Silence Only Makes the Haters Stronger

Raise your voice, and make a fuss! Don’t let fear and hate destroy humanity time and time again. Stop the harassment towards those of other races, genders, and sexual orientation. The death of Tyler Clementi and the other alleged gay teens is an unnecessary tragedy that could have and should have been avoided. We’re all one, we’re all equal. And no one deserves to live in fear.

“First they put away the dealers
Keep our kids safe and off the streets
Then they put away the prostitutes
Keep married men cloistered at home
Then they shooed away the bums
Then they beat and bashed the queers
Turned away the asylum seekers
Fed us suspicions and fears
We didn’t raise our voice
We didn’t make a fuss
It’s funny there was no one left to notice when they came for us”
~NOFX “Re-gaining Unconsciousness”~

Schooool’s Out For Summa!

Sorry for the delay between blogs.

Classes ended early June. I spent 7 hours at a picnic with my 3rd year University students and later another 2 hours walking in the park with some of them. We talked about everything. It was a fun way to end my first semester teaching in Ukraine.

I spent most of June traveling around Eastern Ukraine visiting friends and preparing for my departure to the USA. In early July my friend Jess and I traveled to Chernigiv, the first city we lived in while training for Peace Corps. I stayed with my wonderful host family and had a great time. I’d forgotten how much I loved Chernigiv and how much my host family feels like my family. They are my Ukrainian family. I noticed that during the 3 days I stayed with them, I had no problem with the bossiness or insistence on their part. Tanya and Toita Nina are my family; they’re like my two aunts telling me what to do. When the teachers at the college I work for begin to act this way, I get upset and usually tell them to stop. But not with Tanya and Nina. Family gets a pass…

And finally! July 5th at 9:00 pm I made my way towards the airport. It took an hour to get there by bus. I believe it is because of all the traffic, for the airport is in Kiev. I had to stay at the airport overnight. It was a long 8 hours. I thought I’d sleep but, sadly, no. I did, however, meet two nice young men from India and we spent the early morning hours talking about our lives. I had a great time chatting with them and they are now my facebook friends. I was SO exhausted and excited when I finally boarded the plane at 6:00 AM. I slept the whole way to Amsterdam. Changed planes and spent the next 10 hours on my last flight reading and watching movies. As the plane descended into Portland, Oregon I switched on my iPod and listened to “Ain’t That America” by Simon and Garfunkel. I was overwhelmed with my happiness. To see the Columbia River, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier all from the plane. I smiled and whispered “welcome home.” I was very pushy on my way out of customs. A trait I have, unfortunately, picked up in Ukraine. I couldn’t contain my excitement to see my family! As fast as I could, I dragged my suitcase behind me and zipped around people, smiling wide the whole time. And then, the crowds parting, I saw Mom, Dad and Kaitlyn waiting for me just past the security gates. It was a BIG hug the four of us shared. It was a wonderful moment and one I look forward to repeating when I come home again.

My 25 days in America were crazy! It was so wonderful to see and hug my Mom. It’s hard to believe it will be nearly a year before I receive another hug from her. And I loved spending so much time with my family!
*Mom, Kaitlyn and I went to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland for two days. We saw Pride and Prejudice and the Merchant of Venice performed. It was lovely.
*We had traveled to Southern Oregon so that I could see one of my dearest friends, Amanda Hewitt, tie the knot. She looked SO beautiful and happy. I’m thrilled for her!
*Hiked 7 miles with Becca at Mt. St. Helens. That was a fabulous day!
*Went shopping a lot. We quickly discovered that I had lost 4 pant sizes! Living in Ukraine has been good for me. I feel healthy.
*Went to the Strickland Family Reunion
*Read “Radiant Shadows” by Melissa Marr. How I found time to read while I was home, I don’t know. But I loved the book and look forward to the next book come the spring.
*Did vodka shots with Shawn and Nick to celebrate their new marriage to one another. I brought the vodka from Ukraine as their wedding gift.
*Chatted with Sean nearly everyday. That was wonderful to be in the same country as him for a change. We met in PC Philippines and I’m happy we’ve kept in touch, even after 2 years. He’s now in Korea and I’m SO happy for him.
*Took Ian, Catherine, Kaitlyn, Eric and Kelly to the Oregon Zoo. We had a blast!
*Spent hours at Powell’s with Mom. I love that bookstore, but the owners have totally sold out. It is now a tourist trap and their prices are way too expensive now. It makes me sad.
*Spent my final day with the family at home. It was such a lovely surprise that Luther came home from Iraq the day before I left. So I was able to give him a hug and wish him and Taylor a warm congratulations on their engagement. As of Oct. 2nd, they are married.

