Hermanivka. The name and location of the
little village I call home in Ukraine. Picture a village in which everything is
within walking distance. A village where everyone greets another as they walk
by. A village where farming and good weather is a reason for parents to keep
their children home from school. A village where there are as many dogs and
chickens running around as there are people (possibly more). Have you got it?
Now make sure to remember not to include any modern amenities and conveniences
in this village. There you go. Now, my dear friend, you are picturing
Hermanivka. This little place tucked
away in the fields of Ukraine is a special place full of interesting and
wonderful people, all living their lives with the sole purpose of survival. It
is a place full of more hard working people than I have ever met in my entire
life, and a place where the Soviet era still hangs heavy in the air.
Many people were surprised and confused
when I told them I was going to Ukraine for the Peace Corps. They assumed that
it was a country that didn’t really need help because:
A)
it is so near to Western Europe and other more established countries that they
lump it in with countries like Germany and Poland
B) it has a handful of big cities and
therefore is developed and functioning fine
C) the Soviet Union doesn’t “exist” anymore
and therefore Ukraine is independent and can do its own thing
D) when
compared to certain countries in Africa or Central/South America, Ukraine is in
great shape!
I kid you not, these are just a few of many
reasons I have heard as to why Peace Corps should not be in Ukraine. As much as
I can try to understand some of these assumptions, the fact of the matter is
Ukraine is a country in dire need of help. It is a country torn apart by its dark
history. Ukraine is a newly independent country, having only declared it’s
emancipation on August 24th 1991. With this independence came a new
national anthem, language (Ukrainian instead of Russian), and yet another
political corrupt society in which the people are still fighting for rights and
fairness. So many of its people are still accustomed to living in a Russian
speaking, oppressed country. However, many realize that although change has
happened, there is still a need to continue evolving and growing. And with the
Orange Revolution still fresh in the minds and hearts of many people
(specifically the young adults to middle aged), the constant battle for the
voice of the people to be heard is going strong. However, the political corruptness
and unjustness plaguing the country only adds to the grey and dim attitude of
this soviet torn land.
So why am I here? I am here to help with
developing a country that so much longs to be its own. To show its people that
although the past may still cast certain shadows, the future is promising and
bright. To help teach its children how to be functioning, independent and
strong members of communities - in every aspect of the word. And to help the
people show not only the world, but their fellow county men that Ukraine IS a
strong country with a voice that will be heard. Unlike some countries where
help is not wanted and is sometimes violently pushed away, Ukraine WANTS the
help Peace Corps offers. This is why Ukraine has the most Peace Corps
Volunteers over every other country in the world. It is a peaceful exchange of
cultural and ideas. We are working together for a common cause. We are helping
a country find its voice. I am proud to be here working with these beautiful
people. This is why I am here.
I am now halfway through my training. I
can’t believe how much I have seen, experienced and been taught in the short
time I have been here. Pig’s being slaughtering, vodka being chugged, children
riding on bikes with machetes in their hands, not having taken a legit shower
in over a month, riding in buses where I literally feel every curve of the persons body behind me as it is pressed into mine,being woken up in the middle of the night with a mouse in my
bed, men in monkey suits declaring their love to me…It has definitely been an
adventure! I am so thankful for my family and friends for their love and
support, and especially thankful for my amazing cluster. These four incredible
people that I spend day after day with help paint this world that I am living
in with laughter and light heartedness. Their ability to be an ear to listen, a
hand to hold, a mouth to laugh or a soul to share with has made this journey so
much easier. I am so thankful for them and our unique and amazing dynamic. Oh
Hermanivka, my little town, my quiet village. However unlike the song, everyday
here just never seems to be like the one before…and I wouldn’t have it any
other way.
*Side Note* I wish I could upload pictures, but the internet here is very slow and it takes over 10 minutes to get halfway through uploading one haha, so I am going to hold off until I have a stronger connection to put up some pics! And expect the next blog to be less "why am I here" and more "here is what I have been doing and seeing". <3
