First you work, then you see museum

A few days ago, I was told that the soccer team at "The Way Home" was traveling to Kiev to play in a tournament, and I jumped at the opportunity to invite myself.  I made a quick phone call to my friend, Artyom, in Kiev to make sure I would have friends in town, and a hostel bed to sleep in and next thing I know, I am on an overnight train to Kiev.  

I arrive in Kiev bright and early on Saturday, ready to tackle the city yet again.  My plan was to hang out with the kids during the day, and enjoy the city at night; beyond that, I really had no idea what the schedule really was.  In fairness to my organization, they did give me a break down before I can, but it was in Ukrainian and I figured it wasn't like I was going to tell them, "Actually, I don't want to do that," so I figured I would just roll with the punches.  

After checking into my hostel, I met up with our team at their hotel in the suburbs, and then followed them to an unknown destination.  I was fine not asking too many questions, but there was one thing that really did confuse me.  I was told we were going on excursions/museum trips, yet some of the kids were carrying rakes.  I just had to ask why.  What I got was, "We are going to the lake to pick up trash, then going to a museum."  Fair enough.

We show up at a lake, and it turns out that one of our excursions is a tour of a local park while collecting trash.  I have to give it up for these street kids, UNICEF really makes them earn ever donation they get.  We were handed white cloth gloves, and a trash bag.  "No trash pick up tool or rubber gloves?" I thought.  Nope, our task was to successfully cleanup a lake using thin little gloves and not cut ourselves with a broken bottle of booze.  It was actually a lot of fun - our group is really energetic so we had a great time laughing, and pretending we were at a shop as we fish menu items from the water.

Collecting trash by a local lake

The girls-  Alina & Lena

Alpha Love!

Good work, team! 

After posing next to all the trash we collected, we had earned our tour of Kiev's Football Stadium.  We all drove downtown together, and had a great time walking around the stadium.    I posed as assistant photographer, and took pictures of everyone who wanted a shot.  I suppose now everyone will want to be my friend on "vkontakte.ru" which is the Russian equivalent of Facebook, so they can see their pictures.  

Our Team!

I will try to gather my thoughts enough to write about my night last night, but seeing as how I only got 2 hours of sleep, you can imagine how long my night was.  Tomorrow, I will attempt these feat - now, I must prepare myself for yet another night.

  

Through Your Eyes

Our newest project at the center is one that will encourage self-expression, creativity and improve the writing skills of our children at "The Way Home."  Yesterday, we had a meeting with our foundation president about the state of our websites, and how we needed to improve its user friendliness.  There are so many aspects to our foundation, and each one has its own website that is not necessarily up kept regularly, which can be problematic for new comers who are interested in learning more or getting involved.  For example, we have a blog that is updated maybe twice a month; a true shame considering how much interesting work and fun activities occur here on a daily basis.  I suggested the following project: why not have the kids be in charge of running our blog?  After all, they are the reason why why are here, why not allow them to share their stories and experiences first hand to the world?  To me, blogging is the best way to share your experiences with friends and family who you otherwise cannot call every day.  It makes me feel special to know people back home care enough to read my stories.  I hope to give these street kids a similar self-esteem boost.  I want them to know that people around the world care about what they have to say and about their daily lives.  


The idea was received well, and it was decided that I would be in charge of giving a presentation in Russian (!) to the kids the following day.  I spent the rest of the day constructing a power point.

Some of the kids during the presentation

When it came time to give my presentation, I started by asking the crowd of children who likes computers.  All hands went up.  I went on to tell them that I love computers too, and feeling confident that they would like my idea, I just dove right in.

I titled my power point: 

"ВАШ БЛОГ – ВАША ЖИЗНЬ : ВАШИМИ ГЛАЗАМИ"

"YOUR BLOG - YOUR LIFE : THROUGH YOUR EYES"

My first slide asked the question, "What is a blog?"  One of the kids responded with, "Bog??" which is Russian for "God."  It was quite funny, but as soon as we cleared that misunderstanding up, the rest was smooth sailing.


I explained what it meant to have a blog, why it would be interesting for them to write down their stories, and how much fun it would be to act like a journalist everyday.  They all seemed excited about the idea, but getting them to sit down with a computer and just write will be the next step.  Today, I will chase down some of them and try to get the ball rolling.  I am excited to learn about where this project will lead the foundation!

