August 30, 2012

The temple has been closed the last few weeks for cleaning. Because of the unique location of our apartment and its access to so many great adventures here in Kyiv, I was somehow chosen to be the social director for the Temple Missionary Couples. These couples have been so good to us and serve so faithfully in the temple. They live out at the temple which is an hour away from town and they really don’t get out and about much. So, with Gary in tow, we were able to take them on a few sightseeing outings, getting them acquainted with the metro, and cultural event activities the last few weeks. It has been really fun.

One of the afternoons we went to the World War II Museum which was closed the day that Gary and I had gone there earlier in the summer. It is absolutely the most well done, fascinating war museum I have ever seen. Well, okay, I haven’t seen all that many, as a matter of fact this was the first, but it was incredibly well done. We were there for three hours and unfortunately weren’t allowed to take pictures inside but take my word for it--AMAZING!  It is located underneath the Motherland Statue which you have seen before in my blog. (The statue is 102 meters high and weighs over 500 tons. The Motherland Statue isn’t really loved by the people here because it is taller than the great Orthodox Church at the Lavra and the people consider that unacceptable.) The museum is definitely a tribute to all who lost their lives in the war and shows the great respect this country has for World War II.

Outside the Great Patriotic Museum

In an area near this Statue and Museum there is currently a festival of flowers. There are over 300,000 flowers planted for everyone to enjoy during Independence Week. It is kind of like a Ukraine version of the Festival of Roses in California but instead of floats there are ground exhibits. Each area of Ukraine has made an exhibit with flowers and natural items. However, most of the displays are planted flowers and plants. We have been very fortunate to have had the weather cool down so this has made the exhibit even more beautiful. Also, there are hundreds of vendors selling plants, bulbs and seeds of all kinds. If I had a yard and garden I know where I would be spending my extra money.  

Native dress from different areas

Festival of the Flowers

Vladimer in the country

The Goat Country

Dancers performing at Pageant of Regions

Along with going on sight-seeing activities I have been the ticket broker for social events. This last week we have been to three incredible concerts. Last Thursday was the Symphony Orchestra of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine with a program which featured Mozart and Debussy, and then this week we went to a Pop’s Concert which was a tribute to English and American composers including Beatles, Abba, Led Zeppelin, Clapton, etc.  It was really a fun evening. And then of course the wonderful concert with the Philharmonic and the Opera singers.

Opera Concert

We also went to a new French Restaurant in town that has only one choice on the menu - steak and fries. It comes with a tasty salad, baguette, flank steak in a delicious light French sauce and the best French fries ever (and I really don’t even like fries but these are good!) and all for only $10.00 American. It reminded us of about 45 years ago when the Sizzler opened and the cost for a steak and fries on Monday night was $.99. Now those were the good old days. 

Our new French restaurant

Even though we spent some of the time with friends, we were not on vacation like they have been. We spent the work finalizing the plans for the Embassy visits which will start in September and working on building approvals, plans and real estate. 

Just so you know that we are always keeping focused on missionary work, we very seldom go anywhere that people don’t come up to us (whether they're American, Ukrainian or people visiting Ukraine), and ask us about our church. For instance, on the way to the concert last night a young Jewish man walked down Khreschatyk with us. As I was telling him about the Jews that went to America in the Book of Mormon, Sister Ricks, secretary to the Mission President, was handing him all sorts of pass along cards and literature. That has happened a lot lately - people coming up and wanting to talk about Mormons. I think it may have something to do with Mitt Romney running for President.  And yes, they think we are all polygamists.  And while we are on the topic of missionaries, mothers of future missionaries take note!  The attached picture illustrates one of the many things that you must teach your sons before they leave on their missions - how to defrost a refrigerator freezer. One of the interesting things we learn while doing apartment checks. 

One of our many surprises during apartment checks

Our thoughts and prayers are again with many friends and family members at home.  Some have health concerns or other problems, and some are experiencing exciting new beginnings. A special thanks to Ron and Marsha Losser for being such great neighbors. 

Quote for the week:

“If you are going to survive volunteering, you can’t do so because you think the people you’re helping deserve it. You can’t help people because they’ll thank you. You have to help them because Christ loves them and He’s loving them through you. You volunteer because in doing so, you represent Christ to them in the here and now - even if they don’t see him in you. “   Wilma Hepker