8Z550v3j_R2w5XJ5R0PST1Ey6EJYM37wojqRMvBuA8KumD52ZspzNbwlWh5kAvUS1gjZA5QK/s1600/P1030580.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465460748353520162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_Ziy64Rmgu6xx2sA9Cn-8piDu18-DrU9_dswSUKmqlIoxXV-XOWMJImtnKW2bN1t9usk8Z550v3j_R2w5XJ5R0PST1Ey6EJYM37wojqRMvBuA8KumD52ZspzNbwlWh5kAvUS1gjZA5QK/s200/P1030580.JPG" /></a>Alexander Petrovich, a member of Kutuzovka Mennonite church, has devoted his life to working with young people. For the past 30 years, he together with an assistant, have run a sports school for street children and at-risk youth in Tokmak. Through the generosity of a German donor he has access to the use of a large building which over time has been converted to a gym with a basketball court, a weight-training space and tumbling areas. There is also a large trampoline and an outdoor recreation area. Currently 173 children are registered and enjoy the facility at no cost. Alexander knows each child personally. When recently hospitalized dozens of young people came to see him, bringing food and blankets. Hospital staff were astounded. What would draw all these children to come and visit <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5FOJJoM8lnzqvfOHpAtbLd7GKd-ITFz4-j3oY2jQQw5qamHUzYbZ3AQuy5z3XvE4iNqz6vV5BV4OVX98z8INEVLyYFCnmoHWGl0_1qXy3O0WNEBPVJTR1p3tr1NFzXT5Q_SpG4P_FMGS/s1600/P1030586.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465465538907975794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5FOJJoM8lnzqvfOHpAtbLd7GKd-ITFz4-j3oY2jQQw5qamHUzYbZ3AQuy5z3XvE4iNqz6vV5BV4OVX98z8INEVLyYFCnmoHWGl0_1qXy3O0WNEBPVJTR1p3tr1NFzXT5Q_SpG4P_FMGS/s320/P1030586.JPG" /></a>this elderly man? Alexander P<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2iXw9DDWRGF58cA2PsVtGf_uiWRqH9txlbjIUQtscVGTsydf6GfpAY8piDxAU_ZnfsQAHIEC680y3lr3huVU8iGn1GaLeN6hseTpPOB7MU6IGo8Nb_EL-q7NbjnlGNvWI4TPJQVo92ga/s1600/P1030596.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465466173506857634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2iXw9DDWRGF58cA2PsVtGf_uiWRqH9txlbjIUQtscVGTsydf6GfpAY8piDxAU_ZnfsQAHIEC680y3lr3huVU8iGn1GaLeN6hseTpPOB7MU6IGo8Nb_EL-q7NbjnlGNvWI4TPJQVo92ga/s320/P1030596.JPG" /></a>etrovich has no family and has devoted his life to this ministry. Before retirement he received a small salary from the state which he used to support the work and continues to do so now with his pension. FOMCU has contributed to this project by providing sports equipment, tumbling mats and balls.<br /><br />In Ukraine the school day runs from 8:30 - 12:30. This leaves a half day for many children to fend for themselves. In communist times the afternoon options were music schools, sports schools and craft schools. These still exist, but because government funding is minimal, students are required to pay a small amount, eliminating this possibility for families living in poverty. </p><p>The care of orphans is a monumental problem in Ukraine. Statistics tell us that there are more than 100,000 orphans most of them living in state-run orphanages. When they are 17 they are forced to leave and have no one to care for them; no one to turn to for help. 10% of these are true orphans without parents who receive a small government stipend. The rest, 90%, are social orphans who are homeless due to abandonment, alcoholism or imprisonment of parents. These are left to fend on their own and are often ill-prepared to do so. Statistically within a year 10% of males commit suicide, 70% turn to crime, 60% of girls turn to prostitution. In Zaporozhye alone there are 9 orphanages and 43 in the region. There is a great need for transitioning, teaching these orphans life skills and providing vocational training. FOMCU is in conversation with others exploring potenial ways of dealing with this issue.</p>Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-43224071655432687142010-04-23T02:45:00.001-07:002010-04-23T06:53:07.562-07:00YOUTH FOR LIFE IN FURTHER DIMENSIONS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rS8SW18lPUGvE2YcSvZGwo4uoj8R4mdcHLFR2gMxryUQkjL7V8GjK-GqxPbfxSSZERAjqHfr2wDWJOZxlpD1BQCOYPPJPKXTxWaAN_KPduFLhfR6oi53yLqd_-A0mDw3fGADXHpnZKSU/s1600/DSCN5012.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463328442286398210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rS8SW18lPUGvE2YcSvZGwo4uoj8R4mdcHLFR2gMxryUQkjL7V8GjK-GqxPbfxSSZERAjqHfr2wDWJOZxlpD1BQCOYPPJPKXTxWaAN_KPduFLhfR6oi53yLqd_-A0mDw3fGADXHpnZKSU/s200/DSCN5012.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX_QuU9MXH6sLaSTeK1F74CVrh422sOgihKvLnNeIZcrBylLqOaEDLx3Cyche1EM7B_V2OqsKjMLNANx8Wgmw2EfN3FpfHNgh7TA1Dg4jg-r_tSIHxfGyxGjftRlTGvl1mi7Gl7oeaG-o/s1600/Uk+(143).JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 145px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463326407917148322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX_QuU9MXH6sLaSTeK1F74CVrh422sOgihKvLnNeIZcrBylLqOaEDLx3Cyche1EM7B_V2OqsKjMLNANx8Wgmw2EfN3FpfHNgh7TA1Dg4jg-r_tSIHxfGyxGjftRlTGvl1mi7Gl7oeaG-o/s200/Uk+(143).JPG" /></a><br />Bright red tulips everywhere we look, blossoming trees, buzzing bees, singing birds, serenading dogs - spring has arrived! In the space of a few days the face of earth has been transformed. Spring, the season of new life and new growth sends our thoughts winging toward youth again.<br /><br />In the last week we visited several young people living with disabilities. We had the joy of celebrating Katya Samofalova's eighth birthday. She suffers from cerebral palsy, but there is nothing the matter with her mind. When we arrived she greeted us in three languages, - <em>zdrastvuitje, guten tag, hello. </em>Katya is a second grade student living in the village of Dolina. Due to her lack of mobility teachers visit her home each afternoon. Not only is she a good student, she also writes poetry. We presented her with a little booklet including her own poetry and pictures of her classmates. The following poem is a translation from Russian to German by her principal and then to English. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIgvl2YLHTaO-SNF50MTzXk9t49qjm4DWzcbDOXRl3ZrVXUdgGBlCdeHVtEc6NFvVTcsuRxqLEzGBJ2-qF8YjMvxqq4rfnlbXduoV6MkTbQM9vcxhhCMOgUkLYN3OtPYFL6N-iApTfi_p/s1600/P1030505.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463297140613453138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIgvl2YLHTaO-SNF50MTzXk9t49qjm4DWzcbDOXRl3ZrVXUdgGBlCdeHVtEc6NFvVTcsuRxqLEzGBJ2-qF8YjMvxqq4rfnlbXduoV6MkTbQM9vcxhhCMOgUkLYN3OtPYFL6N-iApTfi_p/s320/P1030505.JPG" /></a><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>I Love</em></strong><br /><br /><em>I love nature</em><br /><em>and beautiful weather,</em><br /><em>children's laughter</em><br /><em>and being together -</em><br /><em>all that makes the world</em><br /><em>a wonderful place!</em><br /><br /><br /><em>I love all the animals</em><br /><em>and all the birds</em><br /><em>which God our Father</em><br /><em>made in love.</em><br /><em>And</em><br /><em>He always thinks of me!</em><br /><br /><br />Katya has a way of winning the hearts of people. Her principal, Marina Romanova, dreamed of providing a computer for Katya. Little by little, money was raised. Marina lobbied for funds as far away as the gover<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVUdATtucv8eQInDvE0irPWLFBaN9moVwkcWGMPuA486nLZp88jW-GP82XAgITzG2PfSF0CC3z2k65vKyGG8z7KISzvwR9qYMl-8Pyan74nbw8tjRS-PuyFy0oubowmhRGpE99ZzLaWy5/s1600/DSCN4986.JPG"></a>nment in Kiev and Katya is now the proud possessor of a notebook. Three years ago FOMCU provided a wheelchair. Katya is a very special young girl with a zest for life.