tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50561517905459037772024-02-06T18:47:02.659-08:00Ukraine 2019Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-19586307607793308102019-05-02T04:09:00.000-07:002019-05-02T04:09:41.757-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BLOG # 7<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">April 30, 2019</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tw6YfJN_-HYx6vSN2TxSIKXLB138ejQd1Qj864kzpiq5WL5BQznKyz4Je2btDnAyLetNlB3zpOiq0t5xdnnfEwJFUkBZ7A46gaCdPkzu0bjkUTC6FDiYSBruAOj9YiLmsSnCfA_zjh4D/s1600/20190501_165439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tw6YfJN_-HYx6vSN2TxSIKXLB138ejQd1Qj864kzpiq5WL5BQznKyz4Je2btDnAyLetNlB3zpOiq0t5xdnnfEwJFUkBZ7A46gaCdPkzu0bjkUTC6FDiYSBruAOj9YiLmsSnCfA_zjh4D/s200/20190501_165439.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74kXqIcXo_sm7FuaSpDMoFz3DhJ3lM4UDCQ5Eoai2gAe9mkzTVx7RCzIPL2P2SsPSWMFua4lfIsoX5Lrl-LFKUnM1J3XkEyQ_IRNUAWc0qdtJ7UieFqQS9EB6n-BALSfI1se9wmL6dlnl/s1600/20190430_161041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74kXqIcXo_sm7FuaSpDMoFz3DhJ3lM4UDCQ5Eoai2gAe9mkzTVx7RCzIPL2P2SsPSWMFua4lfIsoX5Lrl-LFKUnM1J3XkEyQ_IRNUAWc0qdtJ7UieFqQS9EB6n-BALSfI1se9wmL6dlnl/s200/20190430_161041.jpg" width="150" /></a>How quickly time passes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is our last week in Ukraine and therefore this will be our final
blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our experiences have included lows and highs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again we have become
reacquainted with friends from the past and made new friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The return of spring has resulted in much
natural beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are seeing new plants and hearing new bird songs. The locals
are also noticing some of these changes.</div>
Climate change?<br />
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The lows have been in the stories of suffering that villagers
bring to the Mennonite Centre. Low
salaries, unemployment, poverty, illness and the war in eastern Ukraine cause
much hardship for many Ukrainians. One
example would be the story we heard from a farming couple. She had been diagnosed with colon
cancer. They had already paid for
surgery and 2 of the required 6 chemo treatments, but now their funds were
exhausted. Each course of chemo cost
10,300 Uah. ($515.00 Cdn.) They are
still too young to receive pensions.
Their adult children had helped where they could but all were earning
minimum wage.<br />
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The couple owns 12 hectares of land which they had seeded in
barley and wheat, but without adding fertilizer because they could not afford the
cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if the harvest is successful,
grain prices are very low, because they are forced to sell to buyers who have
access to the markets. They have a garden, some pigs and chickens, so that will
keep them fed fortunately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The husband
has a bad knee and struggles to walk, so he is due for a knee replacement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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As Canadians we cannot imagine their dilemma because our
medical expenses would be covered. The
only way Mennonite Centre can respond to such needs is through your
donations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thank you for your
generosity. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dDfv73dWTDf5Lvr5GMkvOPhyI5H7QtBDEoHYR3VobtW41Du0RKy49PscT6wr-nNkyq6guMw1tB0psRJVZHmwLkCeSaQK23z31Po186aYXBn5h7o-O1cBAsTQpoc7khLMo6bZyFtLVEU1/s1600/20190429_121238_Moment+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1533" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dDfv73dWTDf5Lvr5GMkvOPhyI5H7QtBDEoHYR3VobtW41Du0RKy49PscT6wr-nNkyq6guMw1tB0psRJVZHmwLkCeSaQK23z31Po186aYXBn5h7o-O1cBAsTQpoc7khLMo6bZyFtLVEU1/s200/20190429_121238_Moment+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ndG8hRqCmDgCDUW-1XfhgCzvfOCyqivK2bXTkQoh28K0Ul5kM6NrctEkaS0u0Kb4jyis9ySZqRVT-yaZGiJHtVbMMA0tq3CQey0Q2gOjlnRnOKRdX4MF6ZiFhFSl5BdKSSXMROfK_kpJ/s1600/20190429_121704_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ndG8hRqCmDgCDUW-1XfhgCzvfOCyqivK2bXTkQoh28K0Ul5kM6NrctEkaS0u0Kb4jyis9ySZqRVT-yaZGiJHtVbMMA0tq3CQey0Q2gOjlnRnOKRdX4MF6ZiFhFSl5BdKSSXMROfK_kpJ/s200/20190429_121704_HDR.jpg" width="150" /></a>Monday we were invited to an Easter Festival at the Tokmak
Greek Catholic Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was music
inside the church by a small choir from the Molochansk Music School, and
outstanding violin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>performances by Dasha Barenovskaya, graduate from Dniepro University.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJekh8LPZzrULWPpkX0ySDQAS0Rc-wo7Kugync5WnizjaaV7vrzeveUXSJKqvtG6yE8BWXU9YULM0lFlLHbZzAGIsMtC_SVhJnCCI_ci6BgUtzedFDQnwuLXpPEuQ3YGQoDCKdhi2FEEd/s1600/20190429_141244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJekh8LPZzrULWPpkX0ySDQAS0Rc-wo7Kugync5WnizjaaV7vrzeveUXSJKqvtG6yE8BWXU9YULM0lFlLHbZzAGIsMtC_SVhJnCCI_ci6BgUtzedFDQnwuLXpPEuQ3YGQoDCKdhi2FEEd/s200/20190429_141244.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06yppmy53zdjq4BixUa0eGyOdS6CgkQoAnjr-ELTv-YB9i2Y7mKnyw-7zVpQ6WUM1rw8rJR4qeuIouoR07LYw7QJep5_v6fhYkvu2DFXb5H7GsidE6rwl4TA9rPek2PUAAWayCyFkD5SH/s1600/20190429_123957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06yppmy53zdjq4BixUa0eGyOdS6CgkQoAnjr-ELTv-YB9i2Y7mKnyw-7zVpQ6WUM1rw8rJR4qeuIouoR07LYw7QJep5_v6fhYkvu2DFXb5H7GsidE6rwl4TA9rPek2PUAAWayCyFkD5SH/s200/20190429_123957.jpg" width="150" /></a>Outdoors there were displays of Ukrainian artwork, Easter
Egg painting, and offers of paska, eggs, and tea for snacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dancers from the local music schools
performed in colorful costumes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
enjoyed the music of guitars, bandura, accordion, and more singing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a wonderful community event for people
of all ages, enjoying fellowship in this lovely wooded area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many volunteers from the church had worked
hard to prepare the grounds and displays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was an Easter celebration by the church for the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvhrcUK65eWIgFOExrXICBgeDCOZed5cyYxkTOry6Ybhv_vPNOnGHo7DTybrZEFX35RCOTywDwWjWzd5OKzTa2l35Qon1NKfdVyMueEWP4Pp35wRjftnoVdUotv8Ea3IVfNcLmQR__2-O/s1600/20190430_132535+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1600" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvhrcUK65eWIgFOExrXICBgeDCOZed5cyYxkTOry6Ybhv_vPNOnGHo7DTybrZEFX35RCOTywDwWjWzd5OKzTa2l35Qon1NKfdVyMueEWP4Pp35wRjftnoVdUotv8Ea3IVfNcLmQR__2-O/s200/20190430_132535+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
On Tuesday we met
with our Ukrainian Board, a legal requirement for doing charity work here in
Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The members are leaders from
the community whom we trust for feedback for the types of projects we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dialogue and exchange of ideas and
perspectives among them was most encouraging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After lunch we were entertained by Sergei, Irina and Masha Lokotkov and
pianists Tanya & Oksana, all from the Tokmak Music School.<br />
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-68436012699908481602019-04-24T03:59:00.000-07:002019-04-24T03:59:51.476-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BLOG # 6<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">APRIL 23, 2019<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97F8gCgryodm73ilID2DMXYIGARYelgLPyuzRpyqh5y8gbdE1Wj6II09o5xi7xa65-uI7XMc2HCkJUZhtPlQvuj_oUXVclRO9j44cVbeLxoNMQKEFR8e__Pwd35TCkAEsmtlJs7prwOvF/s1600/20190418_103500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97F8gCgryodm73ilID2DMXYIGARYelgLPyuzRpyqh5y8gbdE1Wj6II09o5xi7xa65-uI7XMc2HCkJUZhtPlQvuj_oUXVclRO9j44cVbeLxoNMQKEFR8e__Pwd35TCkAEsmtlJs7prwOvF/s200/20190418_103500.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvn-CW65FF4z7Da7lraJGJ1eU2OkwFaYKImgJ-34_B9syfUrzqoWEuvlnywgYkDcxgWzqcBfYrybAd6VWg2NkZkn5UJWw2TABXMT0uszUeH9sffwujoKr-Nm3HYwGjlAMBrTWi7dhoxvG/s1600/20190418_100541+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvn-CW65FF4z7Da7lraJGJ1eU2OkwFaYKImgJ-34_B9syfUrzqoWEuvlnywgYkDcxgWzqcBfYrybAd6VWg2NkZkn5UJWw2TABXMT0uszUeH9sffwujoKr-Nm3HYwGjlAMBrTWi7dhoxvG/s200/20190418_100541+a.jpg" width="200" /></a>In the past we have mentioned the changes that have occurred
because of educational reforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teachers
are implementing a more interactive approach in their teaching style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ukrainian School in Molochansk<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has taken this to another level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have chosen to use a program in their
school entitled “Intellect of Ukraine” which incorporates an inter-disciplinary
approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This new program costs each
parent about 2000 Uah per year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
includes all the workbooks, tests, videos, posters, charts, etc. that they will
need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were invited to observe Grade
1 English and Ukrainian classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was a lot of interaction between teacher and students, working in small
groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New knowledge was reinforced by
using games, rhymes, and songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were reading and speaking and enjoying the learning process!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mennonite Centre had helped pay for the
necessary renovations in the classroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqf8VEvnpTIrvG1eS0Kfcd0sVuHhxoDUlYOSpnRmTBIGokWsQFvHECza6HVnntvYfGK-JacGLTEAb-r3DWT_DXy1gM98lc_I91iqEbTEeK0qmnnvzp28zQO-ol6LPfLopMwX9zlzD92G0/s1600/20190418_164532_Moment+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1600" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqf8VEvnpTIrvG1eS0Kfcd0sVuHhxoDUlYOSpnRmTBIGokWsQFvHECza6HVnntvYfGK-JacGLTEAb-r3DWT_DXy1gM98lc_I91iqEbTEeK0qmnnvzp28zQO-ol6LPfLopMwX9zlzD92G0/s320/20190418_164532_Moment+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6bDOhACOk6mvOooWqMFdxqHmXFyivsNXesliZy88_QFb6bZ2SCeSlmjGCn46c9DdClRJkzgoVUpAkVe73hpi9ZK572cnu4yPpeXGE4fu39OyV0wLV_Jvije-Lq2somug-s-Km-ySFeau/s1600/20190420_110435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6bDOhACOk6mvOooWqMFdxqHmXFyivsNXesliZy88_QFb6bZ2SCeSlmjGCn46c9DdClRJkzgoVUpAkVe73hpi9ZK572cnu4yPpeXGE4fu39OyV0wLV_Jvije-Lq2somug-s-Km-ySFeau/s200/20190420_110435.jpg" width="200" /></a> The standard of musicianship in the Tokmak and Molochansk
Music schools continues to impress us.
We enjoyed a vocal concert in Tokmak last week with performers ranging from
age 6 and up, including the two instructors:
Irina and Sergei Lokotkov. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgoCoVIlEpRTIjkGs1nsRddSkptNBYlkUpB72QZ_gtlSmimLEb0K5VieJ2Vf8sajgRmBYAlFVNH03i1KVCUHC7TDoHVRp9LfeRI79IUPy0TjY3hyphenhyphenPUpwVHvZ55YjQxnGAW7Rz-EQC96tW/s1600/20190420_115403+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgoCoVIlEpRTIjkGs1nsRddSkptNBYlkUpB72QZ_gtlSmimLEb0K5VieJ2Vf8sajgRmBYAlFVNH03i1KVCUHC7TDoHVRp9LfeRI79IUPy0TjY3hyphenhyphenPUpwVHvZ55YjQxnGAW7Rz-EQC96tW/s200/20190420_115403+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
We
heard wonderful solos, duets, and ensembles, accompanied by very fine
pianists.<br />
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The Molochansk Music School
held their 4<sup>th</sup> Annual Piano Festival in honor of Linda Stobbe. Several years ago Linda had done piano
masterclasses with the students and in her memory they began the festival. It was evident that the students and teachers
had worked very hard to give top-notch performances. Both these schools provide the communities
with dance, instrumental, and vocal instruction. Mennonite Centre continues to support them in
various ways.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxPcOE4lMkgBVrluaPaUfac_zGPvGssgLH_ZXT_iaP-NZ8muqWKvO0TF5iWGo3Gki8ixUif00ciDe7vxBxGt6Am5Zx62TrIgLQ5NqWtlRP5Qz-yctwJyXmzSgbJAPYQHHv97s3PPGTcaY/s1600/Tokmak+History+Group+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxPcOE4lMkgBVrluaPaUfac_zGPvGssgLH_ZXT_iaP-NZ8muqWKvO0TF5iWGo3Gki8ixUif00ciDe7vxBxGt6Am5Zx62TrIgLQ5NqWtlRP5Qz-yctwJyXmzSgbJAPYQHHv97s3PPGTcaY/s200/Tokmak+History+Group+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhRJb-LDHeNrglhdV5pze6njZ-2qo9G3Ku0WGCB1iEE5OCFDBMJjH9e3uKT1lvGFf8hNL9W_OwDrCRKICHzEUi88uIj4e2HgpDMH9L5-xonrFeMH0WZfEU6bVTfs54A_gEYTzSNpOHGZ2/s1600/Tokmak+History+Group+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhRJb-LDHeNrglhdV5pze6njZ-2qo9G3Ku0WGCB1iEE5OCFDBMJjH9e3uKT1lvGFf8hNL9W_OwDrCRKICHzEUi88uIj4e2HgpDMH9L5-xonrFeMH0WZfEU6bVTfs54A_gEYTzSNpOHGZ2/s320/Tokmak+History+Group+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The local interest in Mennonite history continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right after our arrival last year a history
group from Tokmak <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>visited <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mennonite Centre to question us about the
experiences of our ancestors who used to live in these villages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then they have produced a video showing
many of the remaining Mennonite buildings and sharing descriptions about life
here more than a hundred years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
we were invited to view this video at the Tokmak Museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good to see their efforts in trying to
discover a history that was forbidden to the local people during Communist
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his remarks the mayor referred to the saying: “Those who do not know
their history do not have a future.”
The instructor of the group said he was surprised that Mennonites had
returned, after he had learned about the horrors they experienced here. It was an opportunity for us to speak about
the faith that sustains us and our reasons for returning and serving the local
people. <br />
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-73896643113238074952019-04-16T05:56:00.000-07:002019-04-16T05:56:17.430-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BLOG # 5<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">April 16, 2019<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Last week we spent 4 days in the Zaporizhzhia area visiting completed
projects, and checking on new requests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After many kilometers, some on very rough roads, we are always thankful
to be safely home in Molochansk again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met many
people who are dedicated to helping others and to improve life in their
communities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Shiroke Community group, made up of 28 villages, has
responded positively to the reforms initiated by the government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A council of locally elected deputies working
together to reform medical, educational, and social services has resulted in tangible
hopefulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of waiting for
change, they have embraced the opportunity to take initiative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EtRvLxHGB4CqcvcGcqIpg1wT32h3yd6fZ-cx0xCQjHfUsspZ9JXHxsm8X4tSc-oz3pD2drl7Nf7o4B0UM-BMWUD8wuUrJjNa6AZm4PlizTWRX11kSEtXsxvEwE2CDrbgottL9WLWHwOZ/s1600/20190409_115118+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="1600" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EtRvLxHGB4CqcvcGcqIpg1wT32h3yd6fZ-cx0xCQjHfUsspZ9JXHxsm8X4tSc-oz3pD2drl7Nf7o4B0UM-BMWUD8wuUrJjNa6AZm4PlizTWRX11kSEtXsxvEwE2CDrbgottL9WLWHwOZ/s200/20190409_115118+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>Several village groups invited us to meet with them and
describe ways in which Canadian seniors volunteer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That resulted in some enjoyable discussions
around the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the village of
Maleshevka (Neuenburg) some of the women who enjoyed singing together decided
to form a group and give concerts in different villages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of charging a ticket price they asked
for donations to purchase hearing aids for children with hearing
difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A second project they did
was to buy some equipment for the local clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After they told us about this, they got up and performed one of their
musical numbers for us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They obviously
loved to perform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a wonderful
example of using their talents to serve others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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In a second village, leaders became aware of the need for a
laundromat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mennonite Centre purchased
the machines, but volunteers prepared the room, and were in charge of
supervising the use of the facility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
most needy persons could use it free of charge and others would pay a minimal
fee.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtDPN4KgyuxH_Bq5DZpxwkf3AS2svdTwmZxHrOSbKMwsSkl5proyoDU_Il04zOwehBbOrsOlZGGocNLNQ_nwNNC2y3YYD_MDMXUDe0kvBzTBxNopIf2Hyk7FKdfAXtXe0OlQw3HN925Gb/s1600/20190411_094645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtDPN4KgyuxH_Bq5DZpxwkf3AS2svdTwmZxHrOSbKMwsSkl5proyoDU_Il04zOwehBbOrsOlZGGocNLNQ_nwNNC2y3YYD_MDMXUDe0kvBzTBxNopIf2Hyk7FKdfAXtXe0OlQw3HN925Gb/s200/20190411_094645.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G_SyfsyEcTldXwA5V4TVWpsJ3_9lgPirR9k8fKEq1sV9iOPVv3q3EF_RRpOD4wjoEo81W2sppaQBgV4j1O6tmAIy7-qbZCSDaCkM73gn_mbXZMATUGHW5_nP7WHWFKmn9WuN7zvwEmkP/s1600/20190411_092854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G_SyfsyEcTldXwA5V4TVWpsJ3_9lgPirR9k8fKEq1sV9iOPVv3q3EF_RRpOD4wjoEo81W2sppaQBgV4j1O6tmAIy7-qbZCSDaCkM73gn_mbXZMATUGHW5_nP7WHWFKmn9WuN7zvwEmkP/s200/20190411_092854.jpg" width="150" /></a>We were delighted to again observe the work at “Prometey”, a
school for children with autism and cerebral palsy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children are obviously comfortable in
their surroundings and feel loved by their teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their enrollment continues to grow and they
are now serving 120 children!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they
began 10 years ago, they had 2 small classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their expertise is becoming known and has resulted in a waiting
list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently they have hired a
psychologist to formally write up their philosophy and document their work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are receiving an increasing number of
inquiries from within Ukraine and abroad regarding their work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSD1rjSBhLFVZy86vb4bQhUV4FTZOmLzIDK6OXKJ4b7jhjpmwhmLrHjNJiMkcysDJ0GzFCnOtFV5An5ggW8kolXEEHE68rvqrWWjZvCG8_Nh33-Ba29M2OLUzkTsmucmF_BOhz92ix95Bm/s1600/20190411_115806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSD1rjSBhLFVZy86vb4bQhUV4FTZOmLzIDK6OXKJ4b7jhjpmwhmLrHjNJiMkcysDJ0GzFCnOtFV5An5ggW8kolXEEHE68rvqrWWjZvCG8_Nh33-Ba29M2OLUzkTsmucmF_BOhz92ix95Bm/s200/20190411_115806.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-RWanaOFUhq9JrrzQqocI_Wl406JfjDkFzkFmH1n50Wrh9PqTsiklxQqVt8syvgIKhwhSgwsnyAzanhxw5FQR6U79SaLdEPaxPM_NT2WDGiQXmqnUHang6b8XS2YkMnnuM5ZGLU6TOss/s1600/20190411_115428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-RWanaOFUhq9JrrzQqocI_Wl406JfjDkFzkFmH1n50Wrh9PqTsiklxQqVt8syvgIKhwhSgwsnyAzanhxw5FQR6U79SaLdEPaxPM_NT2WDGiQXmqnUHang6b8XS2YkMnnuM5ZGLU6TOss/s200/20190411_115428.jpg" width="150" /></a>It was wonderful to hear about the children
who will be enrolled in a regular school class in fall. Mennonite Centre continues to pay for their
heating and transportation costs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL1-emBUW7dTymFqv3h7n0xDGLwEkIoLMLlHGYObsmvFRRk5ois8U24h4oaQWJNf9bBOsELNoqMrq52_Op7WwkAbs31N-SMbRxh1jIw5mi7FiVAZCI8Y2WnyqXf923i71GbnISVDTovUr/s1600/20190411_145412+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1600" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL1-emBUW7dTymFqv3h7n0xDGLwEkIoLMLlHGYObsmvFRRk5ois8U24h4oaQWJNf9bBOsELNoqMrq52_Op7WwkAbs31N-SMbRxh1jIw5mi7FiVAZCI8Y2WnyqXf923i71GbnISVDTovUr/s200/20190411_145412+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5sKpm1OFo68yRWKs1-htPZIpxvH3eyydB8tIz3iuNaX3OHvNaQM8no0PetfdwATmDCgsYYzhZHH4ttEZE1MS5fvemrGP50fwq2AW5Jv5wO2iqyU-4jRF7saGcBjTCDbJ7GpBFmNQi9kw/s1600/20190411_150722_HDR+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1486" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5sKpm1OFo68yRWKs1-htPZIpxvH3eyydB8tIz3iuNaX3OHvNaQM8no0PetfdwATmDCgsYYzhZHH4ttEZE1MS5fvemrGP50fwq2AW5Jv5wO2iqyU-4jRF7saGcBjTCDbJ7GpBFmNQi9kw/s200/20190411_150722_HDR+%25282%2529.jpg" width="185" /></a>A few years ago Nicolei and Irina, refugees from Crimea,
began a new life in a village near Zaporizhzhia. Their bee keeping operations have expanded to
24 hives. The bees survived the winter very well, a credit to
Nicolei’s expertise in caring for his hives.
