If you are a blog reader, realize that bloggers write primarily for their own purpose - a way of seeing into their own minds and hearts.
While nothing is required of blog readers except to enter into the mind of a blogger, comments are a good way to participate and a good way for blogger to see how words are being received.
Of course, on the other hand, the stone that causes a ripple in the water, never knows where the ripples go.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Conclusion - September 9
These are my final reflections for my Ukrainian Sojourn. I walked into my house at midnight. The hours at JFK airport in NY were torturous. I was at the end of my energy but had no choice but to endure until I got home. When they called for boarding my flight, I sighed in relief. There were only about 40 people on the plane and we were in and ready very quickly. And then - nothing. We waited and waited and waited more. Finally, about 45 minutes late, we took off for Rochester and arrived about 22:20. I took the shuttle bus to my car and drove the hour home. My eyes wanted to stop working and I had to drive with the windows open and shake my head frequently to clear my vision.
It may have been a stressful travel day, but if that is the price of such a wonderful week in Kyiv, I would do it again today.
I will be thinking about my time in Ukraine for a long time to come - until I return actually.
The Forum I participated in was extraordinarily powerful. The days and schedule were long and intense. But the results were exactly what we hoped for. Information was shared, there was solid teaching, people shared stories and opened their hearts. In short community was formed. The unifying element was the context of prayer and worship. Even though we were divided by language and nationality and even ideology, we opened ourselves in the presence of God. Whenever people are able to do that, miracles happen.
Take all that strong emotion and put it in the setting of a magnificent historical city.
So, my friends, I've used a lot of words but still can't capture what happened.
I arrived home. I slept well for 7 hours. My body feels like I have been run over by a truck. My throat is sore. I have a headache.
But I am not complaining. I am grateful. Today I will let my body rest. In my mind, each face from the conference passes my inner eye. In my heart, I have new places that belong in Ukraine.
If you have read this blog, thank you for coming with me on this journey. Perhaps you will return there with me some day.
It may have been a stressful travel day, but if that is the price of such a wonderful week in Kyiv, I would do it again today.
I will be thinking about my time in Ukraine for a long time to come - until I return actually.
The Forum I participated in was extraordinarily powerful. The days and schedule were long and intense. But the results were exactly what we hoped for. Information was shared, there was solid teaching, people shared stories and opened their hearts. In short community was formed. The unifying element was the context of prayer and worship. Even though we were divided by language and nationality and even ideology, we opened ourselves in the presence of God. Whenever people are able to do that, miracles happen.
Take all that strong emotion and put it in the setting of a magnificent historical city.
So, my friends, I've used a lot of words but still can't capture what happened.
I arrived home. I slept well for 7 hours. My body feels like I have been run over by a truck. My throat is sore. I have a headache.
But I am not complaining. I am grateful. Today I will let my body rest. In my mind, each face from the conference passes my inner eye. In my heart, I have new places that belong in Ukraine.
If you have read this blog, thank you for coming with me on this journey. Perhaps you will return there with me some day.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Travel Day - September 8
When I woke at 6:45 this morning (11:45pm Tuesday night, Rochester time), I wished I had not had vodka last night. I was feeling slow. I talked on Facebook with Steve in NY for a while and then really had to get my rear in gear. The taxi was coming at 8:30 and I had to shower and pack. I kept waiting for a message from Kostya who was going to arrange a taxi for me for a reasonable price. He negotiated 160 Hrivna (pronounced Grivna - there are about 7.9 Grivna in one US dollar). I got a message from Rostek that the taxi was called and would be a gray Mercedes. I went down and checked out, got a little cash from the ATM, skipped breakfast and went outside to find the taxi waiting. As I got in, the driver handed me his phone. It was Rostek and Kostya who wanted to have a final word before I flew. "Come back to us soon." was their message. May it be prophetic!