Mom and Dad drove me to the airport. As always. One of these days I will go to the airport and it will not have be be such a production. I gave my parents several hugs and waved goodbye as I passed though security once again. On a happy note, they (and Kaitlyn) will be arriving in Ukraine July 16, 2011! I’m SO excited to show them my world!

When I arrived in Ukraine, I discovered that my 2 bags (full of new clothes and food I can’t buy in Ukraine) were still in Amsterdam! Note to travelers, avoid any Dutch airlines. Evidently this is a recurring issue. It took 4 hours at the Kiev Airport to finally fill out and file my form that said what to do with my lost luggage. The next day, I was on my train back to Stakhanov when my luggage was delivered to the Peace Corps office in Kiev. Thankfully, my dear friend and “big bro” Jorge Armando Supelano came to the rescue! He was traveling through Kiev and he dragged my 2 heavy bags onto the train and to Lugansk Oblast for me. I met him at the train station and picked up my bags. I am eternally grateful for what he did and I can’t thank him enough.

A week later Jorge and I traveled to Yalta in the Crimea. We spent 2 days enjoying the sunshine and the sites while admiring the beauty of the Black Sea. He and I took a boat to see The Swallow’s Nest–a small castle on a cliff overlooking the sea and, in the distance, the city of Yalta. We had a fabulous time! We then traveled to Lenina and met up with Blonde Jess to visit our Russian teacher Lyuda. We spent 4 days with her at the Sea of Azov. The water was so blue and warm. We spent hours and hours swimming and sun tanning. We went shopping together in a 2,000 year old city and Lyuda was impressed with how much my Russian has improved. That’s a relief! We spent one night camped out on the beach at the sea. My first real camping trip! It was wonderful to wake up in the morning and run into the sea. I loved every minute of our Crimean adventure and look forward to next summer’s trip to visit Lyuda.

This was a long blog, but then it was a long summer. A few days after returning from Crimea, I, along with 7 of my students, traveled to the center of Ukraine for Camp LEAD. It was fabulous, but I’m afraid all the traveling caught up with me and I caught laryngitis and fell ill with bronchitis all at the same time. So I had to leave camp early and come home to Stakhanov. Much has changed in my city, but that is for another blog.

More to follow…

Life is calling, how far will you go?

Oh Glorious Spring!

May 19, 2010

“Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer.” -Geoffrey B. Charlesworth

Spring! Oh glorious spring! You have arrived at last! The unforgiving winter has seen its day and now spring has graced us with her splendid presence. The trees are in bloom, the lilacs in blossom—bringing sweet, familiar smells to brighten the day. The swallows play their game of tag in the early morning sky, while the little бабушки settle in to their day of selling aloe plants and tulips outside the busy markets. The May rain adds harmony to the baritone crash of the thunder as it shakes my bedroom window. And the lightning illuminates the poor souls caught out in the tempest without the benefit of an umbrella.

Ukraine in the spring is magnificent. I find myself breathless as I gaze upon the rolling hills of green as far as the eye can see. Its beauty is outstanding. So far this month has brought lazy afternoons of picnicking in the park with friends, while lying in the sunshine reading and dozing. The rainy, stormy days that we have often had this past week makes me a little homesick, as it reminds me of the bipolar weather of Washington State…of home.

However, despite the occasional wistfulness for home, I am incredibly happy here in Ukraine. While teaching today, I took a moment to reflect upon the 5 months that I have lived in Stakhanov and how far I have come with my students already. They are so wonderful. Each of them makes living here worthwhile. I can’t imagine a better place for me right now then Stakhanov, Ukraine. Life is absolutely perfect.

And it helps that I have such sensational friends. And an amazing site mate. Tessie, Pat and Jorge have all been blessings. I’m not sure what I would do without them.

Spring has prompted many trips away from site already. In April I visited my dear friend Nazgol in her town, about 2-3 hours from Stakhanov. It was lovely to see her. And a couple weeks ago I traveled to my twins site—Blonde Jess! She lives in the southern part of Ukraine. We celebrated her 24th birthday and had a marvelous time. I sure miss that girl when we’re apart! I’m already planning my next trip with her, along with many other adventures around Ukraine.