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 342px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463322255629699906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcAyyuLUU6poQWmEBy_kx5iMBP59MqFSqxwlk1Dx3eUEGvb5IQcsWTCxS20am34P47klR0RKzB3sRfa8bC_Io0BEVF6jnRHdJwLBDzFJxZGgf8i_i2UzYT0lDSJmHJvAVgCzPAqt-iyKN/s400/P1030517.JPG" /> Alyona Obernikina is 10 years old and lives on the outskirts of Molochansk. She was born hearing disabled - on the scale of one to four she is classified a three. Her father is one of our night watchmen. Monday through Friday she stays in a facility close to Zaporozhye. Here, among other studies, she receives one-on-one instruction in language, lip reading and learning to speak audibly. This is possible because FOMCU pays for her tutor. There is an optimum time for this type of learning and we don't want her to miss out. Alyona is capable and also <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi7KWFGvY46NA5j_KO7lItvist05TMXtBEPpLj2zZr9Jx1UOxPM0bT4Rv8nRA4f0rDwsd-6bFHKBcbxSbKtiNiqHBjOnOHXUV_2bkn6B98HfE4Cvby-um6K0JKvcQzmZl7uKCgrcsYgQH/s1600/DSCN4989.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463321986774586418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi7KWFGvY46NA5j_KO7lItvist05TMXtBEPpLj2zZr9Jx1UOxPM0bT4Rv8nRA4f0rDwsd-6bFHKBcbxSbKtiNiqHBjOnOHXUV_2bkn6B98HfE4Cvby-um6K0JKvcQzmZl7uKCgrcsYgQH/s320/DSCN4989.JPG" /></a>artistic. When we visited she was a little shy initially, but warmed up and showed us booklets of her artwork and penmanship. She has a beautiful script. Also it was exciting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZ5GAxCf0N_u7lHD7a4ZrK7hPBEKE3Y89XAvoQHT6Uiw0K1bdX9ivmxB5jhTpb6aQze4ADvlYjaUP0V9eXsrzfrTXG_FaC8XGpTZG7Ht0aS3GvGBniFXyg7rLcP0YBE3JhkWCpx9wNCAj/s1600/DSCN4986.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463318567262320114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZ5GAxCf0N_u7lHD7a4ZrK7hPBEKE3Y89XAvoQHT6Uiw0K1bdX9ivmxB5jhTpb6aQze4ADvlYjaUP0V9eXsrzfrTXG_FaC8XGpTZG7Ht0aS3GvGBniFXyg7rLcP0YBE3JhkWCpx9wNCAj/s320/DSCN4986.JPG" /></a> to hear her and her mother hold a short verbal conversation.<br /><br />Were this 120 years ago Alyona may have been attending the school for the deaf built by Mennonites in the village of Tiege, a half hour drive south of Molochansk. In its time this was a state-of-the-art institution and had the reputation of being the best school for the deaf in all of Russia. Teachers were trained in places as far away as St. Petersburg and Frankfurt. The building still exists but is in poor condition. Busts of Marx and Lenin hold pride of place in the front yard. The last time we were there the mayor, showing us around, pointed to these statues and remarked "Which one is deaf and which one is dumb."<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463272808178701618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi60iIeODWSrxek1QrYi02n1-SPjfgJWifKViVePt-oCeq9yDOyZ8l-7smNxFeTRKI-uGGY_nplXoMbOHgXLbMTVHtSZ1ny3M36GlKVCnIdXZ-84QvuB17vXf9mtBYwiqqw8rA9ztgzZO/s400/U1147.JPG" /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTrz3omUnDDC8T3jLvMn8r58lUBbbyeT0NXokvcdRChhShH4cff19vtS05ClD08OiX6_wgQTWRTrLrtCmO7npEFlWXTKCjMthCG7qxqMOoyYvfritvSk4QzR6LrJb7IAS6QpaZsBuVB_b/s1600/U1147.JPG"></a>Sasha Mezunsky is not disabled but became disfigured due to an accident. He is 13 and lives in the village of Novokhorivka 45 minutes north of Molochansk. Three years ago his parents brought him to the<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_1g0ZhRcKwcjtDfEQJwIT-JDPn4uNbTrpAvxeGIrgMGVXrc7GZdSuGgXi7PjVxR7se2InZI-TFhm1b7iVQXw-Cp9AbYCZun0Lw3_Lrf1YcE1IIiMO2GXXGEm1zavXDExb7iUvEqtFGwL/s1600/P1030562.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463272160252702178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_1g0ZhRcKwcjtDfEQJwIT-JDPn4uNbTrpAvxeGIrgMGVXrc7GZdSuGgXi7PjVxR7se2InZI-TFhm1b7iVQXw-Cp9AbYCZun0Lw3_Lrf1YcE1IIiMO2GXXGEm1zavXDExb7iUvEqtFGwL/s320/P1030562.JPG" /></a> Centre asking for help. Sasha had been watching his older brother working on a motorbike when an accidental explosion caused severe burns to 65% of his body. Sasha was hospitalized for 2 months and had much skin grafting done; other donors were required. As time went by and he was growing it became evident that the scarred areas weren't stretching. What Sasha needed at that time was a surgical implant to administer silicone. The family asked for financial assistance; this procedure could only be done in Dnepropetrovsk. We were able to help them and today Sasha is a well-adjusted grateful boy, shown here with his school principal. </div><br /><div>To be continued next week.</div></div></div>Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-84361113230863930902010-04-16T05:21:00.000-07:002010-04-16T10:42:00.680-07:00A WEEK IN OUR LIFE AT THE CENTREComing to the Mennonite Centre Monday morning rumours are confirmed that all schoo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisM8nYlVjpMl9AEfXyeyyu98thrIsvRzHz_IZlv8OuMrHKT86NoqX9Jb5aWiwUs_MlwGvK1aE6VIrjTeuBr12x3z1OVbYAbAQbIQHIpGpmLqc3B0wRbBRzRg9RZtj1sB_knB5J2lZc2aDk/s1600/U1071.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460787778558642178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisM8nYlVjpMl9AEfXyeyyu98thrIsvRzHz_IZlv8OuMrHKT86NoqX9Jb5aWiwUs_MlwGvK1aE6VIrjTeuBr12x3z1OVbYAbAQbIQHIpGpmLqc3B0wRbBRzRg9RZtj1sB_knB5J2lZc2aDk/s320/U1071.JPG" /></a>ls and businesses are closed. The president of Ukraine has declared "A Day of Remem-brance" standing in solidarity with the people of Poland who have suffered such tragic losses. Coincidentally this day and also Sunday are already days of remembrance in which Ukrainians traditionally visit the gravesites of their ancestors to tidy the plots, leave brightly coloured plastic flowers and sip a little vodka. Commerce stands still in Molochansk and it is quiet at the Centre. We take our receptionist Olga to the cemetery to tend the graves of her husband and daughter.<br /><br />Tuesday we visit the local Sanatorium, a rehab institution for children with heart and respiratory illnesses. This is a residential complex housing children from a wide area of Ukraine. Some spend many months in therapy and we are told that 47 children are permanent residents because they have no other home. The government pays for treatment but gives little further support. Children are taught regular classes. Teachers have minimal resources. There are also no funds for infrastructure - broken floors need replacing, no money for outdoor sports equipment, children's games etc. Through the years we have helped in many ways and will continue to provide support.<br /><br />Wednesday we are invited to attend the Red Cross annual general meeting. We provide monthly support to this organization and are impressed to hear of the many ways in which they help people. They give us a certificate and express warm gratitude for our contribution. Wednesday is also the day our Mom's Group meets. This week we have a special guest who speaks to the hearts of our young mothers and encourages them. Some have very difficult lives.<br /><br />Thursday is catch-up day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakKPb4i-wD2sQa4D5zOnhYAvRsMyqmbzZu7LoO2LHVI1dpS3BpbgeEKYFLQlT4aqBtHQZ6NcYGRy6nW3gEpkWuBn9VFkaQzUyb_6uD5QoCXAlqK0wZA3w1X5G0Uu6dS0UrZccMSe2brbc/s1600/DSCN4969.