The taxi driver was a nice guy and we made good time to Boryspol Airport, about a 45 minute trip. Immigration and customs was uneventful. I had decided to check a bag rather than hassling with it on the plane. I'll have to get it in NY to go through US Customs and then recheck it for the flight to Rochester. The first item on my agenda was to get a coffee - cappuccino. I took a seat and waited. I thought I heard a call for boarding but I didn't see any movement in the waiting area so I sat. Then I went and got another cappuccino and sat some more. Then there was a final call for boarding and I still didn't see movement. Of course I was waiting at the wrong place. No harm done. I found the right gate and entered the plane. It's about 85% full. I watched three movies in a daze. The Jones Family, Date Night, and the one with my favorite actress (whose name escapes me) about a southern family that takes in an African-American kid who turns out to be a remarkable football player. We still have at least two or two and a half hours in our flight.
Lunch was quite good. Chicken with mixed vegetables (eggplant being one of them) and brocolli soufle. With some kind of chocolate cookie for dessert. It was not like the comforting meal I shared with Rostek and Konstantin last night. (pause because I am going to shut down the computer until I'm at JFK in NY to continue). I sort of went into a stupor for a few hours, not really sleeping but going semi-comatose.
(Later) Ok, it's 16:00 hours in NY (23:00 in Ukraine) and I'm at JFK waiting for four more hours for my flight to Rochester. Immigration and Customs were a breeze but then I had to come to the proper terminal and go through security all over again. I just missed being able to catch an earlier flight to Rochester but my luggage wouldn't have transferred and I'd have to come back to airport tomorrow. No thanks. I had a lot of things to catch up on by email anyway. I'll go get something to eat and drink in a while and that will pass time. I have to find a place to plug in my phone. It started ringing as soon as I landed. I have two funerals for Friday and a board meeting at church Thursday night.
I'm going to post this now and will do my final entry in the blog tomorrow morning (afternoon in Ukraine).
The taxi driver was a nice guy and we made good time to Boryspol Airport, about a 45 minute trip. Immigration and customs was uneventful. I had decided to check a bag rather than hassling with it on the plane. I'll have to get it in NY to go through US Customs and then recheck it for the flight to Rochester. The first item on my agenda was to get a coffee - cappuccino. I took a seat and waited. I thought I heard a call for boarding but I didn't see any movement in the waiting area so I sat. Then I went and got another cappuccino and sat some more. Then there was a final call for boarding and I still didn't see movement. Of course I was waiting at the wrong place. No harm done. I found the right gate and entered the plane. It's about 85% full. I watched three movies in a daze. The Jones Family, Date Night, and the one with my favorite actress (whose name escapes me) about a southern family that takes in an African-American kid who turns out to be a remarkable football player. We still have at least two or two and a half hours in our flight.
Lunch was quite good. Chicken with mixed vegetables (eggplant being one of them) and brocolli soufle. With some kind of chocolate cookie for dessert. It was not like the comforting meal I shared with Rostek and Konstantin last night. (pause because I am going to shut down the computer until I'm at JFK in NY to continue). I sort of went into a stupor for a few hours, not really sleeping but going semi-comatose.
(Later) Ok, it's 16:00 hours in NY (23:00 in Ukraine) and I'm at JFK waiting for four more hours for my flight to Rochester. Immigration and Customs were a breeze but then I had to come to the proper terminal and go through security all over again. I just missed being able to catch an earlier flight to Rochester but my luggage wouldn't have transferred and I'd have to come back to airport tomorrow. No thanks. I had a lot of things to catch up on by email anyway. I'll go get something to eat and drink in a while and that will pass time. I have to find a place to plug in my phone. It started ringing as soon as I landed. I have two funerals for Friday and a board meeting at church Thursday night.
I'm going to post this now and will do my final entry in the blog tomorrow morning (afternoon in Ukraine).
Languagesen>en YahooCEerror
(pause because I am going to shut down the computer until I'm at JFK in NY to continue).
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
My last day in Kyiv - Tuesday September 7
How can one day get better than the one before? My days here in Kyiv have been better and better and better.
I began the day with breakfast with Florin and after breakfast we went for coffee (big surprise!) and then to shop for souvenirs. He didn't want me to come down to say good-bye to him at the taxi so we parted in the lobby. I always miss him when he goes.
