Despite difficulties of everyday living we notice a resilience, an appreciation of beauty and the joy of celebration. Recently a group of kindergarteners came to entertain our seniors. The children love to dress up, to dance and sing and don't appear at all self-conscious. Of course our seniors coming for lunch enjoyed ever minute.
Another recent musical highlight was the Molochansk Music School piano recital held in honour of Linda Stobbe. Twelve young pianists played their pieces beautifully. Leanna Baranovskaya gave a tribute to Linda, how she had taken a special interest in this music school, how she had supported and inspired the teachers, brought books for them, and held master classes for the students. Also how much they appreciate the Yamaha pianos that were donated in memory of Linda, one for the Molochansk School and the other for Tokmak.
The school also has a very fine Estonia grand piano dating back to communist times. The story is told that when the Soviet Union collapsed an effort was made to move this piano out. Fortunately it was not possible to do this safely because of confined spaces in the building. Students therefore have the opportunity of studying on very fine instruments. We also enjoyed hearing several student/teacher duets.
Ada, our former bookkeeper |
Oksana discussing issues with Lili |
This woman is legally blind |
Lest you might think these weeks have been all work and no play, a few examples to the contrary. We recently organized a wiener roast for our staff and families as a token of gratitude for all they do. We even had s'mores thanks to Anita for finding room in her suitcase to bring graham wafers and marshmallows along. Youth played volleyball and the Centre back yard rang with happy children's voices.
A full 5 oz. cup |
Coffee culture has come to southeastern Ukraine. This bus, in Zaporizhia is a mobile coffee shop, can be set up anywhere. Notice the table and chairs in the distance made of stacked crates. Too bad Rudy doesn't identify with the feelings expressed on the sign. But who needs a coffee shop if your staff comes up with creations like this. Our Centre housekeeper brought this cake on her birthday. Here it is tradition that the birthday person brings the cake.
Linden trees |
Wall to wall oil in the Tokmak grocery store |
Leaving will be sad. Each time we leave a little more of ourselves behind. We have tried to be enablers and encouragers. Again we express our gratitude to all those who are continuing to make this work possible by your support, prayers and donations. "Spasibo Bolshoi!"
1. Doctor visits - three doctors come to the Centre at appointed times of
the week. People can book appointments and receive free medical care.
2. Glasses project - funded initially by a donation from Bakerview MB
2. Glasses project - funded initially by a donation from Bakerview MB
Church. To date we've given out 1400 pairs of glasses. These are eye
specific, costing us under $5/pair - this includes cost of the optometrist visit.
3. An MRI for a cancer patient.
4. Surgery to correct a hip fracture six years ago, which hasn't healed properly
4. Surgery to correct a hip fracture six years ago, which hasn't healed properly
5. Team uniforms - for Ukrainian School sports team enabling them to
compete in Zaporizhia
6. New windows for school in the former Mennonite village of Lichtenau -
now Svetlodolinsk
7. Four ultraviolet lamps for the Tokmak lab.
8. Medication for a child suffering from meningitis.
9. Treatment for a child diagnosed with encephalitis.
10. Printer for a village school.
11. Games for children spending summer in Sanatorium.
For more information on the work of the Mennonite Centre, please go to
http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/ Also check out Mennonite Centre Ukraine Facebook page
(Click on pictures to enlarge)