Just Living Life in Kyiv

My, what a weekend this has turned out to be. On Saturday, several girls and I went to the temple. I am glad that I got another opportunity to go to the temple. The Kyiv temple is one of the things that I will miss the most about the city. It will be strange not seeing it every week. It is what kept me going this whole time. I love living here in in Kyiv but it hasn’t been the easiest. And I got to go with my friends and we got a chance to bond each other. The temple is a great place to strengthen relationships.

After the temple we walked around the city and looked at a couple of churches. It is interesting contrast to see the cathedrals after being in the temple. The churches are so busy. I can’t concentrate when I am there because my eyes are wandering trying to take everything in. There is so much to see verses the LDS temple where it is very simple; both very, very beautiful.

In the evening, Taia and I went to a YSA talent show. I am not even going to go into that. I participated in it and I wish I hadn’t. Let’s just say, it is difficult to sing when you haven’t drank water all day. But there was a dance afterwards and Taia and I rocked the dance floor when Oppa Gangnam Style came on. We only knew a couple of moves but I was able to teach a few people them. Ukrainians, you sure know how to throw a dance party but you need to work on your choices for slow dances. They are supposed to be romantic and Adele is not romantic…..just saying. 

Why do all the creepers come out at night?!? Why can’t they just stay home? Or at least stay away from me?? I ask you this because, after the party, I was talking to Taia as we were waiting for the bus. And this man came up to me, literally six inches away from my face with a unsettling smile on his face. I backed away, grabbed my purse and stood closer to Taia. He asked where we were from. Then he asked what we were doing in Kiev. Taia told him that we were teaching. I tried to avoid talking to him as much as possible. And then he got creepier when he asked us where we lived and if we stayed in a hotel. Joke’s on him…I don’t know my address. And if I did, I am not stupid enough to give it to him. And then he told us he was a cop and he was willing to help us if we needed it. Thankfully, he was with a woman and she kept telling him to leave us alone (well, I am assuming that’s what she said) and she was tugging on his arm. Our bus never came but we hopped on the next marshrutka. By the way, Cop, I don’t believe that you are who you say you are.

Sunday came. I wish that it didn’t because I wanted to sleep but I got up and went to church. After church, Hanna and I went to one of our Pre-K student’s house for some tea. And we got more than just tea. We had Domino’s pizza! So, we were in a house, not an apartment, we had normal pizza, and I rode in a car. It felt like for a brief moment, I was in America.  It felt strange being at a student’s house because in America, that is a big no-no. But the mom invited me so I felt like it was okay. It’s not like I haven’t done things outside of school with my students before, I just never been invited to their house. I have been to a couple of baptisms for former students. I felt bad for little Katya because she wanted me to really play with her but I was so tired from the night before, that all I wanted to do was sleep. But she is a cutie-pie and I love her and she really is a fun girl to play with.

I love living here. It may not be America but Kiev is beautiful in its own way. It’s like the drive from Boise to Rexburg. There is nothing pretty about it but I love it. I’ve learned that if you really look for it, you can find beauty in anything.