I spent part of the morning catching up on email and chatting with friends who had arrived home in Kyrgyzstan or Poland or Moldova. I had so much going on in my mind and heart that I needed to go to church to find some peace. I walked up to the Orthodox Church of St. Vladimir and visited each of the icons asking for blessings and peace of heart. It was helpful. In the church, I renewed my commitment to God's work wherever God sends me. I prayed for all the people I have met here, by name. I asked for the blessing of the saints who brought Christianity to this part of the world. I asked St. Pantelimon for healing of body, mind and heart. I asked Jesus on the Cross to help me to be willing to spend all that I am and for His people. I left the church renewed in spirit and at peace in my heart. The sadness I felt about leaving was healed - for a time.
I thought I would take a nap but then remembered things I wanted to do. I wanted to order a demo CD of Rosetta Stone Russian language to begin immediately to learn a language I will certainly need. I ordered a rainbow flag with a cross to send to Rostek for one of the groups that meets here in Kyiv.
Just when I was ready for a nap, I received a call on the house phone. Anna, our translator, whom I had met last year in Timisoara, called asking if I'd like to meet her. OF COURSE I'd like to meet her so I went right down at about 3:45. We went to a coffee shop next door and had a great visit until Rostek and Kostya arrived. Anna had to leave for an appointment so Rostek and Kostya took me on a walking tour of a part of the city I had not seen, mostly government buildings but one palace of Katharine the Second which is being restored. After we had walked around, we took a taxi to a wonderfully authentic Ukranian restaurant. I wouldn't let the guys ask me what I wanted. I told them to construct a dinner from beginning to end of good Ukrainian specialties. They did.
We drank most of a bottle of really good vodka, clinking our glasses over and over. We had bread with differently flavored butters, garlic and fish and plain. We also had a plate of pickled vegetables, cabbage and tomato and cucumbers and garlic. We had a Ukrainian specialty, pork fat with garlic. I know it sounds not so good but it is wonderful. We drank Kvass with our meal in between vodka.
then we had a plate of assorted varenyky which is like dumplings/ravioli filled with potatoes or meat or cheese. Then we had cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat. It was a wonderful meal, really Ukrainian and the atmosphere of the restaurant was perfect, simple yet good service and nice atmosphere.
But more than the meal was the conversation. It was open and intimate and a connection of hearts. I had already formed a strong bond with Rostek but Kostya had originally been involved to be interpreter/translator. Tonight he became a friend. This meal represented for me the best blessing I ever could have received on this trip.
They walked me back to the hotel and we hugged and kissed good-bye outside. I will never be the same.
I began the day with breakfast with Florin and after breakfast we went for coffee (big surprise!) and then to shop for souvenirs. He didn't want me to come down to say good-bye to him at the taxi so we parted in the lobby. I always miss him when he goes.
I spent part of the morning catching up on email and chatting with friends who had arrived home in Kyrgyzstan or Poland or Moldova. I had so much going on in my mind and heart that I needed to go to church to find some peace. I walked up to the Orthodox Church of St. Vladimir and visited each of the icons asking for blessings and peace of heart. It was helpful. In the church, I renewed my commitment to God's work wherever God sends me. I prayed for all the people I have met here, by name. I asked for the blessing of the saints who brought Christianity to this part of the world. I asked St. Pantelimon for healing of body, mind and heart. I asked Jesus on the Cross to help me to be willing to spend all that I am and for His people. I left the church renewed in spirit and at peace in my heart. The sadness I felt about leaving was healed - for a time.
I thought I would take a nap but then remembered things I wanted to do. I wanted to order a demo CD of Rosetta Stone Russian language to begin immediately to learn a language I will certainly need. I ordered a rainbow flag with a cross to send to Rostek for one of the groups that meets here in Kyiv.
Just when I was ready for a nap, I received a call on the house phone. Anna, our translator, whom I had met last year in Timisoara, called asking if I'd like to meet her. OF COURSE I'd like to meet her so I went right down at about 3:45. We went to a coffee shop next door and had a great visit until Rostek and Kostya arrived. Anna had to leave for an appointment so Rostek and Kostya took me on a walking tour of a part of the city I had not seen, mostly government buildings but one palace of Katharine the Second which is being restored. After we had walked around, we took a taxi to a wonderfully authentic Ukranian restaurant. I wouldn't let the guys ask me what I wanted. I told them to construct a dinner from beginning to end of good Ukrainian specialties. They did.
