We went with our friend ,Yana last night to her English class. We ended up teaching on everything from politics (kept it brief) to holidays. The kids were very curious. They were fascinated about our families and our homes. All but one of the children was an only child! Most of their mothers were professionals and the fathers....well, they were more vague about that.
Today, Oleg, our driver, told us about his car loan. It was done at 13% interest and in U.S. currency. The banks here do not allow payments to be made in grivna; they demand dollars. The exchange rate has been at about 7:1 for most of the time we have been here. Dollars cannot be found. ATMs no longer give dollars as an option. Oleg has to go out and find dollars at a 10:1 rate at a "market" just to pay his car note. And he has 3 more years on it. The future looks so bleak here and our heart breaks not just for our friends, but everyone here. Yana was telling us that people now are parking their cars in front of the banks and leaving them because they cannot afford the payments. Unemployment is skyrocketing.
I think we could not have come here at a better time. If our daughter were having any thoughts of wanting to stay in Ukraine, they would be dashed by the events taking place. Speaking of her, I will go for now because we are going to see her.
Blessings to All,
Ande
1 comment:
Ande and Paula and Dasha,
Wish we could see you. Tell Dasha hello from our family. Praying your court comes quickly..
Yes, it's tough here right now in Ukraine. Everyone knows it. The orphanage director gave our little Z a speech for over an hour and pointed out every challenge she would face here in Ukraine.
Hello to Yana, Nina, and the kids at the orphanage.
See you soon.
Randy and Val and gang.
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