Happy Independence Day Ukraine!

Ukraine is changing! In the past on Independence Day, I would wake up to the sound of a huge gun or cannon. This was the start of a military parade featuring tanks, guns and tons of soldiers.

Now Independence Day is celebrated a bit differently. This morning I awoke and watched a special prayer service at St. Sofia's Cathedral led by different Ukrainian religious leaders. Afterwards a ceremony led by President Yushenko culminated with performances on Kreshatik by different dance troops and military bands.

I watched these goings on at home on my TV where the temperature was a "comfortable" 83 F as compared to what must of been at least 105 F or more on the hot pavement in the sun.

Later I headed out in the heat myself to mingle with the crowds of people walking around. At the end of Kreshatik Ukrainian non-profits had set up booths to share information on their different work. I was very happy to see there was one non-profit which had started up a "home" for dogs from the street!

After searching through the booths and crowds I finally found ChildRescue's booth! Lesya and Sveta were bravely "manning" the booth and sweltering in the heat as they answered questions from those who passed by to pick up information on the ministry and look at photos.