Lena has been home with us for 5 months now! She just celebrated her 14th birthday and it was funny because she didn't want to be called 14 until that day. We had her birthday party the Saturday before and she kept telling us she wasn't 14 yet. I think she just wants to feel like she's going to be with her family for a while and not growing up too fast. We bought new linens for her room that she picked out so it would be more "her" room and she didn't want to wait for anything. It's so amusing, because she hasn't had anything uniquely hers in so many years but she didn't want to wait 2 months for bedding so she picked something that she could have in a week.
However, I have to say that she is not greedy with anything either. With one of her gift cards, she bought me a necklace that says love and has 2 hearts. She spent half the gift card on me and I tried to refuse it and told her I wanted to spend it on her, but she said "no, mom" you buy me things too! She was so appreciative of everything, but did learn how to give "hints" of what she needed.
My mom is taking both girls to a "camp" Sunday afternoon through Tues. afternoon with a friend who has also been a long time missionary. It is designed to be a time of spirtual growth. Brianne has long been tuned in to God's moving in her life, but a personal relationship is something new for Lena. We are praying it will be a significant event in her life.
People ask me what grade level Lena is on and there's really no answer. She came here knowing only the alphabet and some of the sounds correct and some incorrect. Now, she's reading on about a 3rd/4th grade level (although pronunciation is interesting at times), writing on a 1st/2nd grade level and developing sentences and learning about parts of speech, antonyms, etc., and doing 6th grade math. That's alot of learning in a different language in 5 months (only 3 during the school year, but we've been doing 1-2 hours 3 x week in the summer too). We are very fortunate to be able to homeschool her and meet her needs at all those different levels. In the Ukraine, she was 5th grade across the board.
I am also thankful for Brianne's help in explaining things to her and to both Blake and Brianne for sharing all that they have with her. God has done a great work and it is amazing to watch life unfold from a perspective other than our own. It has allowed us to not be completely wrapped up in our own lives and needs. I am so thankful for that because it is easy to fall into that trap. We are looking forward to 4 more weeks of summer and a 20th anniversary vacation for Trent and I in Panama on a fishing trip. It's been a whirlwind year and a little breather will be so nice:)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
It's been 2 months!
We've been home with our newly adopted daughter, Lena, for 2 months now. Everything has been moving so fast that I haven't had the time or even thought about updating our blog until asked by several people. I do plan on trying to update now once a month. Lena is adjusting very well. We have been glad to see that she hasn't had the "sad" moments that she had while she was here last summer. When we hosted her, there were many times that she would look teary eyed or like her mind was wondering and we were worried that she missed the Ukraine and her sister. She has now shared more of what her homelife used to be and it is really sad to hear. I will go into that more next month.
Now that we have been back for 2 months, we've only seen that once or twice. I think this summer she was more concerned that we wouldn't come for her. The difficulties that we faced this summer with both girls feeling like they had to compete with each other (being so close in age) has subsided to minor instances and both seem to have relaxed now that our situation is permanent. Brianne and Lena have so much fun together and have become not just friends but truly sisters. It is wonderful to see them paling around together. Brianne has been very gracious and enjoys explaining things to Lena. Lena is a quick learner and very eager to try new things.
Lena wants to understand everything that I talk about and everything that I say that we are going to be doing or the places we are going. She asks alot of questions which wears me out at times, but really helps her knowledge of our language and culture. She is speaking English in short sentences now and we have begun to help her with using the correct words. We do spelling tests, phonic, reading, writing and listening skills in English every day. It is helping to hit it from every angle. I bought her an easy Nancy Drew book and a BoxCar book this week and she finished the first in 1 day and is 1/3 of the way through the second in 2 days. Of course, comprehension will be slower, but we plan on working on that this summer. Her desire to learn and succeed make all the difference.
I feel so thankful that we are homeschooling because it allows us to focus on each girls strengths, weaknesses and character. I feel like it has allowed Lena to move at a much faster pace as well.
She has said two prayers aloud now at the dinner table and we are explaining our faith as much as possible along the way. She also reads Bible verses each day and has told me that she is thinking of volunteering for reading in her Sunday School class!
Blake takes it all in stride and for someone who sometimes has difficulties when routines are changed, he has done incredibly well for having a new member of the family instantly. He really wants Lena to play with him and she complies much of the time. He thinks that she is great "most of the time" and often asks her to say something in "Spanish". He has a hard time understanding that since Spanish is a different language and she speaks a different language why she doesn't understand it! Both girls enjoy cheering for him at his baseball games.
Brianne is a great example of striving to do your best in school. She takes MOST lessons seriously and wants to excel. Lena has watched how she works and wants to be just as diligent. I have seen Brianne grow so much and am glad that we didn't back off of the decision to adopt Lena when we had struggles last summer. She is independent in many of her lessons and I can see how homeschooling is helping to prepare her for doing lessons on her own at college. We plan to work on Spanish w/her this summer while Lena is focusing on English. This will be the first summer that we do some lessons through the summer. I think it will be beneficial and will keep all 3 kids moving forward academically.
Brianne's strength's continue to be writing and art, but she is also becoming more athletic. She is still taking tennis, but also taking volleyball now and interested in being on the competitive team. I am so thankful to have had these years of working w/her in every aspect of her life and really thankful that God brought me back after surgery a year ago. It has been a crazy but amazing year. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband and now 3 awesome kids!
Now that we have been back for 2 months, we've only seen that once or twice. I think this summer she was more concerned that we wouldn't come for her. The difficulties that we faced this summer with both girls feeling like they had to compete with each other (being so close in age) has subsided to minor instances and both seem to have relaxed now that our situation is permanent. Brianne and Lena have so much fun together and have become not just friends but truly sisters. It is wonderful to see them paling around together. Brianne has been very gracious and enjoys explaining things to Lena. Lena is a quick learner and very eager to try new things.
Lena wants to understand everything that I talk about and everything that I say that we are going to be doing or the places we are going. She asks alot of questions which wears me out at times, but really helps her knowledge of our language and culture. She is speaking English in short sentences now and we have begun to help her with using the correct words. We do spelling tests, phonic, reading, writing and listening skills in English every day. It is helping to hit it from every angle. I bought her an easy Nancy Drew book and a BoxCar book this week and she finished the first in 1 day and is 1/3 of the way through the second in 2 days. Of course, comprehension will be slower, but we plan on working on that this summer. Her desire to learn and succeed make all the difference.
I feel so thankful that we are homeschooling because it allows us to focus on each girls strengths, weaknesses and character. I feel like it has allowed Lena to move at a much faster pace as well.