We drank most of a bottle of really good vodka, clinking our glasses over and over. We had bread with differently flavored butters, garlic and fish and plain. We also had a plate of pickled vegetables, cabbage and tomato and cucumbers and garlic. We had a Ukrainian specialty, pork fat with garlic. I know it sounds not so good but it is wonderful. We drank Kvass with our meal in between vodka.
then we had a plate of assorted varenyky which is like dumplings/ravioli filled with potatoes or meat or cheese. Then we had cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat. It was a wonderful meal, really Ukrainian and the atmosphere of the restaurant was perfect, simple yet good service and nice atmosphere.
But more than the meal was the conversation. It was open and intimate and a connection of hearts. I had already formed a strong bond with Rostek but Kostya had originally been involved to be interpreter/translator. Tonight he became a friend. This meal represented for me the best blessing I ever could have received on this trip.
They walked me back to the hotel and we hugged and kissed good-bye outside. I will never be the same.
Monday, September 6
I started this blog entry on Monday night and am finishing it Tuesday afternoon.
Monday: It occurred to me today that I missed Labor Day. That's both summer holidays I missed this year. 4th of July I was in Acapulco and this year I'm in Kiev. I am so blessed to be able to do this.
Today it was really nice to wake up and not have to rush anywhere. I still was up early and went down to breakfast (without showering) at 8. I sat with Ilya, one of the Russians who was returning home today. We've all gotten pretty good with pantomime to communicate.
I met Florin at 10 and we had a meeting with one of the guys about his group. We went next door to the coffee shop to get a cappuccino. At a little after 11, we left on a walking tour of old Kiev led by our Orthodox monk. There were about a dozen of us. We walked for five hours. He is a relentless guide. We started at the church of St. Vladimir which I posted photos of the other day. We then moved on to see a series of churches and other buildings which are very ancient from 10th century. My pictures are posted but are "private" because of the needs of LGBT people here to be safe. If you want the link I will send it to you.
The goal was to see exceptional buildings and parts of Kiev. There is nothing like a walking tour to accomplish that. It is almost inconceivable to be in church where people have been worshiping for over a thousand years. It's unreal to be in wooden church where Cossacks prayed before going to battle. It's a revelation to see the different styles of iconography apparent. There was one I especially like of Jesus during the days before his resurrection breaking the gates of hell. It's a modern one and the whole bottom of the icon shows torture instruments used in hell. Jesus had Adam and Eve by the wrists pulling them up to heaven. And the juxtaposition of these beautiful pieces of art inside the church and outside, in the park, ancient pagan idols from pre-Christian times in this region. The pagan idols have slanted eyes to correspond to the Tartar people who created them.
We stopped for lunch at a cafeteria and I had a glass of buttermilk, borscht, and mixed vegetables. I drank a glass of Kvas that was really excellent. It doesn't smell very good but it tastes wonderrul and is refreshing. The group began to split up as people had to leave to their various destinations. Each parting had hugs and kisses and sadness. Roman and I left (I can't remember the other guy's name) and took the metro back to the hotel. When we reached the hotel, Nataly was looking for me because I was late to a meeting with Florin and Leah. I said goodbye sadly to Roman after telling him I can't come to Donetsk to help him start a church. Then I went to my meeting.
I met Rostek at 7pm at the Hyatt for a lecture in German about Ukraine and the EU. We kept passing the headphones (translation) back and forth. I could understand the German. He wore them when he needed the translation from German and during the question period, I wore them to hear the German translation from Ukrainian. After the lecture, there was a reception. We stayed for a glass of wine and then walked to the square where Rostek took the metro and I walked back to the hotel.
This morning, Tuesday, I met Florin for breakfast and then we went shopping briefly for souvenirs. We said good-bye in the lobby of the hotel because Florin didn't want me to come down to see him off. I understand that all too well.
So I've been in my room, catching up on email and adding a bunch of new facebook friends. I'm going now to the Church of St. Vladimir to pray and meditate. I have a lot to digest and I have a sadness that I have to leave at the altar.
At 7, I will have dinner with Rostek and Konstantin and will have the pain of saying goodbye to them as well. Tomorrow morning I will have breakfast at 8 and leave for the airport at 8:30 or so.
