"Leavin' on a jet plane!"

Hi all,

We are in Borispol airport in Kyiv, just waiting to board our flight. I have so much I'd like to say, especially about the amazing friends we made here. Our farewell from Lutsk was unbelieveable, and we even had some friends meet us in Zdolbuniv along the way! But instead of writing an entry myself, I've asked Vika and Natalia to contribute. They are brave girls. Here are their thoughts!
...
This is my first flight, and I feel just a little bit nervous... But I feel so great and happy that I’m going to Calgary, Canada and that the awesome team (Dan, Ben, Analu) are going with us. I so enjoyed being with these guys in Lutsk! And I just want to thank all of people from YMCA Calgary for giving us so great opportunity to make our experience in YMCA so much better!
Love, Vika.

Nice people around me... I’m full of feelings... So, it’s difficult to make the real pretty nice expression I feel. I feel so comfortable, so welcome with these three charming Canadians =) I’m so thankful for meeting them! All of them have a very gentle spirit from God and I simply love them. With every passing day I realise more and more how much close they are becoming for me. I’m sure Vika feels the same. So, sitting in the airport, singing “Jetplane”, we are going to fly for the first time (we should have been nervous and scared a little), but because of Ben, Dan and Analu there is no any bad feeling. There is sth unexplainable, sth really beautiful, there is a positive atmosphere between us, so I just smile because I’m happy =)
Natalia

A delayed post from June 25th

Hey Everyone,
We’re back at Ivanna’s now, getting ready for our two day trip to Lviv. We’re hoping there will be a few programs running at the YMCA while we’re there. It’s beautifully sunny and hot here in Lutsk, which is quite a drastic change from the weather in Swityaz. However, on the second last day of camp, we woke up to the sun shining bright, so all the kids had a chance to swim! It was perfect timing, because it was the last few hours that all the children would be there together since some of them were leaving for Lviv and Ternopol that afternoon. We had devotion on the beach, and then did body paint and played in the water for a couple of hours. Everyone enjoyed themselves very much.
It was sad to leave the camp yesterday and say bye to all of the new friends we had made, but at the same time it was good to see the children at the end of their camp experience and realise how far they had come since the first day. Mostly all of the children from the boarding school who had arrived with a distant and apprehensive attitude, had softened up and let down their guard. The camp at Swityaz was a place for them to feel loved and respected, and was a safe environment for them to open up and discover many things about themselves and the world around them. We were thanked many times for our contribution to the camp, but I feel like I came away with a new perspective and an immense amount of new knowledge as well. I plan to bring these new learnings and lessons back with me to Canada, and I’m sure it will allow for a more rich camp experience there.
This trip has been wonderful so far, I feel as though Dan, Ben and I work harmoniously together and are able to support each other here. This country is gorgeous and the people that we have met are nothing less than remarkable.
Analu

A few Lviv photos

Glockenspiel! :-)

We are back in Lutsk after a day and a half in Lviv.  What a beautiful city!  I won't try describe it now other than to say it was more amazing than I had imagined (even after Marta and Christy had both tried telling me how beautiful it was).
As soon as we arrived in Lviv, we were able to visit aYMCA program that provides programming to kids who are in a sanitorium receiving medical care for heart problems.  It's a home that kids come to for a month at a time, but they get very little programming and interaction when they are there, so they are always very happy to have YMCA volunteers show up.  Ben and Analu led some fun games, and then helped me give the kids Peace tattoos.  We also presented Kristina, the YMCA program volunteer, with a matching Peace Week t-shirt as a reminder of how her work is building peace in our world.
The next day, we toured Lviv with various YMCA volunteers.  It was great to hang out with Yulia, Sophia, Mikita, Marta, and Andy...we really appreciated their caring and fun conversations. 
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So now we are in Lutsk, hanging out with Marta and her brother Max.  Marta made lunch for us and Max baked us a cake...both were delicious!  (Have we told you what incredible food we are eating here?!!)  It's surreal to be sitting here in Marta's flat, writing this post.  She and her family are truly amazing people.   Christy, I still remember you writing me an email from here one year ago and telling me how you could tell that she was going to be such a great candidate for YPN.

