Tuesday, October 9, 2012

JOY IN THE MIDST OF HARDSHIP


We have been reminded again and again how creativity engages the senses and how people’s spirits can be lifted through celebration.  A week ago Sunday was a case in point.  It was national Senior’s Day.  The Thanksgiving tree was transformed and redecorated to reflect the theme and all were invited for tea after the service.  Celebrations continued into the week.
Monday we were invited to the Russian School for a concert dedicated specifically to Seniors.  Children sang, recited, danced and played instruments.  Later students presented flowers to all the elderly, ourselves included.  


Baba Zenaida
On Tuesday children from the neighbouring kindergarten came to the Centre and entertained the Seniors that come twice weekly for lunch. Our cooks prepared a delicious full course meal and those who had birthdays in September were honoured.



Dema & Oksana's daughter Anya on right - in Ukrainian national costume

The children, dressed in costumes, performed without inhibitions and delighted us all.

The day continued with visits to two nursing homes – one attached to the church and the other occupying the second floor of the former Molochansk hospital.  In both cases we see the elderly well cared for.  Several women living in the Kutuzovka home say that they are already living in paradise.

As the week progressed we connected with two enterprising farmers – one in the early stages of strawberry and garlic production and the other farmer, a former head of a collective.  Both talked about the challenges of small-scale farming.    For example, operating a small tractor now requires a license for the tractor as well as the driver.  And there are inspections to deal with and the possibilities of fines.  To escape harassment some farmers are choosing to run their tractors at night.  Marketing is also a problem because of government controls which keep changing.
Uri & Elena on alligator bench - eyes made out of pingpong balls
Farmer Uri and his wife Elena invited us for lunch.  As a token of thanks for the assistance we’ve provided through the years they had prepared an exotic outdoor feast – roasted pigeons from their rooftopwhich were stuffed with apricots, salo and other delicacies. 
Home-made salo
We have helped him with loans to purchase equipment and fertilizer, which he has repaid promptly at harvest time.  In lieu of interest we have asked him to help his neighbours.  Elena charmed us by 
singing Ukrainian folksongs, accompanying herself on a button accordion called a bayan.  This couple lives simply.   They have an outdoor shower using collected rainwater.  They raise most of their own food.

We thank our donors for the opportunity to assist the above-mentioned individuals and institutions and it is rewarding to hear their gratitude and to see them flourish and move ahead.

We hosted two sets of guests last week.  It was a pleasure to introduce them to some of our projects.  One of the more tender moments came while visiting a local orphanage with Ernie and Helen Rose Pauls. 
A 93 year old relative had knit a bag full of toques.  The orphanage director brought groups of children into the room one group at a time and each child left wearing a toque. – the expression on their faces brought moments of joy for us all.



If you wish to contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" or "FOMCU." Cheques from American donors should be made out to "MFC-FOMCU". All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck, Treasurer, 3675 North Service Rd, Beamsville, Ontario, Canada - L0R 1B1. Check our website at http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit card donations.

No comments:

Post a Comment