Art in the Classroom - painted by the children

My Kids

This last week, I got to sit in and participate in dance lessons at our orphanage.  It was a lot of fun, because the kids are taught all forms of dance.  One dance involved some home made frilly ballerina skirts.  The girls were having a little too much fun - as you can see in this video.  It was super cute.

I really wish I had Nat to teach them some amazing Swing aerials.  Baby, we would rock their world if they could only see what we can do!  We could leave them saying, "It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that Swing!"

The next day, I spent at the Family Crisis Center.  It sounds more intense than it really is.  It's more like a fun place where kids can go to use a computer, get extra tutoring, draw, and even get some food and clothes if needed.  They hold fun parties and events during holidays, and really give kids a fun safe place where they can go hang out.

I spent my day at the center with a cute eight-year old girl named Lera and a couple of fifteen-year old girls who were very excited to hear everything I had to say about life in California.  They love Justin Bieber, High School Musical, and ever thing else American culture has to offer.  I had fun talking to them, but soon they had to partake in their Mathematics lesson.  I spent the rest of the day drawing with Lera, until I started to feel the affects of only four hours of sleep.  We spent all night at a bar for a friend's birthday party the night before, but that is another story in and of itself.  I was fading and knew I had to do something fast, so I busted out my Canon camera.

Lera and me holding each other's art

 Introducing her to my camera was a brilliant idea, because what proceeded was an extra long photo shoot and bonding between us two girls.  We went on a walk together, and she just laughed and laughed as she took pictures of unsuspecting strangers.

What follows are a series of pictures, mostly of life through the eyes of Lera.  It truly was a wonderfully rewarding day.  

Outside of the Center

The Fifteen-year olds and Lera

Houses and Garages

I would have had too much shame to take pictures like this.  Oh, to be young.

I had to explain to her that it wasn't OK to take pictures who do not want to be photographed

Rent-a-Car

Again with the shamelessness

Wall Art

Park Foliage

Graffiti

Branches

Lera - self shot

Fashionable Lady Friends

Interviews

Last week, I tagged along for another social patrol, only this time, our marshrytka (mini van) was a little more crowded.  This time, a long with the social workers and driver, we had a Swedish journalist, her photographer and a translator.  They came to Ukraine because it has the fastest growing rate of HIV, and the paper wanted to release a story about it.  We answered the reporter's questions about how grave the problem is as we drove out of the center of the city in search of some kids.  Just the day before, our foundation found six children who agreed to come back to our center, so we were worried maybe today, we would not be as successful in finding some street kids to talk to.  


We made our usual rounds, and found ourselves in front of a MacDonald's. There we interviewed a couple of kids, both who are HIV+.  Of course it was sad to hear their story, and one of them basically told us flat out he would not survive this winter - he is only seventeen.  They had been injecting drugs (mostly over the counter cold medications mixed with water) for about six years.  They moved slowly, and appeared to have extremely stiff joints because they could hardly change positions - I wonder if this is a result of the AIDS, or some other disease.  Although it was eradicated in the USA, polio is still found in many countries; I kept thinking I was glad that I had my polio immunization years ago.  He told us that he had checked into a center, but they did not want him there because of his illness so he felt obligated to go back to the streets.  I asked him if there was a center for kids like him with HIV, if he would go, and he looked at me in shock, and gave me a huge toothless smile and a thumbs up.  After the interview, the reporter bought the kid a much needed new pair of warms shoes.  The kid told us in English, "Thank you very much, you saved my life," then we moved on.

Photographer, Translator, and Journalist in the back of an ambulance - hunting for prostitutes

Our next task was to find a set of prostitutes to interview, as they would be part of another large group of people who are prone to contracting HIV.  We drove outside of town, slightly further than the bus stop then pulled over.  I wasn't even sure where we were, but we stopped at what looked like a large taco stand with some indoor seating.  We interviewed one girl, who did not appear to be a prostitute at all - at least, not one that I would expect anyone to pay to be with.  She appeared drunk, and maybe only conducted the interview for the free bottle of vodka that was promised.  I took a picture outside of the restaurant, and was verbally accosted by some other woman.  


Woman yelling at me in Russian: "Why are you taking pictures of me?? I am not a prostitute."
Erica: "I am sorry, I didn't think you were. I was just taking pictures of this building."