They are still working at establishing a better method of marketing the
honey. </div>
They also sell fresh roses,
harvesting up to 400 at peak times. They
have a buyer who picks them up at the farm.
Nicolei has found a way to keep them fresh longer by storing them in a
small air-conditioned cellar. In
speaking with him, we realize his creative ability to solve problems and his extensive
knowledge of beekeeping and horticulture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI3b395r88kZXm6EniRmJtSEmZoIFVl5xRGoa4cNWSRJtS5zoim6p-7czReS5fcWN6D4xAnCPAawmufAaxAwiAOcQRjc7h7BAoKsDWjbdQjiqhfZgJy86lOGK4unRtt64RedQvCldI8Gk/s1600/20190413_103411+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI3b395r88kZXm6EniRmJtSEmZoIFVl5xRGoa4cNWSRJtS5zoim6p-7czReS5fcWN6D4xAnCPAawmufAaxAwiAOcQRjc7h7BAoKsDWjbdQjiqhfZgJy86lOGK4unRtt64RedQvCldI8Gk/s200/20190413_103411+%25282%2529.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
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Every day we walk by the home of Anatoly on the way to and
from the Centre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anatoly is deaf and
almost blind, in his nineties, and living alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is always so friendly when he meets us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite his limited vision he wanted us to
admire the bright red tulips blooming in his immaculate yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were moved by his kind gesture when he
insisted on picking 5 lovely blooms to present to us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-18386251474276132602019-04-09T11:45:00.000-07:002019-04-09T11:45:13.352-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Blog #4<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">April 9, 2019<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Many of the medical requests we receive from individuals are
from seniors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Requests for cancer
surgery and chemotherapy, heart surgery, or cataract surgery are common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of these can only be done in the larger
centres such as Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia or Kiev.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Major surgeries can cost more than 100,000
uah ($5,000 CDN).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pensions have
increased slightly in recent years, but still a minimum pension now amounts to
1600 uah ($80 CDN).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the
trauma of getting a diagnosis like cancer, these folks face the overwhelming
task of raising the equivalent of 5 years’ entire pension for their medical
care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1MqyCI7280KupFqOHYTQ1el5IUQ2w5AlI6DAm-4XZRLL1_gErXQbViKqFBQ9upQGnZt1ncTv7OOlmlOYq7cbrsCRxS_nx0Pa12EU47YKg02c4SfMFDx0d0cCkXV7JOjSml-IX4GKB8Ia/s1600/20190405_113111_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1MqyCI7280KupFqOHYTQ1el5IUQ2w5AlI6DAm-4XZRLL1_gErXQbViKqFBQ9upQGnZt1ncTv7OOlmlOYq7cbrsCRxS_nx0Pa12EU47YKg02c4SfMFDx0d0cCkXV7JOjSml-IX4GKB8Ia/s200/20190405_113111_HDR.jpg" width="150" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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But, as we know, medical needs are not limited to
seniors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier this year we were made
aware of premature twins, born at 24 weeks, now 18 months old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They</span> require specialized therapy available
only in Lviv, some 1200 km from here. The concerned parents were deeply grateful for the financial
help Mennonite Centre provided for them. This enabled them to access this treatment
for their twins. The doctor at the
hospital was optimistic about their prognosis.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sZWofYpwv4wzBRcaBddhQ0zQ0MeJ6EhI1wu-dOYvvlCnccbTsFzmwubr5sR4HatEJ_L1A9kGlxabEiEMvrQJwbiHVxgnVwtlFkZJf_9nCWq-GhZ3d_wiGFo4PsMLEjvAJLgA-AqeYFyc/s1600/20190404_100549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sZWofYpwv4wzBRcaBddhQ0zQ0MeJ6EhI1wu-dOYvvlCnccbTsFzmwubr5sR4HatEJ_L1A9kGlxabEiEMvrQJwbiHVxgnVwtlFkZJf_9nCWq-GhZ3d_wiGFo4PsMLEjvAJLgA-AqeYFyc/s200/20190404_100549.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Speaking of children, kindergartens are always a delight
to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, with educational
reforms in the country, they too are feeling the squeeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although more like the daycares that we are
familiar with, these facilities accept children from about 1 year to age
6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until recently first grade was
included in the kindergarten. Now Grade 1 students have been shifted to the regular schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stronger emphasis on more interactive learning also affects children at
this level, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhhfD37kImsFUcOqLMKbrdswT2JEtxcaJXE92Hl3y9CQd3Qyr4dN44Y1VD1NGnUrfbUmJepM_mNRiPg_9acnVVfPsIF_Cg2gSf5_0tl5L1DFJplEu2aes2n8qcghNpCXbKrxJLabmxf_D/s1600/Tokmak+Kindergarten+2+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhhfD37kImsFUcOqLMKbrdswT2JEtxcaJXE92Hl3y9CQd3Qyr4dN44Y1VD1NGnUrfbUmJepM_mNRiPg_9acnVVfPsIF_Cg2gSf5_0tl5L1DFJplEu2aes2n8qcghNpCXbKrxJLabmxf_D/s200/Tokmak+Kindergarten+2+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>and so better facilities and upgraded equipment are required. The government does not provide the necessary funds.
This kindergarten in Tokmak has about 200 children, including some that
require special speech therapy. Mennonite Centre helped pay for some new desks/tables and
cupboards. For this we were treated with
a short concert and a thank-you card made by the children. Stop by our place in Gretna after we get back
and we will gladly pass on their gratitude to you, the donors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMITj3FDUlYltwbb8QCwFgwREAY6i7VhfdVo4p5pZsZTS9_fUpz9TI3rQKUUau1x3bsIJO28kMVdBBQEZPGMGOjY2SkeVjgi4TvJ0mckOckw9mbQRirh2gnE4iXRIEX0Q-de9qgPBJUCbq/s1600/20190406_163323+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMITj3FDUlYltwbb8QCwFgwREAY6i7VhfdVo4p5pZsZTS9_fUpz9TI3rQKUUau1x3bsIJO28kMVdBBQEZPGMGOjY2SkeVjgi4TvJ0mckOckw9mbQRirh2gnE4iXRIEX0Q-de9qgPBJUCbq/s200/20190406_163323+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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A few days ago Tima & Vika had supper with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to know Tima several years ago when he
was completing his masters degree in agronomy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Last fall he and Vika were married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Presenting us with a picture of the Mennonite Centre she had done
completely with beadwork (13,700 beads in 23 different colors!) they said: “We
also like to give, not just receive.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01c48NWmQy7_dKSbsL5cquVPxaikLnr3vMFwd_Jj8z3zEItFQjGyE-xyKCYpHDl-hTWBxR9P2dhvPQ0zeglwjQuwLNqNe4-aAVkDAsr-dk0DdkrwOGCr7184wskQx0zJV0_cRXCcMkNlh/s1600/20190406_143617_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01c48NWmQy7_dKSbsL5cquVPxaikLnr3vMFwd_Jj8z3zEItFQjGyE-xyKCYpHDl-hTWBxR9P2dhvPQ0zeglwjQuwLNqNe4-aAVkDAsr-dk0DdkrwOGCr7184wskQx0zJV0_cRXCcMkNlh/s200/20190406_143617_HDR.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Apricot blossoms </div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-24849761180109464402019-04-03T05:34:00.000-07:002019-04-03T05:34:20.123-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BLOG # 3<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">April 2, 2019<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdXCqHLeSVBfOSJ6OwCc6VABpG6baHF3eOUQM5Vuk5KNIMSUwuqJBSnfpUAuU4cf-lbKqYjh9XF4FPeU1-TktoaOlhE3CAAYMmGP8ufQxtigRjRKzpkqLMlNKgxHiJA4LYbLhNtSeyu08/s1600/20190327_115119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdXCqHLeSVBfOSJ6OwCc6VABpG6baHF3eOUQM5Vuk5KNIMSUwuqJBSnfpUAuU4cf-lbKqYjh9XF4FPeU1-TktoaOlhE3CAAYMmGP8ufQxtigRjRKzpkqLMlNKgxHiJA4LYbLhNtSeyu08/s320/20190327_115119.jpg" width="240" /></a>After travelling extremely rough roads we were again
privileged to meet with Father Peter in Melitopol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His energy seems boundless and his love for
people is contagious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently his church began an after-school program, teaching life skills, offering tutoring
services, and activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They continue
to feed the homeless, and now also include seniors struggling to pay their
expenses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some meals and diapers are
provided for the homeless in the hospital. During spring break they were running a
conference for 20 young people. In
commenting about the countless tasks, his comment was: “Better to wear out, than to get rusty”. A motto many of us could adopt!</div>
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We went to see the home of a very poor family that he was
assisting with house repairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mennonite
Centre had helped with the purchase of the windows and doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parents were extremely grateful! Perhaps with a better home, some work for the
father, and moral support, their life will improve.</div>
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Two years ago the Ukranian government began implementing
educational reforms. The emphasis has been to change to an “interactive
learning” approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another emphasis has
been to integrate children with disabilities and learning difficulties into regular
classrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were invited to participate
in a meeting with University instructors, classroom teachers, social service
workers, and student teachers doing practicums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were discussing theories, as well as personal experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only were they working with children, but
very aware that families also need training and support, and that the attitudes
in society need to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
challenges are huge, but we were pleased to hear about the direction they were
going and tried to offer encouragement. Mennonite Centre has provided assistance to several schools that are attempting to integrate inclusive programs.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPalmU_MatnJ3iVLu3Fn7DrY2T1BLz1niInSyEyfThXgJfvG_XVq92xymWZr5Vp3HHAUnvgMdFE98N8BI-GwObUKZaTYxFhInUPMVvsEC5pCEin0VU67mvUotx9Ln7s52OBZuF8iSSRqAL/s1600/Viktor+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPalmU_MatnJ3iVLu3Fn7DrY2T1BLz1niInSyEyfThXgJfvG_XVq92xymWZr5Vp3HHAUnvgMdFE98N8BI-GwObUKZaTYxFhInUPMVvsEC5pCEin0VU67mvUotx9Ln7s52OBZuF8iSSRqAL/s200/Viktor+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Wednesday we also met with Viktor, a personal friend whom we
got to know during our first term in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here our knowledge of the German language enables us to visit with him
without translation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just had his 79<sup>th</sup>
birthday, lives alone, and has no surviving family members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is always so appreciative of our visits,
extremely hospitable, and loves to discuss spiritual truths and questions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSH4w73oD4MlJSxs3Ou5aO0fmOCvx7AIaFWU-5gDtSgSwkCgB7iFtZy5MCqG_fISYxFyqLHj4frQ6UcQbOlsP9ZhtoLgmpLu8rjGk-CTEXMrIg58AWtfUZdRXFATei23yh3rofyfV68Es/s1600/20190329_102707+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1531" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSH4w73oD4MlJSxs3Ou5aO0fmOCvx7AIaFWU-5gDtSgSwkCgB7iFtZy5MCqG_fISYxFyqLHj4frQ6UcQbOlsP9ZhtoLgmpLu8rjGk-CTEXMrIg58AWtfUZdRXFATei23yh3rofyfV68Es/s200/20190329_102707+%25282%2529.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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In the nearby village of Kutusovka (Petershagen), the former
Mennonite Church has become a Care Home for seniors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lilli, the director, tries to provide
excellent care for 12 women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With rising
living costs, this has become an increasing challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The residents’ pensions are limited ($80 to $100 CDN per month) and the
donor base for the care home has shrunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The residents
need medications, some need diapers, and, of course, nutritious food is a
necessity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mennonite Centre provides a
monthly stipend together with the Benevolent Society, but with rising costs
this needs to be increased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZms20Az2kOpRTiKJV6vgpWfAjf1QqDq3lUUYgtvDk-LY0GdghsAGNafXlLYxy5kt75dOiNV-z0b26gu-dY39bm95_EN7UovOEaGjG-K-hW3ilbc_ARA3qwGEjZt6AJ20bhfYATADYl6ta/s1600/20190331_141447_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZms20Az2kOpRTiKJV6vgpWfAjf1QqDq3lUUYgtvDk-LY0GdghsAGNafXlLYxy5kt75dOiNV-z0b26gu-dY39bm95_EN7UovOEaGjG-K-hW3ilbc_ARA3qwGEjZt6AJ20bhfYATADYl6ta/s200/20190331_141447_HDR.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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This past Sunday Ukraine had their presidential elections. People appreciate the privilege to vote, to
make a choice, although choosing from 39 candidates on the ballot was a
challenge. We walked to several polling
stations in Molochansk just to observe and here in the village everything seemed to be
proceeding in an orderly fashion. A
police patrol was present. The results
are not conclusive and so on April 21st there will be a run-off election
between the 2 candidates that received the most votes. We sense that people are somewhat anxious
about the results. What will the outcome
be and how will life in Ukraine be affected?</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-65270073727125480732019-03-26T11:03:00.000-07:002019-03-26T11:03:21.500-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>BLOG # 2<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>March<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>26,2019</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpmaa8F06uo_znReysx5_e_VAFvZk_BulZyq6ifqwS4l1Ey21wOTp0CGI4U0g0EZse7A9c93IlpvyVfvlpKQJ1GtPGsZh7-OasTTcA4qlpL7UrnuP0siNYDtMeGBMRZ0hyphenhyphenJMW4GAawGlQ/s1600/20190321_143405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpmaa8F06uo_znReysx5_e_VAFvZk_BulZyq6ifqwS4l1Ey21wOTp0CGI4U0g0EZse7A9c93IlpvyVfvlpKQJ1GtPGsZh7-OasTTcA4qlpL7UrnuP0siNYDtMeGBMRZ0hyphenhyphenJMW4GAawGlQ/s200/20190321_143405.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Last week we were invited to the MCC meetings on
peacebuilding and conflict resolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was an opportunity for MCC’s various partners to learn and have
fellowship with one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mennonite
Centre cooperates with MCC on several projects. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We appreciated this opportunity to meet and
to learn from their workshop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
well-known peace builder from Ireland, Joe Campbell, shared from his expertise,
having devoted 25 years to peacebuilding in Ireland and other parts of the
world.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu21m3Gx1iho4vEaOL-l2tKjxqvhNzbUprS6APjqP8VxtfNnF6b5yG9Pygj0MmgOhYOSzNk2Ty23UFV7pP1_FayTCy802IV56hUVtysKlGbcHuxPEIxvbqExFyQBPhJGAE9MsqtUeGuuz/s1600/20190325_151102+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1405" data-original-width="1600" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu21m3Gx1iho4vEaOL-l2tKjxqvhNzbUprS6APjqP8VxtfNnF6b5yG9Pygj0MmgOhYOSzNk2Ty23UFV7pP1_FayTCy802IV56hUVtysKlGbcHuxPEIxvbqExFyQBPhJGAE9MsqtUeGuuz/s200/20190325_151102+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7fMne9FQZAUVEqnS4n_b2ndKGrKDs_rLACMmyEs1OgwDrhd3ntTiA3LknBABecjkdgQmn-Yx1Lv_OEEhQkbMj60zMHjZcylIiQ48LgBiN4ZSEJwoMFpslnVBjOsrryt8F03BvdBshAYE/s1600/20190325_150348+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1600" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7fMne9FQZAUVEqnS4n_b2ndKGrKDs_rLACMmyEs1OgwDrhd3ntTiA3LknBABecjkdgQmn-Yx1Lv_OEEhQkbMj60zMHjZcylIiQ48LgBiN4ZSEJwoMFpslnVBjOsrryt8F03BvdBshAYE/s200/20190325_150348+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>Mennonite Centre purchased a blood analyzer for the lab in the Tokmak Intensive Care Hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met
the director and his assistant who <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>expressed their gratitude and also explained some of the challenges they face in implementing the government medical reforms.Doctors’ salaries have improved substantially
but it is still difficult to attract doctors to smaller centres with outdated
equipment. Many doctors are leaving for
other countries. The director was
pleased that their hospital had qualified as an intensive care facility for the area. Acquiring equipment for
laparoscopic surgeries would enable them to provide much better services.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYDnBveY6YKZ-ghaVEv-BbuBwXLyk-YHOEE8iOD3WOyvRYdZGUUHCfI4s_mSB79qlD16JibPZ70L_iFk1yH8qwEOEyIHLslIChOIz792Ej8GGRjlPhOYCLtE1b3umsuRN9MXZTOeblkPq/s1600/20190323_103808+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1600" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYDnBveY6YKZ-ghaVEv-BbuBwXLyk-YHOEE8iOD3WOyvRYdZGUUHCfI4s_mSB79qlD16JibPZ70L_iFk1yH8qwEOEyIHLslIChOIz792Ej8GGRjlPhOYCLtE1b3umsuRN9MXZTOeblkPq/s200/20190323_103808+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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The local sports school organized a program to encourage
families to improve their physical fitness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We attended a competition where several family units participated in
timed events such as skipping, ball throwing, running, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scores were kept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end all participants were awarded
prizes for participation and a winner was announced.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4SF-9E3ZAQV0usFCRgdiHpcnTVJ06koY9HDKafKRR3O_lZgc0kOmCAtp54bKRsjDCxEjWxfZO44OuBTVWfFB81AhZ-D7zOuU4Cvml781iEJuBKtzVii6Dzm3s9onnoBy2lqPyBiCiCLE/s1600/20190326_110102+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4SF-9E3ZAQV0usFCRgdiHpcnTVJ06koY9HDKafKRR3O_lZgc0kOmCAtp54bKRsjDCxEjWxfZO44OuBTVWfFB81AhZ-D7zOuU4Cvml781iEJuBKtzVii6Dzm3s9onnoBy2lqPyBiCiCLE/s200/20190326_110102+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNDhTUgco5cOkS_l0xUByZ51kbN9NfvjB0xpEx5P1l_gRwLpua9Ggg3Mj0hlKHaxXJMn4_-a-WBI0w2ou98vUnyjewxoKOhv-UiqRx87qxgdArF07FFfvCSXrXo0q1X3vWljY2bil_-5H/s1600/20190325_110711_HDR+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1256" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNDhTUgco5cOkS_l0xUByZ51kbN9NfvjB0xpEx5P1l_gRwLpua9Ggg3Mj0hlKHaxXJMn4_-a-WBI0w2ou98vUnyjewxoKOhv-UiqRx87qxgdArF07FFfvCSXrXo0q1X3vWljY2bil_-5H/s200/20190325_110711_HDR+%25282%2529.jpg" width="156" /></a>Today delicious aromas are penetrating our office area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seniors <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>enjoying a lovely lunch prepared by our staff. The number of visitors
seems to be increasing. They enjoy the
food and the fellowship and often continue their visits outside, enjoying the
warmer spring weather. Lunches are also
sent home to shut-ins and poor families with many children.<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The variety and scope of our projects are endless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The challenge for FOMCU is always to
determine the purpose and value of each project and how we can provide the most
benefit to the local residents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want
you, our donors, to know that your contributions are deeply appreciated. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-65987975900072569422019-03-19T06:37:00.000-07:002019-03-19T06:37:15.989-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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BLOG # 1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2019<o:p></o:p></div>
