Missionary POV: I made it!
Quite frankly, when I rounded the corner at the Dnepro airport and saw my two bags waiting for me, I was actually surprised. They had to make the same flights (all four of them) in the same short turnaround that I did (sometimes just barely an hour). So everything’s here, all safe and sound. And now it’s time for me to say something I knew I was going to say right from the outset: “It’s nothing like I was expecting. I don’t know what I was expecting, but this is different.”
Dnepro first impressions? I’m glad I’m not driving! There are no lane markings, and so drivers make up their own, weaving in at out of the flow of traffic entirely unpredictably. Slowing down, turning, stopping, taking off right in front of you all happens without any kind of indication of intent. Cars don’t have to run to real well, but they’d better have good brakes! Helmet laws (like seatbelt laws) aren’t enforced; yesterday I saw three riders on a scooter, their hair blowing in the wind. I’ve always wanted the experience of riding without a helmet, but I have to say, I’m not tempted to try that here – not in the least!
The communist era has left a strong but fading mark on the place. For example central heating was popular here, and by that I mean large city blocks heated by the same source. Large ducts continue to join big buildings, crossing the roads like bridges. It reminds me of Brazil, and in retrospect that connection is probably intentional on Gilliam’s part. That's certainly on my "to get pictures of" list, so it may show up here soon!
Dnepro is obviously a burgeoning place. There are signs of growth and progress everywhere, with new modern buildings and lights. It makes for an odd pastiche. There is classic architecture, functional-but-crumbling concrete buildings, and then there are new, glitzy shopping centres and car dealerships. Very little exists to bridge the gap, like time stood still for a few decades, and I guess in a way, it did, and now it's rushing to catch up.
I have a much better idea now of how this trip is going to work out, and we have a tentative schedule in place. I’ve met several of the missionaries already, and they’re all great! There’s a lot of camaraderie here, with ribbing and in jokes flying fast and thick. As long as I can keep my gear working, and stay alert (a good night’s sleep -- on Ukraine time no less -- has helped I’m sure), then I should be able to get everything I need. I have a mental checklist developing of all the shots I want to get too – even after being here just over 12 hours, I can see things that will be important to the projects I’m working on. I have no, well few, problems trusting the Lord, but trusting myself can be challenging.
Dnepro first impressions? I’m glad I’m not driving! There are no lane markings, and so drivers make up their own, weaving in at out of the flow of traffic entirely unpredictably. Slowing down, turning, stopping, taking off right in front of you all happens without any kind of indication of intent. Cars don’t have to run to real well, but they’d better have good brakes! Helmet laws (like seatbelt laws) aren’t enforced; yesterday I saw three riders on a scooter, their hair blowing in the wind. I’ve always wanted the experience of riding without a helmet, but I have to say, I’m not tempted to try that here – not in the least!
The communist era has left a strong but fading mark on the place. For example central heating was popular here, and by that I mean large city blocks heated by the same source. Large ducts continue to join big buildings, crossing the roads like bridges. It reminds me of Brazil, and in retrospect that connection is probably intentional on Gilliam’s part. That's certainly on my "to get pictures of" list, so it may show up here soon!
Dnepro is obviously a burgeoning place. There are signs of growth and progress everywhere, with new modern buildings and lights. It makes for an odd pastiche. There is classic architecture, functional-but-crumbling concrete buildings, and then there are new, glitzy shopping centres and car dealerships. Very little exists to bridge the gap, like time stood still for a few decades, and I guess in a way, it did, and now it's rushing to catch up.
I have a much better idea now of how this trip is going to work out, and we have a tentative schedule in place. I’ve met several of the missionaries already, and they’re all great! There’s a lot of camaraderie here, with ribbing and in jokes flying fast and thick. As long as I can keep my gear working, and stay alert (a good night’s sleep -- on Ukraine time no less -- has helped I’m sure), then I should be able to get everything I need. I have a mental checklist developing of all the shots I want to get too – even after being here just over 12 hours, I can see things that will be important to the projects I’m working on. I have no, well few, problems trusting the Lord, but trusting myself can be challenging.
Labels: inspiration
1 Comments:
So glad to hear you (and all your luggage!) made it there safely!
tenaya
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