Back in Ukraine!

I can't believe I'm back in Ukraine. It still feels like a dream even though I've been here a little over 2 weeks. I have days where I am giddy beyond belief and days that I hate it and want to go home. Its all part of the adjusting process. Overall though I'm super stoked to be back. It feels like I'm home. Although its changed quite a bit. The kids I taught 2 years ago have grown up a lot. My school I taught at moved to a new location. They now sell oreos and my favorite shampoo and conditioner here. Change is good.

I've been pretty sick this last week. My body is adjusting to the new strains of influenza that Ukraine has and America doesn't. I can't wait for it to pass. I will be superwoman after I get healthy again. Haha.

Speaking of healthy...I've definitely lost a few pounds since being here. I've pretty much been walking miles everyday. I'm looking forward to my cough going away so I can start working out.

What else? We've been crazy busy with training. I love my group. And the other groups too. I can't wait until we have more time to hang out and enjoy Ukraine! I love our new friends here from America. There are quite a few people here with Nuskin. Very cool. I do also miss my American friends who were here 2 years ago too.

I love how cheap Ukrainian food is! I eat verenyky a lot. I can get a good sized bag that can last at least 2 meals for about 75 cents USD. I'm in heaven!

I posted some pictures on facebook. I'll try to be better about taking and posting pictures. We don't spend a lot of time out on the city. Most of us in our group have been sick and the only daylight hours are when we're in school. So whenever we get done its super dark and cold. So we just go to FHE, Institute, or straight home. I can't wait to see more of the sun. And get to spend more time around the city. I guarantee more pictures then!

I need your input friends! What do you want to hear about? Make this blogging thing easier for me! I'm definitely not very good at it, so I need your help. I am determined to blog this time round!
Miss you all and am looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Speaking of Russian

I made it through the beginning Russian class alive. It was overwhelming at times, but so worth every second. I've learned so much, particularly about Russian grammar. But I still don't feel like I'm even close to comfortable with the language. I don't think I could have a conversation in Russian, even a simple one. I need to practice, which is difficult. I don't know a ton of people who speak Russian, and those I do know are busy with life. I also feel like I'd do better if I were constantly doing Russian homework. But we don't get much homework because its a community ed class and the homework we do doesn't get graded. Next week I start the intermediate class. I'm excited to learn more. Hopefully a lot more vocabulary and lots more practice with grammar. The best way I feel I'll be able to practice is obviously to go somewhere Russian speaking. I'm working on that. Fingers crossed that it works out!

Missing it everyday!

I miss Ukraine SOOOOOO much!
I am currently taking a Russian class trying to understand a little more about that language. And I hope to find a way to live and work in Ukraine as soon as I finish my Bachelor's degree. If not sooner! Looking forward to going back there again. Even if its just to visit!

After Ukraine

I apologize that I never wrote during my stay in Ukraine.
I absolutely loved every minute of it. It wasn't always easy, but the lessons I learned from my experiences there will stay with me forever!
I miss Ukraine each and every single day!!! And can't wait to go back again, hopefully in the near future!
I will hopefully find the time soon to go back and blog about some of the experiences I had while in Ukraine. Feel free to remind me. The more people are interested the motivated I will be to share my stories. Ask questions...it'll help me decide what to write about!

Photos

So for those of you who may be following the blog but are not on facebook, I apologize for not having any interesting posts up. I have just recently been given access to a computer that will allow me to use blogspot. I promise to have more details updates up on the site soon.
Until then here are a couple of links to my facebook photo albums of Ukraine. Take a look at my pictures and see a little of what I've been experiencing!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=59610&id=515924339&l=4dd04

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=59689&id=515924339&l=ebb2e

Enjoy!

UKRAINE!!!

I'm so sorry its taken so long to make an entry. The only computer I have access to won't let me get on blogspot. :(
But I'm super excited to be in Ukraine. Its already been an amazing experience and I've only been here for 2 1/2 weeks! We spend our weeks teaching and our Saturdays touring Kiev. We've seen some amazing places and I'm looking forward to seeing a lot more. If you have facebook I would refer you there to see pictures that I've put up from the trip so far.
I'd love to hear from everyone! Thanks so much for all of your support!!!
Christina

The Countdown Begins

As of tomorrow I only have 2 weeks before takeoff! I'm beyond excited!!!
I'm currently working on getting things arranged so that my life in America doesn't fall apart when I leave it for Ukraine. My cell phone is unlocked and ready for a new European Sim card :) Worldly possessions are being prepped for storage :) Arrangements are being attempted for care of my vehicle :) Baggage limits and fees have been checked out :) Flight itinerary verified :)
And suitcases are being assigned to either donations and supplies or personal.
I've been tempted to pack everything now. But I'm afraid I would need some of the items in the next 2 weeks.
And its official... I'm going to Ukraine in 2 weeks!!!