First Sunday since we've been back. I came to church and decided to re-stack a row of chairs because I thought too many were out. Oh, me, of little faith. By the time the service was over, that row had been unstacked. We had a good group and wonderful prayers were prayed. People stayed for a long time, and of course it was great to see everyone and sing in Russian again! I thought I would forget a lot but most of the words came back without too much effort.

The snow keeps melting. I even saw a truck hauling a huge load of snow off. The city is improving in public services.

We went to Puzata Khata tonight, one of my favorite places. A lady was trying to figure out what the vareniky was stuffed with and though she was in front of me, she suggested I get my food first. I thought that was odd. I then told her she was first so she should go first. She did. Later in line, she asked if I were an American, she was. The accent always gives it away--even to the foreigners.

And the race is on...... The campaign for parliament is in full swing. The coalition that brought us the Orange Revolution in December 2004 has busted up, and each has gone its own way. TV is peppered with not-the-best political ads. There are several new parties, and I am not exactly sure what they stand for. And the people who tried to steal the election are still running for office. Our neighbor has a campaign sticker on their door that says "Not Yes." The current government's campaign slogan is "Yes!" Elections come at the end of March and then the real fun begins. Will the President or the Parliament choose the prime minister? Tune in next week for another installment of "As Ukraine Turns."