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460742039333497042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakKPb4i-wD2sQa4D5zOnhYAvRsMyqmbzZu7LoO2LHVI1dpS3BpbgeEKYFLQlT4aqBtHQZ6NcYGRy6nW3gEpkWuBn9VFkaQzUyb_6uD5QoCXAlqK0wZA3w1X5G0Uu6dS0UrZccMSe2brbc/s320/DSCN4969.JPG" /></a>, banking, shopping supplies for the Centre. Rudy installs a new faucet in the kitchen and washes the car. Currently we have no maintenance man. A student from the Ukrainian school comes for information. She is doing a research project on our building, the former Mennonite Maedchenschule. It's a delight to pass on historical material to interested young people.<br /><br />Today is Friday. We arrive at the Centre and find a man waiting for us, obviously impoverished and very <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsE01e0wu0hjn1Ui76tfqtQjRViTRdqGT7lA9VLYz49V1SI4m3v-AkCo9jHPDV_CZJOvgxnHWJKw8hRhgitgHyqNI8_eOB5Wf5h4-P7X0ZyULtp9IQaIeIpjBVxjoSpCZ2PSlggTDrWZQ/s1600/DSCN4972.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460778868270735618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsE01e0wu0hjn1Ui76tfqtQjRViTRdqGT7lA9VLYz49V1SI4m3v-AkCo9jHPDV_CZJOvgxnHWJKw8hRhgitgHyqNI8_eOB5Wf5h4-P7X0ZyULtp9IQaIeIpjBVxjoSpCZ2PSlggTDrWZQ/s320/DSCN4972.JPG" /></a>dirty. He has ridden 15 km. on a wired up and bound together bicycle to ask if we can help with transpor-tation so that he can bring his mentally disabled 14 year old son home from hospital in Zaporozhye. He tells us a little about himself. He has bone cancer. He shows his foot to one of our receptionists - she can hardly bare to look. He was given the diagnosis last November and showed us a document recommending amp<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvqt-Nt-c1-RKHPFTwLwHyxdTibvaYhbOZQt2vnmDm3MZoPXnW-el7mmKDwUcI0jVReknF7ctmydbdekRPGO9QcMflR3rzb8w7B8nM1GtCq6pDmSA5ibfoif89N3EgzRVmpnaTYKCSYPx/s1600/DSCN4974.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460781448341702242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvqt-Nt-c1-RKHPFTwLwHyxdTibvaYhbOZQt2vnmDm3MZoPXnW-el7mmKDwUcI0jVReknF7ctmydbdekRPGO9QcMflR3rzb8w7B8nM1GtCq6pDmSA5ibfoif89N3EgzRVmpnaTYKCSYPx/s320/DSCN4974.JPG" /></a>utation of his foot. He didn't have money and now the cancer has spread and he will likely lose his leg at the knee. He is wearing glasses, arms wired together, a lense missing and the other hanging crooked on his face - such a sad picture. We give him a sandwich and tea. In the meantime Rudy drives to Tokmak and returns with a new pair of glasses. A receptionist gives her own money to fix the bike tire. All he is asking is transportation money and we give him a little extra. Someone mentions that he is an alcoholic and we wonder about giving money. But this proves to be false. Much wisdom and discernment is required. By law medical care is free in Ukraine, but not so in reality. Doctors are paid so little that they usually won't help unless the patient pays.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460782082247466562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJw_A3yXPvvacgnzmqEAKOunRcIXZmUbKbNu1nwN3ajbEmexOwfoIdWaBdMGVEf6817BB6MX0Laqh4vbivKTJRnPbuwSjQfY-4u4udJ3JnUb59QkboRG-GCdkx3RuSyvq9eftybmz1QyQ1/s400/DSCN4979.JPG" />In an hour the bike tire has air again, the man can see, he has a little money, he is grateful and leaves on the two hour ride back to his village. Our minds can hardly perceive the poverty, sometimes there is so little we can do and once more our hearts ache.Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-91639430042265439242010-04-08T01:58:00.000-07:002010-04-16T05:21:03.143-07:00YOUTH FOR LIFE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PLio1yBZzVvfNCiTlNgX_UPhTj9JyMKsPz-129kN6KxaymPKE_1AGYsBuZzbd9rPZEXa_GEU5f0UYh1yVzFmZFGxtfpcvPahNi0uW82pEKUGgqM6m6pqGWxiOcm2tt87zns0ijAO_JIH/s1600/P1030411-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 337px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458056696402478770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PLio1yBZzVvfNCiTlNgX_UPhTj9JyMKsPz-129kN6KxaymPKE_1AGYsBuZzbd9rPZEXa_GEU5f0UYh1yVzFmZFGxtfpcvPahNi0uW82pEKUGgqM6m6pqGWxiOcm2tt87zns0ijAO_JIH/s400/P1030411-1.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>"Youth for Life" - the big event of the week, a culmination of months of visioning and planning. The logo states <em>"your choices today, your future tomorrow".</em> Our manager Dema, who has a passion for challenging Ukrainian young people to make wholesome lifestyle choices, designed a program highlighting perils of wrong choices and presenting positive options. It was interesting to participate in preparations, another learning experience for us in terms of patience, flexibility and understanding. A myriad of details were left to the last minute; very different to our way of thinking and preparing. Another factor foreign to us was the way contracts and requests need to be made - always in person, not by telephone or email. This required numerous trips to Tokmak over indescribable roads, as many as four times a day last week. No sooner had we settled on a date when we got notice that it had to be changed, requiring another trip to Tokmak and more stamped documents. This was repeated twice over the course of a few days. A little unnerving but nothing unusual. We ask, "why can't we pick up the telephone?" The answer, "It may be perceived as putting ourselves in a superior position to the city authorities." Slowly we begin to understand. Due to the many changes schools were notified at the last minute, yet they all participated.</div><div></div><br /><div>The day dawns bright and beautiful. Our cooks at the Centre are busy preparing breakfast for two bands that will playing later and then cooking dinner for the entertainers. News arrives that our main speaker, the pastor of Grace Church in Melitopol, has had a car accident and won't be coming. What now? Dema knows a lawyer who has given ma<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9p_MgMlx105CV6kVXdcjb27KzzgSgNoPbkeBQkZZpNaqBdKw44SBSEkjRJhca5-WCZ7AqjLOgZyjrTJr9WbPdjTu7VNHx0I6QGUSMSF9y0JXVlhnlLj9y15m6Pi4JeHi4aUXnUasdqKzE/s1600/P1030447.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458055943042560946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9p_MgMlx105CV6kVXdcjb27KzzgSgNoPbkeBQkZZpNaqBdKw44SBSEkjRJhca5-WCZ7AqjLOgZyjrTJr9WbPdjTu7VNHx0I6QGUSMSF9y0JXVlhnlLj9y15m6Pi4JeHi4aUXnUasdqKzE/s320/P1030447.JPG" /></a>ny AIDS seminars. She is free and available so Rudy & I head to Melitopol with no time to spare. In the meantime fifteen buses</div><div></div><div>and 17 marshrutkas are engaged bringing 700+ <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULVsfrZr3yqBU9mCNhs_OFYkavt40HXlFq927fO-xKb43RroPESVd20fuskcmHgKVF4geYoSkte6YQIN_p7DWBjNP4F5Y288kprtrfAF7ZQDo0Jj4OYIPWXtRQPmZCn1B0I4TxUU_i1Ko/s1600/P1030447.JPG"></a>students and teachers from 16 village schools to the Tokmak Palace of Culture for the 12 o'clock <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i2Vq9vvRO_kw_ShfbKZYK5LkAs-nnb3unL1huyvNmxuHHvQGIux_dhtIwBKXgPWTypyIFab41OeUtRxgshNrliTlLG1VlUm28Q5HX7BhwdLDFufn5XdyUySLfr3vsbbWWV5d3iM_XfRn/s1600/P1030406.