It's been more than 2 months since I boarded the plane in Lviv to come back to my life in Philadelphia.
I think about the second trip to my genetic crock pot often. People and places pop into my head at unexpected moments and I find myself smiling at memories of frail yet feisty Catherine, bigger than life Yaraslav and charming Yura- not to mention the lovely Natalya.
l remember telling Maria about the political voice Americans believe they own, how difficult times seem less so with the realization that change will eventually come. This is so true when I think of the miracle of last week's election-how countless citizens stood in line for hours to cast their votes for our first Black president, Barack Obama. I love this country and am proud to be an American. My grandparents' emigration gave us all limitless possibilities and a far easier life than that experienced by the families they left behind.
None the less, my journeys have left me with a deep appreciation and affection for Ukraine and its people-my people. Life there is simple and complicated simultaneously. I remember how uncomfortable I was in hot, steamy Zhuravno with no water or flushable toilets. But what wonderful times I shared there with virtual strangers who opened up their hearts and homes- becoming cherished friends in the process!