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Back to Ukraine</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJZzhiMkE8gm_-h8Y7rS0TgSua6yRViFdkMT5euuZJk0CIUxwhcDPFtYDmaw9L0MzUACdsT33x-ozhto8mBKVBHaafSeRjdrB3MYAA4hRO7xYjcQuURdzwXaYTTzvs72MEHG1VXiFLLD2/s1600/20190319_095123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJZzhiMkE8gm_-h8Y7rS0TgSua6yRViFdkMT5euuZJk0CIUxwhcDPFtYDmaw9L0MzUACdsT33x-ozhto8mBKVBHaafSeRjdrB3MYAA4hRO7xYjcQuURdzwXaYTTzvs72MEHG1VXiFLLD2/s200/20190319_095123.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhPgoPI7VWHaqCq7mgIsNKoTNn_cHA0x7CDHPIltgyQMBE0W9KvrdIsL2FF0IPJ2BxS7A0XPfAmBYdS-GKH2_BRJlb6LdjM8u9TxFKKxmkmpcCaGZiBh4f1vO7NjMZt2xYTrqusTDkfQ-/s1600/20190319_123520+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1343" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhPgoPI7VWHaqCq7mgIsNKoTNn_cHA0x7CDHPIltgyQMBE0W9KvrdIsL2FF0IPJ2BxS7A0XPfAmBYdS-GKH2_BRJlb6LdjM8u9TxFKKxmkmpcCaGZiBh4f1vO7NjMZt2xYTrqusTDkfQ-/s200/20190319_123520+%25282%2529.jpg" width="167" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi594UVVnI6ut9j9WXSyR87Ze0MynxwLnF6-4i9yt0Eo3fCesJgpa4jS9SfVLeJNy_r3SBWfT8zE5EDeM7hPdTSWDO0AZkksdTf8k4_XrcpuE2dAkyzZWuscrFp08rssuujCGI5pDqIc7b-/s1600/20190319_113617+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1600" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi594UVVnI6ut9j9WXSyR87Ze0MynxwLnF6-4i9yt0Eo3fCesJgpa4jS9SfVLeJNy_r3SBWfT8zE5EDeM7hPdTSWDO0AZkksdTf8k4_XrcpuE2dAkyzZWuscrFp08rssuujCGI5pDqIc7b-/s200/20190319_113617+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>Even though it is hard to say good-bye to our children and
grandchildren, we are always warmly welcomed by our friends and co-workers here
in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only was the welcome
warm, but also the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having come
from a world of deep snow and blizzards, it is a treat to see green grass,
swelling buds on trees, and early spring flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see people walking with rakes and hoes to
their “dachas” (gardens).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently
some have already planted potatoes, in order to take advantage of the spring
moisture.</div>
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We flew directly into Zaporoschye with Polish Airlines
instead of to Dnepro, saving us one and half hours of additional travel by
road. Unfortunately they left one of our
checked bags somewhere along the way and we had to pick it up 3 days later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz0P3QYzCDI6L7wXbjLAFwfrLu4NVi0kXuoH2YrAwNMhNx8cvkmKvGMM7tAmipKkG5lf9s5wEVGQSz0ij93BGFPT5eTAlnjELaHeGldZSWBBELXBXKBZpkSHJAqvsc2PNh-Kjacu3GRHG/s1600/20190315_092729+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz0P3QYzCDI6L7wXbjLAFwfrLu4NVi0kXuoH2YrAwNMhNx8cvkmKvGMM7tAmipKkG5lf9s5wEVGQSz0ij93BGFPT5eTAlnjELaHeGldZSWBBELXBXKBZpkSHJAqvsc2PNh-Kjacu3GRHG/s200/20190315_092729+%25282%2529.jpg" width="133" /></a>In the first 4 days at the office, we have already had many
requests for assistance from schools for repairs, and pleas from individuals for medical help. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are always
impressed with the dedication of teachers and parents to look after the upkeep
of their schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The government does
not cover maintenance costs and so those are left up to the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often Mennonite Centre helps pay for supplies while teachers and parents provide the labor. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Again we are seeing the insurmountable expense for
individuals who need chemo treatments or surgeries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many have already exhausted all other
possible resources for funding and then come to the Centre for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just this morning we received the heartfelt
thanks from a woman whose husband received funding for his third round of
chemo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wish you, our donors, could have
heard her expressions of gratitude.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH4fcOEqUIvMBMI_KyLF2uSbLKhUSheB9V4qda2IOUp4Mv_HXHkb5FVfw2PGLOW-nk1oSjDwSQsPVceBmSC2zW_G_LZlNGzH0uSa1qdTiTDl2aT3jQdKmxWhy1JAUbxfOAMhhoW5gdRUN/s1600/20190319_112448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH4fcOEqUIvMBMI_KyLF2uSbLKhUSheB9V4qda2IOUp4Mv_HXHkb5FVfw2PGLOW-nk1oSjDwSQsPVceBmSC2zW_G_LZlNGzH0uSa1qdTiTDl2aT3jQdKmxWhy1JAUbxfOAMhhoW5gdRUN/s200/20190319_112448.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRe1ZMUaAM2PLJELxbxWjydWZAQl17SCzhZ-E-piIm0CrxZOwwH_pcCJQS7q0gLgdPUUw48jK0DMhvdSlM2hSGttx38Na1-CaE-c_Ag0zJEBY7vmCs1wRsov0Npm2sPcoWhzeFmeWE1gF/s1600/20190319_112039+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRe1ZMUaAM2PLJELxbxWjydWZAQl17SCzhZ-E-piIm0CrxZOwwH_pcCJQS7q0gLgdPUUw48jK0DMhvdSlM2hSGttx38Na1-CaE-c_Ag0zJEBY7vmCs1wRsov0Npm2sPcoWhzeFmeWE1gF/s200/20190319_112039+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>Today we were invited to visit a school on the other
side of the Molotschna River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are
villages that originally belonged to the German Lutheran population. Mennonite Centre had assisted this school
with several projects in recent years, such as windows, small chairs for the
Kindergarten, lighting, internet installation, and a dividing wall to
facilitate two Kindergarten classes. The
principal proudly explained, in German, all the benefits to their school. Students are taught German and
English. Then we were invited to a
lovely lunch as their way of saying “Thank-you”.</div>
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Our seven week stay in Ukraine is quickly filling up with
visits to check on various projects, those already completed as well as new
requests for assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are also
making plans for an annual Ukrainian Mennonite Centre board meeting, a legal
requirement for registered charities in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-76899051671660317082018-04-17T07:38:00.000-07:002018-04-17T07:38:58.005-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Blog # 6<o:p></o:p></div>
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April 17, 2018<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgP1hNfkWDnbpKT2UxiLYqrshxbuVKM-M6Rds3zTRs-ZmzF51-v3KJYoCRkVXkRhyphenhyphen9BhTGaMk1i_viZ0QEk-4S-9G5lzDj2Q8M7IeCbl98NTTR49iEfKds0yYXs34dJpdfyY9aeTyKTJLN/s1600/20180414_143918_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgP1hNfkWDnbpKT2UxiLYqrshxbuVKM-M6Rds3zTRs-ZmzF51-v3KJYoCRkVXkRhyphenhyphen9BhTGaMk1i_viZ0QEk-4S-9G5lzDj2Q8M7IeCbl98NTTR49iEfKds0yYXs34dJpdfyY9aeTyKTJLN/s200/20180414_143918_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdl3BBYs2jDEKune5fQ0MnWYPQvNfJNPXMCwalKJA8aoX1Gkv-cPKDpRKC3ojM1uKv77qRF0wKcMq0hHziOAcJsBFfigCH3k9ss8KD1DIe7iFPGxIiFUy56AUW9D6JhxaYwjVB2Fj7SLC_/s1600/20180416_130758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdl3BBYs2jDEKune5fQ0MnWYPQvNfJNPXMCwalKJA8aoX1Gkv-cPKDpRKC3ojM1uKv77qRF0wKcMq0hHziOAcJsBFfigCH3k9ss8KD1DIe7iFPGxIiFUy56AUW9D6JhxaYwjVB2Fj7SLC_/s200/20180416_130758.jpg" width="200" /></a>Spring is advancing quickly here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many trees and shrubs are <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dressed in white and we’re thankful that it is not snow. The blossoms are filling the air with their perfume. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICRVUerEnObvDzySK9x2voLe3qy4KHcbHY5UeX-PS4DXNzUy81IiKQFOJRczKg3Hig9cSm_46pgiNfTwbAdCwcjpnOGUyxcvyvlIBjnksUwtU6ea5Uf9n27Eh5bu_sqtQTw_cNUnEphQO/s1600/20180412_141332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICRVUerEnObvDzySK9x2voLe3qy4KHcbHY5UeX-PS4DXNzUy81IiKQFOJRczKg3Hig9cSm_46pgiNfTwbAdCwcjpnOGUyxcvyvlIBjnksUwtU6ea5Uf9n27Eh5bu_sqtQTw_cNUnEphQO/s320/20180412_141332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We spent several days with Drs. Art & Marlyce Friesen
visiting hospitals and other medical projects.
Reforms are being planned, beginning with Level 1 or primary care. These began on April 1<sup>st</sup> and will
continue for the next 2 years. These
will be followed by reforms in levels 2 and 3.
Sadly, some of the changes that need to happen are not coming soon
enough. One hospital reported losing 7
doctors because the salaries are so low.
Professionals are leaving for other European countries and taking jobs there
that are unrelated to their training because they can make a better
living. Unfortunately, young
professionals are the people Ukraine needs to improve life here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuDgTmfypmEYamV2YMPzSkpWs11ue-prtq1M4h7BvRIzB1lBWmCusxVJ3m1Tvvbdx8_HuJ4F4GD9CTBVIFsM_1iErJIMoagJaeD5gcyTr8eVCQL8xYtsHbgt_Wj1eVRPTTQBsM4cb1plR/s1600/20180410_170253_HDR+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1600" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuDgTmfypmEYamV2YMPzSkpWs11ue-prtq1M4h7BvRIzB1lBWmCusxVJ3m1Tvvbdx8_HuJ4F4GD9CTBVIFsM_1iErJIMoagJaeD5gcyTr8eVCQL8xYtsHbgt_Wj1eVRPTTQBsM4cb1plR/s200/20180410_170253_HDR+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Dr. Irina served the people at the Mennonite Centre for many
years, but she has now left for Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are pleased that Dr. Petrovna, a pediatrician, will be filling her
position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has lived in Molochansk
most of her life and is well known among the local people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1gbS4ZTbdzOBZLwe8z9swt9B2xPGDp0ky_cxJ1boRR6vBEFZGZmW7_FV6zTpkFjuFBqQDrK6C6M5M1ATX0UpZCJ_2DvV7mu0qibNC24B-jusvbAUEh35tRvg7-Hoa6q-8FlEiRMUrmjL/s1600/20180412_133421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1gbS4ZTbdzOBZLwe8z9swt9B2xPGDp0ky_cxJ1boRR6vBEFZGZmW7_FV6zTpkFjuFBqQDrK6C6M5M1ATX0UpZCJ_2DvV7mu0qibNC24B-jusvbAUEh35tRvg7-Hoa6q-8FlEiRMUrmjL/s200/20180412_133421.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyGtANgK10wvNMJ6VyHNbQJHfyHYbhryRpaSKYIAjgtfMya4Vkm_bngNbjUKynE15TOeupqGHYnX-WDtoz5Az-ziK4wqZEKNSgM1oUCRFKde1kUADUjkkT4yP2J4HwICEfGxRNaNs9jaJ/s1600/20180412_133407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyGtANgK10wvNMJ6VyHNbQJHfyHYbhryRpaSKYIAjgtfMya4Vkm_bngNbjUKynE15TOeupqGHYnX-WDtoz5Az-ziK4wqZEKNSgM1oUCRFKde1kUADUjkkT4yP2J4HwICEfGxRNaNs9jaJ/s200/20180412_133407.jpg" width="200" /></a>When we met with the chief doctor in the Shiroke Territorial
Region there was a much more positive attitude towards the reforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sensed a good working relationship between
her and her nursing staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During our
conversation they were all crowded into the doorway and participating in the
discussion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfHkaR0zT4FEbrS-3LiHGnhXJX3RX-cC3X8GBBTE1Zx8c8oNnswkIrnJ0bKxQpQfJsgoF73rdvLiPpXFUc8UbZpGrzmt8JINjV1t00kQUNneDVRaqRUhbphMYPVZ7FFaRDSqz6Rs9oStJ/s1600/20180413_130739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfHkaR0zT4FEbrS-3LiHGnhXJX3RX-cC3X8GBBTE1Zx8c8oNnswkIrnJ0bKxQpQfJsgoF73rdvLiPpXFUc8UbZpGrzmt8JINjV1t00kQUNneDVRaqRUhbphMYPVZ7FFaRDSqz6Rs9oStJ/s200/20180413_130739.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuaAzI1ZwAGAaJe_7EhWY3uqHEph4ZlgSGRXraibBPNlZ75Yi4snsj55JeG8VNu866UaJY6i-r8MBtdXeH8Aojy2T_zVZPm0eiB7O6Zv3cVBkuvNcaxUq9VomuDQlpg4ePJAy1-arc2gk/s1600/20180413_131438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuaAzI1ZwAGAaJe_7EhWY3uqHEph4ZlgSGRXraibBPNlZ75Yi4snsj55JeG8VNu866UaJY6i-r8MBtdXeH8Aojy2T_zVZPm0eiB7O6Zv3cVBkuvNcaxUq9VomuDQlpg4ePJAy1-arc2gk/s200/20180413_131438.jpg" width="150" /></a>When we visited the rehab unit in the Zaporizhzhye Oblast
Hospital, we met several recently trained physiotherapists, eager to learn the
most recent treatment procedures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were telling us of a training program being offered online followed by a
practicum at a hospital in Lviv.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The instructors were from North America.
They were very interested, but the cost was prohibitive for them. Mennonite Centre will pay the tuition for one
student, who will then be qualified to teach the others. Anya, a mother of a five-year old daughter,
will receive this training.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRJZaVe2S-fcdJaNAvZoDFJIlYnB2WKPDQPDlDQrqbkTk-si1yrIOExK91uPR790tejPoUCsd5GgyqXBInC1M8t-052YTPo3OA9li2cPE_pO0jps5pTx4c5Dv4UWd4Sb45FEQ3UCPmin7/s1600/20180416_183300_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRJZaVe2S-fcdJaNAvZoDFJIlYnB2WKPDQPDlDQrqbkTk-si1yrIOExK91uPR790tejPoUCsd5GgyqXBInC1M8t-052YTPo3OA9li2cPE_pO0jps5pTx4c5Dv4UWd4Sb45FEQ3UCPmin7/s320/20180416_183300_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last night we had a wind-up barbecue with our staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are always sorry we can’t communicate
directly, but we treasure their friendships and are pleased that they support
each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They appreciate that they
are able to work at the Mennonite Centre and we value their services. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our term in Ukraine is quickly coming to an end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are always saddened to bid farewell to our
friends here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those connections have
enriched our lives!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are repeatedly
told how the Mennonite Centre, supported by Canadians, has enriched theirs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSe01wnjhmpFYiqPD5dnX8V_TZsZCRHmcyu4Ri2zeMyN8NqhsiWF7pZi024DE-wOXFYJzSLcWd7zzzgPeMtaq9Vl2gE7bttL9DXv_2zeEZBOx_Msql9xuBjfx4ChxA5RAfyO07oWNiKmg/s1600/20180414_142454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSe01wnjhmpFYiqPD5dnX8V_TZsZCRHmcyu4Ri2zeMyN8NqhsiWF7pZi024DE-wOXFYJzSLcWd7zzzgPeMtaq9Vl2gE7bttL9DXv_2zeEZBOx_Msql9xuBjfx4ChxA5RAfyO07oWNiKmg/s200/20180414_142454.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-71217660300478171422018-04-11T06:16:00.001-07:002018-04-11T06:16:36.445-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Blog<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span># 5</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZXPOjpw7K1DkyTzbmzlT1qNuhDNS7qK1D1G13Y7sMmoWpFAAML4kT1shxwyYR2ZFnHmdSaPbZ9xHwmfTowHlb15bUgKL4cI70tc0JefN5iPQTLPjurs76haKkRoighRS6JHZC-oVmFVc/s1600/20180407_160528+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="1600" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZXPOjpw7K1DkyTzbmzlT1qNuhDNS7qK1D1G13Y7sMmoWpFAAML4kT1shxwyYR2ZFnHmdSaPbZ9xHwmfTowHlb15bUgKL4cI70tc0JefN5iPQTLPjurs76haKkRoighRS6JHZC-oVmFVc/s200/20180407_160528+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDkiBQ2uLhqcCzU4pH5JJEjHE0JRMK2i4Jd241QCpx51mxvCQWG2g6VSkm_E4wSKDZxE_HP9EFRacOE25UdnseUIofoD9B_k0eVyOWncnLzF1KGAfHWTl1WyN0bIGrmQQ8F08O8vHCk-k/s1600/20180404_172629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDkiBQ2uLhqcCzU4pH5JJEjHE0JRMK2i4Jd241QCpx51mxvCQWG2g6VSkm_E4wSKDZxE_HP9EFRacOE25UdnseUIofoD9B_k0eVyOWncnLzF1KGAfHWTl1WyN0bIGrmQQ8F08O8vHCk-k/s200/20180404_172629.jpg" width="150" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">April 9, 2018<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SPRING HAS ARRIVED!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Spring in Molochansk is a welcome sight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The early spring blossoms are appearing, even
the bees are buzzing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tree buds are
swelling and we are eagerly anticipating the sight of new green leaves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCV0x8mR3NCF3YX2g4bwU95ZkdL4B4Qow722zgkBGhkludVgSLM1mB20iyCQ_JvZvwzieiTn56-UpNHJ1rlBAYF1tinBjWIdb2Y5p0ozgNVR6RPSKlIFwQIRllxNZocqwPB9KXKrOFSY3t/s1600/20180326_151631_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCV0x8mR3NCF3YX2g4bwU95ZkdL4B4Qow722zgkBGhkludVgSLM1mB20iyCQ_JvZvwzieiTn56-UpNHJ1rlBAYF1tinBjWIdb2Y5p0ozgNVR6RPSKlIFwQIRllxNZocqwPB9KXKrOFSY3t/s200/20180326_151631_HDR.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbCvpxRgSIQSkh5ygsUBZy_07A1_wI6U4jL2VeF8LMWUBf9O0CjHOklZXj0AIsvbCev_pWXmGZs65hBT4Xk08UK2GiMsYZ-ULKM6F8mpwY9CxKgUDlKOqFJD5i7ocjMkko2i2BdsGfG5_/s1600/20180326_150301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbCvpxRgSIQSkh5ygsUBZy_07A1_wI6U4jL2VeF8LMWUBf9O0CjHOklZXj0AIsvbCev_pWXmGZs65hBT4Xk08UK2GiMsYZ-ULKM6F8mpwY9CxKgUDlKOqFJD5i7ocjMkko2i2BdsGfG5_/s200/20180326_150301.jpg" width="150" /></a>Many seniors in this area are also anticipating that
sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mennonite Centre has purchased
1605 pairs of glasses since that project began for seniors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Tatyana Krasovskya, an optometrist, comes
to the Centre twice per month and examines 10 – 12 persons each time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another frequent request is for assistance
for cataract surgery, a total of 19 last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The cost of this surgery has increased 75% in the last year! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_2wV0QzJXbD5jOPl3b94VTcLHIuAognMHTM2AQS7Q372Kfql6Tt4jMSM10ImaLMV71GO8gWenI95AHfj2thDWQIVmD69bsr6CIPuPseYN2L3xxLUGHdFZ_6Q5uPtmSLbnyOrdifErG4-/s1600/20180329_090706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_2wV0QzJXbD5jOPl3b94VTcLHIuAognMHTM2AQS7Q372Kfql6Tt4jMSM10ImaLMV71GO8gWenI95AHfj2thDWQIVmD69bsr6CIPuPseYN2L3xxLUGHdFZ_6Q5uPtmSLbnyOrdifErG4-/s200/20180329_090706.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us have experienced the benefit of
eye glasses or cataract surgery, but in Ukraine many seniors do not have funds
for these services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your generosity enables Mennonite Centre to give the gift of sight to many people
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wish you could have heard the
gratitude and excitement in the voice of the gentleman in the photo, with repeated expressions to the staff: “I
can SEE you! I can SEE you!”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFc7uSKicyRtfiEl4zr9IvggZA1bOEq4eCP3i_RoQL-7sQu4_XQxZU2EFZmM9zCNHVNd-j2I4bbi2pY4bGqaNRMzI2AUn_iBGN7r8pcIS0-KzLzi0h5esQMr5YyxGpbErQtRsG35o1n9Ri/s1600/20180404_110052_HDR+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1600" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFc7uSKicyRtfiEl4zr9IvggZA1bOEq4eCP3i_RoQL-7sQu4_XQxZU2EFZmM9zCNHVNd-j2I4bbi2pY4bGqaNRMzI2AUn_iBGN7r8pcIS0-KzLzi0h5esQMr5YyxGpbErQtRsG35o1n9Ri/s200/20180404_110052_HDR+%25283%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>There is a large Psychiatric Hospital in Molochansk with 170
patients at this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of them are
dealing with alcoholism, a problem that has increased here since the war
began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are dealing with TB which is
also on the increase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During our visit
we checked out some kitchen equipment, which they were asking us to replace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also distributed packages of Easter
treats, prepared by our staff, to give out to the patients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many were very appreciative.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtVoOhrikl-__IZYAO2oofeEC5xuFutD10UsCwIhzypHjULQ2GvI1S9vJSUd570lWtrrH7A0HmG-FhaPGiQupOoQ9jIHiO5Xd4IUcQgi30WD0YsCFjsnD5U8V5ZRNOdarDzt_bbPZmBU9/s1600/20180328_134046+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtVoOhrikl-__IZYAO2oofeEC5xuFutD10UsCwIhzypHjULQ2GvI1S9vJSUd570lWtrrH7A0HmG-FhaPGiQupOoQ9jIHiO5Xd4IUcQgi30WD0YsCFjsnD5U8V5ZRNOdarDzt_bbPZmBU9/s320/20180328_134046+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV9Jq1Mz1qbMuz5-CRnMWYulYxLR6qOgo4RZyQePJjCKL38eRBWIo2Uu8VT58KrPmlmucLEpDnztUyQQHnM4IYs7zY_k-8wddp8uGs92IBo9x6cWTM9tX71cItGzu6nKpHXjAdNDkwDbX/s1600/Ukraine+2013+144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV9Jq1Mz1qbMuz5-CRnMWYulYxLR6qOgo4RZyQePJjCKL38eRBWIo2Uu8VT58KrPmlmucLEpDnztUyQQHnM4IYs7zY_k-8wddp8uGs92IBo9x6cWTM9tX71cItGzu6nKpHXjAdNDkwDbX/s200/Ukraine+2013+144.jpg" width="200" /></a>Sergei Lokotkov is the director of the Tokmak Music School
and of the Rhapsody Choir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we spoke
to him last year regarding the territorial changes that are underway in
Ukraine, he was quite discouraged, fearing that the local music schools would
be closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then he has become
involved in the Ministry of Culture in Kiev.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This enables him to have a better understanding of what is happening at
the government level, as well as influence some of the decision making. He is
now much more optimistic that the Music Schools will continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No doubt there will be changes in the way the
curriculum is set up, but as he said, when we get too comfortable in the way we do things, it is time to make changes. They
expect to admit adults as well, and are planning classes for choirs, an
orchestra, as well as English language studies.
We have always been impressed with the quality of instruction we have
observed here in the music schools.