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458040302448031842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i2Vq9vvRO_kw_ShfbKZYK5LkAs-nnb3unL1huyvNmxuHHvQGIux_dhtIwBKXgPWTypyIFab41OeUtRxgshNrliTlLG1VlUm28Q5HX7BhwdLDFufn5XdyUySLfr3vsbbWWV5d3iM_XfRn/s320/P1030406.JPG" /></a>event. The streets are crowded; police are directing traffic. The hall fills quickly and soon there's standing room only. At 12:10 the band comes on stage and the program begins. Dema welcomes all present and explains the purpose of the gathering - youth for life. A doctor speaks about the damaging effects of nicotine, alcohol and drug abuse, using a graphic powerpoint presentation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4qNb3j0LS_8bMii5kFBCq5yoaaPlP2ML9f2BdkTw-bJ3kw04F9Ymp1igPnTJ5B64E52t4-2rrBxMB_uWWFqCX4c3XvEWrw4MjlD0l9fHqWDtVRSpduyDnAnVwk2xcWf6VL19kXPffG5Q/s1600/P1030406.JPG"></a>. A policeman explains criminal implications. The students give rapt attention to the woman talking about AIDS and abstine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHyi-nEoXqjiYIIahcndcb9P1PkzWBk4anmNgtYynZOfmknozsjte9fTjIXLrhdCsMpQ8UQApAHbb8FblybG0Jasa8u2VigM_n2OxLW5u-nhfqaqlBlDNp1KUUc5Klx756dOSdT3nmG27/s1600/P1030431.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458054352726029970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHyi-nEoXqjiYIIahcndcb9P1PkzWBk4anmNgtYynZOfmknozsjte9fTjIXLrhdCsMpQ8UQApAHbb8FblybG0Jasa8u2VigM_n2OxLW5u-nhfqaqlBlDNp1KUUc5Klx756dOSdT3nmG27/s320/P1030431.JPG" /></a>nce. Speeches are <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP99a1TEuoSQLZ8o-MbpomuFKT4Twd45doqrjTlu6tR2ThyQTlQ9NtvRu1DTGvT66KWl4tp0iAOhDsIjsji4nebb4LvKNy_sHpShwweUj6z6fX-hMGdBocmQgBtpomYNtXXt3E-fdk-mjp/s1600/P1030418.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458053764721748290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP99a1TEuoSQLZ8o-MbpomuFKT4Twd45doqrjTlu6tR2ThyQTlQ9NtvRu1DTGvT66KWl4tp0iAOhDsIjsji4nebb4LvKNy_sHpShwweUj6z6fX-hMGdBocmQgBtpomYNtXXt3E-fdk-mjp/s320/P1030418.JPG" /></a>interspersed with lively music, singers, dancers and gymnasts. Huge applause bursts out at the end. An award will be given to a student from each school who exemplifies positive attitudes and values. At the end of May winners will be invited to an awards ceremony. The first Youth for Life event was held last fall in a smaller context. Two more are scheduled for May. The hope is prevention and inspiration, that young people will take to heart and put to practice what they have heard. It will also be important to find ways of following up in the future.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-84291016696980677322010-03-31T05:54:00.000-07:002010-04-08T01:55:51.339-07:00JOY OF SEEINGLast fall the Mennonite Centre began a new project providing glasses for pensioners in the community. Earlier we had noticed that only one of the 70-80 seniors coming for tea every Tuesday and Friday was wearing glasses. We began to think of how diminished life would be with lim<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AUPhnXSnPwxjAs6osM3Ts_6exB66QaDaCHV0D5C_68uS3bokACH8ouIO5jTEgXqMGZu3-vfrBLCyH9VX2CSlGcny2q2tIACq15xt1S4LhdD3dlnONThKkv_wa3pE3SY8D5WkkkYEW2Ic/s1600/DSC01388.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455087080588000434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AUPhnXSnPwxjAs6osM3Ts_6exB66QaDaCHV0D5C_68uS3bokACH8ouIO5jTEgXqMGZu3-vfrBLCyH9VX2CSlGcny2q2tIACq15xt1S4LhdD3dlnONThKkv_wa3pE3SY8D5WkkkYEW2Ic/s320/DSC01388.JPG" /></a>ited vision, and what a difference improved sight could make <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1HgVO-PCqNkmKWR1tmJN09fUqyqzX7DePO6g0zlrD8ItLXvylB4fZLeJ02O4LXIdUONk8qqKzEzM5IP-dQaizKaeAflp5-IKd8r0D-0q1uIYKkYgYk2KxVRJw2szVhcuThd3aWcvXZUk/s1600/DSC01394.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455099682166865218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1HgVO-PCqNkmKWR1tmJN09fUqyqzX7DePO6g0zlrD8ItLXvylB4fZLeJ02O4LXIdUONk8qqKzEzM5IP-dQaizKaeAflp5-IKd8r0D-0q1uIYKkYgYk2KxVRJw2szVhcuThd3aWcvXZUk/s320/DSC01394.JPG" /></a>for our people. But where to begin? We tried to find an optometrist and eventually connected with Dr. Tatyana Kraskovska at the Tokmak hospital. She agreed to come to Molochansk weekly to provide eye tests, but first we had to find equipment. Through the resourcefulness of our manager Dema, we were able to procure a set of 232 testing lenses and eye ch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84NPtfsOlXpGB5U-NbeVqp5mKARymZ6swMrAi_K42oSxomBXsZPC21LPTKSAPIKZFD8uK1DvUdZlSEZubyzF3N1t_AsDb_QdtTwPlWlYEwsm27B5LNCQGOo1Feh6aWIeiult92zsbXNkJ/s1600/P1030258.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455091416220839714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84NPtfsOlXpGB5U-NbeVqp5mKARymZ6swMrAi_K42oSxomBXsZPC21LPTKSAPIKZFD8uK1DvUdZlSEZubyzF3N1t_AsDb_QdtTwPlWlYEwsm27B5LNCQGOo1Feh6aWIeiult92zsbXNkJ/s320/P1030258.JPG" /></a>arts. These had to be shipped from Kiev.<br /><br /><br /><br />What a joy it was when our church back home agreed to fund the project. As of today we have provided just over 200 pairs of glasses. Designer frames they are not, however, the glasses are sturdy and servicable and cost less than $5/pair - price includes the eye examination. If people wish to have different frames they pay for these themselves. Currently waiting time for an examination is a month. The next step is visiting schools and providing glasses for students with poor vision whose parents cannot afford to pay.<br /><br /><br />Baba Anna, the woman whose stove was replaced, has also received glasses. She tells us from now on she will go nowhere without them. Recently, in Tokmak, she was accosted by an undesirable person. Had she been wearing her glasses, she said, she would've noticed this person coming and avoi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywzxjXOnCtje9cMRxG_KFVV4lUuSsPFXZzihL9dlIaGE5HRBIqYXk5CcuIVIxcvN-KaA3NlPcvtlAVoQGkZWwjYJGQoopmFet6DqrwdEYPk3rrWk_YxTavQ2Jveb_xQN3QWv28_zf3ulJ/s1600/DSCN4941.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455093848520037458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywzxjXOnCtje9cMRxG_KFVV4lUuSsPFXZzihL9dlIaGE5HRBIqYXk5CcuIVIxcvN-KaA3NlPcvtlAVoQGkZWwjYJGQoopmFet6DqrwdEYPk3rrWk_YxTavQ2Jveb_xQN3QWv28_zf3ulJ/s320/DSCN4941.JPG" /></a>ded the confrontation. Alexandra <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8QOiO7F4NIKG3OjREFEQf4JuFcnZMFDlmb5Kzvccol0xjhkzfluMtNT5zRX_xT7Mwzkzt1WhhQY1wYJ7rJnYzZ0CuQ6ci1u8xpRv8WPX7F1XLGpOcnh0apHX1ed4RY4Q_TVFiy1Vm2cn/s1600/DSCN4945.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455094191928840946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8QOiO7F4NIKG3OjREFEQf4JuFcnZMFDlmb5Kzvccol0xjhkzfluMtNT5zRX_xT7Mwzkzt1WhhQY1wYJ7rJnYzZ0CuQ6ci1u8xpRv8WPX7F1XLGpOcnh0apHX1ed4RY4Q_TVFiy1Vm2cn/s320/DSCN4945.JPG" /></a>and Lydia were here for tea today and both expressed deep appreciation for their glasses. Alexandra tells how much she enjoys being able to read again and she can now write letters to her sister. Lydia just received her glasses today and is looking forward to what lies ahead for her. Not everyone is a candidate for improved vision. This little lady told us that her eyes tear constantly and her vision is blurred - glasses can't help her.<br /><br /><br />People keep coming to the Centre daily with various needs and requests. They are always greeted by a friendly receptionist. Meet Leanna Zayats. She started working part-time four years ago, helping in the kitchen, cleaning and reception as needed. In addition she hops on her bic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_9Ix1p11I-X2QnXGYHbtv_tckpVQA7sb8CQ7rmRt9CAgfnjudAn178LGzFtomrsWjfuUcBjfYSm2afpKHlFS86ucf4TGdB8OCX296krv6nNEQm6vfZWF3WWYpVzxoFRYX4hTPaBi_tkE/s1600/DSCN4946.