The names Geddes, Ben Geddes!

An exact thought from the mind of Ben Geddes as he left the airport in Kiev:

“OMG, it’s just like from Goldeneye”

I believe in reality, my entrance to Kiev brought me one step closer to achieving my childhood goal of becoming a spy. More accurately, becoming Bond.

The drive into Kiev can only be described as mind blowing. The beauty of the city runs hand in hand with its simplicity, and as I sat wide eyed in the car I found 3 things develop in my mind.

1. The culture of this place is incredible, 2 weeks is not going to be enough

2. Mum’s not gonna like me fuelling my travel addiction, might hinder my plans to head home

3. I have not seen so many Soviet Lada cars since “From Russia With Love”

As would be expected on your first night in Kiev me and my new friend Maria headed to a pizza shop. Containing my urge to order a Vesper, shaken not stirred, we sat in the warm night and chatted, indulging in the sights, sounds, smells and colors of the bustling city below. As life flowed on in what seemed like such a laxed pace so did time and soon it was time to make like Anastasia and hit the rails. Taking a train in this area has been a dream for a while, and it did not disappoint. Truly feeling like the last, lost heir to the Russian throne I headed off into the Ukrainian sunset.

My train compartment contained me and my travel buddy West and my soon to be friend Ivan (how awesome is that btw). As always communication was hard, and we began to talk in broken and simplistic language. But we didn’t care as this human interaction seemed to brighten both our trips. Although we didn’t understand much of what each person said, on word was crystal clear to us both. Beer. And as we headed west with a smile on our face and a beer in our hand I think we both thought to ourselves “We aint all that different, my friend”

My long travels were nearly over and my real adventure was just about to begin. As I sat in the bus station, surrounded by smiling venders, playing children, businessmen enjoying their early morning vodka before their commute to work and signs that looked like someone had accidentally changed the settings to wing dings, I wondered just what I had gotten myself into this time. But that was about to change dramatically.

So it’s hard to comprehend myself, let alone explain, just how at home you can feel when you are so far from where you actually live. And not just in a manner f distance. But such is the awesome power of friendship and human spirit. The moment I stepped of the rickety old bus into a humid and rainy Swityaz, I was met by a deluge of smiles and loving hugs. I instantly felt welcomed into an atmosphere that can only be described as incredible. I believe family is very relative term, and to me there was no stronger family in the world than what these foreigners, children, teens, leaders and followers, orphans and presidents alike had forged together. And even though I had arrived late, I never felt like I had missed a thing.

Till next time, stay safe and keep smiling.

Benny G

Plava!

It's the last full day of camp and for the first time since we have been here, the sun came up bright and warm this morning. After breakfast, everyone headed down to the beach for a swim. It truly is a beautiful lake, and because it is so shallow and sandy, it's a great place for kids to play. We stayed there all morning, having our reflection time and tea on the beach as well. By lunch, the clouds were rolling in, but we were thankful for this brief window of beautiful weather. A few groups had to leave this afternoon, so the rain and lightning now match the tears being shed as we say goodbye to good friends.

It's great to have Ben here. Thanks to those of you who worked hard to get him here. I'll let him write an update about his experiences, but everything worked out great with his trip here. He arrived tired and has had to catch up on some sleep, but several of the kids have commented on how he adds such a spark of fun and enthusiasm to the camp.

Only time for a quick update now...more later about all the fun we had sharing a great Canadian tradition with the campers here...marshmallow roasting!

