Ukraine Revisited Part 2

So, day one in town was amazing, the only change being the signs of neglect everywhere. I did notice less strays and more cars on the road, however and vowed to keep an extra eye out before crossing Sovietskya Street. Later in the day I sent out a call or email to everyone I knew and the phone hasn't stopped ringing since. I've had non-stop visitors, phone calls and a renewed interest in my Facebook posts. I've resurrected the English Club from the library where they had previously vacated due to conflicts of interests. During all this time I've snapped lots of photos and worked hard on the mural in the library.

On day three I met with my (so-called) adopted daughter Julia and her sis Natasha. It was a joyous and tearful reunion. I've missed Julia more than anyone. When I lived here before, she was my right-hand gal. She helped me with a lot of translation and a lot of my community projects. I am so proud of her. Since I was here she went to France to get her master's degree in international something-or-other and when that was done she won a prestigious paid internship in the Republic of Georgia at the French Embassy. After this stint, she won a super competitive scholarship to the College of Europe in Bruge, Belgium. She received an all-inclusive fully funded scholarship with a stipend, no less! I could not be happier or prouder! Of course, she blames me for pushing her out the door, so to speak. I once told her that her brain was too big for Ukraine. Well, she followed my advice and off she went to learn more about the world. Now she is looking for a paid internship abroad to obtain some practical experience in her field.

In my rented apartment with Natasha (left) and Julia.

Here are some photos from the Open Borders English Club.