I receive far more than I give.
Monday: It occurred to me today that I missed Labor Day. That's both summer holidays I missed this year. 4th of July I was in Acapulco and this year I'm in Kiev. I am so blessed to be able to do this.
Today it was really nice to wake up and not have to rush anywhere. I still was up early and went down to breakfast (without showering) at 8. I sat with Ilya, one of the Russians who was returning home today. We've all gotten pretty good with pantomime to communicate.
I met Florin at 10 and we had a meeting with one of the guys about his group. We went next door to the coffee shop to get a cappuccino. At a little after 11, we left on a walking tour of old Kiev led by our Orthodox monk. There were about a dozen of us. We walked for five hours. He is a relentless guide. We started at the church of St. Vladimir which I posted photos of the other day. We then moved on to see a series of churches and other buildings which are very ancient from 10th century. My pictures are posted but are "private" because of the needs of LGBT people here to be safe. If you want the link I will send it to you.
The goal was to see exceptional buildings and parts of Kiev. There is nothing like a walking tour to accomplish that. It is almost inconceivable to be in church where people have been worshiping for over a thousand years. It's unreal to be in wooden church where Cossacks prayed before going to battle. It's a revelation to see the different styles of iconography apparent. There was one I especially like of Jesus during the days before his resurrection breaking the gates of hell. It's a modern one and the whole bottom of the icon shows torture instruments used in hell. Jesus had Adam and Eve by the wrists pulling them up to heaven. And the juxtaposition of these beautiful pieces of art inside the church and outside, in the park, ancient pagan idols from pre-Christian times in this region. The pagan idols have slanted eyes to correspond to the Tartar people who created them.
We stopped for lunch at a cafeteria and I had a glass of buttermilk, borscht, and mixed vegetables. I drank a glass of Kvas that was really excellent. It doesn't smell very good but it tastes wonderrul and is refreshing. The group began to split up as people had to leave to their various destinations. Each parting had hugs and kisses and sadness. Roman and I left (I can't remember the other guy's name) and took the metro back to the hotel. When we reached the hotel, Nataly was looking for me because I was late to a meeting with Florin and Leah. I said goodbye sadly to Roman after telling him I can't come to Donetsk to help him start a church. Then I went to my meeting.
I met Rostek at 7pm at the Hyatt for a lecture in German about Ukraine and the EU. We kept passing the headphones (translation) back and forth. I could understand the German. He wore them when he needed the translation from German and during the question period, I wore them to hear the German translation from Ukrainian. After the lecture, there was a reception. We stayed for a glass of wine and then walked to the square where Rostek took the metro and I walked back to the hotel.
This morning, Tuesday, I met Florin for breakfast and then we went shopping briefly for souvenirs. We said good-bye in the lobby of the hotel because Florin didn't want me to come down to see him off. I understand that all too well.
So I've been in my room, catching up on email and adding a bunch of new facebook friends. I'm going now to the Church of St. Vladimir to pray and meditate. I have a lot to digest and I have a sadness that I have to leave at the altar.
At 7, I will have dinner with Rostek and Konstantin and will have the pain of saying goodbye to them as well. Tomorrow morning I will have breakfast at 8 and leave for the airport at 8:30 or so.
I receive far more than I give.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sunday, September 5
Once again it's late night, 11:45 as I write this. You remember that I got in at 3:30a.m. and blogged briefly. I got three and a half hours sleep before I had to get up. Actually I didn't feel terrible at all. I'm glad I only had one beer. I met Fr. Dimitri in the lobby and we talked a while. He has such internal struggles. Just for him I realize that my trip has been worth it. We went down for breakfast when the restaurant opened and soon were joined by others from our group. Sitting at the table, I missed Gard who would be returning soon to Norway. If I were dead, I would think Gard is me reincarnated. Not in looks. God knows he is a very handsome man - actually all of us who know him know that. But his quirky humor and sense of the ridiculous reminded me of me and we fell into a banter that was intuitive. We shared pieces of our stories. He shares many of my attitudes towards ministry and my passion for Eastern Europe. So, I will miss him for a while, until I re-establish contact and hope to see him again somewhere sometime.