She has said two prayers aloud now at the dinner table and we are explaining our faith as much as possible along the way. She also reads Bible verses each day and has told me that she is thinking of volunteering for reading in her Sunday School class!
Blake takes it all in stride and for someone who sometimes has difficulties when routines are changed, he has done incredibly well for having a new member of the family instantly. He really wants Lena to play with him and she complies much of the time. He thinks that she is great "most of the time" and often asks her to say something in "Spanish". He has a hard time understanding that since Spanish is a different language and she speaks a different language why she doesn't understand it! Both girls enjoy cheering for him at his baseball games.
Brianne is a great example of striving to do your best in school. She takes MOST lessons seriously and wants to excel. Lena has watched how she works and wants to be just as diligent. I have seen Brianne grow so much and am glad that we didn't back off of the decision to adopt Lena when we had struggles last summer. She is independent in many of her lessons and I can see how homeschooling is helping to prepare her for doing lessons on her own at college. We plan to work on Spanish w/her this summer while Lena is focusing on English. This will be the first summer that we do some lessons through the summer. I think it will be beneficial and will keep all 3 kids moving forward academically.
Brianne's strength's continue to be writing and art, but she is also becoming more athletic. She is still taking tennis, but also taking volleyball now and interested in being on the competitive team. I am so thankful to have had these years of working w/her in every aspect of her life and really thankful that God brought me back after surgery a year ago. It has been a crazy but amazing year. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband and now 3 awesome kids!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Potential Adoptive Parents notes
Just a few notes for those traveling to the Ukraine:
I am simply adding to a much more detailed list.
Take some hard copies of pictures of your family and house. Also, if you take a picture of you with your prospective child, print it while there to have to give to the judge if he would like one.
Small gifts from Wal-mart or Oriental trading are great for the class for the going away party for your child. I bought large balloons that are the thicker kind for bopping, not just party latex. The boys loved them. They also loved the hotwells cars and the girls lipgloss went over well. On the return trip I took one barbie that sang in English and 1 small lego set that made three different vehicles to leave for the class. The barbies and legos are VERY expensive there. I also took chocolates that are from the US, like York Mints, Reeses PB cups, etc. Most of the girls like magazines that they can cut pictures from.
Games to do w/the class or your child really help bridge the language barrier. Old maid was great and you can use it for concentration. Black Jack was easy to teach and spoons they loved. We left the cards for them too. One day, I took chenille stems which packed easy and we made designs, one day beads and made bracelets.
Purell and hand sanitizer wipes are a must. Plus I took very small pkgs. of hand soap, shampoo and laundry detergent that I bought from Geek.com I think. They were about 1x2 inches and so I carried the handsoap in my pocket. Most bathrooms don't have soap. We saw ladies in offices carry their soap dishes to the bathroom w/them. I also took travel toilet seat covers which fit in my pocket. Many public toilets have no seats and some (like in the Donetsk airport) don't even have a toilet, just a hole in the ground . The train toilet was NASTY. Go ahead of time and don't drink much b/c it is over night. The train was horribly HOT AND SMOKY! We felt like we were suffocating and did not sleep much. The plane ended up being $100 - $150 and the train was $20 each w/4 people to a tiny compartment. But for this situation, the extra money was worth it to us. If you go by train, you need SHORT sleeves. We only had long johns to sleep in and could hardly stand it. they do have sheets and pillow cases. Take a bottle of water.
I took a very small sound machine and was really glad b/c we were right on busy streets 2 times in apartments and it helped block out noise. It worked w/our adapter/converter on low. We had to take a different converter for our computer b/c it has 3 prongs. Check yours.
For the long plane rides, ear plugs don't block out all noise, but help make it more enjoyable. An eye mask helped me to sleep for a few minutes here and there. Keep the salt, pepper, sugar packets in put in a baggy that you carry in your carry on. It is great to have when you are in Kiev for just a couple of days in the beginning and the same at the end.
Keep a book or cards, small notebook and snacks in your backpack at all times. We never knew when we were going to be in an office waiting for a couple of hours, or an extended time in several offices, notary, etc. Many times we didn't stop to eat until late afternoon. You need to keep running while you can b/c sometimes offices close up early, people leave early or the electricity goes out.
I carried protein bars, jerky and oatmeal from home. They were great for the backpack and for sharing w/our driver/translator. The oatmeal was great if we hadn't had time to buy something to fix for breakfast and for early morning flights. We all took chewable Acidolophilus while there most days and didn't get sick. You can buy them in the pharmacy section of most drugstores or large grocery stores.
Someone suggested a bungee cord for drying clothes. We used ours a little but there's plenty of places to hang them. We did small loads at a time and dried heavy stuff like jeans on the radiator. (Just remember to turn it off when you are leaving:) Someone suggested a stopper for the sink. I took 3 sizes and none worked. We bought regular sponges so we would have them to wash with and used them to stop up the sink.
We didn't blend in very well. Everyone wears dark clothes, mostly black, probably b/c as the snow melts everything becomes a muddy mess. Women wear very high heel stylish black boots, a few daring reds. I had on tan insulated hiking boots and a blue ski coat!!! My feet were comfy though, but black would have been better. Take things that dry easily. I took a long skirt for court and it was hard to keep out of the muddy snow (and yes, I wore long johns under it).
Credit cards work at the large grocery stores and some restaurants. We used ours a few times just until we made sure we wouldn't have to get any money wired over. You have to alert your CC company that you will be making charges out of the country and most charge a small fee on each transaction, so ask. Ours was minimal, a few cents on each purchase. Always have cash as a back up. One restaurant refused our card each time. We think they just preferred cash b/c of the bad economy and luckily we had just enough gryvna! Check prices on everything. We neglected to check the prices of freshly squeezed juice and ended up spending $45 on 4 glasses one night.
Most of all, be patient and prepared. This is not the U.S. Things can be slow and unpredictable. However, it ended up having a real pull on us. I was actually looking forward to going back the second time.
I am simply adding to a much more detailed list.
Take some hard copies of pictures of your family and house. Also, if you take a picture of you with your prospective child, print it while there to have to give to the judge if he would like one.
Small gifts from Wal-mart or Oriental trading are great for the class for the going away party for your child. I bought large balloons that are the thicker kind for bopping, not just party latex. The boys loved them. They also loved the hotwells cars and the girls lipgloss went over well. On the return trip I took one barbie that sang in English and 1 small lego set that made three different vehicles to leave for the class. The barbies and legos are VERY expensive there. I also took chocolates that are from the US, like York Mints, Reeses PB cups, etc. Most of the girls like magazines that they can cut pictures from.