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455101106025599554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_9Ix1p11I-X2QnXGYHbtv_tckpVQA7sb8CQ7rmRt9CAgfnjudAn178LGzFtomrsWjfuUcBjfYSm2afpKHlFS86ucf4TGdB8OCX296krv6nNEQm6vfZWF3WWYpVzxoFRYX4hTPaBi_tkE/s320/DSCN4946.JPG" /></a>ycle and runs errands for us. When we agree to help people with prescriptions, Leanna goes to the pharmacy to purchase the medication. We've learned that it is much better not to hand out cash. Leanna is a single mom, raising two teen-age daughters, living on less than $100 a month. Her girls are good students. The younger daughter is working hard, hoping to qualify for a Centre scholarship so she can go on to university. Like the rest of our staff, Leanna has a large kitchen garden raising vegetables to sustain herself and family through the year. She is very grateful for her job and we value her contribution.Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-29684860921313167072010-03-25T03:17:00.000-07:002010-04-08T01:57:41.150-07:00GLIMPSES THROUGH THE WINDOW, CONTINUEDWhat a difference a week makes. Looking through our kitchen window, facing e<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1_iF9b79ba42FsreHBMNlTqoNXxf1aA3Avl4IpGZGVDDPLOyeYwRrMh4KFed-K1EpXA0y4qlPCM6QUu7IKqLVhotH4WZCWB1Zrcqx1eZitAF0OdipYMX7PxKbYSbcyvjA8y3dbSjSRES/s1600/P1030273.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452573226780485186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1_iF9b79ba42FsreHBMNlTqoNXxf1aA3Avl4IpGZGVDDPLOyeYwRrMh4KFed-K1EpXA0y4qlPCM6QUu7IKqLVhotH4WZCWB1Zrcqx1eZitAF0OdipYMX7PxKbYSbcyvjA8y3dbSjSRES/s320/P1030273.JPG" /></a>ast, we see hints of green appearing on the ground. In our yard at the Centre little yellow flowers are poking their heads through the soil. They actually pop up ov<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKmvK8kDk27KznNH5wVxk49QUMjRv__uKkDujBGAj-WalUnULvrFbfJM0ei4IEFp-cdXL4ndc3DnPVzqdJFRJ-3RxyPiNHG9u0UkomFPdmtcvgfbp8VRyOtjEuHhMt06WYV_LgGZcygfj/s1600/P1030303.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452574222021198850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKmvK8kDk27KznNH5wVxk49QUMjRv__uKkDujBGAj-WalUnULvrFbfJM0ei4IEFp-cdXL4ndc3DnPVzqdJFRJ-3RxyPiNHG9u0UkomFPdmtcvgfbp8VRyOtjEuHhMt06WYV_LgGZcygfj/s320/P1030303.JPG" /></a>ernight. And the bees have already found them! Ukraine, literally, has the best honey. We always buy ours from a lady living next door to a heap of overgrown rubble hiding remains of Rudy's dad's school in the former Mennonite village of Fischau, now Rybalovka. Somehow, doing this, connects us more strongly to the land. The past few mornings we've heard the soft cooing of mourningdoves. Spring is around the corner.<br /><br />Continuing our peek behind the scenes at the Mennonite Centre we see our houskeeper, Tanya Mickailovskaya, hard at work. Each day before we arrive at 9 she has already washed the floors as well as the outdoor e<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMN1tVqL7nnqpo8EaGwjyf9pIWBMILM3JVHrZorEXRqAXsm22zLSBgL3E90aVjlBzTldDJRgCiKiCGV0KlTlG8K2jRBILJ_sw0kfriulq3NzRU_BeMiSobSwRe7d3uzW_1OukBatSGSvU5/s1600/P1030309.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452574741403591154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMN1tVqL7nnqpo8EaGwjyf9pIWBMILM3JVHrZorEXRqAXsm22zLSBgL3E90aVjlBzTldDJRgCiKiCGV0KlTlG8K2jRBILJ_sw0kfriulq3NzRU_BeMiSobSwRe7d3uzW_1OukBatSGSvU5/s320/P1030309.JPG" /></a>ntryway. She keeps the Centre as well as the flower beds meticulously tidy, going about her work in a quiet manner, never needing direction, always sees in advance things needing attention. When required she also serves as receptionist and coooking asssistant. Next week she will be whitewashing the tree trunks in the yard, in preparation for Easter. Tanya has been with us since 2005. She and her husband have 4 children and are also legal guardians to a niece. Tanya says she enjoys cleaning but what she likes best of all is the outdoor work. She likes relating to the people who come, and finds joy in knowing that she fulfils a needed roll at the Centre.<br /><br /><br />And people keep coming. On the days doctors hold clinics at the Centre the waiting area is full. People just used to show up, but now it's become necessary to book appointments. Several people have recently been to see us with dire medical needs, unable to afford prescribed treatments. Yesterday a teacher from the Ukrainian school came to request information about Mennonite history and architecture in our town. We were able to give her the translated chapter of Rudy Friesen's book which will be coming off the press soon. Her students are engaged in a research project and will be reporting back to us. At the end of January we were able to respond to a woman whose house had been invaded and her stove stolen. The thief, who has since been caught, though the stove had already been sold for metal, had damage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmuSekSjKynjOnUBDg3F6Fb5M2pNO8NdSbnU6Pi5kfSS1wgN4BRwjwSXgTcaTxieZ6VogLv8vRUlRe688F4tkL9ryO7-4I4e3mIAk02usNwnH06FkCAyERjwoA7trHPMPNY5dfQmblVBZ/s1600/P1030296.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452576691097329858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmuSekSjKynjOnUBDg3F6Fb5M2pNO8NdSbnU6Pi5kfSS1wgN4BRwjwSXgTcaTxieZ6VogLv8vRUlRe688F4tkL9ryO7-4I4e3mIAk02usNwnH06FkCAyERjwoA7trHPMPNY5dfQmblVBZ/s320/P1030296.JPG" /></a>d the door lock making it impossible to enter. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OM1QExD6vVfW_w82jxaqfIc1tkvG924vtKFbspm8TLJxABe2zCOa0JFg___SA58YdgS2Nfc706uhc4j1d7R4RZ8410ahzzzYcME99qx9GO8MHqUP8mNeUELwGAQAebkJF-6ZfZWYpmrk/s1600/P1030293.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452576016769591266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OM1QExD6vVfW_w82jxaqfIc1tkvG924vtKFbspm8TLJxABe2zCOa0JFg___SA58YdgS2Nfc706uhc4j1d7R4RZ8410ahzzzYcME99qx9GO8MHqUP8mNeUELwGAQAebkJF-6ZfZWYpmrk/s320/P1030293.JPG" /></a> Our mainten-ance man, was able to fix it. The woman in the meantime has been living with family. Baba Anna came back last week asking if we could help restore her stove, which also heats her house. She lives in extreme poverty, one side of her house entirely uninhabitable. We were able to procure the needed part and Baba Anna engaged her neighbor to do the repair work. We've been told that this man is an alcoholic - we'll try to monitor the situation.<br /><br />We are continually amazed at the resilience of many people and what they do to survive. Some just barely survive. Next door to Baba Anna we see a man manually harrowing his field, two ropes slung over his shoulders. We've seen people cutting up pop bottles to use for fuel in their stoves and we shudder at the possible toxicity. There are those who poison their system with alcohol. And then there are those who for some reason or another are unable to survive. Early last week we were given a poster drawing attention to a missing person. Several days earlier a student at the Ukrainian school asked permission to leave the room. He never came back. Yesterday his body was found - he had hung himself. Resourcefulness mingles with tragedy. We live with this dichotomy and try to do what we can to help.Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-8212276923586635942010-03-18T07:04:00.000-07:002010-03-19T07:28:22.913-07:00GLIMPSES THROUGH THE WINDOW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX71zw-qpej_h3IJi1kWovOXdvYnqzfId6BKbk65MRr6dwqNmWZfws3RtuL_cqsOgXOdQoR0ewJfYEwOy4u3BWlCYFpa3jq2cqb8KP6pCHQLQ5yW5LEmQ4xunlMZdjp3YClGHgwpvTbVx/s1600-h/P1030242.