There is a reason people from all over the world want to come to America. But with all the diviseness of late, along with a pervasive attitude of entitlement, I’ve been somewhat cynical– Is America really that great? My time in Ukraine reminded me: To live in America, warts and all, is truly a gift.
In Ukraine I had the privledge of getting to know two Christian young adult women. They would LOVE to come to the United States- even if just to visit their aunt who is married to an American. But visas are not easy to come by, something I’ve never considered. As Americans, for the most part, we travel freely to any country we wish. And when we do, English-speaking people, signs, and menus are usually available.
The young women I met have been influenced, like all of us, by the media and especially social media. They love American brands and fashion. The problem is the availability and mark-up in Ukraine make it nearly impossible to have. For a similar reason missionaries must wait on visitors to bring over books that we in the U.S. one-click and have delivered to our front door two days later.
Instant is a privilege. As is convenience.
- In developed areas we expect reliable WiFi. When it does go out, maybe because of a storm we grow impatient. But in Ukraine even in a WiFi cafe I lost my connection in the middle of a video recording with counseling classmates.
- I’m almost always cold so I often complaing about air conditioning. But I left Ukraine with a new appreciation for our modern (relatively affordable) electricity. I also bought an old-fashioned wooden fan (to use) and as a token of rememberance of my time there.
- We might drink filtered or bottled water, but we don’t have to. Washing our fruits and vegetables in sink water is perfectly fine, as is using it to brush our teeth. I don’t have to do that at home.
- We use public toilets without pay, and many of the toilet seats even have disposable covers. Imagine my surprise at this “squatty potty” at a Ukranian university, no less!
None of these things though did my Ukranian friends complain about. What concerned them were much weightier issues – war, systemic sin, and relationships.
I had no idea Ukraine was even at war until we were standing in the customs line at the Odessa airport! Like in Israel I never felt unsafe. But since 2014, 13,000 Ukrainians have been killed and over 30,000 injured. The exchange rate has plummeted and Ukrainian resource production has drastically slowed causing even more economic fall out.
We were told the average Ukranian family makes the equivalent of $200-$400 a month. The medical clinic we visited did not have a single patient there not because they don’t desperately need medical attention but they can’t afford to come for medical help. In this same village, the pastor and his church are personally caring for and carrying the burden of assisting five Ukrainian refuge families who have fled from their town on the Russian border.
For my twenty-something friends scarcity isn’t limited to financial resources either. Lack of Christian fellowship and also Christian men to date ranks up at the top. So while Americans may feel lonely for true friends, it is not like what Christians in countries and cultures like Ukraine experience.
Granted, Christians in America holding to the inerrancy of Scripture can expect to feel more alone. But still, one of beauties of the Constitution that we must protect is our freedom of religion and speech and other individual choices– for everyone.
Middle-aged and older Ukranians know what it’s like to not have choice. They grew up in a time when the Communist controlled everything, including what jobs individuals had. And though this is not the case now, the deep-rooted affects of Communism is just one reason America is so appealing to them.
In big and small ways leaving the country reminded me how much we in America have to be thankful for. My prayer this July 4th is we would stop and reflect on what is good and the freedoms we enjoy. And above all treat fellow Americans, and all others, with dignity and respect.
