John White - Developing Church Leadership in the Russian Speaking World c/o Eric Yodis, Postal Box 3644, Donetsk 83076, UKRAINE December 2000 jwhite@alumni.princeton.edu http://www.marucheck.net/jw
You've probably heard the expression, "When pigs fly!" Well, above is the Russian equivalent (a more interesting image, in my opinion). And, often, this is when I think I'll finally learn Russian! Fortunately, I've only been studying for 2 months, and I still have time to see if I can get a crawfish to whistle!
Seriously, my language study has been intense, but good. My professor Galina is a great teacher, though we sometimes go for 4 hours straight without a break. She's kind, funny, and able to answer my questions well despite not speaking English. It's been good getting to know her, too, as she's always trying to get me talking. I've already had many opportunities to explain ideas from the Bible to her, as well.
Of course, my language lessons don't end when I come home-my "practicum" begins! My situation at home has been very good, and I'm always learning there (including handy phrases like the one above!). Yuri is great at acting out concepts I don't understand, Luda can explain what is happening on the news (including the U.S. Presidential election, which is of interest here, too), and Igor speaks some English and can often fill in the gaps his parents can't. It's a very good place for me to live and learn, and I'm very thankful to be able to live here for a while more.
When I was in high school, I was on the debate team. In the state finals, we were debating the possibility of trying to reforest Haiti, and my opponents brought up the problem of goats eating our baby trees. The debate judge jokingly put on his ballot, "beware killer goats!" and I've always remembered it. It comes to mind again in considering my commute in Donetsk...
One of our neighbors herds goats, and recently one of his goats decided to try to take a bite out of me! I fended him off with my bag, and felt pretty good since I did better than another Ukrainian man who was slightly bitten (but seemed okay). One more cultural hurdle crossed!
The ride on the trolleybus is often interesting, too. This is public transportation, and the cheapest available (about a nickel per ride), so it gets very full. I've started to think of it as "swimming" on the trolleybus-swimming through people instead of water! When I want to get off I have to start pushing and asking "are you exiting?" (a polite way of saying get out of my way) to squeeze my way to the door. Of course, these close quarters can also be inviting for pickpockets. I felt some fingers in my pocket just the other day that weren't mine- I quickly removed them and didn't lose any money. The Lord has been protecting me!
On the heels of Thanksgiving, our first snow, and with Christmas approaching quickly, I wanted to thank you for your prayers, financial support, and encouragement. I certainly could not be here without you. I pray that the Lord may bless you richly in return for the blessing you have been to me.
Merry Christmas from Ukraine!
John