Thanksgiving in Ukraine

We were able to have Thanksgiving with missionaries and Ukrainian seminary students. In total, we had about 60 people! We introduced these seminary students to our holiday traditions; food, food and more food! And of course a football game that one of the missionaries downloaded on his computer so that they could watch it (as well as the Macy’s parade from last year). They weren’t sure what to make of American football. A few of the guys wanted to start a game right then and there, while some of the others watched in horrified fascination before agreeing that Americans are a little odd!



We were able to have turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and even pumpkin pie! The students didn’t know what to do with the stuffing & the gravy, but the rest of the food disappeared quickly. Esther thought the cafeteria was her personal dance floor & had a lot of fun running around. Before I knew it she found a 2 liter bottle of sprite and was trying to drink out of it. Fortunately the cap was on and it was empty. 


At the end of the evening one of the students came up to me with a confused smile on his face. “I don’t think I understand the meaning of your holiday. In Ukraine for our holidays we have programs, services and rituals but all you do is get together & eat!” We really did try to explain the meaning behind Thanksgiving, but I think the food distracted him. Overall it was a wonderful evening of fellowship with brothers & sisters from all over America, as well as the former Soviet Union!




Somebody beat me to it!