Picture of the building - not the lady

After about five intense minutes of this, she started laughing and said that now I owe her a picture.  So we got the very nervous translator to take a picture of me and the lady next to each other.  At least the picture was on a really bad camera phone and didn't come out.  She was too drunk to notice.


At the end of it all, I came out more determined to help our organization with its goal of opening that HIV clinic/shelter for street kids.  If there had been one just a few short years ago, that kid we interviewed might actually have had a shot at surviving into adulthood.  Crazy thought, right?


On a funny note, we woke up the next day only to find out that they were doing tree clippings outside.  There were no notes telling people to move their cars, and the trimming crew hardly looked dressed for work.  I think I even saw someone sporting flip flops.

Very large branches narrowly missing the cars below

This was the most terrifying cherry picker I have ever seen

Thriller!

What in the world have I been up to, you might be thinking.  

Well, I am now working with the International Marketer/Fundraiser at "The Way Home" and am motivated to make a difference by raising awareness for our cause through social media networks such as Facebook.  My goal is to put the foundation on track to opening a shelter and clinic for HIV+ street children.  Today, I drafted a proposal that requests the United Nation's Democracy Fund for funding.  

Although the task at hand is extremely challenging, I am enjoying my work here because I get to constantly talk to people in Russian, it involves research about Eastern Europe and, most importantly, I am proud to say I am actually using my major in "Political Economies of Industrialized Societies"!  I never thought my International and Area Studies major would come in handy, but I guess all those Soviet studies are finally paying off.

I had my first English lesson today, which basically means I found a couple of stray kids here and there and got them to sit down with me for an hour.  We went over the basic introductions, so they know how to break the ice if they meet someone who speaks English.  Then we played 20 Questions - I have this little electronic game I bought at Walmart that works by generating questions and within 20, it guesses what you are thinking!  Needless to say, the little kids were kind of freaked out and really excited!  After that, we learned some Michael Jackson lyrics and listened to "Thriller" on my iPhone.  Kids here love "The King of Pop," so I figured if I was them, I would love to be able to sing along to my favorite songs. 

Volunteer by day, Bar crasher by night:  Random Pictures of my Ukrainian Nightlife

My two favorite bars in Odessa are Shkaf (Шкаф) and Kapitan Morgan's.  We basically always start the night at Shkaf and I think I already told you about it - remember, they had the Japanese Night and served us Hiroshima shots?  Shkaf always has random stuff everywhere, just like this Lenin statue and random arms coming from the ceiling.  It plays good music, is chill and has cheap beer - a great combination for a volunteer like me.

Reminds me of the Sistine Chapel

Your Political Economic Theories are ridiculous!  Sit in the corner and think about what you've done.

My Hostel Peeps and me at Shkaf

After Shkaf, we always walk to Kapitan Morgan.  KP makes pomegranate drinks from fresh pomegranates and always has an eclectic mix of patrons.  I am sure you remember this is where I had my Russian conversation "competition" last week.    

Dancin' with Donal Duck

This week, I found a guy who was dancing it up all night long, and you can tell by the sweaty shirt.  He worn sunglasses and Donald Duck T-Shirt.  I thought his attire was just hysterical so I asked him if I could take a picture with him, but he was concerned that taking a picture with me would constitute as cheating on his wife, so he kind of turned away.  Don't let the gaudy exterior fool you; he was actually quite shy. 



So there you go, I stress myself out during the day, trying to raise money and rebuild one of the most devastated post-Soviet states in the world, and make it up to myself by dancing it off at night.  Such is my life in Ukraine.

Social Patrol

I spent the first couple of days confused about my role with the program "The Way Home," here in Odessa, Ukraine.  I thought I had come here to teach English, but I soon realized that maybe my life wouldn't be as easy as all that.  Anyone who knows me knows that my interests are all over the place - my passions range from politics, economics, health, theatre and dance, animals...you name it, I probably love it.  "So, what can I do to help?" was a question I kept asking.  

