Lunch on the Lawn

An addendum to "Breakfast on the Lawn". As I worked in my kitchen today around lunch time doing some cooking for the week, I noticed the usual group of teenage students who also like to gather in our "yard" during their breaks.



Today one of the young ladies left her lunch on the "lawn" after apparently having consumed some alcoholic beverage. Unable to stand on her own, her girlfriends helped her resume a sitting position at the community "picnic" table. Soon several women came,one of whom I believe may have been the girl's mother. Whoever this woman was, she proceeded to yank the girl to a standing position while screaming at her, and jerked down the road. Lunch for the students consists of various beverages and cigarettes.
Only minutes after that, more commotion in front of the entrance to my section of the building as several young man pulled a very, very drunk neighbor of mine (about my age) from a small pickup truck - taking 3 of them to drag him up to the 5th floor of our building where he lives.

Emptiness of soul is not limited to age,sex,or status in life. Such a needy world we live in - so desparately in need of the Truth, of the love, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

BREAKFAST ON THE LAWN

I can't help but notice as I prepare my morning coffee, the "Brotherhood of Vodka Lovers" (my name for the group) enjoying "breakfast on the lawn" (actually the "courtyard" inner area of our apartment building) as they gather every morning beginning very early, usually not long after sun-up. A lovely continental breakfast that appears to consist of a clear liquid (which I'm quite confident is not water!) poured from a small glass liqour bottle, pieces of bread, or some kind of nuts, sometimes pieces of dried fish is shared by these men as they enjoy the fresh morning air while puffing on their cigarettes.

I relate this scene somewhat sarcastically and jokingly, though, to me it is really quite sad. As I come and go throughout the day, I often find them still sitting until afternoon or evening - sometimes moving to other nearby benches where they chat and drink and smoke some more. It's difficult to imagine such a life. Why is this so sad to me? It reveals the emptiness of the soul - the heart of a man who lives without the Lord Jesus Christ. It's a picture of life without hope or purpose, without direction, without true and lasting joy. Oh, certainly there may be a temporary feeling of euphoria - but when the vodka wares off - then what?

Only in the Movies

I never dreamed I'd find myself jumping off of a moving train! For a recent one-day to Kiev by train - one night up and the next night back - I chose the Simferopal train for the return trip which meant less travel time and earlier arrival in Kherson. However, this meant a VERY brief stop in Kherson - just long enough to let passengers off and take on new passengers. The conductor assured me, "no problem, we'll wake you - you'll have plenty of time!" Just to be sure I would be up and ready, I set the alarm on my mobile phone as well. I seldom sleep much on the train - but this time I happened to be in a rather deep sleep when suddenly I heard my phone alarm. When I finally came to, it occurred to me that the train wasn't moving - did this mean...?! Sure enough, it was Kherson! Going into panic mode, when I found the conductress pulling up the step and closing the door - I, in my so-so Russian, somewhat less than calmly, said, I have to get off here!! Why didn't anyone wake me?! Running back to my coupe, quickly throwing on my street clothes over my "train" clothes (usually people change into other clothes for the train ride), snatching up my belongings, barely getting my coat and boots on, with the conductress shouting at me to "hurry,lady,hurry"!, I heard the creaking of the train wheels as the train began moving. With my bags slung over my shoulder and arms, I ran to the door, and successfully de-trained, by taking one big leap off the bottom step landing on the platform as the train pulled out of the station. Whew! I've only seen this in the movies!

Well,there I was,at 5:30am on that cold, dark morning. Barely awake, a little shaken, but very thankful I didn't end up at the next station (wherever that would have been) trying to find a way back to Kherson. I headed to the bus stop, refusing the offers of the taxi drivers at the train station. At that time of the morning, they were asking about twice the normal fare which I could have paid but on principle and out of stubbornness didn't want to pay. In my stupor, I waited at the bus stop - nothing - too early - buses hadn't started running. So, I began walking - stood at another bus stop for a while with a few other people. Again, nothing. Finally, cold, tired, and much in need of facilities, regretting my stubbornness, I began looking and praying for a taxi along the street. God is faithful - even in my stubbornness! At last I got into a nice warm taxi with a pleasant taxi driver. What a blessing to get home to my nice, warm little apartment. God is good!

Holdays! Holidays!

What is that boom-boom I hear? It's just the music blasting from my neighbor's super-duper over sized speakers (love these paper/plaster walls between apartments-gives one a feeling of closeness with one's neighbors), reminding me that it's time to celebrate again. Another holiday - this one - Women's Day! Women's Day(The Wikipedia website gives some interesting background and history on International Women's Day, )March 8th, is tomorrow - though celebrations began yesterday as many people were already partying at their work places. Holidays in Ukraine are in great abundance. This is one of the bigger ones with most people having a 4-day weekend. So, I congratulate all of you women out there on this International Women's Day of 2008! May God help us to be women of noble character who love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ - making his love and grace known to those around us.

This photo of some of the dear young women of the Kherson church.