Hello Delaware Kiwanis:

We would like to know more about each other, about our life, interests. I want to tell a little about people which live in Ukraine. Ukrainian people has many very beautiful traditions. The main thing which unites Ukrainians is that we like to receive guests. On this we have many different holidays. All who come for a holiday to the friends has brings different gifts. The family which makes a holiday has prepare a meal. The guests should eat all meal completely or the mistress will think that they did not like a food. The most widespread meal which prepares in Ukrainian it is a borshch. At the end of the letter I shall write the recipe. I prepare a borshch every week. All women prepare a meal of at home because to buy prepared meal or attend a cafe, restaurant is expensive even for a middle level Ukrainians.
Our people constantly love to sing. If on a holiday people doesn`t that it`s a funeral.

After the destruction of Soviet Union, we had very heavy time. All thought that we already have freedom but all heads were from Soviet Union and they built economy and policy by the old way. During same time in the country the structure of a mafia has been advanced. It meant that all that was possible, tried to steal or sell. Usual people began very poor. And many people began to recollect Soviet Union when all had identical position in a society. Till 2004 our government did not clarify itself what way they will lead the country and how to build the country. 50% of people wanted to return to Russia and create the new Union, but other part of people opposed. In 2004 we had the orange revolution. After that people has seen the way of direction, to build relations with America and the countries of Europe. During revolution the candidate for presidents which has won has supported this direction. For him has voted 60% of people. But also now we have the big problems in the decision of many questions. I want to have the free country and to move democratic way even if we shall have many mistakes.

People began to travel, receive many visitors, the Internet has appeared and we began to see that people in other countries very nice. I have now dialogue with many Ukrainian people and on this I would want that people learned about other countries more. Elder people have no computer, do not speak in English but many young people in the same position.

I and my husband very much love people and we want to care and to expand their knowledge. I and my family never had the medical insurance. It`s not popular in Ukraine, we have to pay for everything. We very much our country and we trust that somewhen will live beter. We always want to help other people which live badly.

BORSHCH
Borshch is the quintessential Ukrainian dish; it's not only the most popular dish in all Ukraine, it's uniquely Ukrainian. Other Slavic cultures and nations may have adopted borshch, but it originated in Ukraine. Borshch is a mildly tart vegetable soup in which beets predominate. Generally, borshch contains many different ingredients, as many as 20, but the combinations and proportions vary according to region of Ukraine, the season, and family tradition. There are even more variations of borshch than political parties and movements in Ukraine. Some say that a true Ukrainian borshch contains beans, either fresh or dried, but Ukrainian individualism being what it is, there are undoubtedly many other opinions on what constitutes a true borshch.

Borshch is usually made from a base of rich meat stock. Pieces of meat, usually pork, may be cooked in the soup along with the vegetables, but there are meatless versions and these are especially served on fasting days.

Besides having a slightly tart flavor, borshch also tastes of salt, pepper, dill, and garlic, according to the discretion of the cook. A good borshch should retain its deep red color; the ingredients should not be cooked to a mush, but should retain their texture.

1 1/2 pounds soup meat with bone
10 to 12 cups cold water
1 teaspoon salt
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium beets, cut in thin strips*
1 medium carrot, cut in thin strips
1 medium potato, diced
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup diced string beans or cooked white beans
2 to 3 cups shredded cabbage
3/4 cup strained tomatoes or tomato juice
1/2 clove garlic, crushed, if desired
1 tablespoon flour
salt and pepper
chopped dill
1/2 cup sour cream

Cover the meat with the cold water, add the salt, bring slowly to the boiling point, then skim. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. (It's a good idea to cook meat one day before adding vegetables, to allow broth to cool. Then skim off fat before adding vegetables). Add the onion and beets; cook 10 to 15 minutes or until the beets are almost done. If young beets are used, cook them together with the other vegetables. Add the carrot, potato, celery, and string beans; continue cooking for about 10 minutes. When cooked white beans are used, they should be added after the cabbage is cooked to retain their white color. Finally put in the cabbage and cook until it is tender. Do not overcook. Stir in the tomatoes or tomato juice and the crushed garlic.

Season to taste with salt and pepper and bring to the boiling point. Flavor it with the chopped dill.

Just before serving, add a dollop of sour cream.
* If fresh beets are not available, add canned beets last, just before serving.

We had new Christmas program at the orphanage. It was great, all kids were happy. We bought a lot of presents for children, toys, fruits, sweets and school materials. I attached the pictures.

Lora