Monday, January 02, 2012

::Out with the Old, In with the New::

"Christmas is over. Do not despair but rather be glad. We had a good year, now let's have another. remembering all the good times that we had. Oh no more lights glistening, no more carols to sing, but Christmas- it makes way for spring."
::Relient K::

Well, I guess it's about time for a new post!

We celebrated Thanksgiving the American way, sweet potatoes and pie included. It was wonderful to take a day to remember everything I have to be thankful for, including being here in Ukraine!

Ukraine doesn't celebrate December 25, but rather January 7 is Christmas day in the Orthodox calendar. The big holiday for Ukrainians is New Year's! A family meal, presents, Grandfather Frost (aka Santa Claus), and New Year's tree (aka Christmas tree) are all part of the New Year's holiday.

For us missionaries, we shared food, fun and gifts on December 24th. My family sent some gifts that I then opened Christmas day after skyping them the night before. Despite being my first Christmas away from my own family, I enjoyed celebrating with my friends here who have become family to me.

New Year's was quite a big celebration for all of us with friends here in Kharkov! We counted down the New Year's, greeted the New Year with hugs, celebrated with sparklers, watched fireworks all around, and played games until 5am before calling it quits! It was quite the party, and a great way to bring in 2012 here in Ukraine!

Here's a few pics from the last of 2011:

 The Sky Highway over Kharkov

 Me & Canaan at the Halloween Party

Christmas gifts sent from my family!

 In Kharkov's Freedom Square

 The 2012 New Year Dragon in Freedom Square

Happy New Year to all of you!
-ej