ностальгия

I've been feeling nostalgic the past couple of weeks. Maybe that's not such a surprise, seeing all the Ukraine related posts I've written lately. It just dawned on me, however, that today is our 2 year anniversary of being back in the U.S. Two years ago, April 16, 2005, we arrived back in Florida after three and a half years in Kyiv, Ukraine.

The transition back was difficult, perhaps made harder because we left Ukraine just so wiped out. The past couple of months I've said to Hubby, "I miss Kyiv. I could live in Kyiv again." Six months ago, I could envision living in Ukraine again--but not Kyiv. Too many shadows. Now, they seem to have dissipated. Who knows? Who knows whether in the future, God's path for us will lead back to Kyiv? Right now it doesn't seem likely. But, maybe. . . I do trust that the Lord will lead us in the next step--and the next--and the next. Even though I have no idea where or when or what that may bring.

Still, I've been very sentimental, wistful, missing people and places, routines, ways of living. . . Missing Ukraine. And I'm thankful the Lord has brought me to this place of nostalgia, past the fear that clouded so much of our transition time.

Posted by TulipGirl | 12:13 AM| TrackBack (0) | Words

Trackback Pings

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.tulipgirl.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/1266

Comments

I am encouraged as I listen to the way you evaluate your experiences. It is really cool to see how our lives run through places that we not only DON'T expect, but never expect ourselves to enjoy. I have a list of a bazillion things that I want to do with my life. And while it is a very sincere list, I know that as my life develops I will probably end up skipping on a few of those goals. But I will also end up doing things that even my creativity could never dream up. And maybe even the roughest most draining times in my life will be redeemed with meaning and purpose.
Posted by: April at April 17, 2007 09:25 AM

Wow, it's been TWO YEARS? It's even harder to believe that I've "known" you for longer than that!
Posted by: Jungle Pop at April 17, 2007 10:23 PM

Every time I see Katya she begs me for ideas on what she can send the boys from Ukraine. If, in your nostalgic mood, you can think of some things she would be overjoyed to get them for you!
Posted by: Dawn at April 18, 2007 03:30 AM

How much I understand that feeling. Wanting to be in the other place despite the blessings your experiencing in a new place. Sara Groves reminds me that maybe I'm "painting pictures of Egypt, leaving out what it lacks" and certainly I've done it more than once.

My wishes for blessed times in FL and all of the other places God will take your family in the days ahead.
Posted by: amoore at April 19, 2007 06:06 AM

I was only there for two short trips, and yet I dream about returning to Ukraine everyday. Weird.
Posted by: Paul Baxter at April 19, 2007 06:12 PM

I haven't lived overseas for ministry--just here in the US, but I wonder if I will feel the same when we leave were we are now (the nostalgia over what I learned, not so much the moving back part--I don't think I will ever get to that point--but who knows?). I don't know. I understand the shadows that haunt though--the feeling of...well, it's a feeling that is almost indescribable.

Hey, I was wondering could you e-mail me that paper your dh did on women in Eastern Europe? I would enjoy reading it--especially as he has so much direct experience. It was nice to hear from you...((hugs))

Posted by: Shanna at April 21, 2007 07:04 PM

Shanna, once you are in ME, I think you'll be breathing a sigh of relief! *L* But, eventually, think fondly of aspects of your time where you are now. I know it's been a LOT harder for y'all. . . As soon as Hubby is done with the paper, I'll e- it to you. Though, that probably won't be until the 30th. He just finished the Ukrainian identity in late-19th/early-20th century.
Posted by: TulipGirl at April 21, 2007 08:29 PM

RSS RSS2 Atom

Creative Commons License

In My Garden