More photos

Some photos

Friday update

When we first arrived at Swityaz camp, the children were shy and reserved, but with each passing day they get more comfortable and active. Everyone is having a great time despite the rainy weather, dancing hip hop, playing games, learning English through songs, going for rides in the catamarans (paddle-boats) and many other activities. Marta arrived yesterday and we are happy to have her back: she brings such enthusiasm and strong leadership. She led discussions about global issues and our personal responsibility, and the children were enthusiastic and participated eagerly, making some great Peace Posters.
Yesterday was also “mail day.” Throughout the day, everyone wrote notes of encouragement and appreciation to each other; these were shared at candle time at the end of the day. It is amazing to see how well YMCA values are taught and practiced here, and every child is given opportunities to share thoughts, feelings, and concerns with the whole group.
We also gave the children postcards from Calgary YMCA on mail day (thanks to the children at the outreach site). The children here were thrilled to read these, to see a photo of Calgary, and to imagine children like themselves at a YMCA half way around the world. They also created mail for us to bring back to Calgary, as well as a beautiful poster that symbolizes our time together here.
The camp definitely has an international feel. Besides us, there is also one American, and yesterday, a young woman from YMCA Sweden arrived. Three of the young leaders here will be visiting YMCA Sweden for a week of training in July, then the Tensing group from Lutsk will be travelling to Switzerland for some performances, and of course, Vika and Natalia are very excited about returning with us to Canada. We of course are excited for them and also can’t wait until Ben arrives...hopefully tomorrow!
We found it funny when Ivanna asked us if we were hungry the other day, because we feel that we are constantly being fed since arriving. Polina, the cook at this camp, does an incredible job of making sure that everyone has nutritious and delicious food in their bellies. The food is different than what we would normally eat at home but it is made with fresh local ingredients, which we enjoy very much. For one meal, they served fish that had been caught in the lake just 50 meters away.

P.S. Ben, we just read your update! Can't wait to see you!!!

Leaving on a jet plane

"Cos im leaving, on a jet plane, don't know when i''ll be back again, ohhhh unless i got some other visa troubles or some outstanding foreign warrents or a large low pressure system over the North Atlantic"

Well not exactly how John Denver put it but you catch the drift.

So here i am once again on a cheerful Friday afternoon in Cow Town. Waiting to head off to rejoin my companions in Eastern Europe. But this time I have all the proper papers, a key component in making this second attempt more successful. I dont understand anything written on the visa but it looks pretty official. Lots of colours, holograms and peoples signatures so all looks well. And hey, if I do have any troubles with me being an Aussie, I came prepared. My guitar case is wapped in Hockey tape, I got a big box of timbits and my ipod is filled to the brim with Neil Young and Alanis Morrisette. And there both dieing to give character evidence for me.

But in all serisousness, im exceptionally keen to get over there, and make up for lost time. We all worked hard for this, and now its time to see that work bare fruit. Better late than never, and im ready to rock in Ukraine (not quite as cathcy as the Beatles version but its all good).

So hopefully my next entry will be from a more exotic location (no offense to Calgary) and i'll have some sweet stories to share. Till then stay safe, keep smiling and have fun!!!

As a Jamacan bobsledder once said..."Peace be da journey"

Cheers,

Ben

Dobrogo Dnia

Hey everyone,

We are in the ministry of security for all of Ukraine, near the camp where we are staying. As Ivanna seems to always do, she has gone out of her way to arrange for us to be comfortable and have everything we need. She managed to negotiate us in, to be able to access the internet for a little while.

We arrived to the camp, which is a group of small multicolored cabins around a field, near a very clean lake. There are about 40 people total including children and leaders. The children and people that we are here with are incredible, very warm, and caring. It has been rainy and overcast nearly the entire time we have been here, but we hope that it will warm up soon so that we can swim in the lake. Communication between everyone here is very important and everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings in the morning, at prayer time and in the evening at candle time (which we very much enjoy) Everyone here has gone out of their way to make sure we are included in the communication even though we don't speak Ukrainian. Someone is always translating, and using sign language to help us understand.

That's all for now, but we will update as soon as we can.

- Dan and Analu

News from Ukraine via Canada

Hi all,

Dan and Analu had limited access to computers, so asked me to post an update on their behalf.

They arrived in Lutsk by train on Saturday and had a great day there enjoying the people and the place. On Sunday, they left by bus to go to camp, 140 km further north of here on Lake Svityaz - famed for its clear healing waters.

Ben's back at Camp Chief Hector for now, but our fingers are crossed that he can rejoin the team by the end of the week.