Games to do w/the class or your child really help bridge the language barrier. Old maid was great and you can use it for concentration. Black Jack was easy to teach and spoons they loved. We left the cards for them too. One day, I took chenille stems which packed easy and we made designs, one day beads and made bracelets.
Purell and hand sanitizer wipes are a must. Plus I took very small pkgs. of hand soap, shampoo and laundry detergent that I bought from Geek.com I think. They were about 1x2 inches and so I carried the handsoap in my pocket. Most bathrooms don't have soap. We saw ladies in offices carry their soap dishes to the bathroom w/them. I also took travel toilet seat covers which fit in my pocket. Many public toilets have no seats and some (like in the Donetsk airport) don't even have a toilet, just a hole in the ground . The train toilet was NASTY. Go ahead of time and don't drink much b/c it is over night. The train was horribly HOT AND SMOKY! We felt like we were suffocating and did not sleep much. The plane ended up being $100 - $150 and the train was $20 each w/4 people to a tiny compartment. But for this situation, the extra money was worth it to us. If you go by train, you need SHORT sleeves. We only had long johns to sleep in and could hardly stand it. they do have sheets and pillow cases. Take a bottle of water.
I took a very small sound machine and was really glad b/c we were right on busy streets 2 times in apartments and it helped block out noise. It worked w/our adapter/converter on low. We had to take a different converter for our computer b/c it has 3 prongs. Check yours.
For the long plane rides, ear plugs don't block out all noise, but help make it more enjoyable. An eye mask helped me to sleep for a few minutes here and there. Keep the salt, pepper, sugar packets in put in a baggy that you carry in your carry on. It is great to have when you are in Kiev for just a couple of days in the beginning and the same at the end.
Keep a book or cards, small notebook and snacks in your backpack at all times. We never knew when we were going to be in an office waiting for a couple of hours, or an extended time in several offices, notary, etc. Many times we didn't stop to eat until late afternoon. You need to keep running while you can b/c sometimes offices close up early, people leave early or the electricity goes out.
I carried protein bars, jerky and oatmeal from home. They were great for the backpack and for sharing w/our driver/translator. The oatmeal was great if we hadn't had time to buy something to fix for breakfast and for early morning flights. We all took chewable Acidolophilus while there most days and didn't get sick. You can buy them in the pharmacy section of most drugstores or large grocery stores.
Someone suggested a bungee cord for drying clothes. We used ours a little but there's plenty of places to hang them. We did small loads at a time and dried heavy stuff like jeans on the radiator. (Just remember to turn it off when you are leaving:) Someone suggested a stopper for the sink. I took 3 sizes and none worked. We bought regular sponges so we would have them to wash with and used them to stop up the sink.
We didn't blend in very well. Everyone wears dark clothes, mostly black, probably b/c as the snow melts everything becomes a muddy mess. Women wear very high heel stylish black boots, a few daring reds. I had on tan insulated hiking boots and a blue ski coat!!! My feet were comfy though, but black would have been better. Take things that dry easily. I took a long skirt for court and it was hard to keep out of the muddy snow (and yes, I wore long johns under it).
Credit cards work at the large grocery stores and some restaurants. We used ours a few times just until we made sure we wouldn't have to get any money wired over. You have to alert your CC company that you will be making charges out of the country and most charge a small fee on each transaction, so ask. Ours was minimal, a few cents on each purchase. Always have cash as a back up. One restaurant refused our card each time. We think they just preferred cash b/c of the bad economy and luckily we had just enough gryvna! Check prices on everything. We neglected to check the prices of freshly squeezed juice and ended up spending $45 on 4 glasses one night.
Most of all, be patient and prepared. This is not the U.S. Things can be slow and unpredictable. However, it ended up having a real pull on us. I was actually looking forward to going back the second time.
Presentation
The last week that I was gone, Brianne (our 12 year-old) gave a presentation at my mom's church in Hamilton at their Wednesday night missions time. First she spoke to 8-12th graders and then she gave the presentation a second time to Elementary and Jr. High age. This was the first time for her to ever give a speech in front of a large group. She selected the pictures that she wanted to show from our trip to the Ukraine and made a power point from them. Then she decided what was important or interesting to tell about each picture. Her focus was to make others aware of orphans who live around the world from us and what their world is like. Hopefully, it will bend someone's heart toward these kids even by word of mouth from someone there to someone else. God works in mysterious ways and He can even use a 12 year old to accomplish His purposes.
She was very nervous about the presentation and had second thoughts about doing it. She followed through knowing that obedience has its rewards. She said that she truly enjoyed talking to the group and wants to do this more....traveling to places and returning to tell others about the people who are in need there. She said that the presentation went very well, but what was most surprising was the true joy she felt from following through on something God called her to do that she needed to rely on Him for the strength and courage to get through. Even to the point that we tried to e-mail the presentation from home the week that I was home and it didn't work. I tried to e-mail the pictures to her from Chicago on my way back to the Ukraine and about 1/2 came through. I had to e-mail the rest from an internet cafe after we walked to find one with 4 out of 5 Ukrainians telling us there wasn't one in the plaza where we were looking. Finally, Lena and I found it and got the rest of the pictures sent to Trent. By this time, Brianne had already gone to my mom's house. Trent was trying to e-mail the rest of the pictures directly to the youth minister. They prayed that they would arrive on time and they did after Brianne and Meme had already arrived at the church. God's timing! Brianne thinks He was testing her faith. I told her it would be the first of many times and that would mean many blessings.
She was very nervous about the presentation and had second thoughts about doing it. She followed through knowing that obedience has its rewards. She said that she truly enjoyed talking to the group and wants to do this more....traveling to places and returning to tell others about the people who are in need there. She said that the presentation went very well, but what was most surprising was the true joy she felt from following through on something God called her to do that she needed to rely on Him for the strength and courage to get through. Even to the point that we tried to e-mail the presentation from home the week that I was home and it didn't work. I tried to e-mail the pictures to her from Chicago on my way back to the Ukraine and about 1/2 came through. I had to e-mail the rest from an internet cafe after we walked to find one with 4 out of 5 Ukrainians telling us there wasn't one in the plaza where we were looking. Finally, Lena and I found it and got the rest of the pictures sent to Trent. By this time, Brianne had already gone to my mom's house. Trent was trying to e-mail the rest of the pictures directly to the youth minister. They prayed that they would arrive on time and they did after Brianne and Meme had already arrived at the church. God's timing! Brianne thinks He was testing her faith. I told her it would be the first of many times and that would mean many blessings.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Hosting
Let me know if any of you are interested in hosting any of the children who we posted on the blog. I can put you in contact w/a hosting organization that can check and see if that particular child is available. I'd love to find these children host families so they can enjoy a vacation here or even be introduced to a family here who would love to adopt them. There are no guarantees that a particular child will be able to be adopted, but I have seen it happen many times. These kids deserve love and a family as much as any of our children here. It also gives them an opportunity to know Christ that they might not have there.