Mini Bus used for Social Patrol

My first real day I was scheduled to do Social Patrol.  I bought my "new" used clothes from the second hand store, tied up my hair, and walked to the office, ready for anything.  I headed out on the patrol with our driver, a social worker, Roman; and one of the boys, Dima, who lives at our center.  We drive about fifteen minutes downtown, and I am a little confused.  They didn't tell me exactly where we were going, so I though, "Hey, I guess it is time for lunch, why not make a stop downtown for some food."  I see the Mango clothing store I had been looking for earlier and make a mental note what streets we are on so I can come back later.  All of a sudden, I notice we are pulling over; Roman and Dima jump out of the car.  "This is strange, we are still in the center of the city," I thought, "but I might as well follow them."  We walk down a crowded street past nice clothing and shoe stores, then abruptly we turn into a courtyard and it immediately becomes clear that we are not going to stop to buy food.  I kept thinking, "Be careful you don't touch anything or cut yourself..."  So glad I have had my Tetanus/Pertussis immunization shot.  We jump a fence and climb over some concrete, past fallen leaves broken glass and other trash. They open a door, and the boy peers into the darkness and begins a conversation in Russian.  This is a regular homeless woman that they see often.  They have a familiar conversation, point out that I am a volunteer from California, and very nonchalantly grab our old tupperware and we head back to the van.  There we will up it back up with soup, hand it back to Dima and he runs off with the soup and a few slices of bread.

Living under ground is warmer than the alternative

This was basically our day.  You would not even have any idea where you would find some of the homeless here in Odessa, but they are there.  You better believe that they live in the most sturdy and well hidden abandoned buildings there are, because as I was reminded today, it's going to get cold soon...  "How soon?" I asked.  Ten days.  

Можно помогить Вам?

I will be spending the rest of my time abroad volunteering at The Way Home in Odessa, Ukraine. It is a non-profit organization that's aim is to provide complex medical help, psychological support and social adaptation to homeless adults, street children and drug users.  I decided long ago that part of my trip should be devoted to doing some good in the world.  I read a very moving book called Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, and it really inspired me to look into volunteer work in a Russian-speaking country after my Trans-Siberian Journey.  I found this organization at Idealist.org and got in touch with one of the volunteers there.  I have successfully navigated my way around the world and am back in Odessa, ready for the last chapter of my trip.  These posts will be devoted to my organization, my experiences with them there, and whatever else I find entertaining here in Ukraine. 

Вторник был мой первый день на работе как волонтер в Одессе.  Я была, опаздывала, потому что я погуляла по улицу, что я не хорошо знаю, и я заблудилась.  Это было неудобно!  Мне не нравится быть опаздывала.  Девушки с кем я буду работать очень симпатичные.  Дети тоже классные!  Я рада познакомилась с ними.

Tuesday was my first day working as a volunteer in Odessa, Ukraine.  I was late to my meeting, because I walked down a street that I was not familiar with and got lost.  It was so awkward!  I hate being late to meetings or classes.  The women who work there are extremely nice.  The kids are cool too!  I am happy to have met them.

Они хотели знать, где я училась, работала, и так далее, по русский конечно!  Я говорила, и думаю, что здесь много что я могу делать.  Я уже работала с детей, делала театр и танцевала, и работала в медицинском офисе.

They wanted to know where I studied, where I worked, what experiences I had in the past, and so on; and of course they wanted to know all this information in Russian!  I spoke to them and I think there will be a lot of different areas that I will be of help.  I have a lot of experience with children having worked as an activities coordinator for my vacation bible school, I did theatre and choreographed swing so I can help them in their performance department, and I worked at medical offices so I can help in the clinics.

There is so much I can do to help this organization, I just need to find my place.  My first assigned duty was to go on Social Patrol.  This is where you drive around the city and look for the homeless people; we offer them food, medical attention and even a place to stay if they are interested in joining our program.  Dasha, the coordinator, scared me because she told me to tie my hair back since so many homeless people have lice; she also warned me not to kiss anyone while on patrol (was this actually a problem in the past I wanted to know??) because so many of them are HIV positive in Ukraine (for the record I know HIV is not transmitted via saliva, this is just what she told me).  Not only did she advise me to become emotionally prepared, but my coordinator told me to wear clothes that are appropriate for the occasion.  This is how she put it:

Dasha: "Erica, be sure to wear clothes that you do not mind... how do you say..."

Erica: "Get dirty?"

Dasha: "No, more like... to get..."

Erica: "Destroyed?"

Dasha: "Exactly."

Erica: "I will go shopping for some new used clothes today then!"

I am so glad I was motivated to search for a second hand store, for what I found was the mother load of all thrift stores.  You thought thrift stores in the US were filled with treasures, but look at this!  I found my new outfit and will definitely make a trip back to look for Burning Man clothes.

Shoes, coats, pants, and fur items as far as the eye can see!