To Saunter

"But the walking of which I speak has nothing in it akin to taking exercise, as it is called, as the sick take medicine at stated hours — as the swinging of dumb-bells or chairs; but is itself the enterprise and adventure of the day. If you would get exercise go in search of the springs of life. Think of a man’s swinging dumb-bells for his health, when those springs are bubbling up in far off pastures unsought by him.

"Moreover, you must walk like a camel which is said to be the only beast which ruminates when walking. When a traveller asked Wordsworth’s servant to show him her master’s study, she answered 'Here is his library, but his study is out of doors'."

-Henry David Thoreau

I went for a walk tonight, exiting the apartment hoping to return in an hour. 5 hours have since passed and I still find myself out of doors. I got lost walking in downtown Kiev. I stumbled across an outdoor festival, a light show, a group of college kids clubbin', and numerous park benches to rest my aching feet and collect my thoughts (don't worry mother, I am no longer lost, but felt like stopping at an internet cafe before calling it a night).

The work here is great. The country is as gloomy as ever, but things are starting to come to life. Spring is budding, and the air is getting warmer. People are moving from their black coats to their black shirts. I count it as a step upward. I have had borschk since my last post and can not rave about it enough. Who knew beets could be done right? Not only right--to perfection.

In the past three weeks, we have finished the gold lines in 2 1/2 rooms and it looks great. Next time you are in the temple (hopefully soon), please take notice of all the gold leaf on the walls and remember that they did not paint themselves. Someone slaved over those puppies making sure they were straight, smooth, and beautiful. And they did it for you.

Life is good. Go for a walk and find out just how good it is.