We are home and doing well. We did some shopping for clothes today and had our first day of homeschool with 3 now. She has been all smiles since recooperating and getting well!
We are home and doing well. We did some shopping for clothes today and had our first day of homeschool with 3 now. She has been all smiles since recooperating and getting well!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Chicago
We got to come home 1 day early. This will be short. WE've been up almost 24 hours and have about 5 to go. Lena is really feeling bad and running fever. I'm going to take her in tomorrow morning to the doctor. She is really tired too and felt airsick as well as being physically sick. However, she is still just wanting to get HOME! We'll write more soon. We get in at 10:56 p.m. tonight (Friday)!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Woohoo, we're coming home!
We finished at the US Embassy today and received Lena's Visa. We are waiting to find out if we will get on the flight tomorrow that arrives at 10:56 p.m. or on Sat. at 8:40 p.m. I can't wait! We waited for an hour today for our appt. at the embassy. We were both tired and hungry, but I felt blessed. There was a lady there who had 3 young children from ages 3 - 6. They were all over the place and she had to wait as long as we did! She first came here in November! I think the Lord arranged our appt. to be at the same time so I'd feel better:)
Lena has a cough, sore throat and a lot of congestion that's become worse in the last few days. Please pray that she will feel better soon, especially for the LONG flight home! I appreciate everyone's prayers and company on this journey. It's really not coming to an end, it's just beginning. We have a new daughter ( and a teenager at that)! I think it is just now setting in. It is amazing to see where God leads you as you follow Him. I am thankful He has chosen to use us in this way. Most people say that Lena is lucky, but I see how God is using it to bless us in ways that we never would have experienced without this journey. I say we are blessed!
Lena has a cough, sore throat and a lot of congestion that's become worse in the last few days. Please pray that she will feel better soon, especially for the LONG flight home! I appreciate everyone's prayers and company on this journey. It's really not coming to an end, it's just beginning. We have a new daughter ( and a teenager at that)! I think it is just now setting in. It is amazing to see where God leads you as you follow Him. I am thankful He has chosen to use us in this way. Most people say that Lena is lucky, but I see how God is using it to bless us in ways that we never would have experienced without this journey. I say we are blessed!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
E-mail not a go
So is life here:) My e-mail was working here in Kiev for about 15 min. today, not enough to send all the pictures for a presentation that Brianne is giving at my mom's church tonight about the orphanage and our trip. I'm praying, by some miracle it will start working again when we get back to the apartment. Lena and I are in another internet cafe. We asked about a half dozen people who said there was not one here, but finally asked the right person and found it! The office for my internet card is not close by so maybe we can go there tomorrow.
We got everything done today here and have an appt. for an interview and to get Lena's visa at the Embassy tomorrow. The medical appt. was quite interesting and challenging and we found out that I had incorrect data previously on immunizations when she was in the states, but that's not the most interesting part. I can not post it now, but will do it on the way home either Friday or Sat.
I am really exhausted and need to rest well tonight. After getting up at 4 a.m. for the flight here and losing a night's sleep on the way, we got up at 6 and 5 the last two mornings and have been going all day. Tomorrow we don't have to get up early. Yeah! We are sharing a pull out bed in our new apartment which is fairly close to our last one, so at least I know my way around somewhat. Haven't got us lost yet! Thank you for all your prayers. This is almost done and Lena is very happy! I have seen her smile more in the last 24hours since picking her up than in the last 3 weeks that we were here! Hope to talk to you all very soon!
We got everything done today here and have an appt. for an interview and to get Lena's visa at the Embassy tomorrow. The medical appt. was quite interesting and challenging and we found out that I had incorrect data previously on immunizations when she was in the states, but that's not the most interesting part. I can not post it now, but will do it on the way home either Friday or Sat.
I am really exhausted and need to rest well tonight. After getting up at 4 a.m. for the flight here and losing a night's sleep on the way, we got up at 6 and 5 the last two mornings and have been going all day. Tomorrow we don't have to get up early. Yeah! We are sharing a pull out bed in our new apartment which is fairly close to our last one, so at least I know my way around somewhat. Haven't got us lost yet! Thank you for all your prayers. This is almost done and Lena is very happy! I have seen her smile more in the last 24hours since picking her up than in the last 3 weeks that we were here! Hope to talk to you all very soon!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
E-mail is go
I was able to change my password and get into my e-mail so I wanted to post that so Trent doesn't get 100 e-mails. Thanks.
Leaving Donetsk
Anyone who reads this post, please e-mail Trent as I cannot access my e-mail right now. We have finalized all the paperwork and will be leaving Donetsk early in the morning! Today, we started early and went to Gorlivka where Lena was born to get a new birthcertificate with her new name. The person who usually issues the certificates for international adoption had recently been fired and the lady who was there was uncomfortable doing it. However, after a couple of hours and a few phone calls, Oksana was able to get it done.
The building was cold and dark in the waiting area so O. had me wait in the car. It was about 10 below (C). I was very cold even in the parked car. Nicolay offered me some coffee and although I don't drink coffee, I accepted hoping it would warm me up! It seemed to heat up the whole car and definitely felt great in my hands. I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted it. It was really good and even sweet. I've always thought coffee tasted bitter, but loved it this time. He also offered me a piece of his cheese and bread sandwich. I said, "no, thank you," but a couple of hours later when O. came back to the car, he offered again and we both accepted a piece. I got the feeling it was rude to refuse twice and he was so kind to offer. When I first arrived in Donetsk, Nicolay was quick to tell me that I needed to change into my warm boots and even got them out of the trunk and brought them to me. We have been well taken care of while here, even spoiled!
Around noon, we went to get a passport back in Donetsk, made some copies and a little more paperwork. We finished up at the market ( the electricity was out in the first market we went too and yesterday it was out in one of the government offices....it's a reoccuring theme here), bought gifts for the Orphanage director and juice & sweets for Lena's classmates. We also ate some lunch at the supermarket, which was good. Of course, stopping to eat for the first time at 4:00 most anything would have tasted good.