Besides traveling, spring has brought something else: holidays. Three so far, and another next week. Easter happened to coincide with the non-orthodox calendar this year. I celebrated with Pat very early in the morning at our local cathedral. We went with his Ukrainian counterpart, and our mutual friend, Ruslan. It was very interesting to spend this holiday the traditional Ukrainian way; going to the church at 5:00 AM to have our food and ourselves drenched…I mean blessed…with holy water by the priest. Later, after Pat and I made amazing apple-cinnamon pancakes for breakfast, we went to Tessie’s church and celebrated Easter with her friends. Now our friends as well.  It was a pleasure to meet them all.

May 1st was the May Day celebration in Ukraine. I spent that holiday with Pat and Tessie, too! We had a picnic in the park and enjoyed the sunshine. Later we went to the park and enjoyed the festivities—which included many young Ukrainians dancing on stage to various songs. It was a joy to be a part of it all.

May 9th was the European celebration of the WWII Victory Day! I was at Blonde Jess’ site that day, so I saw the memorial covered in flowers with her. And later I enjoyed the fireworks while I waited at the train station.

Next Monday is the celebration of the Pentecost. Which means yet another day of no school. That means, in the four full weeks of May, that we only had ONE week that we attended classes the entire work week. Which, I admit, was fun…if not disruptive. But we have worked! In fact, I have been crazy busy grading papers and finalizing for the end of the term—which is June 5th. I still have a stack of papers to attack with my red pen. Hopefully that happens tomorrow.
Besides school, we have also been very busy at English club. Pat and I run THREE English clubs. One at his school, one at mine and our new addition is the community English club—which at our first meeting had 44 people! Our second meeting was last weekend at our number decreased by half, which was more manageable. However, Tessie and Jorge were kind enough to help us out at this last meeting, which Pat and I appreciated very much.

This weekend Pat, Tessie and I are traveling the 1.5 hours to Lugansk to shop and just have fun in the big city. And later, Pat and I will play basketball with some of the students from the University. We’ve played with a few kids from the college and Pat’s school, which I have greatly enjoyed. I’m looking forward to playing a game with the students this Sunday. Should be fun!

Spring, oh glorious spring! You have finally arrived! And for that, I am eternally grateful.

More to follow…

America: The New Soviet Union

I sent the following to a talk radio show in Portland, OR after listening to him discuss the new Arizona Immigration Law. Thought I’d forward it on to you. Let me know your thoughts.

My name is Jessica. I’m from Washington State, but currently live and work in Ukraine as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I teach English as a Foreign Language to University students. As a foreigner, I must say I agree with President Obama and all those opposed to Arizona’s new law. It is terrifying to walk down the streets of Ukraine and be afraid to speak English to a companion or on the phone. Because as soon as I (we) do, we’re stopped by the police and asked for our documents. We’re harassed by the police in Ukraine on different occasions. They do discriminate against race, gender and, most especially, because I’m an American. It’s an awful feeling and it saddens me to think that America may be becoming more like a post Soviet Union country with laws such as the immigration law in Arizona. There are other alternatives to the illegal immigration problem facing America, instead of treating everyone, citizens alike, as criminals.

Peace,

Jessica

to read about the new law visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/24/us/politics/24immig.html

Tags: America, Arizona, Immigration, Peace Corps, Soviet Union, Ukraine

Cowlitz County in Washington State Booming with PCV’s!

Here is an article that appeared in The Daily News in Longview, Wa about Peace Corps. This is the local newspaper at home. The article was released Dec. 17, 2009–The same day I swore in as a PCV in Ukraine!

