Having emigrated as a tiny baby from the small country of Belarus whose inhabitant amount hardly exceeds nine million, I was finally coming back at age fifteen to visit my relatives and my homeland. Who knew that four short weeks in a small country on the other side of the world can change a human being so dynamically on the inside and out? Stepping foot out of the dizzying plane of Lufthansa and out of the car with no air conditioning in one hundred degree weather, onto the soilof the village Rudnya that my parents called “home”, I inhaled the freshness. The air can’t be much fresher than in the midst of evergreen-tree filled land, where factories and chemicals haven’t destroyed nature’s original state of beauty. This was the land where one could enjoy organic, home-grown produce, without a touch of preservatives.
â–º SEMI FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
Experiencing firsthand what my fellow Slavic people had to live through daily and the circumstances my parents had grown up in, I felt blessed to have lived in America. My back ached after twenty minutes of digging potatoes; these farmers sometimes dig potatoes from dawn to dusk. I never knew how miraculous indoor plumbing was until I learned how to use an outhouse, and how to take a shower in the backyard with a half-filled teakettle. Because I have a thirst for knowledge and a determination for advancement in life, I was extremely shocked by the narrow opportunities available for the village children. After finishing high school, very few could afford to move into cities to continue their educational life in a college or university. Most took up the traditional jobs such as gardening, butchering animals, and lumbering.
After getting a bit accustomed to the village life, I developed pride for my people. I was proud that they always put a smile on their face, and a sense of humor in the middle of any hard task they faced. I was proud at the wise ways these people spent their meagerly sum of money, so that they could cover all necessities, and have money left to spare. I was proud of the welcoming nature and generosity that my fellow Belarussians were composed of. It’s an accepted custom to walk into the homes without even knocking, because the neighbors know each other like the back of their hands, and live as one big harmonious family. My distant relatives treated me like a long-lost sister, setting out their finest teas and coffees, ready to sacrifice their entire month’s salary for my satisfaction.
The fourteen hour flight back to America on three various planes gave me sufficient time to think deeply about my experiences of the past month. I, as a completely changed person, would make the best of both worlds. I would use my inherent Belarussian perseverance, determination, inner strength, and loving attributes to become the most successful and educated individual I possibly could with the opportunities available for me in America. And perhaps someday in the future, when I would have an acquired amount of money, I would remember my dear native people. I would help them in every way I could, whether it be sending packages with helpful products, visiting and inspiring them, or offering aid with the immigration process. I’m so thankful to my aunt for buying me a ticket to Belarus and introducing me to the life and people there, because I learned more about their culture from this trip than from all the native European movies I have ever watched, and I can use this knowledge for the better.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “My Grandparents’ Soil Where My Heart Finds a Place”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog aand check again here frequently.
I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content
for yourself? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write concerning
here. Again, awesome site!
Essential bags: Remember to bring commonly used medicines, prescription medicines, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, wound closures, etc.
Thanks for sharing
Very nice article. I certainly love this site.
Contine the good work!
Wow, Fran Falkin’s pet travel tips are a lifesaver! ? Planning our pet-friendly vacation has been a breeze thanks to these insightful tips. We followed tip #2, and now our fur baby practically loves their carrier, making our journey stress-free. Plus, we found a cozy hotel that welcomes our pet, so they’re enjoying the adventure just as much as we are. Thanks, Fran, for turning our pet travel worries into tail-wagging excitement!
Hey There. I found your weblog using msn. That
is a really smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of
your useful info. Thank you for the post. I will certainly
comeback.
i wish i was chinese
I am genuinely pleased to read this weblog posts which includes plenty
of helpful information, thanks for providing
these kinds of statistics.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular
article! It’s the little changes that will make the biggest changes.
Thanks for sharing!
Explore the beauty of Sri Lanka with our family tours. Discover unforgettable experiences for all with Family Tours Sri Lanka. Book your adventure today with Sri Lanka Family Tours.
Great post.
Yes, recent trends suggest that Americans are regaining confidence in vacations and travel. As travel restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase, many Americans are showing a greater willingness to travel and explore destinations again. However, it’s important to stay updated on travel advisories and safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Reading Fran Falkin’s insights took me back to my first trip with Whiskers, my feline companion. The chaos of ensuring he was comfortable amidst the hustle of the airport was a lesson in patience. Had I come across these invaluable tips earlier, our journey would’ve been as smooth as a calm sea.
Thank you! I value it!
Great information. Cheers.
Very good write-up. I certainly appreciate this website.
Continue the good work!
I read your article on the Sheep of Sun Valley and I found it very fascinating and enjoyable. You have given a detailed and colorful account of your experience at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which celebrates the history and culture of sheepherding in Idaho. I think your article is a great way to introduce this unique and fun event to other travelers and families who are looking for a different and memorable adventure.
This is something new I saw on the internet today I want to thank you for writing such a great and helpful blog. I really appreciate your efforts.