December 19, 2012

Snow……..wet, fluffy, cold, slushy, and still falling. There was a major blizzard on Monday…..and then it continued on Tuesday. On the way to the temple the roads were covered with the 20 cm we had received overnight but it didn’t stop life in Kyiv. I am so amazed that the busses that I didn’t think would make it through the summer are still rolling along and get us wherever we need to be. No worries about having a white Christmas here. We will have this snow for the next month at least.

Temple

Out of the bus window on the way to the temple

Before I forget I have one important story that I forgot to include last week. I had the opportunity to meet a couple from Lebanon who had come to the temple to be sealed. I just by happenchance took their picture and later learned their interesting story which I thought I would share (as told by President Galbraith)

Garabed, Lena and Grace the day they were sealed

“Garabed, and his wife Lena flew in from Lebanon this week. They were endowed, sealed together, and had baby Grace sealed to them. We who attended the sealing ceremony could not control our tears. They said that they are the first couple born in Lebanon to be sealed together. About six weeks ago he wrote me telling how they had applied for a visa from different embassies of Europe where temples are located and were turned down from each of them. He asked if I would write a letter to the Ukrainian embassy in Lebanon stating that we would accept any risks and would they please allow him, his wife and baby to come to Ukraine for a week to partake of religious rites. I obliged and sent the letter, not knowing the family but only that he was a newly called branch president. It didn’t work. He went to the embassy praying that he would get the visa but was again turned away. Discouraged and down cast he walked out of the embassy when a stern guard with a gun stopped him and asked, “Did you get your visa?” Garabed replied that he had been turned down yet again. The guard whispered, 'Go to this address and they can help you to get a legal visa.' It worked and the family came.”

These stories occur often in the temple and we witness miracles every week. This week the Kyiv Mission branches and Stake came to the temple. They came from all parts of western and southern Ukraine, snow and all.

After we finished at the temple, Sister Ricks wanted to come back to town with us to go to tithing street where they have lots of souvenirs for sale. The snow was still falling and the slush was deep but we went anyway. While she was shopping I tried on a hat like the police captains wear.

Souvenir Street

 

Police Hats modeled by the victims

Sister Ricks buying

That evening Gary and I went to a Baker and McKenzie Client Party at the Philharmonic.  They had entertainment and great food as always. I especially loved the flowers. It was very festive. We really enjoyed the walk back home. 

Baker McKenzie Party

Beautiful flowers

Old and new Hyatt

St. Sophia's on a cold winter's night

Gary went to the temple with me on Wednesday morning since we had a Christmas Party at noon at the church for all the Kyiv service employees. The Area DT had come for the event and it was not quite as fancy as the night before but I have to say the food was a lot better.  The entertainment included our little Ukrainian Choir and the attendees were the people we know, work with and love. Just a wonderful time including the ride back to the office as we all crowded in a Mercedes Minibus taxi.

A few of our office friends

  

Choir

By Friday the snow had subsided. I had lots of errands to run – shoe repair, dry cleaners, mail package, etc. and went with Jill so she could pick up a few more things to take back to the US on Saturday. It marked the one week anniversary since I had been pick-pocketed on the metro so we were being extra careful. We were even looking over everyone very suspiciously. Once again there was the last minute shove from behind as we were getting on the metro but this time we clutched our purses tightly during the crowded ride. But when we got off Jill realized that her wallet had been taken. Probably just at the moment of the big shove. I know we had been targeted from the week before. We immediately reported the crime, went to the other side of the platform and looked down and sure enough, there was her wallet. She lost a lot more money than I did and once again they left all the cards.  As an embassy official, she had to report it and so the embassy sent someone to fill out a report. I have never seen such nervous cops and undercover security. So there we were, sitting for two hours in a different station but the office was basically the same as last week. I really think that the crooks will leave us alone now but of course we also have started putting our money in our under coat pouches.

Inside the jail cell

A little brighter office than the first time around

Outer door of the police office

Phone

Stolen wallet!

Temple Spire

Friday evening we went for dinner and came back on the metro. When we were at Lukianivs’ka it was so slushy and wet Gary said let's take the bus home. After waiting 15  minutes (we could have walked by then) a bus came but pulled in behind us instead of on the street. Everyone ran to get on so we did too. Then it didn't go straight. It turned. I asked the cashier if it was going to Poltavs’ka. She responded in her best English, "tree tops" and then she pointed back. Well, we kept thinking the bus was going to just go around the block and then head back but all of a sudden we were in Podel and then kept right on going. She kept coming back and saying "Tree tops". We decided to get off and cross the street and head back but when we got off there wasn't another bus stop to be seen. Another bus had just pulled up as we were looking for a stop so we hopped back on.  It ended up being the wrong number. After about three more stops and no indication that we were turning around, we asked the cashier and he told us to get off, go up the street and get on a #6 or #18  in the opposite direction. We finally made it home about 9:30 PM but, honestly we had the most beautiful ride. There were parks on both sides of the descent and it was like a winter wonderland. It was like going on a nice ride through the snow; however, it would have been more fun on a horse drawn sleigh. And yes we have been here nine months so you think we should have known better by now. This day also included a 6:30 AM unexpected taxi ride, being harassed by Woody Woodpecker at Independence Square and giving aid to a heart attack victim at the bus stop, but enough already. Needless to say it was a crazy day. 

Saturday the snowy weather turned cold.  It was our day to clean the church but luckily the family that was helping us had a car so we got a ride. We spent most of the day inside but ventured out for a short walk. It looked so nice with the sun out but with a wind chill of -10 we came home and enjoyed the beauty from the inside where it was warm.

 

Winter travel

It is hard to believe that Christmas is in a little over a week. It was fun to open the mailbox today and have seven cards come spilling out. It's starting to feel more like Christmas. 

Christmas Quote:

"Christmas is a time for remembering the Son of God and renewing our determination to take upon us His name. It is a time to reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its meaning for each of us personally. Let it especially be a time of renewal and recommitment to live by the word of God and to obey His commandments. By doing this, we honor Him far more than we ever could with lights, gifts, or parties."   President Uchtdorf

Star of Bethlehem
(picture taken in the morning on the way to church)