March 1 is the first day of spring to Ukrainians. We got about 6 inches of snow and it's freezing. Whatever.

I discovered the six inches of new snow tonight as a attempted to buy some medicines for Lena. I walked to the apteka near KPI, list in hand, and was told one item could be bought at this counter, the other across the way. No problem. My total was about 175 UAH. Of course, I had 152 UAH. So, I ask--where's the closest bankomat (ATM for our American readers). Just down the street. More stumbling through fresh snow. No cash in the ATM. No cash in the next ATM or the next or the next or the next or the next or the next. I have traversed the whole neighborhood and no cash anywhere. I finally decided to walk home to change into boots since the snow was filling my shoes. Since we didn't have any UAH at home, I take some dollars to exchange. Since it's in the evening, I am guaranteed to get a very bad rate. And fortunately, as I arrive at the one exchange place open, there is a line and it's closed. Instead of falling into despair, I decide to just wait in line among all the fresh tulips that crowd the underground crossing near KPI metro. Fortunately, the kiosk opens up soon and I am on my way back to the pharmacy. Oh for a Walgreens and a car. They did at least have everything we needed. Praise the Lord for that.

Lena is struggling with a virus that's apparently quite common but it's giving her some problems. Would you pray for her healing and the destruction of this little virus that just won't go away???

We enjoyed working at the Center tonight. We made several key decisions and have decided to launch a fundraising campaing among UEC patrons to promote philanthropy toward the Center. We will see how that goes. Currently, at 1.30 AM, there is a huge fireworks display being shot off very, very close to our building. For a minute, I thought maybe the Germans were bombing but now I realize it's just some idiots wasting money.