Safety

     I know, I know, my mid-week post is a day late. But my Week Six post will probably be late too, because we're going on vacation this weekend!

     For the past year I got questions about my safety, and the questions haven't stopped since I've gotten here. Let me tell you how it is, in three little words: Kyiv is safe. If you've been reading the news, you probably don't believe me, but let me remind you that the media is full of exaggerations and propaganda. That isn't to say that everything is fine and dandy in Ukraine, because it's not. There is scary fighting on the eastern border, but the eastern border is far from Kyiv and I believe the natives when they say the fighting won't come to Kyiv. Yes, last year there was a riot, but that won't happen again-the people here don't want that.

     Also, there is an amazing safety net built around us. First, there's the three ILP directors, Jared, Casey, and Steve. I met all three of them at training, and I trust them a lot. They've not only been doing this for years, but they went on the program themselves when they were young and have sent their kids on it as well. Their job is to make sure the students and parents feel comfortable and have a good experience. We also have AMAZING native corrdinators. I live with Olia, the coordinator of the Pozniaky school, and we also often see Tanya and Igor, who are in charge of all the Kyiv schools. As native Ukrainians, they understand what's going on and can help us out of any sticky situation there might be. 

     The hryvnia has fluctuated a lot, but why not take advantage of that? As of today, the exchange rate is 26 hyrvnia to 1 dollar. Pretty good if you ask me, and my new furry boots with 2 inch tread that cost $26 would agree. Without a doubt the best quality thing I have ever spent money on. Except what little I paid ILP. That was even better. 

     We are well taken care of here and we all feel pretty safe. If anyone has any kind of question or concern, safety related or not, call ILP and talk to Steve or Casey. Really. They've been answering questions for a long time and are super helpful and friendly. Get on ilp.org and get the phone number, seriously.