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449975037342865346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX71zw-qpej_h3IJi1kWovOXdvYnqzfId6BKbk65MRr6dwqNmWZfws3RtuL_cqsOgXOdQoR0ewJfYEwOy4u3BWlCYFpa3jq2cqb8KP6pCHQLQ5yW5LEmQ4xunlMZdjp3YClGHgwpvTbVx/s320/P1030242.JPG" /></a> Nine months have gone by and we've returned once again to south- eastern Ukraine. It is still winter here, fresh snow on the ground, sunny and cold. We approach our place of work for the next three months and are welcomed affectionately. The Mennonite Centre continues to be a gathering place for many, a warm, welcoming place for those in need - offering aid and missions of mercy, a place anchored in Christian values and a place that holds dear and preserves elements of our Mennonite past. How good it is to see our staff again. They are the engine that makes this place hum. A few glimpses through the window:<br /><br /><br />Meet Dima Bratchenko, our Manager. He and his wife Oksana and their three children came to Molochansk in fall of 2008. Dima feels a strong calling to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tx_7M1iT6PH8AJEj8CYV6lzMxUUHzWyOi_LwXKqthqzx5SghLvcxaR7rXn-BQNa_gOTchqEpMaxBtboXt3efkOv1mPYW3zpVGUTdKDI_rETpMzchtd_HvvoVQ-S_GJxRVdLU8H0z72Yo/s1600-h/P1030246.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 314px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449977661042539058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tx_7M1iT6PH8AJEj8CYV6lzMxUUHzWyOi_LwXKqthqzx5SghLvcxaR7rXn-BQNa_gOTchqEpMaxBtboXt3efkOv1mPYW3zpVGUTdKDI_rETpMzchtd_HvvoVQ-S_GJxRVdLU8H0z72Yo/s320/P1030246.JPG" /></a>help people. He has found many opportunities to do this and views his job as a ministry. A few recent examples that have been rewarding. A mother and daughter came to the Centre in great need. We were able to provide a study scholarship to the daughter who had already shown initiative in studying at home. Another example involved a young mother who recently lost her husband. The Centre provided a food hamper and medications for the children.<br /><br />Oksana took on the position of bookkeeper last November. She speaks English fluently, has good computer skills and loves math. A winning combination for the Centre.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Ira Kurukina has been head cook at the Centre for seven years. She is a true food artist. Everything she makes tastes wonderful <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8w6fJZbkFCAJENcm6NZCvpNjgwuENoniGbAUh5ydUeh8u2rKWdhrLeI7B_C3FNnzuXQBD5RueAYGSYzApzHavLQrLLU6JN650n-fDuyHYq7wttEutTkUGBnSEkGAeS8fwj-1Qdrk6CAkX/s1600-h/DSC00596.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450328377337690098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8w6fJZbkFCAJENcm6NZCvpNjgwuENoniGbAUh5ydUeh8u2rKWdhrLeI7B_C3FNnzuXQBD5RueAYGSYzApzHavLQrLLU6JN650n-fDuyHYq7wttEutTkUGBnSEkGAeS8fwj-1Qdrk6CAkX/s320/DSC00596.JPG" /></a>and is always beautifully presented.</div><div></div><div>Her mission extends far beyong her kitchen. She knows all the seniors who regularly <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pW_YbPcz3SUvoK-kis6DSeVWmysAg2IylShP4RBA7ld03hEILHogI_MJGQ3s6O4Kzs-4ruOgRE_O99rnYmSxma9JAoLg6l2tNn9bNOVz3F2SSwTFGU9IIlWyLLd85jBZfdonRDbei4jF/s1600-h/DSCN4899.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450349336708493058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pW_YbPcz3SUvoK-kis6DSeVWmysAg2IylShP4RBA7ld03hEILHogI_MJGQ3s6O4Kzs-4ruOgRE_O99rnYmSxma9JAoLg6l2tNn9bNOVz3F2SSwTFGU9IIlWyLLd85jBZfdonRDbei4jF/s320/DSCN4899.JPG" /></a>come to the Centre for tea. If she hasn't seen someone for awhile she makes it her duty to visit this person bearing a food hamper. Two days ago I accompanied her on such a mission. As we approached Baba Olya's little house it was obvious that she was living in abject poverty. She is 92 years old and hasn't been feeling well, spending her days in a bed of soiled rags, spoiled food on the floor. A neighbor had been coming daily to put coal into her little oven; the coal supply now almost gone. When Baba Olya saw Ira she hugged her and wept. Ira happened to know that the small nursing home connected to the Kutuzovka Church had a vacant bed. This place is partially supported by the Mennonite Centre. When we returned to the Centre Ira called Lilli, the missionary responsible for the nursing home, asking her to come and talk to Baba Olya about the possibility of placement. Baba Olya agreed to go and take a look. Today with many tears Baba Olya ,with Ira helping, packed up her few precious mementos among them WW2 medals. She had worked as a nurse on the battlefront. Now she is being lovingly cared for in a clean, warm environment. Ira, a trusted caregiver reaching out in mercy, was able to bring this about.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHL5AcUvJAhQe2W4n2JHMzXp40cnw_M9Q_U5fLk3y29XKtosWwoRzlASnlOELBTVc6PqGTIFshs3R-DSqCoWKegOVDgpr9cKb-W7h3bCO6hyZJcIe5rnUi__PSnFT_8Uax_OS8M5xAZ-SR/s1600-h/P1030252.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450336208489999218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHL5AcUvJAhQe2W4n2JHMzXp40cnw_M9Q_U5fLk3y29XKtosWwoRzlASnlOELBTVc6PqGTIFshs3R-DSqCoWKegOVDgpr9cKb-W7h3bCO6hyZJcIe5rnUi__PSnFT_8Uax_OS8M5xAZ-SR/s320/P1030252.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XtjYisIT4Dh1tFXRgnZVtk8Vx3d8FW6YvIHsBSZvnMjbFv2BX7KwIDtjeQbax-xLm1-2_EAKh92ieBpMHZPmbbTe7SzhX6wGScWS87tiRKH-gtoWQgOI2ksDJWrrecuE9sMgbbDdrlTS/s1600-h/P1030251.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450337770661011266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XtjYisIT4Dh1tFXRgnZVtk8Vx3d8FW6YvIHsBSZvnMjbFv2BX7KwIDtjeQbax-xLm1-2_EAKh92ieBpMHZPmbbTe7SzhX6wGScWS87tiRKH-gtoWQgOI2ksDJWrrecuE9sMgbbDdrlTS/s320/P1030251.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tx_7M1iT6PH8AJEj8CYV6lzMxUUHzWyOi_LwXKqthqzx5SghLvcxaR7rXn-BQNa_gOTchqEpMaxBtboXt3efkOv1mPYW3zpVGUTdKDI_rETpMzchtd_HvvoVQ-S_GJxRVdLU8H0z72Yo/s1600-h/P1030246.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br />Baba Olya with Lilli </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Glimpses through the window to be continued. </div>Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-28339151936651098272009-05-30T10:53:00.000-07:002009-06-01T11:17:42.158-07:00LINKS IN THE CHAIN<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_17_GJXtrCSMbfcC562ZCKccIWdok6-L0PNiQKBxuVWb6rCyAFCEcQ0RBkR7fT9aBV-jAosRLJgO-yEp4qOKpKtwM7FhE3miCBoC3D5lLwkT0MMAUpgDaj6TuzkVwLMzMaEn-ORXOOji/s1600-h/P1010912.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342418272778247394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_17_GJXtrCSMbfcC562ZCKccIWdok6-L0PNiQKBxuVWb6rCyAFCEcQ0RBkR7fT9aBV-jAosRLJgO-yEp4qOKpKtwM7FhE3miCBoC3D5lLwkT0MMAUpgDaj6TuzkVwLMzMaEn-ORXOOji/s320/P1010912.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div>A beautiful summer day - our last in Ukraine. Over the past three months, working together with our Ukrainian director, we've initiated 19 major projects and provided aid to many more institutions and individuals. We are just one link in the chain making these projects possible. The following example illustrates this process. </div><div><br />It was a few days after Easter. Our cook at the Centre made us aware of needy families caring for invalid children at home. One case, which I highlighted in an earlier blog, touched our hearts in a particular way. When Drs. Art & Marlyce Friesen (board member) visited us several weeks ago we visited this family again. Marlyce writes the following <em>"....we drove to the village and found our way to a small apartment. We were greeted by a smiling woman in her early fifties who ushered us into the family's small bedroom - four beds lining the walls, with just enough room to walk between. Lying in one of these beds was Igor Vladimirovich. The mother told us this story. </em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>Twenty-one years ago she was pregnant with Igor. She developed difficulty with the delivery and a C-section was performed. Tragically her infant son suffered severe injuries which left him with profound cerebral palsy. He has no use of his arms and legs and is unable to sit. Although his mother feels he understands much of what is going on around him, he is non-verbal except for "Ma-Ma' and 'Pa-Pa'. </em><br /></div><div><em>Igor lies in bed all day and hasn't been out of this room for three years. His mother is unable to leave him unattended because he has epileptic seizures several times a day. He cannot control his bladder and bowel function and needs frequent diaper and bedding changes. His mother does laundry by hand.</em></div><div><br /><em>They live in poverty. Windows are kept closed even on warm days to prevent rats from entering. Her husband is also ill, suffering the effect of years of excessive alcohol consumption. The family receives a pension to help care for the son but it does not even cover essentials. Because Igor requires full-time care, his mother is not able to plant and tend a vegetable garden which most villagers have to provide essential food for the family.</em></div><div></div></div><div><div></div><div><em>As the mother tells this story she lovingly strokes her son's face and cups his chin in the palm of her hand and we realize she is seeing the beauty of God's creation in her disabled son and even though there were tears in our eyes and our hearts were aching we rejoiced in the miracle of a mother's unfailing love."</em></div><br /><div>A few days later we received an email from a friend at home in Canada asking whether there might be a project our Care Group could take on before they disband for the summer. In less than a week they raised enough funds to buy this family a washing machine, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrGU0aaP5OyNIxI4Ih2O2iiPSqi2CjeiQPdS5EzifqXXNzdyg9ZTFr7_I5Z5m591a3Zzp_h4FZ5_n5VKpv88hbiCoXDa1U_9yj7Af-dPApeJzEFb8E0FSfvP9VEMWUjsh2bH6EIMPKYLW/s1600-h/P1010921.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 305px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 394px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342417527080405650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrGU0aaP5OyNIxI4Ih2O2iiPSqi2CjeiQPdS5EzifqXXNzdyg9ZTFr7_I5Z5m591a3Zzp_h4FZ5_n5VKpv88hbiCoXDa1U_9yj7Af-dPApeJzEFb8E0FSfvP9VEMWUjsh2bH6EIMPKYLW/s400/P1010921.JPG" /></a>laundry soap, sheets, towels, diapers and a window screen. </div><div><br />What a joy to deliver the machine this afternoon. We believe the best support for Igor is to support his loving, care-giving mother. She was speechless; overwhelmed. She told how her hands ached from wringing the wash each day and how this was particularly difficult in winter. Then she couldn't stop smiling.</div><br /><div></div><div>We are grateful for each link in the chain that makes help possible, our North American board which sets policy and approves projects, our cook who became aware of the need, directors who investigate and facilitate, our truly caring Care Group at home and finally our maintenance man who helps when installations are necessary. What a joy to be a link in this chain and what a wonderful way to complete our assignment.<br /><br /></div><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-17898046827327788782009-05-23T09:27:00.000-07:002009-05-24T23:34:53.675-07:00FOOD & WATER<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KIhSMoNrFkSRxfkiXfnTpJQSVFYKKNq1GRd1rZek-dZHpbuVgoLHXD3DIgtkC3-qSZ5flxumC_t1E4mGG8fDt2fqJXzmNHfmJRFdJyp4MMTTrm6X8Dhm37F6yoLS9gxfnwmOuddosMgH/s1600-h/DSCN3933.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339641036354015138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KIhSMoNrFkSRxfkiXfnTpJQSVFYKKNq1GRd1rZek-dZHpbuVgoLHXD3DIgtkC3-qSZ5flxumC_t1E4mGG8fDt2fqJXzmNHfmJRFdJyp4MMTTrm6X8Dhm37F6yoLS9gxfnwmOuddosMgH/s320/DSCN3933.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">One of the pleasures coming into a new country is trying out cultural foods. Recently I've been identified as a "true Ukrainian" just because I've tasted <em>salo</em>. It took some courage biting into the piece of pork fat, this coming from a person who has always meticulously trimmed all the white from any meat. But, not so bad, in fact it was surprisingly tasty. Ukrainians love <em>salo.</em> Slabs of this salty flavored pork fat cover several tables at the Tokmak bazaar and holding pride of place amidst these mounds is a pig head. The story goes that <em>salo</em> became popular when the price of meat was out of reach for most Ukrainians. Now it's become a fad with unique inovations. We are told that small sticks of <em>salo</em>, covered i</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">n chocolate have become available at some of the posh restaurants in bigger cities.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHovpPc5UALIZjhpN_1vSIy27zEarZB0sYn3umWIQ-WRzTZnPpQwoS6WtaCYrAbJIMNJRq6MR7mcBh3QjgBtlnFLDlSbVDXV9aprp-BU1W7oJ3HoPqI-w2HIo1-T1714OBoQuPokNj36G/s1600-h/P1010792.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339389829928878834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHovpPc5UALIZjhpN_1vSIy27zEarZB0sYn3umWIQ-WRzTZnPpQwoS6WtaCYrAbJIMNJRq6MR7mcBh3QjgBtlnFLDlSbVDXV9aprp-BU1W7oJ3HoPqI-w2HIo1-T1714OBoQuPokNj36G/s320/P1010792.JPG" /></a></span></div></span><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgNKmCkw-i2NRKu7BpRut3EAYF4v0IlNeb9X8ItN2GvSgFc1ARFVg2jvv65OR3QHeJFIEDHj_vlyk13-yQUW06AhKdZG0f4NFKtXyTCB7azLrkd95H33gP3pwr4vplgTDCyHx7Qpmm1Ly/s1600-h/P1010793.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339386640840386130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgNKmCkw-i2NRKu7BpRut3EAYF4v0IlNeb9X8ItN2GvSgFc1ARFVg2jvv65OR3QHeJFIEDHj_vlyk13-yQUW06AhKdZG0f4NFKtXyTCB7azLrkd95H33gP3pwr4vplgTDCyHx7Qpmm1Ly/s320/P1010793.JPG" /></a></div></span></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Just around the corner from the <em>salo </em>tables is the dairy section. Women sell large batches of homemade <em>tvorog </em>another mainstay in the Ukrainian diet. It is a cross between ricotta and cottage cheese, but doesn't really taste like either. It can be eaten with jam & sour cream for breakfast, as a snack or used in all sorts of sweet and savory recipes. I've made <em>blinchiki -</em> stuffed crepes<em>, </em>syriniki - fried patties, and <em>zapikanka -</em> baked with a bit of cream of wheat, raisins and sour cream, often eaten for breakfast. <em>Fcoosna</em>, delicious! Adjacent to the <em>tvorog</em> section one can find varieties of soured milk - <em>yogurt</em>, <em>kefir</em> and <em>riazhanka</em> (boiled milk with sour cream added), each with its unique flavor and texture and much more tasty than expected. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1HJRUd53-mzDm7sFuSPtLXWlsxuhYt-_61yhF7Dh8uoEgjreIEtgb6V2QQplMFqv2vK8sZ3URcvZPP3h89Ex5nRPyB79a-KNratTtK9EhJsxdAfpghlAJn98Bzt6LEi95X4YyQeJ6f93/s1600-h/DSCN4011.