From Kyiv

Hey All,

As you can see from Ben's entry, we were unpleasantly surprised by some complications while trying to check in for our flight yesterday. None of us had known about the Visa until we were told at the counter, as Ben said it was nobody's fault, just a spot of bad luck. A spot of good luck, however: that we have someone as optimistic and positive as Ben on our team working with us. Dan and I left with heavy hearts, but immediately started thinking of solutions for how to get Ben with us ASAP. Dan started drafting emails while on the plane, and we sent a few from Amsterdam. We have now arrived in a humid and rainy Kyiv, and are at the National Office with Viktor sorting a few things out. We arrived to some good news, there seems to be a Visa solution! We are hoping to have Ben with us by the end of the week.

Heya team.

So wasn't expecting to be still in Calgary this morning, but such is life hey. Unpredictable. Last night when we went to the airport to embark on our endevour I was informed by the officials at the airport that I was not allowed to board the plane due to visa restrictions. This was due to my Australian citizenship (us bloody aussies, were all ex-convicts you know, so you cant blame 'em). Due to a miss communication in planning this was not known to our travel agent and so this problem was never forseen. No one is to blame, that never help anything, you just gotta do your best, smile and carry on in the best way possible. After trying for as long as we could to make it work, including cancelling flights or even flying to Amsterdam and awaiting a visa ( personally my favourite solution. Put on some clogs, grab a Heinekin and watch Ruud van Nistelrooij and the boys qualify for the world cup), but there was no solution available at the time. A special thanks to all the airport staff who did everything they could to help me out, truly great job. And so it came that the tought decision had to be made. I hour previous, I had turned to my Friend Analua and said "Im not on this plane, but whatever happens you both are". While trying to keep optimistic, sometimes you have to be realistic, cut you losses and move on. And so the hour had passed since the complications had arose and my prediction were coming into fruition. Dan and Analu had to go. When your in a team it much bigger than one individual, and the game must go on. Plus as Meatloaf once said "2 outta 3 aint bad". And so with heavy heart, we said our goodbyes (or better still, our catcha in a bit) and Dan and Analu lead the team forward. This was a decision that I not only fully supported but whole heartedly suggested. A thanks must go out to Dan and Analu for all there help, and there strength.

After they had left, the manager of the agents came and chatted with me and asked me "So what are you going to do now". I said "Its out of our hand now, we did all we can do and I trust that our travel agent and the people responsible will come through for me, any help they need I will give and I will do whatever it takes. But for now theres nothing I can do so I think I might go play some ultimate frisbee (thanks to the ultimate bangers team for letting me join), have a beer, eat a big steak and watch the NBA finals (go Kobe)". These things happen, thats life. But i have full faith things will turn out and I will arrive FASHIONABLY late to join the team for the remander of the exchange.

For now im heading back out to Camp Chief Hector to await my visa application (hopefully arriving Tuesday or Wednesday) to complete the spring school season with my good friends who have worked so hard for the last 7 weeks. Making me look good in the process. The proof is in the pudding, and if I may so so its pretty good pudding. Hector Springs School, R.O.P.E.S and Sunship have strived for excellence, and not only achieved but surpassed. Without the support of everyone there I would not be in this exchange. And for that I thank them.

So thats the late mail (no pun intended). Im off now to complete my application and take some visa photos. But first its breakfast time.

Cheers Team, “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger

PS. Dont even worry about it, now it get the watch Game 7

Ukraine Exchange

Hello,

There's one day until we leave for Ukraine and I'm spending some time at Community Y with Dan, finishing some things up before we leave tomorrow. It seems surreal that after all the meetings, planning and fundraising the time has actually come that we are going to Ukraine. We have heard many stories and fond memories from people who have travelled there, and we're very excited to go and experience it for ourselves! I'm thrilled to be able to make this trip as part of the YMCA and to travel with two people as remarkable as Ben and Dan. I think what I am most looking forward to is meeting YMCA people from other parts of the world, and spending time with the families and YMCA members from Ukraine. Also, I think it will be a great experience to have two Ukrainian youth travel back to Canada with us at the beginning of July. The two youth who will be returning with us this year are Vika and Natalia, two girls who have been volunteering at Volyn YMCA since 2006. We will be meeting and spending time with them when we are in Ukraine, and they will stay with our families and work at our camps when they are in Canada. For the first week of July they will be working with me and Eau Claire YMCA doing day camps, for the second week they will be working at Riveredge doing day camps, and for the last two weeks of July they will be working with Ben out at Camp Chief Hector doing residence camps. This will be a great opportunity for both parties to learn and share our knowledge and experience with eachother. I feel that this type of grass-roots, hands-on work is very effective and allows for strong relationships and bridges to be built between people.

