Acknowledgements
During my research journey, I learned two major lessons. First, research is never just a one-person project. Various people get engaged at different stages. In the case of this book, I had lots of necessary intellectual and moral support throughout the whole process.
A great scholarly tandem: Professor Titus Hjelm and Professor Andrew Wilson were outstanding mentors to my doctoral study. Prof Hjelm supported this project with his sociological lenses, while giving a necessary intellectual freedom and space to develop my own ideas. Prof Wilson offered his comprehensive knowledge and expertise on Belarus and was always keen to discuss my work and offer his valuable advice.
On a non-academic level, many people who supported my academic journey. Being a female researcher with three small children required an extra support network. My husband, Yarik Kryvoi, parents and in-laws aided with childcare which enabled an intensive fieldwork in Belarus. They all supported me and motivated to further work, especially when I felt that finishing my study was a daunting task.
Secondly, I learned that my research process had to be a conversation – between me as a researcher and other individuals. Throughout my academic journey I had countless opportunities to talk to many people in Belarus and elsewhere, including academics, experts as well as ordinary people. All these conversations provided a food for thought and significantly stimulated the research process. Sometimes they reminded me why I have begun a PhD in the first place.
Last but not least, without the stories of those Belarusians who trusted me, I could not complete this book. I crossed my paths with wonderful and inspiring people. In particular, I would like to thank Protestant believers from Minsk, Baranavičy, and Brest regions who let me enter their worlds. I am grateful for each and every story I have heard in Belarus. Also, I very much appreciate the help of Halina, Lioša, Juraś, and Źmicier.