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 246px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339396299202888226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1HJRUd53-mzDm7sFuSPtLXWlsxuhYt-_61yhF7Dh8uoEgjreIEtgb6V2QQplMFqv2vK8sZ3URcvZPP3h89Ex5nRPyB79a-KNratTtK9EhJsxdAfpghlAJn98Bzt6LEi95X4YyQeJ6f93/s320/DSCN4011.JPG" /></a> <div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgNKmCkw-i2NRKu7BpRut3EAYF4v0IlNeb9X8ItN2GvSgFc1ARFVg2jvv65OR3QHeJFIEDHj_vlyk13-yQUW06AhKdZG0f4NFKtXyTCB7azLrkd95H33gP3pwr4vplgTDCyHx7Qpmm1Ly/s1600-h/P1010793.JPG"></a></div></span><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div>Last week Dema and Oksana invited us for <em>Plov, </em>pronounced plaof. He is the <em>Plov </em>expert and we discovered that there is an exactness to the preparation, in fact there is a ritual. It is cooked in layers of browned meat, onions, carrots and rice with special seasoning. Apparantly the dish originated in Uzbekistan but has been adopted in many Central Asian cultures. It is said that there are as many recipes for <em>Plov </em>as there are cooks. As we watched the chef at work we were given step-by-step explanations. NEVER EVER stir the rice when making plov. Again we found that it is possible to take simple ingredients, combine them in a certain way with sensational results. </div><div><br /></div>Food and water - necessities of life. Over the last few years as we've travelled around the Molotchna area and visited former Mennonite villages, we became aware that the village of Neukirch, now Udarnik, population 340 inhabitants, has no water. For at least ten years they have been trucking in water because the wells are "sour". Last year the Mennonite Centre donated a water tank to the village school so that children would have the opportunity of washing their hands. We visited the school recently and were told that they are now in the process of providing drinking water for their students. Many things we take so for granted are a luxury here. It has been our joy to be able to help this school. <div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 401px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339409190037242306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGIv3CBW0wZ6bSGltMjhs3EiLmPmo2F0zRyanxnIjkMTfu0t_H7mBylGCU56sxjFbPP1LZz4w2IpNFa85pp4eakz9zZq3p0T3He_2aRoHWygwR8EGu4Neob-gk8a2wuZArfW77VrYF0aA/s400/P1010697.JPG" /> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608858045836474752.post-29897490007112547932009-05-11T23:52:00.000-07:002009-05-12T12:58:05.428-07:00MOMS<span style="font-family:verdana;">Last weekend Mother's Day was celebrated in various parts of the world. In Ukraine women are honored on March 8 which is "Women's Day". It is a national holiday and traditionally women are presented with flowers. On the theme of women and mothers I would like to tell you a bit more about the Moms that meet at our Centre every Wednesday morning. The leader of this group, Oksana, has been alternating discussion sessions with a cooking class and a craft class and occasionally inviting a guest speaker.</span> <div><div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">During the midst of a discussion session two weeks ago one of our moms received a phone call. She appeared distressed and wiped some tears from her eyes but didn't comment. Several days later we were told that her husband had walked out on her. A week later another mom told the same story. Now all but one of our group are single mothers.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Lately we've been talking about parenting issues. We discussed the poem -</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">"Children Live What They Learn"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea6vZsujQTTF1hGItSeMJ_En41CV6GiB2nzdS-fmVpr1xv-iJ67W4PUW0_z_Dc2fJ7ZP_S7kJWRXHc2RD9e7fuXd0a-sdJgPB4wPBucU-a1N7mM4VTGeUZ270rhekWLw_tW7luX3rzsPP/s1600-h/P1010604.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335020393681226914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea6vZsujQTTF1hGItSeMJ_En41CV6GiB2nzdS-fmVpr1xv-iJ67W4PUW0_z_Dc2fJ7ZP_S7kJWRXHc2RD9e7fuXd0a-sdJgPB4wPBucU-a1N7mM4VTGeUZ270rhekWLw_tW7luX3rzsPP/s320/P1010604.JPG" border="0" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><em>If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive. If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves. If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy. If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy. If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty. If children live with acceptance, they learn to love. If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves. If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal. If children live with sharing, they learn generosity. If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness. If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with faith, they learn hope. If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect. If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them. If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.<br /></em></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">Oksana translated this into Russian and last week we made up wall hangings. It's a challenge to find craft supplies. Fortunately Mennonite Heritage Cruise passengers had brought humanitarian aid supplies along and we found some pretty paper. We managed to find narrow wooden moulding strips which we used for framing and then set the moms to work putting things together. </span></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRCkGXkzrFGFCmEmRrk1f4wWV1zgabEtEzS4R-OossDw0PeBpxpUgpLaKtj_m-3QzcqqvcakuyMzgCPduOnz-5DCfHEsnsROth-0qoVqDHLQ35t6ZkkufSz5cv1_y_KbQMH2uKyeX3d6b/s1600-h/P1010606.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335020997563278882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRCkGXkzrFGFCmEmRrk1f4wWV1zgabEtEzS4R-OossDw0PeBpxpUgpLaKtj_m-3QzcqqvcakuyMzgCPduOnz-5DCfHEsnsROth-0qoVqDHLQ35t6ZkkufSz5cv1_y_KbQMH2uKyeX3d6b/s200/P1010606.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhExz3ehnlHNZ5FHyAXfTb5vVrmDumrJvhey9_CoijodOQyxwuWVtk85wXJdDg8O-zpX0kJo-4Bz6iiPXTS9QNpMzj8IUqJdfFhVvkMzkDBLgZniENiSJWnBSed3qf5ihNtbj_A0wi4g2n/s1600-h/P1010603.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335022611633874818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhExz3ehnlHNZ5FHyAXfTb5vVrmDumrJvhey9_CoijodOQyxwuWVtk85wXJdDg8O-zpX0kJo-4Bz6iiPXTS9QNpMzj8IUqJdfFhVvkMzkDBLgZniENiSJWnBSed3qf5ihNtbj_A0wi4g2n/s200/P1010603.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">They had a great time being creative and were so grateful for the message. The mom in the red hat asked for five additional copies to hand out to her friends. Most of these moms don't come from a faith background, so it came as a surprise when they asked whether they could do something similar with the Lord's Prayer. Consequently next month Oksana will review the parts of this prayer and they will have an opportunity to practice their creativity again.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">We are in the process of procuring some resource materials for this moms group and are very grateful to friends in our home church who have donated towards this purchase. </span></div></div></div>Baergs in Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08957747482875489432noreply@blogger.com0