Christmas day, and a new family turns up at church for the service. They disappear pretty much as soon as its finished so no-one gets to talk to them much, but the one guy that did says "I think they're Ukrainian or something".
Anyway, last Wednesday, the mum turns up at the front door, wants to know what services we have for kids (which is my department). After giving her my best Russian greeting (which is dodgy to say the least, but her face lit up to hear it), I give her the guided tour, tell her about the services, and she seems happy. We exchange mobile numbers, and she promises to come back with her kids (I know what you're thinking, but you're wrong - she's a bit old for me).
So, last Friday she came with her son, and they both came back on Sunday. They love the church, they love the 'community' there, so now they're becoming regulars (yet to meet the daughter). Turns out they're a lovely family. Her town in Kyiv Oblast is twinned with a town in Kent, and she was in some sort of official position in that regard, organising exchange trips etc., and this is how she ended up moving to the UK.
I got talking to her about having a 'Russian Evening' once a week (I know a few others in the area who are trying to learn the language), and they got all excited and now I have a weekly 'language & lunch' appointment - for free! :) (we have a deal - I teach the son guitar, they teach me to talk like a native)
So, today I was saying to someone else that I was planning to go on the 19th Feb, and she overhears and says "I'm going on the 17th. You come with me to my town (near Kyiv), I know lots of single ladies." (At this point, I haven't actually mentioned dating - just that I like the country). According to her son, they go home to visit family every now and then - and I'm invited to accompany them.
I just got a letter from the pastor of the church that my niece was married. The reason I called the man was because it was the most awesome ceremony I have ever witnessed. He had it down... and it was an inspiring ceremony. Anyway, I told my 'other' about it in October. She was so taken by it that she wanted to get married in this church. I inquired if he would officiate a ceremony. Not in the church but in an another location - as is often done. I am not a member but my family is. I was told I must be a memeber in good standing and have to have contributed x dollars.... blah-blah-blah...
All I asked of this man was if he was willing to officiate a ceremony based on the previous ceremony he had performed. Flattery gets you no-where... I guess it is just jop for me. A traditional Russian wedding! Sign the papers and party!
Muzzy - want to perform a wedding? Let's do it at Old Faithful! Is it me? Or is religion pretty much the same as politics?
was that Benny Hinn there Ralp,, mate i have witnessed such from a far,,, he haunts NZ by the airwaves,,, the guy is just amazing, rather speechless stuff really..
but i think i would prefer a more traditional American wedding,, half a Texas long horn(loaded with garlic) spit roasted in the back yard (which looks over something cool of cause) massive dining table with metallica themselves playing some tunes maybe.
the only change would be the replacement of the good old bourbon for some of that caribbean rum.
yeah one could dream, when i think of it there's better tunes to listen to.
haven't seen half a beef done like this for years actually..
Having Elvis marry us in Vegas... hmmmmm? Now there's an idea.
Good luck in Kiev Muzzy. Dress warm. You already have a distinct advantage over some schmo who just shows up thinking it is easy pickings.