We loved our little trip to Lviv. But we also loved getting back to our beloved Kyiv. Monday started out with the men and a few of the women putting the temple back together. Hanging drapes, moving furniture, placing rugs and pictures, etc, etc.
That night was a special treat. The Branch had a talent show. And a show it was. We had everything from nose flutes to classical music, poetry and storytelling, candy making and sketching, and so much more. Here are just a few pics ... I have pics of them all.... but that might be a few too many.
The Hoskissens playing the Nose Flute
Three of the doctors in the ward showing their Nigerian heritage with story telling and singing.
(She is the ward RS Pres.)
The Branch President telling a beautiful War Love Story
The Elders Quorum Singing a Hymn
Sister Hollingshead and her famous Chocolate dipping
a table full of art
Alan Tomlinson sang a beautiful solo.
Kathy Chandler and her husband both showed their musical prowess.
William Hahn wowed us with his favorite down home songs from Kentucky
a triple trio of RS sisters
There were so many wonderful talents shared. (This is just a sampling) It was an evening to remember.
Tuesday was our off day, so we took a final trip into town with our great friends the Rotis. We visited a lot of historical places in downtown Kyiv. Here we are at the Friendship arch.
People's Friendship Arch was dedicated to the unification of Russia and Ukraine. The arch was opened on Nov. 7, 1982 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the USSR and the celebration of the 1500th Anniversary of the Kiev City. The Monument consists of three sculptures. The huge rainbow-shaped arch, a bronze statue depicting a Russian and Ukrainian worker holding up the Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples, and a granite stele depicting the participants of the Pereyaslav Council of 1654.
We kept on walking and crossed the pedestrian bridge that spans the Dnieper River. It connects Kyiv City Centre at the Right Bank and the beaches of Trukhaniv Island. Even though it is a pedestrian bridge, we had to get out of the way of crossing vehicles twice!!
This is the Saint Vladimir Monument. It is dedicated to the Great Prince of Kiev - Vladimir the Great. He is the Prince who Christianized the Rus in the year 988. So when some members were trying to find the perfect place to dedicated the country for missionary work after the approval of the city to recognize the church registration in 1994, this seemed the perfect spot. So on Sept 12, 1994 President Boyd K Packer and Dallin H Oaks dedicated the country from this statue that was built in 1853 for a prince that lived in 988. This country and city are so full of history. I love it.
Of course we had to eat.... so off to the Pesto Cafe. It overlooks Independance Square, and is above Globus, the underground mall.
Once again a feast for both the eyes and the palate!! My goodness they know how to cook around here. We haven't had a meal yet.... homemade or restaurant that wasn't absolutely scrumptious!
This beautiful clock is on the side of the hill near Independence square. If you notice underneath it by where the people are standing - there are pictures of each person killed during the Euromaidan protest beginning in Nov 2013 and progressing to violent clashes, fires, and ending in Feb 2014 in the Ukrainian Revolution.
The Independence Monument in a victory column located on Independence Square in Kyiv and is to commemorate the Independence of Ukraine.
around the column
a photo on metal showing the demonstrations and violence during those months.
Bridal Photos
need I say more :)
Just for your insight and information..... here are pics from our apartment building. One looking into the complex - well part of the complex... there are many more building like these and more going up. Notice the playground in the middle and on the left is the play yard of a preschool. Parking is a joke. the parking is basically what you see here.... on the street in front of your building. so maybe 6 parking stalls for 10 stories with 8-10 apartments on each floor and that is per doorway on the bottom. You can see 5-6 doorways in this pic. So - you can see the parking for over almost 250 apartments........ good thing they have a huge public and mass transit system.
this is the opposite direction - and out our window. Large beautiful houses.
Last Monday we headed into town with the Hoskissons and the Hollingsheads. Both Dale and Ralph went to the same mission as Brent. So they all decided to have a French day. We headed into town and on our way to the restaurant, we walked through Globus the underground mall. Wow... It would put some malls I have seen in SLC and other large cities to shame..... glitter and glam all over the place.
French food. Fondue.
this is a salad, in case you can't tell
Beef Stew on Mashed potatoes
quiche and Raspberry Basil Lemonaide
Next, we walked down the cobblestone streets to get to the French patisserie
once again.... food for the eye and palate
(by the way 55 = less than $2 for one of these delectable French Pasteries!!)
And then to finish this busy and wonderful month. We had a big goodbye dinner to honor 2 sets of couples that were heading home the next day.
William and Alma Hahns from Kentucky
and
Kathy and Scott Roti from Georgia.
These are wonderful people. We are going to miss them A BUNCH!!!
This time all the yummy food was made my missionaries.
We moved to the gathering room where Pres. and Sr Roth sang a beautiful goodbye song.
and we said goodbye to our mentors and friends.
God be with you 'til we meet again.
Love you
