Love is the Universal Language

We arrived in Kiev (Kyiv) Monday evening, August 29, 2016.  From the very beginning we were surrounded by kind, loving people.  We had help getting from the airplane through visa check, with getting our baggage and getting it to the cars that were waiting for us.  Zoya and Slava Gulko had arranged for a car and driver for us, and because we had so much luggage, President Pohilko also sent a car and driver for us.  Zoya was there to meet us and accompanied us to the apartment that she and Slava had arranged for us to rent.  She had also thoughtfully purchased a few items of food so that we could have a light dinner and breakfast the next morning.  We really love the apartment.  It is beautiful and it is located near the Parliament building, the Marinsky Palace and just two blocks from the Marinsky Park.

Among the loving people who have gone out of their way to make us welcome and comfortable are:

Zoya and Slava Gulko made many arrangements for us ahead of time.  Zoya has spent a lot of time helping us with banking and with shopping.  She was the translator of the Book of Mormon into Ukrainian for the Church and Slava directed and/or translated other important books and materials for the church.  Slava was one of the first local Ukrainian church leaders here.  Both continue to serve in many capacities. 

Ivan Shpilevoy:  He has made himself available every day to drive us wherever we need to go.  He is devoting his spare time to learning English so that he can communicate with us.

Luidmyla Filopovich and Anatolyi Kolodny.  We wouldn’t be in Ukraine without their help.  The invitation allowing for our long-term visas came from their important organization.  Anatolyi is a great friend of the Church, having played a critical role in getting it registered in Ukraine and in getting the building of the temple approved by the Ukrainian government.  They, and the organization they head, The Religious Studies Department of the Philosophy Institute of the National Academy of Sciences continues its important role in fostering a plurality of religions and religious freedom in Ukraine.

President Kirill Pohilko, President Frank Trythall, Bishop Ruslan Lapshin, Brother Yevgeniy Shmurak, Sister Tatyan Pedvodova and Sister Angela Shkvarko, all have gone out of their way to help and welcome us to Kyiv.  

Last night we had a most enjoyable evening.  We started with a little sight seeing, then dinner at an elegant Ukrainian restaurant in the ancient Rus' fashion, and an amazing concert at the St. Sophia Cathedral.  This cathedral was built in 1050 AD, the most ancient of cathedrals in the country, and perhaps all of Europe.  While waiting for the concert to begin, I made friends with the woman sitting next to me.  She was very interested in us and offered the fact that she had a copy of the Book of Mormon.  She was excited to learn that Zoya, sitting next to Howard was the translator.  She accepted our invitation to attend the 25th Anniversary Celebration Concert to be held in two weeks. The concert of last evening was extremely moving.  We enjoyed the orchestra and guest performers very much.  Thank you Luidmyla for arranging for this lovely evening!

Today was fast and testimony meeting.  We felt such an outpouring of love from the members and the Spirit was especially strong.  I was amazed at Howard’s ability to confidently bear his testimony and express his great love for the members.  He spoke Russian fluently and without a stumble – better than he is able to do even in English!   I also bore my testimony of the Savior’s love, which Yevgeniy was kind enough to interpret for me.   I may not be able to speak or even understand either Ukrainian or Russian, but I certainly could feel and understand the many expressions of love – hugs, kisses, smiles, touches.  We certainly do feel welcome.  Love really IS the universal language!