When it comes to people who want to make a difference in the world, Cowlitz County is outpacing most of the nation.
For 2009, the county produced the fourth-most number of Peace Corps volunteers per capita in the nation, with nearly 10 for every 100,000 residents, the federal agency announced this week.
“Typically Washington and Oregon are in the top states every year for the number of volunteers” (per capita), said Matt Hogue, a Peace Corps recruiter for the Northwest Regional Office in Seattle. “We just seem to be states that are civic-minded. People here have a sense of wanting to give back and (who have) a sense of adventure.”
JoEllen LaPlant, who recently returned from a 27-month stint in Bulgaria, fits that description.
“For me, it was just a time I wanted a new direction,” she said. “It’s a way to give back to the world. It tests you, it tests your limitations, and you grow in ways you never knew you could.”
LaPlant, 50, lived in a town called Montana in the northwest region of Bulgaria, one of the poorest areas in a poor Eastern European country, she said. While there, she worked in the municipality’s European Integration Department.
“I did a lot of translating, a lot of work on definition and computer skills,” she said. “I also did computer training at the library and taught an English class. You just find and do whatever you can do.”
LaPlant, a Kelso graduate, lives in Seattle, but she was counted as a volunteer from the local area because she listed Kelso as her home base. Her parents, Jim and Ellen Van Hook, live in Kelso.
Being an older volunteer, she was given a little more latitude about where she would be assigned, she said.
“I had asked for an Eastern European country. Part of it was accessibility if I needed to get home because of my parents versus being in the middle of Africa,” she said. “It was a safety net knowing that I could be home in 15 to 16 hours.”
LaPlant said she lived in a studio-style apartment the local municipality supplied for her. “It was in a Communist-style cement building,” she said. “I was on the sixth floor. They did have elevators, but it was too scary.”
She walked to work and shopped the local markets where there was always fresh fruit and vegetables.
The Slavic language, with its Cyrillic alphabet, was difficult to learn, she said.
“For almost three months you live with a host family for training in language and culture,” she said. “You have to get to an intermediate-low level, and they keep testing you until you have enough language for survival skills.”
Jessica Strickland of Castle Rock has just completed her three-month stint with two host families in Ukraine and Thursday was formally sworn in as a Peace Corps volunteer there. She was on her way by train to her permanent assignment in Eastern Ukraine, in a town close to the Russian border, said her mother, high school English teacher Sue Strickland.
Strickland said her 24-year-old daughter worked very hard to learn Russian, another difficult language.
“She pretty much immersed herself with her host families,” Strickland said. “In the second host family, the grandmother spoke nothing but Russian. Jessica felt proud that after six weeks there, she could have an hour-long conversation with the grandmother.”
In Ukraine, Jessica Strickland will be teaching English at a pedagogical college, which is similar to a community college.
Strickland said she was surprised her daughter wanted to be a teacher, but not so surprised at her joining the Peace Corps.
“She’s always been very adventurous,” she said.
Hogue, the recruiter, said the Peace Corps seeks people who have knowledge or skills that would benefit a community.
“We look at relevant degrees or work experience and ideally fit your role to a place needing your skills,” he said. Then there are medical and background checks and paperwork before getting an official invitation from Washington, D.C., to join the corps. The process takes nine to 15 months, he said.
LaPlant said she was ready to return home, but she’s also is starting to miss the people and the environment of Bulgaria.
“It’s a struggle you can’t even imagine before you go,” she said, “then you find joy that you can’t even imagine before you go.
“I’ve made friends for a lifetime.”

Tags: Peace Corps, Ukraine

Congratulations! You’re a Woman!

March 25, 2010

The 8th of March is Women’s Day here in Ukraine. All women are celebrated and honored on this day. My students gave me chocolate, roses, a salt bowl and a glass turtle. I’ve never been given a gift for just being a woman before. Sweet! It really was a fun celebration. And it is such a major holiday here. The Friday before the students and male teachers prepared a concert of singing and skits. I couldn’t find a theme—but it really was hilarious to watch! I had lunch with the Foreign Language teachers—there are 7 of us. That is always a cultural experience. It may be the drinking in the middle of the day that I still find shocking. I politely decline their offers for more. I think after the third toast, I’m done. On birthdays there are 49 toasts! Yikes!
I spent most of the 3 day weekend lesson planning for my US Country Studies class. I have taught my students about the geography of the country, its important early history, slavery, civil rights and will teach them about…uh…something really incredible next week. But back to the holiday weekend—Pat and Tessie came over Sunday and we made Russian Pie. It was delicious! And Pat thoughtfully gave Tes and I a cake to celebrate the holiday. My friend (and fellow PCV) Matt E. sent me a “congratulations!” card. I think America should adopt this holiday of celebrating its women. You can’t help but feel loved and appreciated after this holiday!

March proved to be fun all month long. Pat and I had visitors recently—our friends Jess H. and Jean M. came to Stakhanov to spend their spring break. Sadly, I had to work. But the ladies stayed in the dorm with me and I did end up spending a lot of my time with them. We visited the park in Stakhanov! You can finally see it now that the snow has all melted away. I hope the weather continues to be sunny and bright. I think I may become depressed if that white stuff starts falling from the sky again. The four of us walked all around Stakhanov and saw the pond, cathedral and stadium. Our park has a Ferris wheel in it! For some amazing and ridiculous photos of our week together, go check out my facebook page. We also played a few hours of cards. And laughed a lot. The phrase “Thanks for the squirrels” will forever be immortalized. It was such a joy to have them here. I hope to visit Jess for her birthday in May—and that’s only an 11 hour train ride. Piece of cake!

More to follow…