брат малишкевич (Brother Malyshkevych)

I was thrilled when I learned that BYU started offering Ukrainian classes. Although I understand that the increase in global interest is probably related to current political issues, I prefer to think that it's because Ukrainian is a beautiful language that deserves to be appreciated. It flows, it's soft, and it can stand up to French and Italian in romanticism. But I'm a little biased.

So I signed up for Ukr 330. My class is made up of myself, eleven other returned missionaries with whom I served, and our teacher Brother Malyshkevych. Eastern Europeans tend to get a bad rap for being too stern and never smiling, but Ukrainians are different. They have suffered much, and yet have persevered. They have an innate beauty, softness, and humility--words I used to describe the language itself.

Brother Malyshkevych exemplifies the best of these qualities. In my opinion, he is extremely accomplished. He has finished university in Kiev, is currently studying at BYU, has translated for many General Authorities, and is raising a beautiful family. On a broader scale, he has lived through the fall of the Soviet Union, the organization and growth of the Church in Ukraine, and the building of the only temple in Eastern Europe.

Accolades aside, Brother Malyshkevych is one of the most humble men I know. He never flaunts his knowledge or brags of his experiences. Instead, he is consumed with gratitude. In addition, he understands that God is real, that He has a plan, and that we have a purpose on this earth. Lastly, Brother Malyshkevych has a great sense of humor. I believe that these qualities have allowed him to live a full life, even amid trials and challenges. 

After only two weeks of class, Brother Malyshkevych has already taught me valuable lessons. The one that compels me the most is humility stemming from gratitude. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin once stated, "Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable." (see full text here)

I could work on my gratitude; it's not enough for me to just say thank you. It's about accepting the opportunities and obstacles placed in front of me, looking to God, and then looking around at everything He has blessed me with in order to succeed.

Thanks for the life lesson, Brother Malyshkevych.