Friday, November 27, 2009

More Black and Whites....


Like them or not, ya'll are going to have to put up with my artistic photographic attempts!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving 2009

I am thankful for:

A God who shows me grace among many other blessings.

My family who puts up with me living so far away from them.

My friends who are now literally from all over the world. You support and encourage me in so many different ways!

My church stateside, which is filled with people who are more than wonderful.

My church in Ukraine, which is challenging me to be a stronger Christian.

Our ministry which is filled with people both in the states and in Ukraine who have allowed me to work along side them and to use the gifts God gave me to serve him.

I am thankful to the children in our ministry. They bring me a lot of joy and have taught me so much about life.

I am thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world who are committed to live out their faith in a genuine and authentic way.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Election Posters


Some more election posters.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Black And Whites


There ARE weird vapor streaks appearing in the skies over Kyiv. Here some of them help make my photo more interesting. I took this November 22.


Monday, November 23, 2009

Is The Quarantine Really Over?!

Apparently the quarantine is coming to an end officially on the 25th. Already the oppressive mood that has been hanging over Kyiv these past few weeks seems lighter. There are only a few stragglers on the streets and food service staff who are still wearing masks. This is a welcome change. I stood in line at McDonald's today and watched the cashier adjust and touch the nose and mouth part of his face mask about six times before he handed food to his customer. That grosses me out. Masks have got to be more unsanitary then just not wearing them at all.

Today I was waiting for the metro and an elderly lady stood next to me and started coughing. Immediately everyone around her backed away and I was the only one left standing next to her. She was highly embarrassed and started to fumble in her purse and took out a bottle of water. She then said to me in Ukrainian, "I don't have the flu! I just have something in my throat and need some water." I smiled at her to try and make her comfortable.

Yes, I am glad this whole thing is over!


Sunday, November 22, 2009

National Blog Posting Month

Been at a friend's house most of the day so here's my photo of the day in place of writing anything!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Today was sunny for the first time in I don't know how long! I took this photo during the last week when we had somewhat dry skies!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Ukraine Flu Epidemic Day 21

Today is the big day as we are nearing the end of the official flu quarantine and we should know for sure whether it will be lifted or not. I know the children living in our Rehab Center will be happy to not have to wear masks anymore! So far, I have heard many rumors going both ways. Some say it will be lifted and others say it will be extended for ten more weeks.

I hope that it is lifted as this flu epidemic/panic/quarantine has been a very oppressive experience and I am thoroughly ready for it to end.

The weather here has not helped the oppressive feeling. I feel like the last three weeks have been nothing but dreary skies and rain. This is getting old and I am ready for SNOW!

The Christmas/New Year's trees and decorations are already set up in my market here and my friend reminded me that next week is Thanksgiving so I guess it's time to get in the holiday mood!

I am ready!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Video Report On The Flu Epidemic In Ukraine




Rumors are now circulating that the quarantine will go on for another ten weeks.

My friend's child has had a low grade temperature for three weeks. She took her child to the doctor and they told her it was nothing and sent her home with no medicine or diagnosis.

And so it goes on.........



Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Comments Policy For "Greetings From Kyiv"

SIERRA MADRE, CA - MAY 29:  Spam, the often-ma...Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Other than a lot of spam, I have not had many problems with comments that people have left on this blog. I attribute this to the high quality and good taste of my readers! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

That said, I have decided to post a comments policy for my blog. The reasons for this are varied. I had been thinking about this and just feel it's time to do this. I have had some problems lately with spammers and some comments that made absolutely no sense to me when I read them. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by not posting comments, but I had no clue what they meant so I decided not to post them. I also have had problems with snarky comments in other social media forums, so I decided it was time for a comment guidelines here. The goal of having a comments policy is to encourage readers to feel comfortable and safe so that they are encouraged to comment on my blog, not to discourage them from commenting!

As editor of "Greetings From Kyiv," I reserve the right to make the decision on whether a comment will be published or deleted.

Currently all comments are moderated by me before they will be published. Comments that are intentionally clearly off the topic of the post, or are abusive, spam, harassing, or snotty are not encouraged and will not be published.

Comments may disagree with me or others but please be respectful to myself and other people's opinions or comments.

Comments made by readers are their own comments and do not necessarily reflect my views or opinions.

This is my personal blog; I am not writing a blog with the purpose to create dissent or promote my feelings or opinions over others. I respect the fact that others may not see the world in entirely the same way as myself. In this blog, I am simply sharing my viewpoint of the world with my readers. I feel that people coming together to discuss life in a respectful manner, even if they do not agree with each other, can lead to growth and a better understanding of people and the world around us. It is with this perspective and attitude that I engage with others who read my blog and leave comments.