At 4:30 we were able to go to the orphanage and have a party with the kids from her class. It was so much fun. I had brought hotwheels cars for the boys which were a big hit. They kept comparing them and holding them up for me to see as I videotaped them. For the girls, I brought lipgloss and for all I had different chocolates from America, glow in the dark necklaces and balloon balls that you can blow up. Everyone loved the necklaces and the balloons were a hit too. Of course, the boys had to blow them up and let them squeal as the air was let out and bang them against each other. Typical boys! I showed them how to rub them against their hair and create static electricity which caused many giggles.
Then we said our goodbyes and took several pictures. Many of them asked me to take more pictures. My, how they have warmed up to me. The goodbyes were tearful with the girls and Lena and several of them teared up as they told me goodbye. I told them I would remember them. I hope we can find families for some of them. They are such good kids and so appreciative. They told me thank you and called me by name and said goodbye many times. I will truly miss them and am glad I had my camera to be able to share their precious faces with others when I get home.
We will leave our apartment at 5:45 tomorrow morning to leave for Kiev by plane. There we will do a medical check-up and go to the US Embassy. Thursday we go back to the Embassy to get the Visa and we might even be able to head home early this time by Friday. Much to my surprise, I found myself looking forward to the trip this time as I departed Austin . Of course, I knew I would be excited to see Lena and the other kids, but I was actually looking forward to just being here as well. It has been a great experience and I have learned much.
Hopefully, I will get the apartment in Kiev tomorrow which has internet access and I can use my own computer. Tonight, we are at an internet cafe because N. said she couldn't find the phone or internet card that we left with her. If I can access with my computer tomorrow, I will load pictures onto the blog. Until then...
The building was cold and dark in the waiting area so O. had me wait in the car. It was about 10 below (C). I was very cold even in the parked car. Nicolay offered me some coffee and although I don't drink coffee, I accepted hoping it would warm me up! It seemed to heat up the whole car and definitely felt great in my hands. I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted it. It was really good and even sweet. I've always thought coffee tasted bitter, but loved it this time. He also offered me a piece of his cheese and bread sandwich. I said, "no, thank you," but a couple of hours later when O. came back to the car, he offered again and we both accepted a piece. I got the feeling it was rude to refuse twice and he was so kind to offer. When I first arrived in Donetsk, Nicolay was quick to tell me that I needed to change into my warm boots and even got them out of the trunk and brought them to me. We have been well taken care of while here, even spoiled!
Around noon, we went to get a passport back in Donetsk, made some copies and a little more paperwork. We finished up at the market ( the electricity was out in the first market we went too and yesterday it was out in one of the government offices....it's a reoccuring theme here), bought gifts for the Orphanage director and juice & sweets for Lena's classmates. We also ate some lunch at the supermarket, which was good. Of course, stopping to eat for the first time at 4:00 most anything would have tasted good.
At 4:30 we were able to go to the orphanage and have a party with the kids from her class. It was so much fun. I had brought hotwheels cars for the boys which were a big hit. They kept comparing them and holding them up for me to see as I videotaped them. For the girls, I brought lipgloss and for all I had different chocolates from America, glow in the dark necklaces and balloon balls that you can blow up. Everyone loved the necklaces and the balloons were a hit too. Of course, the boys had to blow them up and let them squeal as the air was let out and bang them against each other. Typical boys! I showed them how to rub them against their hair and create static electricity which caused many giggles.
Then we said our goodbyes and took several pictures. Many of them asked me to take more pictures. My, how they have warmed up to me. The goodbyes were tearful with the girls and Lena and several of them teared up as they told me goodbye. I told them I would remember them. I hope we can find families for some of them. They are such good kids and so appreciative. They told me thank you and called me by name and said goodbye many times. I will truly miss them and am glad I had my camera to be able to share their precious faces with others when I get home.
We will leave our apartment at 5:45 tomorrow morning to leave for Kiev by plane. There we will do a medical check-up and go to the US Embassy. Thursday we go back to the Embassy to get the Visa and we might even be able to head home early this time by Friday. Much to my surprise, I found myself looking forward to the trip this time as I departed Austin . Of course, I knew I would be excited to see Lena and the other kids, but I was actually looking forward to just being here as well. It has been a great experience and I have learned much.
Hopefully, I will get the apartment in Kiev tomorrow which has internet access and I can use my own computer. Tonight, we are at an internet cafe because N. said she couldn't find the phone or internet card that we left with her. If I can access with my computer tomorrow, I will load pictures onto the blog. Until then...
Monday, February 16, 2009
Start here: a reflection
A verse that the Lord has put before me numerous times is Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." and like it Psalm 37:7 "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him." The final few days of our first trip to the Ukraine became a reflection time for me and simultaneously I was reading Too Small to Ignore by Dr. Wess Stafford, a book given to Trent a while back. The book talks about being an advocate for the "least of these" or children. It seems that is a part of our calling and should be for everyone in their own way. It is a very good book about very difficult times for Wess when he was growing up in a boarding school in Africa and how he has used those horrible experiences to head Compassion International for kids today.
For me, the parts of the Psalms that state that we are to "know that He is God" and "wait patiently for him" are not as hard as the initial "Be still". Partly because different trials in my life have helped me to see Him better as he is at work and to learn to wait for His leading. However, being still is extrememly contrary to my nature and perhaps that is why He continues to bring it up. You would have thought when I nearly lost my life last April due to an overdose following surgery, I would have learned to be still. I did learn perspective and gratittude and a healthy respect for life and life after death, but still dug my hills in at being still.
While in the Ukraine, I was able to see the benefits of "being still" and listening or spending down time with the orphans and our own daughter who went with us. It occured to me, that my success in learning to be still and listen to God not only benefits me, but also those around me. How can children learn the art of being still from uptight, goal driven, or intensly scheduled adults? My disclaimer is that I am not stating that any of us is too far gone in this area, but that surely most of us Americans can do better in one way or another. Our time needs to be focused on God and the areas that he directs us rather than on our own agenda or even that of our kids.
Lessons can be learned in any life experience and wisdom gained. Often, those with the least have the most to offer. It was certainly true of our friend, Natasha in the orphanage. Every single craft item that I brought for the kids to use ended up being used to make a craft or gift for one of us. In his book, Dr. Stafford brings up the old saying that you can't outgive God, but then adds to it that you can't outgive the poor. I agree. And yet most of us have been given so much. "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measure to you." Luke 6:38. How much do we give each day, both of our resources and of ourselves?
