Ukraine As It Was: Journals of a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine

Lawrence and Karen meet three Ukrainians who, having never been to America, know America better than the two Americans.

Where Lawrence failed, Karen succeeds. They get the "misplaced" package.

Lawrence negotiates getting a package at the post office. He does not succeed--but has a language success.

Lawrence and Karen bring chocolates to folks.

Lawrence reflects on his low feelings.

Lawrence participates in the international women's day event at the lyceum.

Lawrence has a hard time getting photocopies made.

Lawrence decliens to dance--and makes a lot of folk happy.

Lawrence briefly talks about an eventful party.

Lawrence talks about taking marshrutka's around town.

It's getting quite cold in Ukraine, but Lawrence still has errands to do.

Lawrence recounts the big party he attended and opines on food, drink, and masculinity in Ukraine.

Lawrence has a dream about his grandmother. Colleagues pick up a man out of the snow.

A few, quick notes before Lawrence falls asleep.

Lawrence realizes he isn't talking to people out on the street--and makes a change.

Lawrence begins working with a Ukrainian language tutor.

Lawrence and Karen spend time with their host mother for her birthday.

Lawrence and karen are back in Kyiv, studying Ukrainian, and hanging out with friends.

Lawrence wakes up with a poem in his head, and he writes it down.

Lawrence struggles with crosswords--but tries anyways.

Lawrence cooks dumplings with his host mother.

Lawrence tries to describe the historic cold snap in Ukraine of the winter of 2006.

Lawrence wrestles with illness and pokes around the kitchen.

Lawrence starts to see that, perhaps, Ukrainians have excellent priorities.

Lawrence can't sleep.

Lawrence continues to think about his Grandmother and what she might be up to now that she's free from Earth.

Lawrence reflects on life without his Grandmother.

Lawrence returns to Ukraine and wrestles with the negative safety stories Peace Corps continues to tell.

Lawrence records the eulogy for his grandmother.

Lawrence and Karen arrive back in California.

Lawrence's life changes, forever.

Lawrence shares the events of moving day. This is the quiet before the storm.

Lawrence thinks about what an education actually means.

Karen checks out a potential new apartment, and Lawrence packs.

Lawrence describes the deteriorating host family situation. 

Lawrence reads a few short journal entries as things with the host family fall apart.

Lawrence and Karen sort out what to do with an alcoholic host father.

Lawrence and Karen by supplies and make a friend.

Lawrence finds a well of energy and refills.

Lawrence recounts his trip to Rivne and a dinner with Karen's coordinator.

Lawrence describes an incident with a cat.

Lawrence and Karen meet Karen's Coordinator for drinks.

Lawrence declines an invitation to the banya.

Lawrence and Karen are startled to find a body in the snow--and more startled that no one seems to care.

Lawrence spends an afternoon with his host family.

Lawrence and Karen participate in their host daughter's birthday dinner.

Lawrence walks around Sarny and enjoys the quiet.

Lawrence discusses the meat at the center of their New Year's Eve Midnight Meal.

Lawrence looks for a coat and a sweater, and the electricity goes out.

Lawrence battles through frustration.