Promotion of the Arts is an important component in building a nation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgzeTfEZRecStOlQKWFZyCabZIHQ41p52-EJLFesNQjseeu5lQRgvFeCkSVONgrcMLL2UV4xZ0BYzJdgS_ZOgmQl6t_EMghUT_wzHlr8x2DnvpjztwCl4TZtgI6Ft5AEu00aUiUPDLvlB/s1600/Ukraine+2017+139+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1339" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgzeTfEZRecStOlQKWFZyCabZIHQ41p52-EJLFesNQjseeu5lQRgvFeCkSVONgrcMLL2UV4xZ0BYzJdgS_ZOgmQl6t_EMghUT_wzHlr8x2DnvpjztwCl4TZtgI6Ft5AEu00aUiUPDLvlB/s200/Ukraine+2017+139+%25283%2529.JPG" width="195" /></a></div>
This past week we also received a visit from Dr.
Troyan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mennonite Centre has aided his
hospital in Vladovka for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
did not seem optimistic, however, about the territorial changes and how they
would affect the medical field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
no mistaking who has entered the building when Dr. Troyan is around, because
when he speaks his huge booming voice fills the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice may sound intimidating but he has
a soft heart for the needy persons in his community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to the Mennonite Centre requesting medical
help for a 50-year old man who had fled from Crimea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was extremely poor, lacked official
documents, and needed hip surgery.<br />
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second request was for a young couple whose 2-year old child was suffering from
a broken hip. The family had very little
income and desperately needed help.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_5otISsqTqDt6Cnpg_xVsGfgkCLmX_6gK5tKltu1uU52ukjcFbSqH1WUtJ62KTJWIlozq3ikHQZBmVH6ZTqkvP70a_dYmKIHTx25PP-p2iDR9sQhbDbcQuB2iLI6WVHGmcN-q6g3svCn/s1600/20180408_151133_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_5otISsqTqDt6Cnpg_xVsGfgkCLmX_6gK5tKltu1uU52ukjcFbSqH1WUtJ62KTJWIlozq3ikHQZBmVH6ZTqkvP70a_dYmKIHTx25PP-p2iDR9sQhbDbcQuB2iLI6WVHGmcN-q6g3svCn/s320/20180408_151133_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV-c_SEduZmBN1-wGnWTokNPiLSezjCI68b1H3eFNPcg_BQQmayRhdAOnDGQ69LxD3988qWpZ_ZLm0YOHE2qY7yRg3Lth1qTslpdHhF8ttYBUlZzpaFBi8GZ66CovvGwjP10mQXXsVyga/s1600/20180408_184709+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="905" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV-c_SEduZmBN1-wGnWTokNPiLSezjCI68b1H3eFNPcg_BQQmayRhdAOnDGQ69LxD3988qWpZ_ZLm0YOHE2qY7yRg3Lth1qTslpdHhF8ttYBUlZzpaFBi8GZ66CovvGwjP10mQXXsVyga/s320/20180408_184709+%25282%2529.jpg" width="181" /></a>This weekend we celebrated Easter in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At midnight on Saturday evening Orthodox
believers gather for the Easter service, bringing their paska and eggs to be
blessed by the priest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The embroidery in
the photo features the Russian words for the joyous greeting of Easter: “Christ has risen. He has risen indeed!” This was a gift of gratitude from a teacher
who was assisted by the Mennonite Centre.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU94HMvdEW4LzvJ2koDck_l-UIxL1rCIVcwQOmAca0QZ10wvEPMa0fIG4bOXlnOIe4LcEYOEG0jCvkD8PCT50da89YjakuZ0TOU3e0O5DdlNM1l4kE_T6HxTmbymWpYI3yaQXGH19IhorW/s1600/20180408_103342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU94HMvdEW4LzvJ2koDck_l-UIxL1rCIVcwQOmAca0QZ10wvEPMa0fIG4bOXlnOIe4LcEYOEG0jCvkD8PCT50da89YjakuZ0TOU3e0O5DdlNM1l4kE_T6HxTmbymWpYI3yaQXGH19IhorW/s320/20180408_103342.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The Easter service in the local Mennonite Church featured a
drama and songs of praise from the youth group and their leaders. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times during the morning the traditional
Russian Easter greeting was exchanged. We were inspired when during our long afternoon walk in the village, we
were able to exchange this greeting with some of the people we met.<br />
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-35674677750998570742018-04-03T06:41:00.000-07:002018-04-03T06:41:10.720-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Blog # 4<o:p></o:p></div>
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April 3, 2018<o:p></o:p></div>
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ZAPORIZHZHYE AREA VISITS<o:p></o:p></div>
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We spent several days in the Zaporizhzhye area visiting
various people for whom Mennonite Centre has provided assistance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMNqErr4vAdxKcG4Q1fDkBug4Utzs_3Rfw1jBGfY4L2cpn82K7TA688VV1ppmoZmAgMT4cNYP-xt6tHt_2s2-x_m63zM7Ze21-WGET_zWoiq0UOiiJ7ZnNwM1nPC7y9CJG0rXS507XDDE/s1600/20180323_103322+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMNqErr4vAdxKcG4Q1fDkBug4Utzs_3Rfw1jBGfY4L2cpn82K7TA688VV1ppmoZmAgMT4cNYP-xt6tHt_2s2-x_m63zM7Ze21-WGET_zWoiq0UOiiJ7ZnNwM1nPC7y9CJG0rXS507XDDE/s320/20180323_103322+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>Our meeting with a Seniors’ art and dance group was quite
delightful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They meet biweekly for art and dance instruction, and, of course, fellowship. Our Centre assisted with art supplies and
some costuming. We were warmly welcomed
by the group, who wanted to hear our personal stories and about our connection
to the Mennonites. They responded with
questions and stories of their own. We
appreciated the emotional support they were providing for each other, such as
for a gentleman who had just lost his wife and towards one of the women dealing
with a cancer diagnosis. Tatyana, their
leader, a believer, cared genuinely for these people and had established a very
positive environment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FGUXjHWDwwcM1QonfRpUMFDPgbzIlk4BseBwkd257L1YIA9o9xBvjr2rA4nK9qKF2jKOA8zTQFnz-l9fky0zsfHPw5BlObMad6vZjKZ1ywt56dGmCnMcd-D0eZwnezwVhy_TFrkeuRzN/s1600/20180324_084521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FGUXjHWDwwcM1QonfRpUMFDPgbzIlk4BseBwkd257L1YIA9o9xBvjr2rA4nK9qKF2jKOA8zTQFnz-l9fky0zsfHPw5BlObMad6vZjKZ1ywt56dGmCnMcd-D0eZwnezwVhy_TFrkeuRzN/s200/20180324_084521.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBS9exGZd3QrFS37XyvGem4UsT4ib8DJyO-S-x9HHDMx3BMTtUwlrIWbFmCNhg2WNDVeMgMHRMK2jNl2zVsWYi9H2Ti_3wJc8iaeEbKtRpTEMZUlBbZzQTrb_Rys6v2ZMlZV8Y4-JjbbK/s1600/Prudnikov+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBS9exGZd3QrFS37XyvGem4UsT4ib8DJyO-S-x9HHDMx3BMTtUwlrIWbFmCNhg2WNDVeMgMHRMK2jNl2zVsWYi9H2Ti_3wJc8iaeEbKtRpTEMZUlBbZzQTrb_Rys6v2ZMlZV8Y4-JjbbK/s200/Prudnikov+3.jpg" width="150" /></a>On Saturday we drove out to a nearby village to visit the
Prodnikov family. They escaped from
Crimea during the Russian takeover, leaving behind their property and many
possessions. He is a bee farmer and
generous Canadian donors have provided the family with bee hives, assistance to
purchase land and renovate a small house.
They produced 200 kilos of <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9mmyJNNH3c_yXeaXoCCOPFC_IS6ocUzwFQxSYwbw1TmIQUapvXuT3k60feCMSApX78R-pcXw3OFRAj_eUMmkYd_L2x-3LgJ-r6jU10frnS6exTS4K8t6eVTHTNLZiUuEgROfHDr-VwXf/s1600/20180324_095523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9mmyJNNH3c_yXeaXoCCOPFC_IS6ocUzwFQxSYwbw1TmIQUapvXuT3k60feCMSApX78R-pcXw3OFRAj_eUMmkYd_L2x-3LgJ-r6jU10frnS6exTS4K8t6eVTHTNLZiUuEgROfHDr-VwXf/s200/20180324_095523.jpg" width="150" /></a>honey last year from 16 newly established hives and hope to expand their
operation. They are still struggling
with finding a better market for their honey as well as for the roses they are
growing on their land. Mennonite Centre
assisted with medications for their 3-year old<br />
son who was suffering from a
severe rash and allergic reactions.<br />
He is doing much better now. Unfortunately, the financial assistance
provided by the Ukrainian government for Internally Displaced Persons is now
being clawed back, adding another challenge to a family trying to establish a
new life for themselves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZUHWpnkyNVicH8e52mh2zbr7OnKIAue-b_noZ4cF8Hd0vgenMENCISQtNhVkhbcOUii1J3YEqGqtQj7OQus_VMuKVCBerqi-xTT-8Xg3nhYBIwBQrUurmJJGRz0gkZNvjZFSEVt9t4xR/s1600/20180324_121618_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZUHWpnkyNVicH8e52mh2zbr7OnKIAue-b_noZ4cF8Hd0vgenMENCISQtNhVkhbcOUii1J3YEqGqtQj7OQus_VMuKVCBerqi-xTT-8Xg3nhYBIwBQrUurmJJGRz0gkZNvjZFSEVt9t4xR/s200/20180324_121618_HDR.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk4c_EuPnj2Id2b2t9on-yfrlADo4_9u-63rXOUwoQGdjXHvZlq77Vmb5a2CR2X4Z63gqxhWCRiaPgl0QMEKiEaGaZs39I_0wY2hOANecxgqWk7WZ9nHIdnUDrJ4P9wkCodhNe6JX9L86/s1600/20180324_122052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk4c_EuPnj2Id2b2t9on-yfrlADo4_9u-63rXOUwoQGdjXHvZlq77Vmb5a2CR2X4Z63gqxhWCRiaPgl0QMEKiEaGaZs39I_0wY2hOANecxgqWk7WZ9nHIdnUDrJ4P9wkCodhNe6JX9L86/s200/20180324_122052.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a>The next day we observed a swimming class at the
Zaporizhzhye Classical University.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
of the instructors was a former Olympic athlete who had participated in Athens
and Beijing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She, together with another
teacher, is dedicated to working with physically challenged children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mennonite Centre had provided some equipment
for use in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were interested
to observe Nikolai, a young boy who had lost both legs from the knee down and
part of one arm due to a grenade explosion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That accident had hit the news and so Olga Rubel, Mennonite Centre’s
manager in Zaporizhzhye, had gone to the hospital to inquire how we could
help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mennonite Centre paid for some of
the initial treatment in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following
that, with funding from other sources, he has received prosthesis for both legs in Canada. He loves to swim and is
progressing very well, participating in local and state competitions. Perhaps someday he will compete in the Para
Olympics!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxlM_E6aB0VHNzwd7GjwtKGK_-FpHPpH5G1KnFag97iTdrK_hzQEN9H9XGz91p64ddM_vcEQRhes9x-qLTfMzn93uLN1fHWIXkzP6bgFIOtGojSGtYw7GYohr-z3PaD3LWhKZ8UgKfbgm/s1600/Ukraine+2017+174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxlM_E6aB0VHNzwd7GjwtKGK_-FpHPpH5G1KnFag97iTdrK_hzQEN9H9XGz91p64ddM_vcEQRhes9x-qLTfMzn93uLN1fHWIXkzP6bgFIOtGojSGtYw7GYohr-z3PaD3LWhKZ8UgKfbgm/s200/Ukraine+2017+174.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3_V_lzakT_tCHRKgz632UG2L85SAvS3L9O7VJO_4Quvf2cFdXcdivoGxEXObu34un5qPPIRAIsmEjnLFVbESFUAKMrrgBJk411pVIeu_PVehrogf5xwpDOkipiSEeLU7sUdEpp3QW7lo/s1600/20180325_094649_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3_V_lzakT_tCHRKgz632UG2L85SAvS3L9O7VJO_4Quvf2cFdXcdivoGxEXObu34un5qPPIRAIsmEjnLFVbESFUAKMrrgBJk411pVIeu_PVehrogf5xwpDOkipiSEeLU7sUdEpp3QW7lo/s200/20180325_094649_HDR.jpg" width="150" /></a>We met Yuri and Natasha on Sunday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both former drug addicts, they now share the
love of God with the homeless, drug addicts, and the </div>
terminally ill. They feed about 200 people three times per
week of which Mennonite Centre covers about half the cost. Their charity: “Love without Boundaries” is appropriately
named. We have met few people who follow
Jesus’ teaching and example of love as closely as this couple!<br />
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Through our work at the Mennonite Centre we meet many people
facing various challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also get
to see people responding in helpful ways, often with the financial assistance
of agencies such as ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for
your part in meeting needs in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-26509266290902673582018-03-27T05:33:00.000-07:002018-03-27T05:33:59.387-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Blog #3<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">March 27, 2018<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INTEREST IN MENNONITE
HISTORY<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Each time we visit Ukraine, new experiences await us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time we have been overwhelmed with
requests from mayors, museum curators, students and teachers, to tell the
Mennonite story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the question
has simply been:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who are the
Mennonites?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other times they have asked
for our personal stories, how our families are connected to Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has been an exciting development for us
to experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qlLEvSWJ6LTpmMz62npb4FEg0Gnyad5M-vvaI9RXVElDySXxhAf_BhXMeSaYv1pPo_EKKUItvihxaeBPBxrfPNK6N70nL0cAIXxziQsYIV00cCp86oAZxz7md0_wZ_mW34CbKCZB-10q/s1600/DSC03533+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1600" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qlLEvSWJ6LTpmMz62npb4FEg0Gnyad5M-vvaI9RXVElDySXxhAf_BhXMeSaYv1pPo_EKKUItvihxaeBPBxrfPNK6N70nL0cAIXxziQsYIV00cCp86oAZxz7md0_wZ_mW34CbKCZB-10q/s320/DSC03533+edited.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mennonite Centre<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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On Sunday afternoon the Tokmak and Molochansk mayors, Tokmak
Museum staff and a group of about 20 students visited the Mennonite
Centre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dave gave an overview of
Mennonite history from the 1500’s until the time when our families emigrated
from Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seemed very
interested and were adding this event to a video they were entering into a
history competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The purpose of the
competition was to research the history of their particular region, and learn
about the past in the area in which they live.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shirokoye (Neuendorf)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLerIPbZ69_Fx_jcnKzgHjqZ2bJ_8ANZ5XQom1YIzzb0-SK3g3_gph2ntW3HoQa12p9vRCqZ0k_bDbwewS1FQNgMIKp1hEH1e1T91wEPrziRrcGs7pvCMq0JLaQNy96sRIG1BAbttChac/s1600/20180322_094147_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLerIPbZ69_Fx_jcnKzgHjqZ2bJ_8ANZ5XQom1YIzzb0-SK3g3_gph2ntW3HoQa12p9vRCqZ0k_bDbwewS1FQNgMIKp1hEH1e1T91wEPrziRrcGs7pvCMq0JLaQNy96sRIG1BAbttChac/s200/20180322_094147_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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We were warmly welcomed at the “Palace of Culture” in
Shirokoye<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on March 22 with the
traditional bread and salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Various
officials, school principal, and students from villages of that region were
present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we also gave the history
presentation and shared our stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were extremely pleased to hear the personal stories of two of the local women
whose grandmothers had had contact with Mennonites. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC1l_UZ14SKLAbuh4XP8nPC3zppbVinZzYyPTRjiW6081AhuDKpwifjKcBC4807agTqZkOI-iO1fDjEdWo9UOYqMA56kP0asIvbK4t3_NXwknwZiWipiMFkJrM5k-S-TLQyJ8XXhZfmWr/s1600/20180322_083909_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC1l_UZ14SKLAbuh4XP8nPC3zppbVinZzYyPTRjiW6081AhuDKpwifjKcBC4807agTqZkOI-iO1fDjEdWo9UOYqMA56kP0asIvbK4t3_NXwknwZiWipiMFkJrM5k-S-TLQyJ8XXhZfmWr/s200/20180322_083909_HDR.jpg" width="150" /></a>Olena told of her grandmother and her two children, ages 3
and 6,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> who were extremely poor. </span>She had
lost her husband and four children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were without food, trying to stay warm in a pile of straw, feet bound with
cloth because they had no shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of
desperation they came to the home of a Mennonite family, who<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>shared what little they had with them, saving
them from starvation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vMRneeqcWdkDt6IV8znBjMEnGusj8j808WDKz7-4Mn3QQTL6rBj0qiHPTrrnWjJpqpdYaLC6LOmyk3HyRebmwS90O9gZtu9oyakk7c4Y4z5MAg6feHv1jPHRHeGVkDItuJ-DxR5MoDlF/s1600/20180322_110757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vMRneeqcWdkDt6IV8znBjMEnGusj8j808WDKz7-4Mn3QQTL6rBj0qiHPTrrnWjJpqpdYaLC6LOmyk3HyRebmwS90O9gZtu9oyakk7c4Y4z5MAg6feHv1jPHRHeGVkDItuJ-DxR5MoDlF/s200/20180322_110757.jpg" width="150" /></a>A deputy, Irina, shared the story of her grandmother whose
parents were killed, leaving five children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The parents had Mennonite friends who took in her grandmother when she
became orphaned and was very ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They loved her and treated her as one of their own. She grew up in that family, learned how to prepare their traditional
foods, and was given a Singer sewing machine as a wedding gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because she had become fluent in the German
language, she was asked to interpret for the German soldiers, which helped to
save her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her ‘adopted’ brothers,
who had eventually moved to Germany, returned to visit Irina’s
grandmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a little girl, Irina
remembers receiving a doll as a gift, which she still treasures today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV93kb6nUEEiy-ioSBSjZ-mWhyNa_cUxrmGD66xNRBmf9gqqIqOsYZJ1f0IH10ezCT81JcZVpq4omOHqN7tdPKQ-e0nICxnPdZRdxH3dl7mRZDBrJvHQ2oltK0iQiYHdrUMGaKUfC0NRb/s1600/20180322_115935_HDR+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="894" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV93kb6nUEEiy-ioSBSjZ-mWhyNa_cUxrmGD66xNRBmf9gqqIqOsYZJ1f0IH10ezCT81JcZVpq4omOHqN7tdPKQ-e0nICxnPdZRdxH3dl7mRZDBrJvHQ2oltK0iQiYHdrUMGaKUfC0NRb/s200/20180322_115935_HDR+edited.jpg" width="111" /></a>Boris Letkeman, the director of the Mennonite Family Centre
in Zaporizhzhia, also shared his heart-wrenching story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boris is a Mennonite who never left Ukraine
and loves his country dearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before he
was born his father was taken from the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His mother and brothers retreated with the German soldiers to Germany,
but were sent back,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not to their former
home but to a concentration camp in Siberia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unbelievably, there they were re-united with their father after many
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was where Boris was born. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life was difficult beyond imagining!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people froze to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His father was a good mechanic and so his
life was spared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without their faith
they could not have survived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boris
encouraged the young people to trust God and love each other, saying that this
is the only way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">School # 90, Zaporizhzhia<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypTp-gO8_P80QRpyvASLfp4OMX-rUA_AfBzrIIPcohODS862u5KsLANDsjXE8OpzyHrSmNYi_gN4KdWwW3AHD1xBkGDJPD2hWnnDjUfuByPFiE_c6jaR78fs8yN0CZaiM-2oYBL4RhvAQ/s1600/20180323_140703+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypTp-gO8_P80QRpyvASLfp4OMX-rUA_AfBzrIIPcohODS862u5KsLANDsjXE8OpzyHrSmNYi_gN4KdWwW3AHD1xBkGDJPD2hWnnDjUfuByPFiE_c6jaR78fs8yN0CZaiM-2oYBL4RhvAQ/s320/20180323_140703+edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wlMglwbihZfzE3-vjyJD4J7_kzSKDvyGl2T7Sd83H1OxQu1tAKyx0FpOVhOgrl4cdzvePCTySvjzguJcI3y0pdjMOPTb5Q22ImRen51d58li_06Cy1aLoHLzf3YNgvZn0xip8Ay2NdSx/s1600/20180323_154037+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1600" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wlMglwbihZfzE3-vjyJD4J7_kzSKDvyGl2T7Sd83H1OxQu1tAKyx0FpOVhOgrl4cdzvePCTySvjzguJcI3y0pdjMOPTb5Q22ImRen51d58li_06Cy1aLoHLzf3YNgvZn0xip8Ay2NdSx/s200/20180323_154037+edited.jpg" width="200" /></a>A third event took place at School # 90.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students and teachers from 17 schools were
invited to participate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again we and
Boris L. shared our stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
students brought questions they had prepared but others approached us after the
meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They asked questions about Mennonite faith, traditional foods, what are the
requirements for church membership, where is there a Mennonite Church, etc.</div>
<br />
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Why this interest?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From what we understand the Soviet system systematically restricted information
about the minority groups that lived here prior to World War Two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The history of the Mennonite villages was not
available to the people for decades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
keen interest is developing which is being fostered at many levels. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br /></div>
Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-32618880791827263902018-03-20T05:18:00.000-07:002018-03-20T05:18:33.006-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Blog #2<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">March 20, 2018<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Education<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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One of the areas of Mennonite Centre assistance has been in
education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years the Centre has
purchased computers, classroom and sports equipment, and helped pay for various
building repairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have now had
opportunity to visit several schools and are becoming aware of significant
progressive educational reforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ClqlhHwLgCoHC0M6QusFwzPdEYs62N6dDo04NAKN9KXLbU1NasINpZP1saL_WdOy0Nfg3OWMy-d4t7vmqWf-KTjGA1sT6c3eLafOHzBpOaI17SW3nWuZM3fBT-lpnx4sE8cSh9aSm-dZ/s1600/20180314_100459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ClqlhHwLgCoHC0M6QusFwzPdEYs62N6dDo04NAKN9KXLbU1NasINpZP1saL_WdOy0Nfg3OWMy-d4t7vmqWf-KTjGA1sT6c3eLafOHzBpOaI17SW3nWuZM3fBT-lpnx4sE8cSh9aSm-dZ/s200/20180314_100459.jpg" width="200" /></a>Grade one has already been shifted to the regular schools out
of the kindergarten facilities, creating space for younger children in the
daycare facilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beginning with next year’s cohort of grade one
students, school curricula will shift from an 11 year program to a 12 year
program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with that teachers are
mandated to shift from a didactic approach to a participatory/investigative and
integrated<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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approach in classroom instruction to tweak students’ interest in learning. Many of these changes are
welcomed, particularly by younger teachers, but, not surprisingly, there is
also resistance to change. Frequently,
government mandated changes require upgrading equipment and learning resources,
but the necessary funds are not available.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rwlzlazxmHSdzUO6c3K0dUYzQM5PO4NoHDt6ATHIvkUcxvcdcmGvH2vDZdZg3Ir8ZIcgKqIuCsUyu4nqTKM0nrFmHw8ZLTyLBRi3UHNbxFcr7OOfb7gYCw4QUV44bdfA2YYLTcr1kwnh/s1600/Ukraine+2017+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rwlzlazxmHSdzUO6c3K0dUYzQM5PO4NoHDt6ATHIvkUcxvcdcmGvH2vDZdZg3Ir8ZIcgKqIuCsUyu4nqTKM0nrFmHw8ZLTyLBRi3UHNbxFcr7OOfb7gYCw4QUV44bdfA2YYLTcr1kwnh/s200/Ukraine+2017+104.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Some of the reforms also require consolidation, closing
small village schools and busing students to larger centers. Of course, this requires reducing staff and busing
is a formidable challenge on rural Ukrainian roads! While reforms are essential, they tend to
come with price tags, financial as well as emotional.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gratitude<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmHBKOQF6B8zC3nEYHJPGgd8Daicqp4TyzNKa57ewnf8TYkV3jKFmveb43J79UVijbe3XdwwBCjUKMiSAUtndughiz621IJDXEpkFgfDeh7fBFfgkYIo-FNEuHvsr2L6W8iY6v2wUChfm/s1600/20180314_142949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmHBKOQF6B8zC3nEYHJPGgd8Daicqp4TyzNKa57ewnf8TYkV3jKFmveb43J79UVijbe3XdwwBCjUKMiSAUtndughiz621IJDXEpkFgfDeh7fBFfgkYIo-FNEuHvsr2L6W8iY6v2wUChfm/s200/20180314_142949.jpg" width="150" /></a>Our days are often filled with hearing requests for
assistance and visiting proposed or completed projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frequently we are also privileged to hear expressions
of gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This individual walked
several kilometers to pick up medications that the Centre had purchased for him
and his mother and to personally express his thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We remind recipients that their gratitude
belongs to many Canadians who have contributed funds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, “spasiba bolshoi”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(a big thank you from him, and many more, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to you!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-61209215264650887892018-03-14T05:21:00.000-07:002018-03-14T05:21:42.039-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>2018<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blog # 1</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Back in Ukraine</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We are thankful for our safe arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After uneventful flights our trip to
Molochansk had some challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
potholes have grown in size and multiplied while we were away, so travel by
road is increasingly challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately one of those holes resulted in 2 left-side flat
tires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our driver replaced one with the
spare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After straightening the rim and
pumping up the second tire, we made it home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ira’s tasty borscht made us feel truly welcomed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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March 8<sup>th</sup> was International Women’s Day which
seems to have much greater importance here than back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schools and government businesses are
closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shops take advantage of the
extra shopping that people do for holiday events. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4SUBSm3zqFUqSLfl_4r7bPMA8viJMhy2cyLeS0EHB9E1JUdzgQa3Zd0DZ4RrwPP6yoCd1IJxNl082WzXUiy6F0isyCQNZPb6QfrZs6zaeVr0nIW8epMpTUtGzWdMJGELwsZAPck7JgNN/s1600/20180306_112405_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4SUBSm3zqFUqSLfl_4r7bPMA8viJMhy2cyLeS0EHB9E1JUdzgQa3Zd0DZ4RrwPP6yoCd1IJxNl082WzXUiy6F0isyCQNZPb6QfrZs6zaeVr0nIW8epMpTUtGzWdMJGELwsZAPck7JgNN/s320/20180306_112405_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Oksana was honored at a Tokmak celebration as
a female director of a charity organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>About 20 women were honored from various professions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with flowers and certificates, there
was also music from various performers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uO0D4nmxp7Wo2jq20ycGzP8LVeqQW4URcLmXIkC5VuxYvFZuKlBbB0ZHP5gTkyW1ESrxwnzMeAs8G8fPgxru9BpBL4jICIv5M5iGIgxjJRXy_GG2-y9epjUx1ovd8FUZYrQjKfbd6NPB/s1600/20180310_113958+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1600" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uO0D4nmxp7Wo2jq20ycGzP8LVeqQW4URcLmXIkC5VuxYvFZuKlBbB0ZHP5gTkyW1ESrxwnzMeAs8G8fPgxru9BpBL4jICIv5M5iGIgxjJRXy_GG2-y9epjUx1ovd8FUZYrQjKfbd6NPB/s320/20180310_113958+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
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On Saturday the local Mennonite Church had organized a
special program for women and girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tables were beautifully decorated in pastel colors, with candles and
treats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The program included games,
music, and presentations by two very capable young female leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The youth served tea, ran the sound system,
and helped with the preparations and clean-up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYjQFfGjur8VH_LkXOjhHsj0Job5dd5v1DHQcuNH-WnSbehWCpSRIsphTh86pvG8mPAtVP3ls0kFZflX402elg1goVRo18uFLjHMLYT4qzhPGKX6lWy51D51T_s48GfQb0-YRS0Xc3ugM/s1600/20180312_134238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYjQFfGjur8VH_LkXOjhHsj0Job5dd5v1DHQcuNH-WnSbehWCpSRIsphTh86pvG8mPAtVP3ls0kFZflX402elg1goVRo18uFLjHMLYT4qzhPGKX6lWy51D51T_s48GfQb0-YRS0Xc3ugM/s200/20180312_134238.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAA0uSqyJOixzQPXvpyPaIRtqw3s94MPZJbgj2uB07iyljOQEohNq4Z9IDtaUKswF3rM49XkkBOcjAHcDOXB8nleNsFLZQLMF5B1EQARUgJ2Dv3XcQD8iQXVx6_Qnz_fpgctG-A32p7mT/s1600/20180312_132737+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1487" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAA0uSqyJOixzQPXvpyPaIRtqw3s94MPZJbgj2uB07iyljOQEohNq4Z9IDtaUKswF3rM49XkkBOcjAHcDOXB8nleNsFLZQLMF5B1EQARUgJ2Dv3XcQD8iQXVx6_Qnz_fpgctG-A32p7mT/s200/20180312_132737+%25282%2529.jpg" width="185" /></a>March 12 we traveled to Melitopol to meet with Father
Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We observed the soup </div>
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kitchen in action,
serving about 80 people per day. Mennonite Centre helps fund this. He
described how his staff becomes involved with projects that utilize their particular gifts and abilities. The
cook, for example, has a real heart for single mothers, and responds to their
needs. One of the male staff is a
skilled carpenter and assists with various building projects. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyqt4CpWt7s3oL8Sygi4ZEm-7UAWYgr09HSJvjqWNIcIDVl6heXIwAlYFt6Ng89gpvMHmUR1aWCjadGseVa5F3azNQjC3TXJ6wXsTZAnCQ_pKaqVUoelF144xZJjFAFMMVI4bROaIYm7s/s1600/20180312_150022+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1571" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyqt4CpWt7s3oL8Sygi4ZEm-7UAWYgr09HSJvjqWNIcIDVl6heXIwAlYFt6Ng89gpvMHmUR1aWCjadGseVa5F3azNQjC3TXJ6wXsTZAnCQ_pKaqVUoelF144xZJjFAFMMVI4bROaIYm7s/s200/20180312_150022+%25282%2529.jpg" width="196" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZI_yd4Uy-uL8ZpzapomkvlARziq9fy15V-zScHD6otuTUf53qGeoBovOD-sxcy6dk8VmVzfA1gGjKlFZKfHCuESJ4PV-1rUwM0aLtqghOmHp_kg-4oSWZOv2J01U4XC7QAqty-rk7aQ_F/s1600/20180312_150345_HDR+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="1600" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZI_yd4Uy-uL8ZpzapomkvlARziq9fy15V-zScHD6otuTUf53qGeoBovOD-sxcy6dk8VmVzfA1gGjKlFZKfHCuESJ4PV-1rUwM0aLtqghOmHp_kg-4oSWZOv2J01U4XC7QAqty-rk7aQ_F/s200/20180312_150345_HDR+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>Father Peter was eager to share about his
dream for a neighboring</div>
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village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Six
years ago they built a </div>
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church there which is the only church in the village. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBsmXDSTxp2aK6gIP5s0MQ5q26SMOPH1hznglAqEctPVTi5n5zf4UXEJy3NJoGYAH7xX65DXCBh0U_mXELVlY-MOle74OWIzW85WwKZEbvYSIkjtYWl0tvtvA6621oD-ABwKAJecavmtq/s1600/20180312_153355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBsmXDSTxp2aK6gIP5s0MQ5q26SMOPH1hznglAqEctPVTi5n5zf4UXEJy3NJoGYAH7xX65DXCBh0U_mXELVlY-MOle74OWIzW85WwKZEbvYSIkjtYWl0tvtvA6621oD-ABwKAJecavmtq/s200/20180312_153355.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Cheap housing is available and so they have provided an apartment for a needy single mother with 4 young children. We enjoyed
seeing the children’s joyful response to Father Peter and Father Sasha when we
came for a visit. They hope to provide other homeless families with housing in the future.</div>
<br />
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
The friendship between Mennonite Centre and Father Peter continues to grow as we seek to extend God's love to others.<br />
<br /></div>
Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-17213389182910953762017-03-20T05:16:00.000-07:002017-03-20T05:16:08.267-07:00Glimpses of Ukraine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Blog #6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">March 20, 2017 </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt17j9YhofA7y0ugoMC9S8c0A54pl5L_aG8eNw1C0PBLsX7wbiNWAL4fLgjdD2QJZ-TBTfVjABjBx0L-ElrMLP4ME-8vYnlr251Jb_UyM54djedDBBOT2YpMOiubnasfUUtb5AW_xFOgE/s1600/201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt17j9YhofA7y0ugoMC9S8c0A54pl5L_aG8eNw1C0PBLsX7wbiNWAL4fLgjdD2QJZ-TBTfVjABjBx0L-ElrMLP4ME-8vYnlr251Jb_UyM54djedDBBOT2YpMOiubnasfUUtb5AW_xFOgE/s200/201.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7TRRKoQgR2H9G3sjFog6fni6z5aKs8dnlo-usmxTyLeBQH7iuTisd7bXsbhWg48sjcnjBJlnDLRYgaXzlXVkZZ_iu8hgxgB2FmpnLbMsuZgoRasB4WUWXLRYaMz0lXGvDeXFgixlyMO4/s1600/197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7TRRKoQgR2H9G3sjFog6fni6z5aKs8dnlo-usmxTyLeBQH7iuTisd7bXsbhWg48sjcnjBJlnDLRYgaXzlXVkZZ_iu8hgxgB2FmpnLbMsuZgoRasB4WUWXLRYaMz0lXGvDeXFgixlyMO4/s200/197.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The buds on the trees are bulging.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tulips are beginning to poke fresh leaves through rain-drenched
soil.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The hope of spring is in the air
as many people are raking winter debris off flower beds and garden plots.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Garden soil is being prepared for
planting.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Some onions and potatoes are
already in.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">We are sorry that we will
miss the amazing display of spring tulips and irises!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Despite these signs of hope we know that the war continues. People express uncertainty about the future,
because they know about the tragic losses of life and property that their
fellow Ukranians have experienced in the eastern war zone. Will it escalate?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpJRh3vAc9KvISkURV5oxY6Q7J54wB1GASm0bTZH9rbaAd9VqNU7dwmjvY7njF7BNiohgbdczbIlo-Pda8MgyAykL_fl5N5n-QtNWoYgYEQtJPr_SNVYN1EJ8c4_atKyVHE6e91tSI7TT/s1600/Ukraine+2017+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpJRh3vAc9KvISkURV5oxY6Q7J54wB1GASm0bTZH9rbaAd9VqNU7dwmjvY7njF7BNiohgbdczbIlo-Pda8MgyAykL_fl5N5n-QtNWoYgYEQtJPr_SNVYN1EJ8c4_atKyVHE6e91tSI7TT/s200/Ukraine+2017+107.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We had the privilege of attending a Sunday service in the Schoensee
Church, the church which the Faith and Life choir visited. It was a chilly morning because the heat was
turned off to save money, but it was obvious that the people came to worship
and pray in reverence. Many times we
heard the phrase: "Lord, have
mercy."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4Dz9kp2Igm9XazPpk428_SIIfRSnwMvGCKJPzvWMPXbYnNETNs7W7NLU_tswv7AlbTUTofK1dSVGxqhWssQcD43R7uQxI-nIoeC5NobubKsLIjv_w74oKKyChfRY4jLYXl-2KeuxLW-Q/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4Dz9kp2Igm9XazPpk428_SIIfRSnwMvGCKJPzvWMPXbYnNETNs7W7NLU_tswv7AlbTUTofK1dSVGxqhWssQcD43R7uQxI-nIoeC5NobubKsLIjv_w74oKKyChfRY4jLYXl-2KeuxLW-Q/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another occasion that reminded us of our choir tour in fall was a visit
with Tanya and Yarislav of the Zaporozhye Music College. Their warm welcome and their gratitude for
the opportunity to join the choir with violin and cello in October, was
evidence that this had been a highlight for them as well. They told us of the cutbacks that the
government is implementing in the music schools and we all lamented that too
often it is the Arts programs that are affected first. Anyone who has attended music concerts in
Ukraine can attest to the high quality of instruction and performance that
abounds here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfcxMV7sxuVLgc2q_3iSHS9NOaIvESDG6LUSLzXgmN9ADHTCO8L3zJspuTg1wVLsp-3rGOoNtRulKQV4WhsQ2XcjK7iVAfHXfvvS-5XyeIMgUehtGFVxFKrKP7dsemvRXvNeN0tKqAJK-/s1600/Ukraine+2017+146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfcxMV7sxuVLgc2q_3iSHS9NOaIvESDG6LUSLzXgmN9ADHTCO8L3zJspuTg1wVLsp-3rGOoNtRulKQV4WhsQ2XcjK7iVAfHXfvvS-5XyeIMgUehtGFVxFKrKP7dsemvRXvNeN0tKqAJK-/s200/Ukraine+2017+146.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mennonite Centre functions with a Canadian and a Ukranian board. We met with our board here last
Wednesday. Unfortunately, some were
unable to attend. The members are
pleased to be involved in an organization that seeks to assist their people. We look to them for advice and feedback.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygRGHwb7S6NqjwdfiSbHDavp8mjxpDRFw6ZlQzj556PhUmkUQu2qBs72Tp0PE4KaNCLKm_VqraiT0rAIjzBnkil5okw8amSlGRWzHBwnVTBj-xHk9xMfpRWdPq53zV_SylGG_3RTQ2m1K/s1600/Ukraine+2017+163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygRGHwb7S6NqjwdfiSbHDavp8mjxpDRFw6ZlQzj556PhUmkUQu2qBs72Tp0PE4KaNCLKm_VqraiT0rAIjzBnkil5okw8amSlGRWzHBwnVTBj-xHk9xMfpRWdPq53zV_SylGG_3RTQ2m1K/s200/Ukraine+2017+163.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Prometei, the education program that assists children with autism and
cerebral palsy, is expanding their influence.
Other schools are making inquiries.
Some of the students who entered the Prometei program at age 2 or 3 are
now being integrated into regular school programs. Observing the interactions of the staff with the students is
heartwarming to see, and parents are deeply grateful that their children are
able to develop their potential.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLmUAU5kcyzP7vEaVW44EKK5St1fpUM7SHYG8C7p_HHMWMjrurhhBQvZo1nrA74CLcRaLfVcv4smJZBH2VoyOWurhh870xDpn_8WTwLz1pYsNyQOwwxouT5gTh4T4MO56sayAwXlwzInF/s1600/Ukraine+2017+155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLmUAU5kcyzP7vEaVW44EKK5St1fpUM7SHYG8C7p_HHMWMjrurhhBQvZo1nrA74CLcRaLfVcv4smJZBH2VoyOWurhh870xDpn_8WTwLz1pYsNyQOwwxouT5gTh4T4MO56sayAwXlwzInF/s200/Ukraine+2017+155.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2rE9_7iA33Gqk2K1L7YLfUxrtQu57Rp9vhwLJR-fTTdW7qzTvNDp8dQp_kU9t0eXWrkBA36VU-iIdSFjlyG5Y1dOznnBK4XfVtvekdy3TMbaA0IPcSrmqvGUyaz-yCd-PKbDBb57XXNO/s1600/Ukraine+2017+157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2rE9_7iA33Gqk2K1L7YLfUxrtQu57Rp9vhwLJR-fTTdW7qzTvNDp8dQp_kU9t0eXWrkBA36VU-iIdSFjlyG5Y1dOznnBK4XfVtvekdy3TMbaA0IPcSrmqvGUyaz-yCd-PKbDBb57XXNO/s200/Ukraine+2017+157.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A new venture for Mennonite Centre is the gifting of start-up funds for
a business project. A refugee family
from Crimea is purchasing a village property for honey production and growing
roses. This was their livelihood in
Crimea until the invasion and they were forced to flee. We are pleased to help them become
re-established and provide a living for their family. His hopeful face expresses their gratitude
to Canadian donors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This blog will be the last one of our time in Ukraine. As always, we along with many people in
Ukraine remain grateful for the generous donations of our North American
supporters. For further information and
opportunities to contribute please refer to the Mennonite Centre website: www.mennonitecentre.ca.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-12825356577399007782017-03-08T00:23:00.000-08:002017-03-08T00:24:55.046-08:00Near the War Zone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="RU">Blog #</span><span lang="EN-US">5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Last week
we visited two villages about 60 km. from the war zone. We travelled 4 hours to get there (about 200
km). On the return our driver thought a
different road would be better, but unfortunately it took 6 hours. That added up to 10 hours of driving time for
one day, but the inspiring visit with the church leaders in this region was
worth the trip!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPu2RoQw2pjZYYAvc7VUPgtvXxMV8I8akYJEMi2nk7A88YUDcwjEroNb2e_B6pPWDBOZzzpICOTtUZQEvFrXcx1_6uDx_wRVKWpbvOhL5aUaDuK5BhBnF-02EU3Om6QP0TC-131Vy_QyW/s1600/Ukraine+2017+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPu2RoQw2pjZYYAvc7VUPgtvXxMV8I8akYJEMi2nk7A88YUDcwjEroNb2e_B6pPWDBOZzzpICOTtUZQEvFrXcx1_6uDx_wRVKWpbvOhL5aUaDuK5BhBnF-02EU3Om6QP0TC-131Vy_QyW/s200/Ukraine+2017+044.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">The pastors
of the church spend time with the soldiers at the front line, offering
counseling and friendship. They spend
the night with them and have gained their trust. More soldiers die from alcohol poisoning and
other causes than from combat. The
pastor spoke of the church being ill-prepared for the horrendous crisis facing
the people in and near the war zone.