At 8:30 we gathered in the lobby and began the walk/metro/walk routine to get to our meeting place. We got organized, sort of, and began a session on visioning for the next conference. Then a coffee break then a wonderful teaching session by a German theologian. It was a mind-blowing experience for many of these people to hear that the bible can be interpreted in more than one way. The dialog was terrific. Then we went to lunch. More cabbage. It's a really good thing I don't have a room mate! Instead of going to the early afternoon session, Florin and I went for a cappuccino to discuss some business. We went back around 4. Worship started at 4:30. I will have photos but don't right now. I forgot to load the memory card in my camera.
This worship was truly miraculous. Presiders: one Russian Orthodox priest, one Ukrainian Orthodox monk, one Russian Methodist minister, one Christian United Church minister, one MCC minister (me) all doing worship together. I and Maxim, the orthodox priest constructed the liturgy. It was a magical blend of east and west, conservative and totally liberal.
After the Methodist minister started us in prayer, the Orthodox took over for their opening liturgy. When they finished that, I called all group leaders up front and all conference organizers. The clergy surrounded them and each of us prayed for strength and courage as they continued their work. When they took their seats, a really unusual thing (for Eastern Europe happened), I had assigned both readings to women. The first was from 1John - the God is Love passage. It was read in Russian. Then, I had Olga read the Gospel from John 17 - the "may they all be one, Father, as we are one." In the Orthodox church a woman would never be allowed to read the gospel, only the priest can do that. She not only read it, she sang it exactly as a priest would. After the readings I preached on the texts with Yury translating into Russian.
The first part of the communion was traditional Orthodox but after Maxim consecrated the bread, Simon, a Polish Christian United Church minister, blessed the cup.
After communion and benediction the service was over, Simon offered anointing with oil to all who wanted it and many did.
We then went into a wrap-up session where everyone was asked to say a word about the most significant thing in the conference. One said that my teaching on Friday had been too short, that more time would have been useful. The same was said about Michael's (the German Theologian) teaching from today. May said how their lives were changed by the conference. It was a very emotional and heart-warming session. At the end of it, we exchanged hugs. It is a Russian custom to kiss three times: right cheek, left cheek, right cheek. My head was spinning by the end of it.
After that, we walked to dinner a few block away and then walked to the metro. People couldn't bear to part from one another, so we went to have a drink together and took over a restaurant. Then we stood outside the restaurant and took so many group pictures that it started to feel like a photo shoot. Then we stood and talked some more. We headed towards the metro but kept stopping to talk. I thought we'd never get home but we finally did get back to the hotel. Did I mention that my room is on the top floor, 5th, of the hotel and that the elevator was out of service when we got back?
I feel so emotional when I think of saying good-byes again tomorrow morning. I started the day missing Gard and am here with leaky eyes thinking about missing old friends and new ones. I hate the thought of leaving Rostek. But fortunately he lives in Kyiv and I will see him and Kostya tomorrow and Tuesday. I will have the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Florin again tomorrow while we plot and plan how we can help groups in this region. Next year's conference is in St. Petersburg, Russia. I wonder if I will be there. Everyone seems to think I will be. From their lips to God's ear.
At 8:30 we gathered in the lobby and began the walk/metro/walk routine to get to our meeting place. We got organized, sort of, and began a session on visioning for the next conference. Then a coffee break then a wonderful teaching session by a German theologian. It was a mind-blowing experience for many of these people to hear that the bible can be interpreted in more than one way. The dialog was terrific. Then we went to lunch. More cabbage. It's a really good thing I don't have a room mate! Instead of going to the early afternoon session, Florin and I went for a cappuccino to discuss some business. We went back around 4. Worship started at 4:30. I will have photos but don't right now. I forgot to load the memory card in my camera.
This worship was truly miraculous. Presiders: one Russian Orthodox priest, one Ukrainian Orthodox monk, one Russian Methodist minister, one Christian United Church minister, one MCC minister (me) all doing worship together. I and Maxim, the orthodox priest constructed the liturgy. It was a magical blend of east and west, conservative and totally liberal.
