Kiev Ukraine Day Two

Today was another good day to experience Kiev. We took things slow this morning since church services did not start until 11 AM. We received directions from a helpful Temple worker yesterday to the building where church services are held. Turns out, it was only a short walk from our apartment. This apartment has simply been fantastic in Kiev!

Church services were in both Ukrainian and Russian. It was interesting to experience different languages throughout different parts of the service. The changes back and forth between Ukrainian and Russian did not seem to phase anyone present, especially Mary who says that she did not notice a difference at all:)! Regardless, the Spirit was the same and it felt like home to be at church here in Kiev. During Relief Society, they sang "Families Can Be Together Forever" in Russian. With all of our emotions and feelings during this time, it is understandable that Mary cried despite the language barrier.

Following church, we enjoyed a dinner of Pelmeni and decided to take a walk through downtown Kiev. It turns out that our apartment is also very close to Independence Square. Western media refers to Independence Square as Maidan (the Ukrainian word for "square"). It is the place where the protests happened earlier this year. It was a sobering experience to walk through a location of recent history where such great emotion and feeling found a form of expression.

 

The garden clock at Independence Square.

 

Maidan

 

Standing in front of the Independence Column.

 

A sign near Independence Square that translates "Pray for Ukraine."

This is a very interesting time for Ukraine and it was fascinating to see and feel a small part of the history of this nation. We are very grateful for the opportunity to be here and are excited for our appointment tomorrow!