Teaching Resources International

All Quiet on the Western Front … For Now! (April Update)

Things have been relatively quiet here in Ukraine for the past couple of weeks.  Russia has toned down the intensity of its propaganda about Ukraine but it has not given up its threat to invade Ukraine.  Russian troops are still masse d on Ukraine’s border ready for attack.  Their tanks can reach Kyiv in 2 hours.  Russia claims that it is merely conducting military exercises but military observers say these troops are not practicing anything but just waiting in battle positions.  Who knows what Russia will do next!  Ukraine has made clear that this time they will defend Ukraine with all means necessary if Russia invades.  But Russian forces on the border alone are more than double all of Ukraine’s forces.  And, so far, NATO, the US and Europe have all said they will not intervene militarily if Russia invades.

Pray for Ukraine …

There are many things to be praying for Ukraine in the coming month. (more…)

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The Crisis Deepens (March 2014 Update)

The Crisis in Ukraine began at the end of November 2013.  When the Olympics began, the government here began a series of negotiations that defused the situation slightly.  But they refused to keep their commitment to return to the Constitution of 2004 and protesters marched toward parliament to protest.  No one knows who started the conflict but the government quickly escalated the violence using even guns against unarmed crowds.  Since then, they have blocked entrances into the city, shut down the metro and called up the military.  This has sparked more protests and take-overs in the Western cities (at least 9 regional capitals have been captured by the opposition with massive numbers of people) which are also sending help to the protesters in Kiev.  The situation could quickly descend into civil war. A number have been killed (most by being shot by government forces) and thousands injured.  The government forces have tried repeatedly to break through the protesters lines but so far have not succeeded. (more…)

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This is my first Christmas to be spent in Ukraine and certainly many things are very different here.  First of all, the Christmas season really does not begin until January 1^st so very few have decorations or trees up yet.  We do!  Katya has done an excellent job of decorating our home like an American Christmas!  It’s beautiful!  Second, Christmas here is much simpler than in the US.  Usually, everyone gets just one small gift for Christmas.  Katya and I had purchased a few gifts and put them under our little tree. One Ukrainian friend was visiting and was amazed at ALL the presents under the tree!  Katya said she could not bring herself to tell about all the presents we have in America under our tree!  Needless to say, Christmas in Ukraine is much simpler (as maybe it should be). Finally, Christmas is not really until January 6/7 (St. Nicholas Day) because we live in an Orthodox country.  But many believers still celebrate Christmas on December 25^th like we do.  But Christmas Day is a work day here so any celebrations are only in the evening after work. (more…)

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