Above is a plaque in honor of the United States donating funds to renovate a Ukrainian pre-school outside of L'viv.

Wow. That was what described today's experience. Our team went to a remote Ukrainian town to visit the renovation of a local pre-school. We expected to meet with some children and take a few pictures and then be on our way home. Never did we expect what happened next.....

When we arrived on site we were met by a swarm of local townspeople along with a band playing outside of the school. As soon as our team stepped off the bus, a sense of pride contagiously swept over us. Witnessing the wide eyes of the townspeople looking at us, we knew we were not there as individuals but representatives of the United States of America. For many of these Ukrainians, these were the first and only Americans they might ever see. After visiting with the locals for a few minutes, we were informed that the United States Ambassador to the Ukraine, John F. Tefft, was going to make an appearance at the event. 

Ambassador Tefft said a few words to the townspeople and encouraged the local youth to take advantage of the updated pre-school. He urged them to exercise not only their minds but their bodies because both are of equal importance. At the conclusion of his speech he made the young children in attendance promise that they would study hard. 

Our team was able to take a tour of the new pre-school. It looked like something out of a fairy tale. The outside was painted in bright pastel colors and that theme continued inside. The classrooms were big and there were big nap rooms, with beds that the children could sleep in. It seemed like a great place for children to learn and excel. 

Lastly, we were told that our group could get a picture with the Ambassador at the conclusion of his visit. While we waited, our team continued to mingle with the people of the village, especially the children.  Some went off to play soccer, others played a card game though they knew none of the rules and still others used their Russian/Ukrainian to speak to the locals.  The people we met were some of the nicest people. They were so gracious to have us in their town and we felt honored to brighten their day. As Ambassador Tefft was taking a photo with us he told us to cherish this moment because it does not get much better than this. How true of statement that was today.

 

Pictures from this event taken by the Embassey photographer can found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassykyiv/sets/72157634750236622/