Young men are facing life and death decisions, families are losing their
loved ones and their homes, and many people have lost their jobs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Now the
pastors tell us there is an awakening in the churches. Denomination used to be important but now they
see it as a miracle that churches across denominations are working together. People are experiencing a vibrant faith
because they see God at work. To love
God and their neighbor is the most important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0dnwtY3xoYmc2IOCgA8Qz5JEk83IUUkXeLbSV3Eso8lU20-snknWKe82dNZyZ2Grxo2qVJN5q1e5uGbGFkLYAhZXlquaW-y1vp7PTKIEF_2ZlSOSRGzB3FmMI1chcRJwJOIHZIQ6vBd8/s1600/Ukraine+2017+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0dnwtY3xoYmc2IOCgA8Qz5JEk83IUUkXeLbSV3Eso8lU20-snknWKe82dNZyZ2Grxo2qVJN5q1e5uGbGFkLYAhZXlquaW-y1vp7PTKIEF_2ZlSOSRGzB3FmMI1chcRJwJOIHZIQ6vBd8/s200/Ukraine+2017+045.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nmBdzYMxFBh1Ipx_k3z0UKtkxBzAv0pVWfi2Z_2wcKaqsyMr5b-OZwy_m2CL9WsXgtyY69LkZ6o4CGQQ4n0n128agZpTpdhxpAXUeu3bu64hyClVe9mNpLLEZicAu7Dfe369du9fHZmm/s1600/Ukraine+2017+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nmBdzYMxFBh1Ipx_k3z0UKtkxBzAv0pVWfi2Z_2wcKaqsyMr5b-OZwy_m2CL9WsXgtyY69LkZ6o4CGQQ4n0n128agZpTpdhxpAXUeu3bu64hyClVe9mNpLLEZicAu7Dfe369du9fHZmm/s200/Ukraine+2017+050.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">We saw two
fine examples of this. The church has
purchased two properties with the help of the Mennonite Centre. One home is being developed as a halfway
house for released prisoners. The men
are learning building skills as they renovate the house and are being couselled
as they adjust to living with others in the home and returning to function in
society. The other house is being
developed as a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts. There is much space for a garden, orchard,
raising animals for food, and bee hives.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFI8DXpli8HDqjsNe-PNVo2HM6XWBwKLYKcLJssbgK2U2OFMa8RFHSGIcE4GCPcn0ZutgPcm5o6XNJeQlmJyxk9wx9s9_HFELVZt-HFx33U6ib7wC1g0fRmwRXG9gPmLDlyTp6zc6ZGKxY/s1600/Ukraine+2017+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFI8DXpli8HDqjsNe-PNVo2HM6XWBwKLYKcLJssbgK2U2OFMa8RFHSGIcE4GCPcn0ZutgPcm5o6XNJeQlmJyxk9wx9s9_HFELVZt-HFx33U6ib7wC1g0fRmwRXG9gPmLDlyTp6zc6ZGKxY/s200/Ukraine+2017+063.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDCxrbt9ycu7_hAJFHuA0CjQkYpEDG3ibIBKDDBqfTboIVrakwOj5ONf0Q-IFC56TdI8HEwJiFELPqfNBRq_r9KmbE9Qi8C8O8jeEX7NtVCvcIcBQbllye0g2pDKc4niab0jN8TB4dzOn/s1600/Ukraine+2017+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDCxrbt9ycu7_hAJFHuA0CjQkYpEDG3ibIBKDDBqfTboIVrakwOj5ONf0Q-IFC56TdI8HEwJiFELPqfNBRq_r9KmbE9Qi8C8O8jeEX7NtVCvcIcBQbllye0g2pDKc4niab0jN8TB4dzOn/s200/Ukraine+2017+071.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">In the next
village we met Oksana </span>who was involved with renovations of a building that was
used for a church meeting place for about 40 people. A bakery and coffee shop was being planned
for the rest of the space. They hope to
open in April. She had her workers lined
up and ready to begin. Some of the bread would be distributed free of charge in villages affected by the war that were
suffering from lack of food and water.
We admired her strong spirit and willingness to provide hope for the
people in the area. We were all invited
to her home for a wonderful meal, together with two of the pastors. When we left her home we noticed a plaque
beside the entrance: "As for me and
my house, we will serve the Lord!"
(Joshua 24:15) </div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-24273073776595931232017-03-07T02:19:00.000-08:002017-03-07T02:19:16.778-08:00Melitopol, Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Blog #4</div>
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March 7, 2017</div>
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Melitopol, Part 2</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z8CW6bPjsPVjllSqPRf8fntLB1Ys9jaMxc7zBrIqy0oh1nvgXsoA0tMcS4JoDhZUzrqN6H1FnKbvQASFjbjcr8Pgz0pZ6HzxMmK1Ap_R6atMibQvxsGMshpIz11wuKEPC6oONFxqTQk3/s1600/Ukraine+2017+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z8CW6bPjsPVjllSqPRf8fntLB1Ys9jaMxc7zBrIqy0oh1nvgXsoA0tMcS4JoDhZUzrqN6H1FnKbvQASFjbjcr8Pgz0pZ6HzxMmK1Ap_R6atMibQvxsGMshpIz11wuKEPC6oONFxqTQk3/s200/Ukraine+2017+022.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjts5NyanbQp3JOeIlWPcAJp2RtvcdI1VR4EcR3Zio0cdgQF4vkSx3qg3pMs7k6hMC-DDiqKwma-r1C-aB7mX-5vPhh6bZe3UCfGW_oLokHVz0JZY31UkRO_RpEUXO_9tYOzLT7FiHRy7H8/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjts5NyanbQp3JOeIlWPcAJp2RtvcdI1VR4EcR3Zio0cdgQF4vkSx3qg3pMs7k6hMC-DDiqKwma-r1C-aB7mX-5vPhh6bZe3UCfGW_oLokHVz0JZY31UkRO_RpEUXO_9tYOzLT7FiHRy7H8/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></a>Father Peter, whose acquaintance we first made several years
ago in connection with the restoration of the former Schoensee Mennonite
Church, has his home base in Melitopol.
Here he serves his own parish and oversees several church plant projects
in nearby villages. In addition, he is
assisting individuals with addiction issues.
His staff serves 60 to 80
homeless people with a daily soup kitchen lunch. His infectious smile and warm personality
exude the compassion he has for his people, especially those who are dealing
with tragic circumstances. Mennonite
Centre will continue to offer financial support.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaMcj1fZJLLGu04B3CtpRNUWHoSlKxbmvHmOVSG0K5_sWvQB2RlH0ARhgeejB9NsyBJrzgHvvgsuTOOP3FZwUVuU_8Qkf4xqmu1A0ZiCOdQxquVdH1-ZNRLwIEtb-Fe8Ox2SuPjIdC7JC/s1600/Ukraine+2017+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaMcj1fZJLLGu04B3CtpRNUWHoSlKxbmvHmOVSG0K5_sWvQB2RlH0ARhgeejB9NsyBJrzgHvvgsuTOOP3FZwUVuU_8Qkf4xqmu1A0ZiCOdQxquVdH1-ZNRLwIEtb-Fe8Ox2SuPjIdC7JC/s200/Ukraine+2017+045.JPG" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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Following our visit with Father Peter in the morning of Feb.
23, we also met with Tima, a former Mennonite Centre scholarship recipient and
graduate of the Melitopol Agricultural University. Good jobs, even for good workers with a
masters degree in agronomy, are difficult to obtain in Ukraine. He would love to work on a farm in
Canada. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J8d7SGe8tp4YhhdIaN_w2m2RYCZvC3DlBab9Yu-I1tM__pw9RemNKiG6S6kgHiXO4IvucFkF-x8cQFKxo808aV3HXHJmlUuZEeQkT9gQaScA-iY4iGzSoJmz-He5Vcn3owNYelYlIHWr/s1600/Ukraine+2017+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J8d7SGe8tp4YhhdIaN_w2m2RYCZvC3DlBab9Yu-I1tM__pw9RemNKiG6S6kgHiXO4IvucFkF-x8cQFKxo808aV3HXHJmlUuZEeQkT9gQaScA-iY4iGzSoJmz-He5Vcn3owNYelYlIHWr/s200/Ukraine+2017+038.JPG" width="200" /></a>In the meantime, he would like to develop a small piece of property </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-xFDCRJ9-iyH9aMvmIWdEmtHlhAIMfAfA1ohlYT_gnHtcAsPhAG6qN-lJIiqeO17G_R7utiLfDAbMn0tcdWIwOevCw4TNcKsCk-aCj1PdUzr6iMcZWz8jYqFEP87lCUhUaw0fdAJ6dsi/s1600/Ukraine+2017+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-xFDCRJ9-iyH9aMvmIWdEmtHlhAIMfAfA1ohlYT_gnHtcAsPhAG6qN-lJIiqeO17G_R7utiLfDAbMn0tcdWIwOevCw4TNcKsCk-aCj1PdUzr6iMcZWz8jYqFEP87lCUhUaw0fdAJ6dsi/s200/Ukraine+2017+046.JPG" width="200" /></a>on the Sea of Azov that his father purchased a number
of years ago. Tima has already built a
small hostel there and has ambitions to expand his services with a small
take-out pizzeria with delivery <br />
along with a few patio tables. He is also providing taxi service with his
own vehicle.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfnIc5sYEBya7lf42w9fY4qf8NMfw3UHFvjAUIsGeRw4h3F17Y_3VqRGKeCkSnX58PzbV1XEJTOj9nJXgMbIDClVDWkjBeP3GfvrobgVbaXhXT9ouvNukT46JltA0Ls_b8w-MTQ0OriJq/s1600/Ukraine+2017+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfnIc5sYEBya7lf42w9fY4qf8NMfw3UHFvjAUIsGeRw4h3F17Y_3VqRGKeCkSnX58PzbV1XEJTOj9nJXgMbIDClVDWkjBeP3GfvrobgVbaXhXT9ouvNukT46JltA0Ls_b8w-MTQ0OriJq/s200/Ukraine+2017+053.JPG" width="200" /></a>With much more limited
access to the beaches of Crimea since Russia’s annexation in 2014, the Sea of
Azov has become a popular vacation spot. We are exploring ways to offer some start-up
assistance for him. Unfortunately, the early spring thaw softened
the yard enough for him to get stuck in the mud. A friendly neighbor with a sturdy tow-rope
came to the rescue with only a set of ruts and a dirty car to show for it in
the end! <br />
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-43769299004857000302017-03-04T07:56:00.000-08:002017-03-04T07:58:53.885-08:00Health Care<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Blog 3 2017</div>
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March 4, 2017</div>
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<b>Health Care<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4MS__LBqEJClXLnVr91RyeYAwvZ11d_DK0775tdcYJyesN7UzU175WDrLJ9FB2ABgirixLbdWqQSKewwFbMpXrf6GpxRtrAQntAKynHqDVBYZbksykqcVvDKu3lpTpTWvn4eA83O7ZSS/s1600/Ukraine+2017+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4MS__LBqEJClXLnVr91RyeYAwvZ11d_DK0775tdcYJyesN7UzU175WDrLJ9FB2ABgirixLbdWqQSKewwFbMpXrf6GpxRtrAQntAKynHqDVBYZbksykqcVvDKu3lpTpTWvn4eA83O7ZSS/s200/Ukraine+2017+029.JPG" width="200" /></a>Funding health care seems to be a universal concern. This is especially true in Ukraine where
serious injuries due to the on-going war in the Donbas region amplify existing
deficiencies. However, we were
encouraged by the efforts of staff in the Zaporizhzhia Regional Hospital, the
largest hospital in the Oblast. A ward
of the hospital was being developed that focused on spinal and head
injuries. Not only does such a ward require specialized <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp-DVA8nB1qa0aujBPy4Q4vVwy5cMIPtkr-JqBCAyy5Fa5biS6BT4jXR0RmNa-g5t8-RUc1Z-I8O-UILZqythpNEzjJTVFl7YYKiEmJ-87VTiYRVmKH0loJAIz7a8KPPQSf0P-SEnBBIe/s1600/Ukraine+2017+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp-DVA8nB1qa0aujBPy4Q4vVwy5cMIPtkr-JqBCAyy5Fa5biS6BT4jXR0RmNa-g5t8-RUc1Z-I8O-UILZqythpNEzjJTVFl7YYKiEmJ-87VTiYRVmKH0loJAIz7a8KPPQSf0P-SEnBBIe/s200/Ukraine+2017+013.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJr1PYz73Er62vxF49DDFtxhvYt2pXsHWokOldy-27Qtmiz0WTfMKfaa3yQkvgWJ0xysg8VvZ5cdizUS_ClZVL0uG2pAk0j3DqjUVhb8hT63mnc5JPtcUEmBESSE0I0Cgc9fFXw04-1t2/s1600/Ukraine+2017+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJr1PYz73Er62vxF49DDFtxhvYt2pXsHWokOldy-27Qtmiz0WTfMKfaa3yQkvgWJ0xysg8VvZ5cdizUS_ClZVL0uG2pAk0j3DqjUVhb8hT63mnc5JPtcUEmBESSE0I0Cgc9fFXw04-1t2/s200/Ukraine+2017+018.JPG" width="150" /></a> equipment, it also necessitates major renovations to
accommodate wheelchair access into patient rooms and washrooms along with improved
treatment and physiotherapy facilities. As seems to be typical of many public
buildings here, floors between rooms are not always at the same level and
typical narrow doorways will often have a 2-5 cm threshold. Some modifications are underway. In the
meantime, of course, they continue treating patients in the best way they are
able.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbRVymFmUNtoWqQbakPIwc8nNqn5gy5fHSHiV_2tTygRICq97_FA5oiTxgfx94BMKU3_4c-ZhIrOITMyZWrzzG1o7y0Y6MV5uoSzztUvwixDgLlfCDnvOKWH2fk2ximgG6BzLB4biu_Vz/s1600/friendly+to+youth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbRVymFmUNtoWqQbakPIwc8nNqn5gy5fHSHiV_2tTygRICq97_FA5oiTxgfx94BMKU3_4c-ZhIrOITMyZWrzzG1o7y0Y6MV5uoSzztUvwixDgLlfCDnvOKWH2fk2ximgG6BzLB4biu_Vz/s200/friendly+to+youth.jpg" width="149" /></a>A second facility we visited in Zaporizhzhia together with
Dr. Art Friesen was a clinic called Friendly to Youth. This clinic is affiliated with the local
Children’s hospital, which, as its title suggests, focuses on diagnostic and
prevention efforts in areas such as sexually transmitted diseases and addictions
among young people. The HIV AIDS
epidemic in Ukraine is one of the fastest growing in the world, the highest
rate in all of Europe, and is the 3<sup>rd</sup> top cause of death in
Ukraine. Such statistics make for a
daunting task for this clinic and its four satellite clinics in the southern
part of the oblast. The Mennonite Centre
continues to provide some assistance, primarily in the form of diagnostic
materials. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTph4ZFYe8mvzPD2c6Kk68Emi-xAWTyJj8UlHs2KZBf_DyK8cQx8dWabfzTQG6h_QdYLyqFPQ1NDN_8vJt_JUhAD6M_pc0YLlzqQH0wMK1IGfssm2cTCTGTSuXewi4iJoz5S82lDdRhiX/s1600/DSC02662+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTph4ZFYe8mvzPD2c6Kk68Emi-xAWTyJj8UlHs2KZBf_DyK8cQx8dWabfzTQG6h_QdYLyqFPQ1NDN_8vJt_JUhAD6M_pc0YLlzqQH0wMK1IGfssm2cTCTGTSuXewi4iJoz5S82lDdRhiX/s200/DSC02662+%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a>In the more rural areas such as Tokmak and Molochansk, the
need for current, functional equipment is critical. According to the WHO 2015 statistics, the
life expectancy for males in Ukraine is 66 years and for females it is 76 years
compared to 80 and 84 years respectively in Canada. We met with the chief doctors of the Tokmak,
Molochansk hospitals and the Molochansk Psychiatric hospital. We
heard the frustration of these people trying to cope in a country with depleted
budgets, still fraught with corruption at many levels and struggling with a costly
war in its eastern provinces. The
medical staff face massive, expensive challenges in delivering adequate health care.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4xjCWVrrGw2s65t1nAv5AJ-CMMsgEzCTuzDkROovNYlUBh5xEg0BwgM1_cfDpFU_wZ9VfgoYwvw4CLKP56NnJKvtj40eRwGMHEtfk1cGCjbaPVcExPgFi0LY_-1VcKrXxtHs3WCqwr3V/s1600/Ukraine+2017+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4xjCWVrrGw2s65t1nAv5AJ-CMMsgEzCTuzDkROovNYlUBh5xEg0BwgM1_cfDpFU_wZ9VfgoYwvw4CLKP56NnJKvtj40eRwGMHEtfk1cGCjbaPVcExPgFi0LY_-1VcKrXxtHs3WCqwr3V/s200/Ukraine+2017+001.JPG" width="200" /></a>Despite this, people are being helped. Viktor & Valentina invited us for a meal
in their home in order to express their
thanks for the help Mennonite Centre provided for his hip replacement
surgery. He was still recovering from
the surgery but was thankful that his pain was gone.</div>
</div>
Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-60499093451721732052017-02-24T23:52:00.000-08:002017-02-24T23:52:47.578-08:00Melitopol<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Blog 2, February 2017</div>
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Melitopol is a cosmopolitan city located just 150 km. north
of the Crimean border and about 60 km south of Molochansk. Its current population is about 140,000
representing close to 100 different nationalities and ethnic groups. In the last few years the city has absorbed
some 7000 internally displaced persons, mainly from the war-torn Donbas
region. And yet, in the last 200 years
there have been few serious incidents of ethnic or racial tension. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KLqIcY8GSZEXIF0d5G-Gyte_c6_LnHEOdhM2kJTwuI7-9dI838eGZIqPdfG2VoCb1DyGWtVddknsKRacyAsskdScC0CgCNm7UzhxbC8fcEJ2yYMJltYcu6cMqreaDgG3EBUpKBVfT-j0/s1600/Ukraine+2017+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KLqIcY8GSZEXIF0d5G-Gyte_c6_LnHEOdhM2kJTwuI7-9dI838eGZIqPdfG2VoCb1DyGWtVddknsKRacyAsskdScC0CgCNm7UzhxbC8fcEJ2yYMJltYcu6cMqreaDgG3EBUpKBVfT-j0/s200/Ukraine+2017+032.JPG" width="200" /></a>On February 16 we spent a day meeting with several
individuals. Mihail Britsin, pastor of
the Church of Grace has had previous contacts with the Mennonite Centre, including
the recent 15<sup>th</sup> anniversary celebrations in October. The congregation has been in existence for more
than 100 years, even throughout the difficult Stalin era when it functioned
underground. Today the church has 650
members and is active in collaborating with other church groups and social
agencies in providing assistance for the refugees. He sees Canada and Canadians as being in a
unique position to offer constructive assistance to Ukraine by modelling sound
democratic principles and practices. The
congregation would welcome more collaborative initiatives with Canadian
churches and colleges in projects like teaching English or running summer
camping programs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmvdcM4lV80-Z13uBFOpagUTtV0ldjv8sm8w8HK6DAXu6sHxk4qYKn9iJ1XhOYQa4wR4TuVSYeTMx7reWWSnDfqdXLE9XW3zGJTlmXYxreQH3r4qEp-Gq9OUFhecH-aW5WZ68fo8ameSa/s1600/Svetlana+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmvdcM4lV80-Z13uBFOpagUTtV0ldjv8sm8w8HK6DAXu6sHxk4qYKn9iJ1XhOYQa4wR4TuVSYeTMx7reWWSnDfqdXLE9XW3zGJTlmXYxreQH3r4qEp-Gq9OUFhecH-aW5WZ68fo8ameSa/s200/Svetlana+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Over lunch we met with Svetlana, a music instructor at the
Melitopol Pedagogical University. She is
currently working on a dissertation on the development of music, especially
choral singing among the Mennonites in Russia (Ukraine) during the late 19<sup>th</sup>
and early 20<sup>th</sup> centuries.
Perhaps someone could recommend some resources she could access in the
Russian language, preferably on line. </div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX8btPjcwT0flOS_hR1rIuudIlc7VCV7M9yzJLP3ZmkP4Gv2P6eTAM9YgwIf6sAUYK7J2VDbRHtcgj0PYLMRVjCrN7eVRL9d6RpbHPJ1MN1ZPn4vrMr_xvORQah5YDFkd__Ge3cqE-uKi/s1600/Viktor+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX8btPjcwT0flOS_hR1rIuudIlc7VCV7M9yzJLP3ZmkP4Gv2P6eTAM9YgwIf6sAUYK7J2VDbRHtcgj0PYLMRVjCrN7eVRL9d6RpbHPJ1MN1ZPn4vrMr_xvORQah5YDFkd__Ge3cqE-uKi/s200/Viktor+3.jpg" width="200" /></a>Our day ended with a visit with Viktor, a retired German
professor from the Melitopol Pedagogical University. We first met him eleven years ago on our
first trip to Ukraine. Since then he has
been eager to meet with us at the Mennonite Centre every time we come. This time, since we were already in
Melitopol, he invited us to his tiny one-bedroom apartment, filled with
overflowing bookshelves. Most books, of
course, were in Russian and Ukrainian, but also some in German and
English. Writings by authors like
Charles Dickens, Jack London, and Shakespeare are</div>
part of his library. He particularly enjoys looking for pithy
sayings or proverbs from various genres of literature. Viktor is of Orthodox background and we have enjoyed
discussions about various topics concerning religion and the centrality of the
Christian faith. Being late in the
afternoon already, he refused to let us leave before sharing a bowl of borscht
with us at a nearby restaurant. <br />
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While much of our time in Ukraine is spent on the more
practical aspects of various projects of the Mennonite Centre, days like this
provide stimulating connections and interactions on a different level. </div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-46598776998332206352017-02-14T03:11:00.000-08:002017-02-14T03:11:14.204-08:00Winter in Molochansk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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2017, Blog 1</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mPi4ORxlMeq-V2SR7JsiRK07Mxm-XQBKsnwe8UZX9_xTpqBdp-g3171yXi9wAo3rYCCiy90bgpkS4xKP1UNmHVkDAY85mwHT3JSfH24_mm9a4ctmYv1qpuZqhD_rQPrIrxWGbyFeAbBu/s1600/Ukraine+2017+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mPi4ORxlMeq-V2SR7JsiRK07Mxm-XQBKsnwe8UZX9_xTpqBdp-g3171yXi9wAo3rYCCiy90bgpkS4xKP1UNmHVkDAY85mwHT3JSfH24_mm9a4ctmYv1qpuZqhD_rQPrIrxWGbyFeAbBu/s320/Ukraine+2017+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mennonite Centre funds numerous projects in local
institutions, including the Tokmak Music and Dance School. As a result we became the fortunate
recipients of invitations to their student recital. On Saturday we witnessed a variety of dance
teams, from</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyYJf62hJzYaP4lOw_yX_1xDnEM8xDupnPMjhX0IV63tQ26IAIuhxc9FtBDY0FSXkTrzqmW1aEK_8sHu_lC4fpSK7VaAZKGRubenN_ABDvVizFnBryZRnkyPZX3OZLORMThiVQ5aU9ZHh/s1600/Ukraine+2017+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyYJf62hJzYaP4lOw_yX_1xDnEM8xDupnPMjhX0IV63tQ26IAIuhxc9FtBDY0FSXkTrzqmW1aEK_8sHu_lC4fpSK7VaAZKGRubenN_ABDvVizFnBryZRnkyPZX3OZLORMThiVQ5aU9ZHh/s200/Ukraine+2017+014.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1kx5kt5jFfB5eSUzwEvvMYOtQjNAI9prwR6tUoWglg1kX1-RB0Czegm7r_w0WSlZdiT7JOFQRRoZjMeefhLbwb3Y247E__X3TylrlcJozI0uGUCO3xOPvmpkJxzeNhRsYqp6kubwORq9/s1600/Ukraine+2017+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1kx5kt5jFfB5eSUzwEvvMYOtQjNAI9prwR6tUoWglg1kX1-RB0Czegm7r_w0WSlZdiT7JOFQRRoZjMeefhLbwb3Y247E__X3TylrlcJozI0uGUCO3xOPvmpkJxzeNhRsYqp6kubwORq9/s200/Ukraine+2017+018.JPG" width="200" /></a>children aged 6 to young adults, performing in the Tokmak Palace of
Culture. Although the auditorium
remained cool enough for us to keep on our parkas throughout the performances,
the colorful pageantry and skillful choreography were delightful. <br />
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Perhaps the “charming” award for the afternoon would go to little Masha, singing a solo. She is the 4-year
old daughter of music school director, Sergei & Irina Lokotkov. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAWPmG_Nop-f3R74JAgLPfoGZ1Xnh8XlsTUajYWxAug5In2m-vzB7zno0U998-wlywafrJzDj9CNAM-UrHhratTYWJkNUq31VR6NyhFik11sunsBds_RegV49-tlKpLAr-yLmPErNlBtx/s1600/child+dedication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAWPmG_Nop-f3R74JAgLPfoGZ1Xnh8XlsTUajYWxAug5In2m-vzB7zno0U998-wlywafrJzDj9CNAM-UrHhratTYWJkNUq31VR6NyhFik11sunsBds_RegV49-tlKpLAr-yLmPErNlBtx/s200/child+dedication.jpg" width="200" /></a>On Sunday in the Molochansk church we witnessed the child
dedication of Sonya, Olga Simeonovna’s great-granddaughter. Olya,</div>
Sonya’s mother, has grown up in the
church and has been active in church programs until her studies and marriage
took her to Melitopol where she and her husband currently reside. <br />
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Monday started off with a visit to the Sanatorium
School and its director, Lydia. She has
worked at this school for 50 years. The
students treat her like a grandmother.
We were pleased to inform her that another donation from the Calgary
Menno Simons Christian School was available.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUD4xjkA14fKHKHzz1ksG_SgxPKPKgXDf9L5_j36zM_wDLMHPZCI72Ccej9VTDcmYxkwFHKPQTWwjj1YLTk0FjF_oT1Yokne9DGPIWN4qRZed9N9FUTfus7v1uJ2jffo5uFIuehqLivqnb/s1600/Ukraine+2017+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUD4xjkA14fKHKHzz1ksG_SgxPKPKgXDf9L5_j36zM_wDLMHPZCI72Ccej9VTDcmYxkwFHKPQTWwjj1YLTk0FjF_oT1Yokne9DGPIWN4qRZed9N9FUTfus7v1uJ2jffo5uFIuehqLivqnb/s200/Ukraine+2017+030.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXudzLkJwe5IUOF9g85RMIU-N2XDdJh3JLs7BE6ry758hVGQEOyU6TqITyBtnD7q3t-tpXDhWIE-BvlIbeJLuT6mGY7Oqih9XZjmhicbNdq-nHg7Qe2ET7UIBduywQRuo4qsHgrqe65qm/s1600/Ukraine+2017+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXudzLkJwe5IUOF9g85RMIU-N2XDdJh3JLs7BE6ry758hVGQEOyU6TqITyBtnD7q3t-tpXDhWIE-BvlIbeJLuT6mGY7Oqih9XZjmhicbNdq-nHg7Qe2ET7UIBduywQRuo4qsHgrqe65qm/s200/Ukraine+2017+028.JPG" width="200" /></a>She was grateful for the sports equipment and the new windows that had
been installed on the second floor, keeping the classrooms warm for the 101
students that are currently in attendance.
Typically students from age 6 to 17 stay at the school for a month at a
time receiving various medical treatments and therapies while continuing with their schoolwork.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JOsUB2m4WflCf5dxMNawj2oR5WmOpMfNDWKt6b0DYRSiYnpbMbBmZ0F3Fw8ZZSN9wkMUZDHZP_OXOqzQcWGJ_mpreS_aiLDgIgJazdMy3LgFo-AO68WllZRrfbGbgpYo1HrsNS7lEDvD/s1600/Ukraine+2017+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JOsUB2m4WflCf5dxMNawj2oR5WmOpMfNDWKt6b0DYRSiYnpbMbBmZ0F3Fw8ZZSN9wkMUZDHZP_OXOqzQcWGJ_mpreS_aiLDgIgJazdMy3LgFo-AO68WllZRrfbGbgpYo1HrsNS7lEDvD/s200/Ukraine+2017+032.JPG" width="200" /></a>In the afternoon we attended the funeral of Valya Kavun age
54 who died of colon cancer. Valya was
formerly employed by the Mennonite Centre to prepare meals for patients in the
Respite Centre at the Molochansk hospital. Funerals are conducted on the
yard of the deceased person followed by the long walking procession to the
cemetery. In sub-zero temperatures like
today an outdoor event like this becomes uncomfortable. </div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-40876742289516506372016-02-26T04:35:00.000-08:002016-02-26T04:35:05.630-08:00Dear Ukraine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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February 26, 2016</div>
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<b>"Dear Ukraine"<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Our time in Ukraine has come to an end again. Always, there is more to be done, and
thankfully the staff at the Mennonite Centre carry on after the Canadians have
left.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gE0z94s52D2zSF2H5G4Lok2ERE7eKE999-fEn-gfsnOpHdeHK1qQnM0de3vI5qv5hAm3hu8qlbKNLWr9wMSzqMADXZqA_H6PGT7znQAZPa54RqmiISuK2wik4CKsfjcpV24dUC1KQTr6/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gE0z94s52D2zSF2H5G4Lok2ERE7eKE999-fEn-gfsnOpHdeHK1qQnM0de3vI5qv5hAm3hu8qlbKNLWr9wMSzqMADXZqA_H6PGT7znQAZPa54RqmiISuK2wik4CKsfjcpV24dUC1KQTr6/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We were given this bead-work framed map of Ukraine with the
caption “Dear Ukraine”. </div>
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“Dear” for the people who gave this to us, who struggle to
create a successful and meaningful life in a country that is challenged by
political uncertainties, high unemployment and inflation – people who know this
place as their homeland.</div>
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“Dear” for our ancestors who left this country reluctantly
and who often reminisced of a thriving and enjoyable family, church, and
community life.</div>
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“Dear” for us who have now formed significant friendships
through the ongoing work of the Mennonite Centre. Please remember Ukraine in your thoughts,
prayers and with your financial donations to the Mennonite Centre. Contact information can be found at: www.mennonitecentre.ca </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G2lf_L_l63RTvibfQerCm91KFOIKNkb0S3-tbuzskmo4taE3DURH7tTT6erjmO8oU5TVTYTt8xgWOEoOjY2nVQGJDe4ykQVR9FGx6Ubgj_tT5N2AwV2E73ZayS_3UvTW1Le3xb61TvON/s1600/Centre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G2lf_L_l63RTvibfQerCm91KFOIKNkb0S3-tbuzskmo4taE3DURH7tTT6erjmO8oU5TVTYTt8xgWOEoOjY2nVQGJDe4ykQVR9FGx6Ubgj_tT5N2AwV2E73ZayS_3UvTW1Le3xb61TvON/s640/Centre.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-73844538336625103422016-02-22T00:26:00.000-08:002016-02-22T00:26:06.194-08:00A Week at the Mennonite Centre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Blog #5</div>
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<b>A Week at the Mennonite
Centre<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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We are often asked what we do when we are in Ukraine. Sometimes it is difficult to describe, so
perhaps giving you glimpses into this past week will help.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOSEDef8d82VJ6NlqHM-rOmoO_JNjS2i29eEZS6RrAWbT7B3MQBtuutwN9L9RHS1qLqBeDTbDJ15cj8cae1NeLZTEkSyK4jotfeDIAyDXuQG0EoeKE0W74gzTsh9bbJ08f5679SfZnwSc/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOSEDef8d82VJ6NlqHM-rOmoO_JNjS2i29eEZS6RrAWbT7B3MQBtuutwN9L9RHS1qLqBeDTbDJ15cj8cae1NeLZTEkSyK4jotfeDIAyDXuQG0EoeKE0W74gzTsh9bbJ08f5679SfZnwSc/s200/023.JPG" width="200" /></a>We began with visiting the 2 Kindergarten schools in the
village. (Kindergarten here is Day Care,
Pre-school, and Kindergarten, all present in the same building) These are such enjoyable visits to make
because we see colourful, tidy classrooms filled with beautiful children,
performing songs, short dances,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe5EXpNH6BsjEyHZ4K0DhqrQRc1tXeTT5Rq6vs9qE3tziLM9KugBoe4lXhG4mvSBTm1EIoH5bx06oLdsWFnSMzG6nUW5Otw8wx6I06x8ksirP6mqIe_FJDpr3e5UdehvroCtqEzWdybo5/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe5EXpNH6BsjEyHZ4K0DhqrQRc1tXeTT5Rq6vs9qE3tziLM9KugBoe4lXhG4mvSBTm1EIoH5bx06oLdsWFnSMzG6nUW5Otw8wx6I06x8ksirP6mqIe_FJDpr3e5UdehvroCtqEzWdybo5/s200/045.JPG" width="200" /></a>and looking very angelic as they sleep peacefully in a room
filled with more than 20 children!
Mennonite Centre has done many and various projects in these schools.</div>
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When we returned to the Centre we were met by 2 people from
Svetlodolinsk historical committee asking for assistance to erect a memorial
honoring the 2 brothers, Johann and Jacob Wall, founders of the railroad built in
that area. They would also mount a photo
of that familiar scene where Mennonites are boarding the train to leave for
Canada.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1CmS2-TseFzOcJkRYKh2Y7KosHQOIAC3RBThlkhTPffnyDvRBRsLPLUah7bubqsyiBC8-mLhhujljeG3CtvrIiww-Ku6Cm4dKdvoqIEfeOwg1MlPypC1Vp_drWqVf2D4RZ9HBKWF4c29/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1CmS2-TseFzOcJkRYKh2Y7KosHQOIAC3RBThlkhTPffnyDvRBRsLPLUah7bubqsyiBC8-mLhhujljeG3CtvrIiww-Ku6Cm4dKdvoqIEfeOwg1MlPypC1Vp_drWqVf2D4RZ9HBKWF4c29/s200/006.JPG" width="200" /></a>The next day we visited the Ukrainian School who had
assigned one of their Gr. 11 students to interpret for us. It was a delight to meet this young man who was
brave enough to try out his English skills.
We were given a tour of many classrooms filled with students, and
proudly introduced to some who have won competitions in Math, debating,
Karate,etc. Photos mounted in the
hallway indicate the help these students have given to Ukranian soldiers, one
project being the making of 5000 perogies to provide food!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaCIQwGzlFXIJUbLJy_c4YM9Le3o8AJNwSW_oBAMoxsBjEd6onhAfssmQHQKUmOlSAN0YCAD28En9IOKBoec7vYNNxjuwOCln5Fp3QAPv8ixGIpau2sJzOQLdA9UYcW1dNGuglpuhVUdI/s1600/DSC00252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaCIQwGzlFXIJUbLJy_c4YM9Le3o8AJNwSW_oBAMoxsBjEd6onhAfssmQHQKUmOlSAN0YCAD28En9IOKBoec7vYNNxjuwOCln5Fp3QAPv8ixGIpau2sJzOQLdA9UYcW1dNGuglpuhVUdI/s200/DSC00252.JPG" width="200" /></a>Oksana, Ira, and I spent the next day delivering food
packages to housebound seniors or physically challenged people. These are among the most needy. Several years ago we met Igor, bedridden all
his life, unable to speak, being cared for by his 72 year-old mother. He is now 27 years old, a complete cripple,
barely able to eat because of his twisted body.
The mother was so pleased to see us, warmly welcomed us into her home,
and shared her concerns for her son. In
the past we have provided a bed, a spinner washer, and various supplies.</div>
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In the next home we met another mother, caring for her 42
year-old son suffering from burns to over half of his body because of a marital
dispute. These two people are now alone,
trying to cope with the rising costs of food, medication, and heating
costs. We hope to help with medications.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf70mmDYE9rK81C6QnRAbjArHHWpO5Ht92uLbwmgS7atkJT5RLrOtDhqGuQihRPY7pNTcVq1SJxBHqxhLSTnP0jVaFR5Ja8P-briwzWrmQ3fPXH5JyStNZPUeU7c7tcZGosPDstWVJefbT/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf70mmDYE9rK81C6QnRAbjArHHWpO5Ht92uLbwmgS7atkJT5RLrOtDhqGuQihRPY7pNTcVq1SJxBHqxhLSTnP0jVaFR5Ja8P-briwzWrmQ3fPXH5JyStNZPUeU7c7tcZGosPDstWVJefbT/s200/018.JPG" width="200" /></a>Stephania, only 60 years old, suffering from horrific
hernias, shared her difficulties with us.
She has a diagnosis from a doctor but has no idea how she can get to a
hospital in Zaporozhzhiya from her small village. She is overcome with emotion when given the
food package. We hope to provide
assistance for her surgery.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHmX4EOEzsIVmJKSDyb1u6dcZUuHJMDbN0KGKANuOaunlUsLXqP_uR8kYWUPKx96N644s9qLMVaBGwdIpknUxTvCgVimixfJ3n_0C9tn32OMUgXgPqApWyeDLzKiqNUbOz0jcQTbb5wAW/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHmX4EOEzsIVmJKSDyb1u6dcZUuHJMDbN0KGKANuOaunlUsLXqP_uR8kYWUPKx96N644s9qLMVaBGwdIpknUxTvCgVimixfJ3n_0C9tn32OMUgXgPqApWyeDLzKiqNUbOz0jcQTbb5wAW/s200/030.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV3wa0SSWrRqy9WTscV4qvorF-UaeBM1HZqoep-krR83MQqmBOjzIjjYplvNBbJRcKtxXVTAXPKaPzGkr4SlYbVy2tJW9Cfzn2z85ubO-n8rj6LM8H9SW_edZPIp0kOXlybOwtCdGv-j0/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV3wa0SSWrRqy9WTscV4qvorF-UaeBM1HZqoep-krR83MQqmBOjzIjjYplvNBbJRcKtxXVTAXPKaPzGkr4SlYbVy2tJW9Cfzn2z85ubO-n8rj6LM8H9SW_edZPIp0kOXlybOwtCdGv-j0/s200/027.JPG" width="200" /></a>On Thursday Dave and I were invited to the English class in
the Russian school, to share a bit about our historical connection to Ukraine, and
to describe Canadian life as our family experiences it. We presented a power point and invited
questions. A few students were brave
enough to ask questions, but many are too shy. We enjoyed meeting these youth and were also given a tour of the school
and their museum.</div>
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Tokmak Health Centre including a cardiograph, holter monitor and computer. We were invited back to the hospital and met
3 of the doctors, who expressed their sincere gratitude.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JVYlD4jZIKTJr95m2eK6qxY_Yq42vTcJlkKqfX_G7nFL1Zl6_h0SHJIiqrBtue34gpor05fbCffw-94IWXE6ckIKFIJ-6nNUXafItQmBINrXACSlvglGfmTMqaOKdAMJyZoRS9ffOiyy/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JVYlD4jZIKTJr95m2eK6qxY_Yq42vTcJlkKqfX_G7nFL1Zl6_h0SHJIiqrBtue34gpor05fbCffw-94IWXE6ckIKFIJ-6nNUXafItQmBINrXACSlvglGfmTMqaOKdAMJyZoRS9ffOiyy/s200/056.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkPV0Ep7AI7ETlFwmAzSIj9QqOJBDO3Qsc7qn7omhb4Gvdc0P8jJPxFZDc7nz5mIfrDzEmGl5COiP0K-Wg24JrPmMNzS8uxVeQZH8LO8kbuljSjek5CaA4XxPwnyGuWLchsMwE_4vwhWI/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkPV0Ep7AI7ETlFwmAzSIj9QqOJBDO3Qsc7qn7omhb4Gvdc0P8jJPxFZDc7nz5mIfrDzEmGl5COiP0K-Wg24JrPmMNzS8uxVeQZH8LO8kbuljSjek5CaA4XxPwnyGuWLchsMwE_4vwhWI/s200/064.JPG" width="200" /></a> Sergei Lokotkov,
director of the Tokmak Music School, invited us to a student recital to
celebrate the music of Mozart. Piano,
violin, flute, saxophone and vocal music, even a few “period costumes”, were a
delightful way to complete our day. One
of the pianos used was donated in honor of Linda Stobbe.</div>
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received a visit from a soccer coach and a local deputy describing their dream
of improving the “stadium”, a community soccer field and track in Molochansk. They want to provide a place for healthy
activity for youth and a place for the community to gather.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfK3y4wxmhZvkAnn3jDqSX3gDppVPZgvHPZgB1uPxGNBH97FyTd773yr3J_sypsFX4kq6sspDl_po9Yv1YvWbw9lUiTeXf_d7YInR1evx8IUFmWdfJe384j07r1HtaBo3tV6lpUjyCxPGv/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfK3y4wxmhZvkAnn3jDqSX3gDppVPZgvHPZgB1uPxGNBH97FyTd773yr3J_sypsFX4kq6sspDl_po9Yv1YvWbw9lUiTeXf_d7YInR1evx8IUFmWdfJe384j07r1HtaBo3tV6lpUjyCxPGv/s200/011.JPG" width="200" /></a>In the afternoon we met with the Ukranian board of the
Mennonite Centre, reviewed the projects of 2015, shared concerns and ideas for
the future, and enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Ira. We heard words of gratitude for the
assistance received from the Mennonite Centre.
We reminded them that we are only representatives of the many generous
and caring Canadians they don’t see: you, our donors! </div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-6959807584108714132016-02-15T05:57:00.000-08:002016-02-15T05:57:26.279-08:00Living in Hope<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Living in Hope<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Having met
many different people in various situations in the past few weeks, we
repeatedly encounter individuals who rise above circumstances, giving of
themselves to make life better for the people around them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVYeqy8SNe-rry3U98LIRureG5OkwKLq6pgKkItJ1sIIlWHh5fFyf1xlpDD49U5L1y0KIwGG5_lVipF4wIHcEHA2VVQOY1jaQaMQ_yAmyxP2fiaW34LuiN2s1GInPgni5wUX443aFo6-j/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVYeqy8SNe-rry3U98LIRureG5OkwKLq6pgKkItJ1sIIlWHh5fFyf1xlpDD49U5L1y0KIwGG5_lVipF4wIHcEHA2VVQOY1jaQaMQ_yAmyxP2fiaW34LuiN2s1GInPgni5wUX443aFo6-j/s320/062.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Just last
week we had the privilege of meeting Ina and Vlodya, a middle-aged couple who
have opened their home and their hearts to four orphaned siblings. Initially they planned to adopt a young girl from
the orphanage. They discovered she had
three siblings, one of whom was still in a hospital in eastern Ukraine. After several trips to the hospital, they
managed to secure permission for him to come to Zaporizhzhia and then proceeded
to adopt all four siblings. With the
financial support from Mennonite Centre they are now renovating their home to
accommodate their large family. Their
love and compassion for these children, who had experienced the death of both
their parents, was evident. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJPXi36Imd_SgrryRJs9NXAjYlJfSLVzXfj6NVKLuxXUzRB2_Za36RbDaY46_irc-7iJKWF9jcXIzmLJSSjUT7eQnLzCu-HkoTbKBaDwxtbYdarvDPHn12Qh1qBaerlZvqwJEFPOuDjn_/s1600/143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJPXi36Imd_SgrryRJs9NXAjYlJfSLVzXfj6NVKLuxXUzRB2_Za36RbDaY46_irc-7iJKWF9jcXIzmLJSSjUT7eQnLzCu-HkoTbKBaDwxtbYdarvDPHn12Qh1qBaerlZvqwJEFPOuDjn_/s200/143.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Another
couple in Zaporozhzhia has also opened their home to others in need, but in a
very different way. They were former
addicts, but have left that lifestyle behind, having experienced the love of
God. Every Friday evening they welcome others
into their small apartment living room.
