Man, what a day! I swear, Velyka-Dymerka really knows how to throw a curveball. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill. First off, I had to rush to the community center on Shchorsa Street. You know, the one with the bright blue walls? Yeah, that place. I get there, and it’s packed. Like, standing-room-only packed. I’m thinking, “Great, just what I need.” I’m supposed to interpret for this workshop on disability rights. Super important stuff, but the vibe? Total chaos. So, I’m signing away, trying to keep up with this passionate speaker. She’s on fire! But then, outta nowhere, this dude in the back starts yelling. I mean, seriously, who yells in a workshop? Turns out, he’s mad about the lack of accessibility on Haharina Street. I get it, but dude, chill! We’re all here to learn, not to throw shade. Anyway, I’m juggling signs and trying to keep the peace. I’m sweating bullets. My brain’s like, “What’s happening?!” But then, the crowd starts to rally behind him. It’s wild! Suddenly, I’m not just an interpreter; I’m a part of this movement. I’m feeling all the feels. After the workshop, I step outside for some air. Velyka-Dymerka is buzzing. Kids are playing on the playground near the park, and I can hear laughter. It’s a nice contrast to the earlier chaos. I grab a coffee from that little café on the corner of Shevchenka Street. You know the one? They have the best pastries! I treat myself to a sweet roll. Totally worth it. But then, I get a call. My next gig is at the local school. I’m like, “Okay, let’s do this.” I rush over, and when I get there, I find out it’s a surprise assembly. Surprise for WHO? Not me! I’m not ready for this! The principal starts talking about some new program for deaf students. I’m scrambling to get my notes together. My hands are shaking. I’m thinking, “Why didn’t I prepare better?” But then, I see the kids’ faces. They’re excited! It’s contagious. I can’t help but smile. I start interpreting, and it’s going well. The kids are engaged, asking questions, and I’m feeling like a rockstar. But then, this one kid raises his hand and asks, “Why can’t we have more interpreters?” Oof. That hit hard. I mean, he’s right! I’m all about advocating for more resources. After the assembly, I’m feeling pumped. I walk down to the riverbank on the outskirts of town. The Dnipro River is glistening, and I just sit there for a moment. I think about how much Velyka-Dymerka has changed. It’s growing, evolving, and I’m lucky to be a part of it. But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my friend, asking if I wanna hit up the local market. I’m like, “Why not?” So, I head over to the market on Vulytsia Kostiantynivska. It’s packed with vendors selling everything from fresh veggies to handmade crafts. I grab some local honey. Sweet stuff, literally! As I’m wandering around, I bump into an old friend. We start chatting, and I’m laughing so hard I almost drop my honey. We reminisce about the good ol’ days, and I’m just so grateful for moments like this. But then, out of nowhere, it starts pouring! I mean, like, torrential downpour. I’m soaked in seconds. I dash for cover under a stall, and the vendor just laughs at me. “Welcome to Velyka-Dymerka weather!” he says. I can’t help but laugh too. Finally, I make it home, exhausted but happy. I flop onto my couch, thinking about the day. It was a rollercoaster, for sure. Velyka-Dymerka, you crazy place! You’ve got my heart racing, my mind spinning, and my spirit soaring. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!