Here is a fancy park close to my home:

Isn't it beautiful?

Creative Laundry

Just hanging my things out to dry...

Take note of the "clothes line" I made.

Yup, I cut up a plastic bag and tied the pieces together.

Lindsay's tie-dye lives on in Ukraine!

When Lindsay and I went backpacking 2.5 years ago we ended our travels in Ukraine.We stayed with the Mosse Family. Lindsay had given, Anya, the youngest daughter one of her tie-dye shirt as a parting gift. When I got to Ukraine I was to give greetings from Lindsay.

"Anya, do you remember my friend Linsday? She came with me when I visited one summer?"

"Uh, Brittany...I remember her every time I wear the shirt she gave me."

"Oh, ok. Well she says Hi!"

The other night I was over at their apartment and saw that she had added a cute belt to accessorize her pajamas. I thought it would be the perfect picture. When I asked her if I could take her picture she decided that the sweater would be the perfect finish to her bedtime outfit. And she is so right! This girl knows!

Lindsay, I hope you are proud!

It's the the little victories..

I have my first language lesson tomorrow!

So far I have been taking life day by day.

I fumble through situations..(that were typically no brainers--like going to the grocery store)

Everyday I try to do something little.

Last week...I took the bus by myself!

I got to visit with my dear friend, Katya.

We walked around the center.

We chatted and caught up with each other!

It was a very special time.

It was a milestone!

I made it the center and back home---by myself!

I must rejoice in the little victories in this journey!

This is the place I live!

OTS--and the surrounding area!

As you can imagine I didn't sleep much the days leading up to departure.
The sleep deprivation took its toll on me.
I got the nasty sore throat--I knew that it was just the beginning.
On Monday, I attempted to "zap" this cold bug.
I took 4 zinc tabs---and nearly "zapped" myself.
It wasn't a pretty experience.
I had little spat with "zinc poisoning" and have lived to tell about it!

On Thursday, October 8, 2009.....I departed for Odessa, Ukraine!


My bags are packed....and I'm ready to go!

Saying final goodbyes! (which equals pictures--that's how I say goodbye, I guess)

Jfey and Amy took me to the airport!

In Warsaw...

I flew Minneapolis to Chicago. Chicago to Warsaw. Warsaw to Odessa.
Uneventful travel. Which is a good thing. (I guess)
The flight from Warsaw to Odessa....I sat next to a gentleman from California in Odessa to find a wife...(eesh)

Well, I made it!
Stay tuned for further details (and pictures!)

Bye Bye Brittany..

On Saturday, a few friends organized an Open House/Goodbye party for me!

Here is the guestbook: