Happy Fathers Day

Week of June 13-19, 2016

So, let me start the with the end of the week.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!! to our Grandfathers, Father's, Father's to be, Brother's and Boys.  Who could be luckier than me to have so many amazing examples of greatness and goodness and wisdom and.....

Our Father and Father's to be!
Couldn't ask for better men! Oh, how
we love them!

Shopping in Kyiv he found an old
English scout hat.

My handsome, wise,
wonderful brother, full of
strength, and faith, love for
his family.

My father, a scholar, a mentor, a
creator, and a servant of the
Lord.

My Grandfather.  A hard-
working, dedicated man
full of integrity.

This grandfather was a great example
of enthusiasm, drive, intelligence
and fun.

He loved his family
and his butter

Future Fathers in Training
Kyiv Mission conference 2016

Pretty great looking bunch if do say so myself!  If I were more techno savvy I would have made a collage of many more- Brother-in-laws, great grandfathers, next-door-neighbor fathers, home teacher fathers.....so many men who have impacted our lives for good and have helped to shape and mold us and our family.  We're still taking shape.  We were able to talk to all the boys and their wives (Jacob by mail of course) and our sweet Riley.  So glad we can talk to them whenever we need to.  They are the best!!!!!

Now, back to what's new in Ukraine!
Actually, this week we found that some things are the same the world over.  We shared time with a grieving family at a funeral for a beloved Father and Grandfather.  I don't know why we expected the services to be any different than in America.  Wonderful words were spoken, broken hearts were softened by the love shown by family and friends, visitors were fed, spiritually, and temporally with all the best the family had to offer, and life goes on with beautiful memories to bolster us and spirits to strengthen us, and so many blessings to be thankful for.

These are just internet pictures but they show how beautiful

cemeteries can be throughout Ukraine.  Family plots are fenced
and there are always flowers.   

We've never seem this many anyplace but the market but this
shows what sprays look like and they are not just at cemeteries.
you see these at memorials everywhere.

They are beautiful, peaceful places.

Since we're talking about things we know and don't know about the country,  here are a few interesting tidbits:

• To speak to a superior with one’s hands in one’s pockets or arms folded across the chest is disrespectful. (and don't shake hands in a doorway)
  
• Ukraine is one of the few areas in Europe where people eat corn-on-the-cob. (it's chewy but it has a good flavor)
  
• Ukraine is known worldwide for the delicate art of Easter egg painting, called pysanka.
  
• Leaving food on the plate after a meal is considered wasteful. Guests honor the hosts when they
  ask for second helpings. (You also don't serve yourself.  missionaries are known for eating a lot so plates are piled high!)
  
• Ukrainians always eat dessert with a spoon, not a fork.
  
• Military service is required for all Ukrainian males over the age of 18. They must serve at least 18
  months.
  
• One-third of the world’s black soils are located in Ukraine. 
  
  
  Just in case you were interested =) 
  
  
  

  

  This is the official Ukrainian Coat of Arms.  If was
  forbidden during the Soviet reign but is now seen
  everywhere.

  
  
  
  

Our YSA council is being re-organized.  Many of our members have left pursuing jobs or education.  We have to make a lot of callings this week but the new president is already at work.  She planned a great picnic at the sea.  We had a big turnout.  Two Elders gave them a message about the importance of making a study of the scriptures a part of our daily activities.  We have just finished reading the Book of Mormon in 27 days as a mission.  They bore testimony of the many miracles that happened throughout the mission during that time.  Because the time was so short, everyone was in just about the same place and daily there would be conversations about something learned or shared in lessons.  Many of our youth are struggling looking for work, dating, school, etc,  so the elders extended a challenge to them to read the book in 3 months.  They will finish just about the time institute will start up again in the fall.  Nothing but good can come from spending a few short minutes with our Father in Heaven each day in prayer and scripture study.  We're excited to see what happens.

The Black Sea

The sashliki chef!

Great teachers

and students!

Ned getting translation.  This young man will soon be learning
Scottish!

They played games too.  We had a great afternoon.

I think the rest of the week was spent out and about.  Here's a few gems.

We've lived here over 7 months now and this is
the first time we ever saw this mural on the
building just across the street.  We must always
remember to look up!

We finally found the tie shop! 

Love the churches!  They are everywhere and they are
beautiful!

Stopped by just at the right time!  Leftover
gahm-boor-gairs! (hamburgers)

Milk rise pudding for breakfast.  So good.  This is an
internet shot.  Mine was floating in milk.  I've looked for
a recipe and can't find one.  If anyone knows how to make it,
let me know.

Happy Father's Day!

Hope you are all well and happy, busy and feeling blessed.  Have a wonderful week.
Love from
the Miks