Volynia

Like most Canadians, I come from immigrant stock. In my work with YMCA Calgary's LINC program, I am often reminded that my father was a newcomer to Canada himself as a young man. And while my mother was born in Canada, her parents were also immigrants.

As the children of immigrants, we can quickly lose track of our roots, especially when the "homeland" has been ravaged by war.

So I am thrilled to have made a surprising and fascinating discovery tonight: I have family roots in the province of Ukraine that we will be visiting! My grandfather Daniel Frohlich, my mom's father, was born and raised in Volyn.

I was named after Happy Dan, as he was nicknamed by his farm friends in Trochu, Alberta. But he died when I was only 7 years old. I knew he was German and I had heard that he grew up in Poland. But this week, when my aunt referred to his family farmstead "in Volynia", it got me sleuthing. As I learned more about the history of this region, I realized that Volynia was a province of Poland, but is now the oblast of Volyn in Ukraine.

Tonight I spoke on the phone to a second-cousin (once removed) who knew my Grandpa Dan and grew up on a farm only a couple of miles away. Although she left that region as a girl of fourteen more than 67 years ago, she described to me the beauty as if she were looking out her window: the thick forests, lush farmland, and fragrant orchards of apple, pear, and plum. She talked about floating by boat down the Styr River all the way to the big city of Lutsk.

But she also described the horrors of war. The stories she heard of her parents being shipped to Siberia during WWI. And the horrors she experienced herself during WWII.

At the end of our conversation, she reminded me how lucky we are to live in Canada, a country that has not experienced war on our soil in many generations. And I'll add to that: a country that welcomes immigrants and refugees. I'm glad to be part of a values-based organization is committed to creating a more peaceful and just world.

And now I've got one more reason to love Ukraine!

YMCA Healthy Kids Day

Saturday, May 30 was YMCA Healthy Kids day, a day to celebrate all the ways that YMCAs build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

We created displays for five different YMCA locations. We sold some extremely delicious and healthy cookies (that we had baked the day before, with the help of my daughter Jessica). We even had Pysanky colouring stations...that's Ben helping some kids with their Ukrainian Easter Eggs!

But most of all we chatted with folks and told them about how the YMCA promotes Healthy Kids not only in Calgary but also in Ukraine (and in 120 other countries around the world).

YMCA Calgary is committed to participating in global issues and fostering a global perspective. That's why we have a partnership with YMCA Ukraine and why we are traveling there in a few days. We hope to build some friendships, share ideas, learn lots, and hopefully help one another in our common mission of making the world a better place, one child at a time.

By the way, read this link to find out about a great peer-to-peer way that YMCA Ukraine is building Healthy Kids by combating HIV/AIDS.

Analu and Jena at South YMCA

Meet the Delegation

Ben Geddes

A self-proclaimed travel addict, Ben came to YMCA Calgary from Australia as a GAP student in April 2007. Having now stayed at Camp Chief Hector YMCA for seven seasons, he has gained extensive youth leadership and camp experience to share with our partners in Ukraine.

Analu Lobos

Analu quite literally grew up at Eau Claire YMCA, attending daycare while her mother and grandmother worked in the childcare centre, and later participating in the YMCA swim club. In 2008, Analu herself worked for ECY as a day camp counselor, an experience that will be invaluable as she helps run day camps in Ukraine.

Dan Taubensee

Dan is YMCA Calgary's International Manager, responsible for international partnerships, education and awareness at the YMCA. Dan has travelled extensively, and lived in South Africa for six months with his family, but this will be his first trip to Ukraine.