After the Methodist minister started us in prayer, the Orthodox took over for their opening liturgy. When they finished that, I called all group leaders up front and all conference organizers. The clergy surrounded them and each of us prayed for strength and courage as they continued their work. When they took their seats, a really unusual thing (for Eastern Europe happened), I had assigned both readings to women. The first was from 1John - the God is Love passage. It was read in Russian. Then, I had Olga read the Gospel from John 17 - the "may they all be one, Father, as we are one." In the Orthodox church a woman would never be allowed to read the gospel, only the priest can do that. She not only read it, she sang it exactly as a priest would. After the readings I preached on the texts with Yury translating into Russian.
The first part of the communion was traditional Orthodox but after Maxim consecrated the bread, Simon, a Polish Christian United Church minister, blessed the cup.
After communion and benediction the service was over, Simon offered anointing with oil to all who wanted it and many did.
We then went into a wrap-up session where everyone was asked to say a word about the most significant thing in the conference. One said that my teaching on Friday had been too short, that more time would have been useful. The same was said about Michael's (the German Theologian) teaching from today. May said how their lives were changed by the conference. It was a very emotional and heart-warming session. At the end of it, we exchanged hugs. It is a Russian custom to kiss three times: right cheek, left cheek, right cheek. My head was spinning by the end of it.
After that, we walked to dinner a few block away and then walked to the metro. People couldn't bear to part from one another, so we went to have a drink together and took over a restaurant. Then we stood outside the restaurant and took so many group pictures that it started to feel like a photo shoot. Then we stood and talked some more. We headed towards the metro but kept stopping to talk. I thought we'd never get home but we finally did get back to the hotel. Did I mention that my room is on the top floor, 5th, of the hotel and that the elevator was out of service when we got back?
I feel so emotional when I think of saying good-byes again tomorrow morning. I started the day missing Gard and am here with leaky eyes thinking about missing old friends and new ones. I hate the thought of leaving Rostek. But fortunately he lives in Kyiv and I will see him and Kostya tomorrow and Tuesday. I will have the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Florin again tomorrow while we plot and plan how we can help groups in this region. Next year's conference is in St. Petersburg, Russia. I wonder if I will be there. Everyone seems to think I will be. From their lips to God's ear.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Night Life
I'm writing this at 3:30a.m. I'm just back from clubbing. I have to get up at 7:30. Rostek and Kostya came to meet us at the hotel. Off we went. All clubs are smokey and have a driving beat. There were two rooms, the one we walked into and then one beyond. We drifted to the further room because the music - Russian rock - was less piercing.
Rostek decided I was going to dance. I said "no thanks" but he got my wrist in an iron grip and dragged me onto the dance floor. I was like a barge being towed by a tug boat. Actually we never got off the dance floor . He sang all the words to all the Russian songs. It was fun. We had a nice time. Some of the Russian rock songs were repetetive and for some odd reason, those of us who didn't speak Russian bellowed the last vowel or word, having no idea what we were singing.
The show started at about 2:20. There was only one drag queen but she was fabulous. She had four guys dancing with and around her. All the costumes were fantastical. She only did a couple of numbers (Lady Gaga and Madonna) the rest of the time was the four guys dancing. It was really an impressive show.
We were very aware that we needed to be sharp for tomorrow morning's worship since I'm leading and coordinating it. (I guess I should say "later this morning's worship")
Ok, I'm going to try to sleep since I have less than four hours. Signing off.
Rostek decided I was going to dance. I said "no thanks" but he got my wrist in an iron grip and dragged me onto the dance floor. I was like a barge being towed by a tug boat. Actually we never got off the dance floor . He sang all the words to all the Russian songs. It was fun. We had a nice time. Some of the Russian rock songs were repetetive and for some odd reason, those of us who didn't speak Russian bellowed the last vowel or word, having no idea what we were singing.
The show started at about 2:20. There was only one drag queen but she was fabulous. She had four guys dancing with and around her. All the costumes were fantastical. She only did a couple of numbers (Lady Gaga and Madonna) the rest of the time was the four guys dancing. It was really an impressive show.
We were very aware that we needed to be sharp for tomorrow morning's worship since I'm leading and coordinating it. (I guess I should say "later this morning's worship")
Ok, I'm going to try to sleep since I have less than four hours. Signing off.
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