The people in the Ukraine, and of course the orphans, live for the present time because that's all that is certain for them. I'm a planner by nature and tend to take care of things as far in advance as possible which is beneficial in some respects but also prevents me enjoying the time at hand sometimes. I feel obliged to bring this up because I think it is inherent in our American culture today. Too many of us busy ourselves and miss valuable moments or get stressed or hurried. Corrie Ten Boom once said that if the devil couldn't make us bad, he would make us busy. Ouch, but true.
In Dr. Stafford's book, he states emphatically, that "Time must be our servant, not our master. It cannot be allowed to dictate to us. we must use it wisely and keep it under our control." Looking back at Jesus' life on earth as our example, we see that he didn't scurry around, not even when Lazarus, his friend, had died. He took time for what was eternally important. My question is this...how much time do we spend each day on what is eternally important, on those things that will outlive us? Let's live for today and seek every opportunity, even hourly to make an eternal difference:)
For me, the parts of the Psalms that state that we are to "know that He is God" and "wait patiently for him" are not as hard as the initial "Be still". Partly because different trials in my life have helped me to see Him better as he is at work and to learn to wait for His leading. However, being still is extrememly contrary to my nature and perhaps that is why He continues to bring it up. You would have thought when I nearly lost my life last April due to an overdose following surgery, I would have learned to be still. I did learn perspective and gratittude and a healthy respect for life and life after death, but still dug my hills in at being still.
While in the Ukraine, I was able to see the benefits of "being still" and listening or spending down time with the orphans and our own daughter who went with us. It occured to me, that my success in learning to be still and listen to God not only benefits me, but also those around me. How can children learn the art of being still from uptight, goal driven, or intensly scheduled adults? My disclaimer is that I am not stating that any of us is too far gone in this area, but that surely most of us Americans can do better in one way or another. Our time needs to be focused on God and the areas that he directs us rather than on our own agenda or even that of our kids.
Lessons can be learned in any life experience and wisdom gained. Often, those with the least have the most to offer. It was certainly true of our friend, Natasha in the orphanage. Every single craft item that I brought for the kids to use ended up being used to make a craft or gift for one of us. In his book, Dr. Stafford brings up the old saying that you can't outgive God, but then adds to it that you can't outgive the poor. I agree. And yet most of us have been given so much. "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measure to you." Luke 6:38. How much do we give each day, both of our resources and of ourselves?
The people in the Ukraine, and of course the orphans, live for the present time because that's all that is certain for them. I'm a planner by nature and tend to take care of things as far in advance as possible which is beneficial in some respects but also prevents me enjoying the time at hand sometimes. I feel obliged to bring this up because I think it is inherent in our American culture today. Too many of us busy ourselves and miss valuable moments or get stressed or hurried. Corrie Ten Boom once said that if the devil couldn't make us bad, he would make us busy. Ouch, but true.
In Dr. Stafford's book, he states emphatically, that "Time must be our servant, not our master. It cannot be allowed to dictate to us. we must use it wisely and keep it under our control." Looking back at Jesus' life on earth as our example, we see that he didn't scurry around, not even when Lazarus, his friend, had died. He took time for what was eternally important. My question is this...how much time do we spend each day on what is eternally important, on those things that will outlive us? Let's live for today and seek every opportunity, even hourly to make an eternal difference:)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Almost home
We are in the airport in Chicago and so glad to be back on American soil! We began our day at 5 a.m. Kiev time and will get home at about 12:30 a.m. Austin time (8:30a.m. the next day Kiev time). WE are worn-out. The last flight was 10 hours and it is just so hard to sleep in the a.m. Our flight from here to Austin is delayed an hour and a 1/2 so far but we're just one more plane ride away. We're letting my cousin Mark bring Blake to the airport to see us. He's never been up this late, but he's so anxious to see us. It's going to be awesome. Remember to check back on the blog starting on the 22nd. I plan to post once or twice before then with updates if I can any.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Coming home!
Praise God! It has all come together. The electricity was on and court preceeded as planned. We were approved after an hour and a half. They had told us it would take 10 min., but still we made the plane. We have tickets to come home tomorrow leaving here at 8:20 and arriving in Austin at 11:00 p.m. Of course, that means we will be getting up to get ready to go to the airport at 9 p.m. Austin time tonight (5a.m. here tomorrow). It will be a long trip, but one we are going to enjoy as we look SO forward to coming home. We can't wait to see Blake. It will have been 3 weeks without him!
Trent and Brianne can't wait to get Bar-B-Q and Mexican Food. Tonight we are going to TGI Fridays here in Kiev. It is still not the same as TGI Fridays at home, but it is the only thing close to American food we have found (other than McDonalds - which even has different sauces and different flavors).
Lena cried after court today because she didn't want us to leave, but she will do better once she is back with her friends. I pray that this time will go quickly for her. I will be anxious to get back and bring her home. I am scheduled to leave home again on the morning of Feb. 22nd, arriving in Donetsk the evening of the 23rd. Then we have tickets to come home together on Sat., 28th. Thanks for taking this journey with us.
Trent and Brianne can't wait to get Bar-B-Q and Mexican Food. Tonight we are going to TGI Fridays here in Kiev. It is still not the same as TGI Fridays at home, but it is the only thing close to American food we have found (other than McDonalds - which even has different sauces and different flavors).
Lena cried after court today because she didn't want us to leave, but she will do better once she is back with her friends. I pray that this time will go quickly for her. I will be anxious to get back and bring her home. I am scheduled to leave home again on the morning of Feb. 22nd, arriving in Donetsk the evening of the 23rd. Then we have tickets to come home together on Sat., 28th. Thanks for taking this journey with us.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Miracles do happen
Our travel agent got back to us and said that the flight which was sold out last night actually came available this morning. She had us on a waiting list, but didn't even have to call them back, it just opened up. She wrote to us, telling us that she had been praying for this and that she believed we received a miracle.
Now, we just need a couple more:) Electricity, favorable court, make the Kiev flight, get paperwork done in 1/2 a day (we were told to go to the embassy to have papers signed, now if we're lucky, it will be after 12 before we even get there), get on the 6:55 a.m. flights that our travel agent diligently worked to get for us. It seems like alot especially in light of how things get done and when around here, but God is still in the miracle business. I think he sometimes still likes to wait until it appears impossible to get done and that's certainly our situation now. They even told us today again that waiving the 10 days is impossible. I bit my tongue before I said that our God specializes in what we consider to be impossible. I do not know His plan for this particular situation, but I do know that he can do whatever He chooses. Thanks for the prayers.
Phil. 4:8
Now, we just need a couple more:) Electricity, favorable court, make the Kiev flight, get paperwork done in 1/2 a day (we were told to go to the embassy to have papers signed, now if we're lucky, it will be after 12 before we even get there), get on the 6:55 a.m. flights that our travel agent diligently worked to get for us. It seems like alot especially in light of how things get done and when around here, but God is still in the miracle business. I think he sometimes still likes to wait until it appears impossible to get done and that's certainly our situation now. They even told us today again that waiving the 10 days is impossible. I bit my tongue before I said that our God specializes in what we consider to be impossible. I do not know His plan for this particular situation, but I do know that he can do whatever He chooses. Thanks for the prayers.
Phil. 4:8
Another hurdle
Today was more than disappointing. Yesterday, we found out that our travel agent was not holding our new tickets home on the 12th. There had been problems about the additional charges and them telling us that we would have to purchase a brand new ticket for Lena w/out being able to change and we were working that out according to what was originally stated. Anyway, we sent numerous e-mails back and forth trying to find some way to get us back home early so I would have as many days as possible at home before coming back. Today we went to court at 1, made 2 trips to pick up the orphanage director and Lena and O. checked in w/court. When everyone was there, we all went in and they told us that court would be postponed.
Let me back up and say that their court building is like all the other old buildings here. Even the orphanage looks much nicer. We climbed stairs up to the 3rd or 4th floor and everything was completely dark except the light from 1 window at the end of a very long hall. Brianne even ran into the bench that we were to sit at and wait. Apparently, the electricity is out in much of the district. I had heard someone talk about electricity going out on a blog before we came and it took a few days to fix. We have tentatively rescheduled court for 8 a.m. tomorrow and had to try to exchange our tickets for going back to Kiev at 7 in the a.m. He mentioned that we would still have court, but have to move it to another building along w/the computer and other things they need and about 12 people involved which means hiring multiple cars and I can't imagine how long to get started again. Trent was livid! He wants to get home so badly. I was very disheartened. It seems to be a never ending process. The judge could have moved it somewhere else today, but O. said the higher up officials generally don't see the need to care for the people the are officiating over and after all he got to go home early.
When we got in the car, Nicolae could easily read Trent and patted him on the shoulder saying that it would be o.k. and not to be mad. He said that it was just their country and O. said he added a few words that didn't need to be translated. He was so kind and sincere. Then we had to go back to the orphanage to sign yet another paper. It's like the longer you are here, the more they think of that you need to sign. But I guess I will be thankful as long as we get all the needed paperwork done. Olga, the orphanage director, also told Trent to not be upset and that surely it would happen tomorrow. She said that sometimes we are given tests from above and that this could be one of those tests. It is hard for me to be too angry when you are receiving words of wisdom and compassion from the people who are working with us. I am grateful for them, but still we long to be home and with Blake.
PLEASE PRAY THAT ELECTRICITY WILL BE TURNED ON AND COURT WILL RESUME IN THE A.M. AND WE WILL GET TO KIEV AND HAVE FLIGHTS HOME. PRAY THAT WE WILL REFLECT CHRIST DURING THIS TRYING TIME AND USE THE TIME TO GLORIFY HIM.
On another note, when we went into the orphanage 3 days ago, there was a sign on the door which said quarantine ( because of infectious diseases). Trent asked O. if we should go in if it said quarantine to which she just laughed. So, we've been going every day still and taking an added dose of vitamin C w/lots of handwashing and prayer.
Let me back up and say that their court building is like all the other old buildings here. Even the orphanage looks much nicer. We climbed stairs up to the 3rd or 4th floor and everything was completely dark except the light from 1 window at the end of a very long hall. Brianne even ran into the bench that we were to sit at and wait. Apparently, the electricity is out in much of the district. I had heard someone talk about electricity going out on a blog before we came and it took a few days to fix. We have tentatively rescheduled court for 8 a.m. tomorrow and had to try to exchange our tickets for going back to Kiev at 7 in the a.m. He mentioned that we would still have court, but have to move it to another building along w/the computer and other things they need and about 12 people involved which means hiring multiple cars and I can't imagine how long to get started again. Trent was livid! He wants to get home so badly. I was very disheartened. It seems to be a never ending process. The judge could have moved it somewhere else today, but O. said the higher up officials generally don't see the need to care for the people the are officiating over and after all he got to go home early.
When we got in the car, Nicolae could easily read Trent and patted him on the shoulder saying that it would be o.k. and not to be mad. He said that it was just their country and O. said he added a few words that didn't need to be translated. He was so kind and sincere. Then we had to go back to the orphanage to sign yet another paper. It's like the longer you are here, the more they think of that you need to sign. But I guess I will be thankful as long as we get all the needed paperwork done. Olga, the orphanage director, also told Trent to not be upset and that surely it would happen tomorrow. She said that sometimes we are given tests from above and that this could be one of those tests. It is hard for me to be too angry when you are receiving words of wisdom and compassion from the people who are working with us. I am grateful for them, but still we long to be home and with Blake.
PLEASE PRAY THAT ELECTRICITY WILL BE TURNED ON AND COURT WILL RESUME IN THE A.M. AND WE WILL GET TO KIEV AND HAVE FLIGHTS HOME. PRAY THAT WE WILL REFLECT CHRIST DURING THIS TRYING TIME AND USE THE TIME TO GLORIFY HIM.
On another note, when we went into the orphanage 3 days ago, there was a sign on the door which said quarantine ( because of infectious diseases). Trent asked O. if we should go in if it said quarantine to which she just laughed. So, we've been going every day still and taking an added dose of vitamin C w/lots of handwashing and prayer.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
A tooth for a tooth
I forgot to tell about Lena loosing a tooth yesterday on the blog. When we went in on Friday, she was wiggling her tooth and holding onto it b/c it was loose and was bothering her. Our translator asked her about going to the dentist who comes to the orphanage to see if she could pull it on out. She told her the lady would have a tool that she could use to help extract it. Well, Lena, who has had nightmarish experiences with dentists over here, said, "No, thanks". The teacher heard and gave her a lecture and told her to go see if the dentist was there. Lena went out into the hall and did not want to go, but instead pulled and pulled at her tooth. And thankfully, it finally came out! She was determined NOT to go to the dentist. I was glad too b/c I didn't want them digging in her mouth. We had to deal w/infection after she had a hospital stay before she came to the US last summer and it took forever to get rid of it. I would rather keep her out of any medical settings until we get home. We told her to keep her tooth and she asked, "why?". We told her the tooth fairy would come and she was not impressed. Of course, she doesn't KNOW about the tooth fairy yet!
