I recently
wrote about this country being shattered by alcoholism, but don't come here expecting to see nothing but misery, because Ukraine, and its beautiful people will also steal your heart.
Ukrainians have always had a passion for
"The Permanent Things" -- a concept revived by writer
Rod Dreher. Those "things" include faith, family, friendship, architecture, poetry, literature, and all fine art forms.
Families flock to this downtown Odessa park. A real "Town Center."
Not one person in this shot has a shopping bag! This is the way Americans lived in the 1930's. Their homes are not air conditioned, so young and old alike come out in the early evening to just sit and talk.
A popular gathering spot in front of the Transfiguration Church.
Most young married couples live with the bride's parents, so nearly all Ukrainian children are raised by their Babushkas (grandmothers).
You see alot of this - mothers and daughters embracing each other as they stroll....
The same goes for good friends
Odessans are big readers. Almost all of the great Russian writers spent time here and everyone I talk to has an opinion about them.
These Chess matches go on all day long.
In the scope of history, few people have endured more pain and suffering than Ukrainians...
But they exude a rugged dignity.
May God bless each and every one of them.
I recently wrote about this country being shattered by alcoholism, but don't come here expecting to see nothing but misery, because Ukraine, and its beautiful people will also steal your heart. 
Ukrainians have always had a passion for "The Permanent Things" -- a concept revived by writer Rod Dreher. Those "things" include faith, family, friendship, architecture, poetry, literature, and all fine art forms.
Families flock to this downtown Odessa park. A real "Town Center."
Not one person in this shot has a shopping bag! This is the way Americans lived in the 1930's. Their homes are not air conditioned, so young and old alike come out in the early evening to just sit and talk.
A popular gathering spot in front of the Transfiguration Church.
Most young married couples live with the bride's parents, so nearly all Ukrainian children are raised by their Babushkas (grandmothers).
You see alot of this - mothers and daughters embracing each other as they stroll....
The same goes for good friends
Odessans are big readers. Almost all of the great Russian writers spent time here and everyone I talk to has an opinion about them.
These Chess matches go on all day long.
In the scope of history, few people have endured more pain and suffering than Ukrainians...
But they exude a rugged dignity.
May God bless each and every one of them. 
7 comments:
Dear Hale Family,
A friend passed your blog site on to us. It is amazing -- because you are capturing so much of what we witnessed in Ukraine during our 2 adoption trips. Within this past month, we have returned with a 13 year old from Berdyansk...a beach town on the other side of Ukraine, near Russia.
Thanks for putting such clear words and pictures to something that is hard to describe. Those of us who have had the blessing of experiencing time in Ukraine appreciate what you are saying, and you are giving a good picture to those who have not.
~ Jean Henry
Happy Father's Day Jim!!
All our love,
Kelly, David, Meredith & Taryn
Dear Hales,
You are such an amazing family, you are in my thoughts all the time! Thank you so much for writing about my hometown Odessa so beautifully and from the bottom of your heart.
Happy Father's Day!
Nataliya
You are truly an inspired writer! Also a wonderful photographer! Would it be ok if I borrowed these photos for my girls' life books? I don't think I could capture the character of Ukraine like you have! Many blessings and good look with your girls!
Dear Hales,
We also found your site via a friend and have loved following your journey. We're waiting for our dossier to be submitted and it's been wonderful follow several families like yours as they travel to Ukraine and back.
We appreciate seeing the images of Ukraine and hearing about your experiences with the people, etc.
Thank you for sharing.
Hi little family or should i say big family. The pictures are wonderful. I am sure you are ready to get back home. Hope all is well and love ya all.
Jamie
Your journaling of your adoption is wonderful and a must read for anyone adopting from Ukraine. You have really put the true spirit of Ukraine in your writings and pictures. Even the black sea looks intriguing in your pictures, when we found it dirty and void of life. Thanks for sharing and hopefully inspiring others to follow in your path.
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