They enjoy a time of singing, sharing, and eating together, providing
encouragement for one another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7mL7xIMwmPxMyM51IT3GuEg78a5IXP88gvTcEJn749XTcXmdgIRRdQXhFh-PPGo-wLmodi6j8nnziAqaEDXQf3HWaC0INjeCl5667zdE0z15JjrDQnvuuHgSPA05kaA6o9AKJS7ST_FG/s1600/Ukraine+2013+144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7mL7xIMwmPxMyM51IT3GuEg78a5IXP88gvTcEJn749XTcXmdgIRRdQXhFh-PPGo-wLmodi6j8nnziAqaEDXQf3HWaC0INjeCl5667zdE0z15JjrDQnvuuHgSPA05kaA6o9AKJS7ST_FG/s200/Ukraine+2013+144.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq7bpd-GeRkwgKUB_PKQapDQFZ-xlantK-W1xhmjeRNV92qjptbdcr0-2cSrV5xImmN6Z-kXmxFZkA17pK148jWQnPG0x5MBBIg2zpPHt25vBxTBoeiZrdZBqaVGNEHPMi_qO61NI2cou/s1600/February+2015+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq7bpd-GeRkwgKUB_PKQapDQFZ-xlantK-W1xhmjeRNV92qjptbdcr0-2cSrV5xImmN6Z-kXmxFZkA17pK148jWQnPG0x5MBBIg2zpPHt25vBxTBoeiZrdZBqaVGNEHPMi_qO61NI2cou/s200/February+2015+056.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Sergei Lokotkov, director of the Tokmak Music
School, was summoned to report for military service. When he reported, however, he was told that
he was not needed at this time. We were
so thankful to hear that, because he directs a music school of 270 students, conducts
the choral group Rhapsody, and has frequently provided free concerts at various
community events for seniors, church groups, women’s day celebrations, etc. With so much stress in this country because
of the threat of war, challenging political and economic conditions, the power
of music is undeniable. He generously
shares his musical talents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AXesd2b_ThEn9XtB_qpKbwsUu9qDyV_m3jxelnBEyzvMr0FS7VnDxMPQki-ACWyVekAS5D2RiCx8-BEbBWcBgyDHf9PwbxhzVBXqO7Z7jAB8t-McDv3zPrpkPlDeGM6tuhKo0nvhgSFp/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AXesd2b_ThEn9XtB_qpKbwsUu9qDyV_m3jxelnBEyzvMr0FS7VnDxMPQki-ACWyVekAS5D2RiCx8-BEbBWcBgyDHf9PwbxhzVBXqO7Z7jAB8t-McDv3zPrpkPlDeGM6tuhKo0nvhgSFp/s200/032.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Another
individual who was called to report for military service, but did not have to
go, is Vladimir, a soccer coach from the war-torn area of Donetsk. He, with his young family, fled to Tokmak. He has a heart for children and youth and is
concerned for their well-being. He has
founded a soccer school, because as he says:
“investing in children means investing in the future”. Since September the enrollment has grown from
40 to 200. Observing the indoor soccer
practice of a group of seven-year olds, it was evident they were not only
learning great soccer skills but having a lot of fun doing so. When Vladimir describes the conditions in the
war-torn region, easy access to weapons and areas littered with land mines, one
is all the more impressed with his ability to live in hope and serve his community.
</span> </div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-54594255169004392972016-02-08T01:07:00.000-08:002016-02-08T01:07:18.191-08:00Focus on Youth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Blog #3</div>
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February 8, 2015</div>
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Over the past number of years the Chortitza-Rosenthal
Maedchenschule has received considerable visibility from Mennonite tourists
returning to their homeland. For more
than a hundred years its ornate architecture and durability have served this
Ukrainian community well. To this day it
functions as School #81 in the city of Zaporizhzhia. However, another school, located next door to
it has seemingly received less attention, even though it was established some
50 years earlier. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbwZDwb1q0sPWNkSdhyphenhyphenciRvw39lEWyaeWzCNokFYj8ucZN0zaCtg6C4SJn8uTg2SljqrdFfQYw4VbYjnrieBodJ54rhCW3793r2t-FCkPaCs7FbZXJft1SJzbgTfh_lWN-H6xwdIBjEQM/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbwZDwb1q0sPWNkSdhyphenhyphenciRvw39lEWyaeWzCNokFYj8ucZN0zaCtg6C4SJn8uTg2SljqrdFfQYw4VbYjnrieBodJ54rhCW3793r2t-FCkPaCs7FbZXJft1SJzbgTfh_lWN-H6xwdIBjEQM/s200/031.JPG" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWfZvvOhdYbP8R5W7iVnegw0WC2VJXSTXA8U5owyPQrplpSdmgE366WfC0OFaEDTvqwVE7TNbcJZdqz78rsQz7CCMLH1fbeNObwbKE1-b7uv_Z3KkWegizsdeZKuUXFH7RWHNANOP65re/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWfZvvOhdYbP8R5W7iVnegw0WC2VJXSTXA8U5owyPQrplpSdmgE366WfC0OFaEDTvqwVE7TNbcJZdqz78rsQz7CCMLH1fbeNObwbKE1-b7uv_Z3KkWegizsdeZKuUXFH7RWHNANOP65re/s200/047.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZUuStPWEuqjjIEdyaZHB3rzhxSCXZNJvhtdwjsiXvlYrfoMNRa5tS8gvKId4mimOpBpIeD3-IaxxBNJBe2AoldD51P2kVs1YqzZYearwEhnzrVeR9gJ2LliBotORpW-g675ANc5IHakb/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZUuStPWEuqjjIEdyaZHB3rzhxSCXZNJvhtdwjsiXvlYrfoMNRa5tS8gvKId4mimOpBpIeD3-IaxxBNJBe2AoldD51P2kVs1YqzZYearwEhnzrVeR9gJ2LliBotORpW-g675ANc5IHakb/s200/038.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDA4qhyyrX8NxrPyiOThX72tGBbi6krr1-Td5ccRCaEbJaBBzR4AJOHlLSbGTfdn5uFrs4c9AjaIUH0dzHjB5QWKWdxEVSfjLxz8VM_AyCXQXYbtFco6kADH-eXVZIDEdIoMiSs1Fuy_Pn/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDA4qhyyrX8NxrPyiOThX72tGBbi6krr1-Td5ccRCaEbJaBBzR4AJOHlLSbGTfdn5uFrs4c9AjaIUH0dzHjB5QWKWdxEVSfjLxz8VM_AyCXQXYbtFco6kADH-eXVZIDEdIoMiSs1Fuy_Pn/s200/034.JPG" width="200" /></a>School #82 was established in 1842 as a “Zentralschule”
(secondary school) in this Mennonite
village. Recently school director
Alec Chekov contacted our Zaporizhzhia project manager, Olga Rubel, with the
question why this school received so much less attention than his neighboring school. We visited the school and found a thriving
trade school, incorporating regular high school level courses with courses in
accounting, hair-dressing and truck-driving/mechanics. A “hands-on” emphasis in their teaching style
was evident, sometimes even using toys. Unfortunately, the 350 students were not in
school the day of our visit due to the H1N1 flu quarantine. Mr. Chekov, who formerly worked for a private
company was invited to take over the administration of this school in 1998. Since then he has initiated numerous building
improvements, largely with private funds.
Being part of the regular school system, students attend free of
charge. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhGKkX8ermvsw4xmgLAKi4NhajfbIqGTn2SSxbrPlH6qeh-7TAarN5RoN25N0CJS6cMoOVJSqLdIBkjuxiTaG3J6_RYLP3kruQXFe8Kcw3YAtPE1VnGZR7GwuQn6sZdE9LjB8cXgAWN0F/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhGKkX8ermvsw4xmgLAKi4NhajfbIqGTn2SSxbrPlH6qeh-7TAarN5RoN25N0CJS6cMoOVJSqLdIBkjuxiTaG3J6_RYLP3kruQXFe8Kcw3YAtPE1VnGZR7GwuQn6sZdE9LjB8cXgAWN0F/s200/048.JPG" width="200" /></a>Not being content with the success of this school, Mr.
Chekov has been given access to another historic Mennonite building, the former Mennonite Teacher Training
Institute constructed in 1912 and located next to the Holodomor Memorial that was erected by Mennonites in 2009. The building is presently being renovated
and upgraded to accommodate courses in cooking and baking. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzFaY4kJNUH5Bu86m2bhlgnhCtJ0YieCVS9DKe1oWIRW9hV24S1nGconvll5BzLGnEfbZo2cfYX419vurUsl-Gr9C5H2AMVS6ASzjjtBC1-e7MS5DJVvUvd2b14kME_wVX-2SSE4N7Z5m/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzFaY4kJNUH5Bu86m2bhlgnhCtJ0YieCVS9DKe1oWIRW9hV24S1nGconvll5BzLGnEfbZo2cfYX419vurUsl-Gr9C5H2AMVS6ASzjjtBC1-e7MS5DJVvUvd2b14kME_wVX-2SSE4N7Z5m/s200/064.JPG" width="200" /></a>Innovations in educational programs are not limited to the
prescribed public school curriculum.
Zhenia Shubolov has become involved in two school programs that are
largely outside of the regular classroom schedule. In the villages of Shirokoye (Neuendorf) and Nikolaipole (Nikolaifeld) he teaches a one-hour a week class in “Bad
Behaviour Prevention” addressing issues such as addictions, respect for
authorities, AIDS, etc. Having come
from a difficult home background where he experienced some of these challenges
personally during his adolescent years, he is able to speak about these issues
with authenticity and sincerity.
Students appreciate his candid approach to these issues and look forward
to his classes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ3oWPBCmbq7AwshqUaVNXpL7prMjsyaqDVjpHwP5jTjLqwGw0U_Opwx0zR41OzWDzTxbDzT2TiLBHDY7igQQNXXRXqpnLiAAWL0hOtz1u1K_YIJkpyPSH57K9Jx2EV3rbX-IERXkJ3Av/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ3oWPBCmbq7AwshqUaVNXpL7prMjsyaqDVjpHwP5jTjLqwGw0U_Opwx0zR41OzWDzTxbDzT2TiLBHDY7igQQNXXRXqpnLiAAWL0hOtz1u1K_YIJkpyPSH57K9Jx2EV3rbX-IERXkJ3Av/s200/083.JPG" width="200" /></a>School directors and teachers spoke highly of
him and his teaching, sometimes even with a hint of envy for his ability to
relate to the students. On the day that we visited the school these teachers took advantage of the flu quarantine by upgrading their computer skills in the classroom Zhenia normally uses.</div>
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The second program Zhenia is involved in is the “Real School”
program. This, also, is an initiative
that is outside of regular school hours, and takes place off campus. Here topics such as career selection, job
readiness skills, resume writing are discussed and presented. The program is set up as a two-year course. Now in its second year, some 70 young people
gather weekly at the New Hope Mennonite Church in Zaporizhzhia. The hope is to add a third year component to
this which would include a time for Bible study as well. Recently a village in eastern Ukraine that
has received material aid from the New Hope Church, has expressed interest in
establishing its own “Real School” program.
Zhenia will likely be one of the team members to launch this. Mennonite Centre assists in financial support
for Zhenia and covers some of the costs related to these programs.</div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-51574963161294095862016-02-01T10:58:00.000-08:002016-02-01T10:58:02.227-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Blog #2<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">February 1, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>Living with Less</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Recent visits to local schools and a
hospital amplify for us the reality that many institutions are required to
function with fewer resources. Instead
of small budget increases to account for the rate of inflation, reported by the
Statistics Bureau running at 43.3% in 2015, budgets have been reduced by
20%-30%. This is barely enough to cover heating
and electricity costs as well as salaries but does not allow for a raise. Funds for other maintenance, improvements
and supplies must be secured elsewhere. We
marvel at the ingenuity of directors and managers who keep their institutions
running. However, as one director
proudly told us: “Cossacks don’t give
up!” </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG2Hu_8XPnjOLxUspjDoXXsJR9en-tauAB4JtnRfk5vGoGV71mfDNcsreC4QHeLxBq_otKMW0r2_SIoEr0VcSu_DvX6iOPpPTt-qzkBJC2Dj4-pRrp8i9kHGpJ6Bw1FdF5U8fGZ_uIObj/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG2Hu_8XPnjOLxUspjDoXXsJR9en-tauAB4JtnRfk5vGoGV71mfDNcsreC4QHeLxBq_otKMW0r2_SIoEr0VcSu_DvX6iOPpPTt-qzkBJC2Dj4-pRrp8i9kHGpJ6Bw1FdF5U8fGZ_uIObj/s200/019.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">In the midst of this, Dr. Sepiyan, chief
doctor of the Molochansk hospital, proudly demonstrated the tele-medicine
project the Mennonite Centre has helped fund.
Quite quickly he was able to contact one of the feldshers (nurse
practitioner) in Novagorivka, a small village north of Molochansk. They report that within the past month a
number of patients have been helped with better diagnoses through direct
contact with the doctor in Molochansk and several times with specialists in
Zaporizhzhia and Kiev. This is
encouraging, especially for young, graduating family medicine interns, 8 of
whom are scheduled to take up positions in some of these village clinics. Unfortunately, adequate internet access is
still lacking in five of the villages that are waiting to be connected to this
system. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">A visit to the Sanatorium School on
Thursday echoed the recurring theme.
This is a school operated under the health system providing both
education and health treatment and therapy for children with various
respiratory, cardiological and other ailments.
Typically the children are referred to this school from the rural area
of the Zaporizhzhia oblast for one to two months of treatment/education. They live in dormitories on compus. In
early February a new group of up to 90 students, ages 6-17 are expected to
arrive. Drafty second-storey windows require children
and teachers to wear their parkas throughout the day while doing their
schoolwork. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LGfB5awsvb53kkOYWD8KCB0z4_StW3bRiV8msfAOctXWaO3pE669NLjsJ1egURPU-aztDEDvBT5VEJPpgJ_SwhWlozMEEyyCToMzY7eOR3AGjbG4QfmO9YLRfHoJhLMxYcdcOo4eZOYw/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LGfB5awsvb53kkOYWD8KCB0z4_StW3bRiV8msfAOctXWaO3pE669NLjsJ1egURPU-aztDEDvBT5VEJPpgJ_SwhWlozMEEyyCToMzY7eOR3AGjbG4QfmO9YLRfHoJhLMxYcdcOo4eZOYw/s200/034.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiky6jNtSFzbFuCEDyBkk38RbvOA3AeweHlxFfDeaAC1ZPTf87SsgDLctdrEiCJ98EJeqjrWR9O9k9sHsHQzGOkMsjs0VZ2RTvnYJMAfW-EGQyWoBpBwCJN79ttoOD9TOIfTczUXfIzJe/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiky6jNtSFzbFuCEDyBkk38RbvOA3AeweHlxFfDeaAC1ZPTf87SsgDLctdrEiCJ98EJeqjrWR9O9k9sHsHQzGOkMsjs0VZ2RTvnYJMAfW-EGQyWoBpBwCJN79ttoOD9TOIfTczUXfIzJe/s200/027.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">The director, completing her 50<sup>th</sup>
year of instruction and administration at this school is looking forward to a
well-deserved retirement at the end of the current school year. She proudly points to a display recognizing
the connection this school has had with the Menno Simons Christian School in
Calgary. The ping-pong tables generously
donated by students from Calgary by now require new paddles after much
use. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTBZIEkONbMrjRXWU62khQ6WZvwPQ9VV_f25I1bWkoGn2QI5UJWuH6i7bdx10zSh9AL-9U-D1HUUKP1zb1ecSvJngemWaRiNTBi3KXimCpbLQzwz1MUVgWk80LqFl1MpOX6eYRHaXJB-g/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTBZIEkONbMrjRXWU62khQ6WZvwPQ9VV_f25I1bWkoGn2QI5UJWuH6i7bdx10zSh9AL-9U-D1HUUKP1zb1ecSvJngemWaRiNTBi3KXimCpbLQzwz1MUVgWk80LqFl1MpOX6eYRHaXJB-g/s200/030.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Various craft projects and substantial indoor flowers brighten the classrooms. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1pyHTnBgH8-zmMFFNDqMQK6xGKhQ_43S25DCuGoq3LcMbYesjqnyn6RwbXvLyu8SQTwlWviRMGqyDDvQMDd8S6Zh_qgQW90KpBbTW9Ya6-a0a_QxpADuJUDsGQUv_ec8vusyqhcrdqU0/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1pyHTnBgH8-zmMFFNDqMQK6xGKhQ_43S25DCuGoq3LcMbYesjqnyn6RwbXvLyu8SQTwlWviRMGqyDDvQMDd8S6Zh_qgQW90KpBbTW9Ya6-a0a_QxpADuJUDsGQUv_ec8vusyqhcrdqU0/s200/009.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_RSH8oLMkzLyl-UolCpyVYbuDG8YviaV85nLO8cImdLs39fVJRfmtP9rDSiyLdQ6cbf-lWOVreaI8ID5KP9C5hgjc36GGe5xrAcNEFyGxkGkEr9YItadsrMJ2HyLVlXWtu7g9qffMcB-/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_RSH8oLMkzLyl-UolCpyVYbuDG8YviaV85nLO8cImdLs39fVJRfmtP9rDSiyLdQ6cbf-lWOVreaI8ID5KP9C5hgjc36GGe5xrAcNEFyGxkGkEr9YItadsrMJ2HyLVlXWtu7g9qffMcB-/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
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In Melitopol we met Father Peter who was
instrumental in restoring the former “Schoensee” church. In addition to serving his parish in
Melitopol he has also established a small re-hab centre for up to 12 men who are struggling with addiction issues. Because of the desperate plight of homeless
people in the city he has opened a “soup kitchen” which provides one meal a day for up to 80 people. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A0KdmbnBL5cirogwaj0lfDNbaZ3n0S7m_zCkuObm2CgCLyG0UFhSyGsE9ig0tuCT4tacI3-qrycbq7QJy4zcl7JDplBEJnmAhIFrylg7rJSjURt0caXI-FgKGJO6RDdIW-bzCO84mB77/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A0KdmbnBL5cirogwaj0lfDNbaZ3n0S7m_zCkuObm2CgCLyG0UFhSyGsE9ig0tuCT4tacI3-qrycbq7QJy4zcl7JDplBEJnmAhIFrylg7rJSjURt0caXI-FgKGJO6RDdIW-bzCO84mB77/s200/024.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">After
completing renovations for a church in the city of Tokmak, he wants to turn
this building in Molochansk into a worship facility as well. Living with less has not dimmed his
compassion and care for people in need.</span></div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056151790545903777.post-75773098517173877082016-01-25T09:01:00.000-08:002016-01-25T09:01:11.489-08:00Bleak mid-winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s not that we
are unfamiliar with snow and cold temperatures, living in southern Manitoba,
after all.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">However, this is the first
time that we have been in Ukraine in mid-winter.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Last night’s overnight low was -17 C, but
with bright sunshine during the day.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
forecasts are calling for warmer temperatures by next weekend.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We landed in
Dnepropetrovsk as usual, but then stepped off the plane onto an ice-covered
tarmac. A few days earlier the road to
Zaporizhzhia and Molochansk had been closed due to snow. Thankfully this
day it was open, allowing Olga Rubel, our Zaporizhzhia project manager, and Pavel (a driver) to meet us at the
airport. By suppertime we were settling
into our apartment in Molochansk where a pot of borscht prepared by Ira, the Mennonite Centre’s cook, was waiting for us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXySKMLNR4-d5ut7tSxx7gee42eUiV7wK8qcJ-Dbkx4jwND4UqthqqDYf_SKLvF74TTDkEd2gmPPV0NGtKpylQutxjtscq1nMmoU4sh92QO91j2VYm7nkB5GLiZSAkt34fJUEwb7_wCZC/s1600/IMG_3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXySKMLNR4-d5ut7tSxx7gee42eUiV7wK8qcJ-Dbkx4jwND4UqthqqDYf_SKLvF74TTDkEd2gmPPV0NGtKpylQutxjtscq1nMmoU4sh92QO91j2VYm7nkB5GLiZSAkt34fJUEwb7_wCZC/s200/IMG_3031.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeLgphGahWmPPfRl3BJT1Cm6Fo16gsCHs3nc9yX_fSRTkL2dZTLFHKHgvjc14Zx04sJF3hahDfDJrzkIj9TqiHxSbxC6rBubDrGWGpN5nfeeNrx5BHor0971hLuvJlKxsvpu-40DabYje/s1600/IMG_3035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeLgphGahWmPPfRl3BJT1Cm6Fo16gsCHs3nc9yX_fSRTkL2dZTLFHKHgvjc14Zx04sJF3hahDfDJrzkIj9TqiHxSbxC6rBubDrGWGpN5nfeeNrx5BHor0971hLuvJlKxsvpu-40DabYje/s200/IMG_3035.JPG" width="150" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Winter is a
challenge here. Natural gas prices are
high, given meager salaries and pensions.
We visited one senior who had just purchased firewood to heat her home. The cost was nearly half of her monthly pension. When
used sparingly, it may heat her home and provide cooking fuel for less than a
month. Coal supplies are unavailable
this winter due to the destruction of mines in the eastern provinces. She was grateful for the package of
food supplies we brought her from the Centre.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Not
surprisingly, we sense a mixture of emotional responses regarding their current
conditions. There is gratitude that the
war has diminished but apprehension at the on-going hostilities;
gratitude for stability in government alongside frustration with the slow pace of economic changes; gratitude for any assistance they receive but fear should pensions or their health fail. Responding to military conscription or
choosing alternative service is a topic that we already heard about in the
Molochansk Mennonite Church service on
Sunday. Unemployment is a perpetual
concern. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1yRlVLNfJ4JlAMd7vXPZEFZW3qmqBVhEMN2mOaP_JLKqvaiRpg_A_UjaICroqte3VktjhQfMglus0vwQ2FFd6ivJyi3nDoXBAQRzReTDUs_yFFfo-w5ko3O3FXXcp0fRi6zb8B8LxDSI/s1600/IMG_3044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1yRlVLNfJ4JlAMd7vXPZEFZW3qmqBVhEMN2mOaP_JLKqvaiRpg_A_UjaICroqte3VktjhQfMglus0vwQ2FFd6ivJyi3nDoXBAQRzReTDUs_yFFfo-w5ko3O3FXXcp0fRi6zb8B8LxDSI/s200/IMG_3044.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We also witness
caring and compassionate relationships.
Katya is 14 years old, a victim of cerebral palsy, cared for by her
parents in their home. Local teachers
have regularly come to her home to provide instruction, with the aid of
computer programs, including German
language. She was delighted to be able
to communicate with us in German. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Regehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14023385159503050108noreply@blogger.com0