Missions Update  -

+ 12 - 10 | § ¶Culturally...unclean...I think?

Who am I to judge another man's culture...right?  Well, I am not trying to cast judgment, but I do observe some funny things...in the least. 

Many times, on our wonderful Friday mornings here, I observe the ritual known as "garbage day" in America.  The Garbage truck comes by, with two guys hanging on the back, and they empty the local small size dumpsters into the truck.  I am sorry that I didn't get a picture of the truck and the guys "working" because as you will understand, the come and go pretty fast.  The amazing thing is that all of this adds up to Ukraine having too much trash laying around in most places.

First, the grabage guys...WILL NOT/NEVER touch the trash - therefore, all they will do is "wheel the dumpster" to the truck, and the truck lifts and empties...if there is any boxes, trash bags or, well, anything around the "small size dumpster" - they don't touch it - the get out of Dodge.  (See photo of the dumpster area...10 seconds after they left, below).

Second, this dumpster is small...and there are about 160 apartments in my building...with two of those dumpsters for the whole week, therefore, it fills up by the next day, i.e. Saturday.  Therefore, trash is always around and outside of these dumpsters...and the trash guys won't pick it up - it's funny to see the few people that care...trying to smash down and heap up those dumpsters.

Third, there is not an alternative - i.e. no recycling that I know of.  The only thing I have seen is "bums" coming by each morning to dig out "beer bottles" from the dumpster and carry them away in their bags.  I assume they get some money from this endeavor, because otherwise who would dig in such a smell?  Anyway, I once purchased a bottle of Ukrainian soda...that was obviously just "washed out" and reused.  Needless to say - I would hate to know the actual process of recycling here...but the labels are sometimes old, or old ones are under the new ones...it's not always that you find these bottles, but I can certainly tell when I do.

The thing that, for the lack of a better word, "amazes" me - is the fact that these garbage guys don't really work - they do the least amount possible and get out - I wonder what America would look like if that was the case there...be thankful for what you got, I suppose.   Peace out.

+ 13 - 8 | § ¶Where were you September 11, 2001?

Greetings (this is my second attempt at this...when I was almost finished...my brower closed and I lost it all) - oh, if I would only save like Jesus does.

Anyway...First, I want to extend my prayers and thoughts to you, America, and specially to those who were directly or indirectly affected by the horrible tradgic events of Sept. 11, 2001.  This was probably without a doubt the single most horrible event that happened in my lifetime...to America - at least that I remember (of course, I don't remember much before the age of 13 or so). 

Second, I would like to know your thoughts, feelings, and where you were on that day - because I remember it so vividly...like it was almost yesterday - and I think most of you can relate.  Please share your thoughts with me...as I share mine with you.

+ 13 - 12 | § ¶My Address in Ukraine

Hello Friends and Family,

If you are interested in sending me cards, notes, or even "care packages" - this is my address.  It is best if you copy both the English and Ukrainian into Word or something, and print it out - cut paper into a smaller size and simply paste it on your letter or package...The English is necessary for the US Post office and sometimes works here, but the Ukrainian is necessary for the Ukrainian post office, obviously - I love stating the obvious.  So, there you have it...sorry it took so long to get this out there.