Then last night Brianne lost a tooth. It had been loose since we left home and she wiggled it even more I think since Lena pulled hers. So she got a visit from the Ukrainian tooth fairy last night who, of course, brought "gryvna" instead of dollars! Well, it looked like a really good gift until she realized you have to divide it by 8 to find out what it is worth in American money! Trent and I got a good chuckle planning it out last night.
Then last night Brianne lost a tooth. It had been loose since we left home and she wiggled it even more I think since Lena pulled hers. So she got a visit from the Ukrainian tooth fairy last night who, of course, brought "gryvna" instead of dollars! Well, it looked like a really good gift until she realized you have to divide it by 8 to find out what it is worth in American money! Trent and I got a good chuckle planning it out last night.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
A Circus, literally!
The four of us at my favorite restaurant, the Goose-Swan. The name comes from a fairy tale. The Verineke is awesome. Lena had the rabbit today, Brianne went back to eating omelets!
The hat trick, lucky Trent!
Brianne and her clown nose. It made Lena's day!
You go girl! Do the hula in front of over a thousand people.Today was a different day. We got to take Lena to the circus. It was just the 4 of us. They had some great acrobats and gymnasts and some very interesting animals. They started with dogs that jumped through hoops and danced and then added in monkys that swung on the trapeze and an ape that rode a motorcycle, pretended to play many instruments (including a guitar while "smoke on the water" played over the speakers) and danced. Then they released a porcupine that walked along and into a cage and released pelicans from above our heads that did NOT want to follow the script and provided even more entertainment while they tried to catch them. They had a pony and my favorite, a brown bear! The bear walked on his back legs arm and arm w/a trainer, then rode on a cart, walked on a barrel, rode a scooter and danced. He was awesome.
Then, there were the clowns which about halfway through the program decided to grab an audience member, who just happened to be Brianne. See we bought our tickets 3 days ago while driving by there and so we ended up on the front row! There were probably 1,200 people there in this Ukrainian circus and they drag out 1 of probably the only 3 Americans there. It was hilarious and happened so fast I don't think Brianne realized what was happening. She still had on her coat and they asked her to hula. She did it very well and then they put a clown nose on her and had her do it again. It was so funny. Lena got a big laugh out of it. The funniest part is that when they took Brianne to the center of the ring, they told her what to do in Russian! Thankfully, we have become fairly good at charades and they gave her enough motions as to what they wanted her to do. Otherwise, they might have thought she was el stupido.
Then later in the program, the clowns came back over w/a hat trick. They would pour water in a top hat and when 1 clown put the hat on, no water came out , but when the other clown put it on, she got soaking wet so she brought it over to Trent and turned it upside down over his head and to his gratitude, no water came out.
After the circus, we got to take Lena to a restaurant. I thought she would be so delighted b/c it was her culture and food, but she could not make a decision. She has lived for 4 years being given every meal without any choices and a large menu seemed overwhelming I'm sure. However, she did get delight in seeing us handed menus written in Russian b/c the shoe was on the other foot.....until they brought menus in English.
Tomorrow is Sunday and we will take bracelets w/colored beads for the kids to make and talk about God and the meaning attributed to the different colors. I am looking forward to that. The kids are comfortable enough w/us now that they will gladly take what we bring.
We talked to Lena about the possibility of all of us leaving and just me coming back after I saw my family for a few days. She was ok with that and so was our facilitator. We will do the rest of the paperwork on Monday that we need Trent's signature on. I'm just waiting now on the travel agent to see the possibilities. It was a good day. Thanks for your prayers.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Another day
Today was more of the same routine. Get up, do school work with Brianne, be picked up by Nicolae and Oksana go to the orphanage for a few hours, hit a restaurant for lunch, walk home, finish school work, read, do Bible time, movie, snack, get ready for bed. It is becoming a little monotonous for all of us. We are all typically very active and things are much slower here. Our highlight is definitely seeing the kids, but we wish we had brought more games. We still had a full table of 8 or so playing cards today. Natasha had drawn Brianne's name on a paper and decorated it and asked her to play "Old Maid" right away. The wonderful thing about this group is that they are still Young at Heart and their innocence shines through.
At first I was concerned b/c they told us that Lena was in 5th grade here. With her age, she should be in 7th, but we remember her telling us that when she was with her mother she only went to school about 2 or 3 months out of the year. Now, I am glad about this b/c she is the oldest in her class. One more year of age or higher academic skills and she would be w/the older group. You can definitely see a difference in the maturity of the kids and the girls are interested in boys, etc. It seems that we are getting her at an opportune and impressionable time. We are thankful for that. Actually, academically I was impressed with her reading. I was planning on starting at the beginning and she is reading quite well in English to my surprise! I will have to go back w/some phonics still b/c many of the words she knows are sight words that she has memorized but still it will help her alot.
The restaurant we ate at today was not good and too expensive. Trent got stewed meat, not really sure what kind of meat! I got a baked potato and when I got halfway through it I took a bite that was definitely NOT potato. Trent thought it might be slabs of lard that were cooked. Whatever it was, I couldn't help spitting it out. So much for etiquette.
Speaking of such, it is rude and bad luck here to whistle inside. Besides whistling being rude, they have a superstition that if you do it inside you will lose all your money. Hey, with the US economy now, maybe we've all just been whistling too much, ha! Of course, it's also very rude to yawn in front of others. I managed to do both in succession yesterday at the orphanage, but managed to quickly recover and stop myself. Trent whistled once too and we called him on it. O. said that if he did it in Nicolae's car that N. would lose his money. Trent said that he would probably throw on the brakes and kick him out to walk the rest of the way. O. retold this statement to Nicolae and he got the biggest laugh out of it. I've never seen him laugh so hard. By the way, they told us today that Nicolae grew up in an orphanage too from 6 til 16 but that the conditions were much better for orphans then and that the government gave them an apartment and money and helped them get jobs or go to higher education then. Not so lucky today. Maybe this is what made him so sensitive and caring. I gave him a New Testament yesterday when we got in the car and he sat there reading for about 5 min. while we all waited to leave, but of course no one said anything! Pray that he will read it more and more and ask us questions through Oksana. They could both learn of Jesus' love together:)
Today, my heart sank as we talked to O. about the timeline of things. Trent and Brianne are planning on going home on the 12th and I was planning on staying until the 10 days of waiting was over. However, I sat down w/O. on the calendar b/c they tend to only tell us things as they think we need to know them. I wanted definites which seems to be impossible here. They stated that the 10 days is 10 full days, not the court day or the 10th day. Then the 11th day is on Sat. and vital records aren't open on Monday, hmmmm. So Tues, the 24th we would have to go to Lena's hometown to get a new birth certificate and back to Donetsk on 24th or 25th for notary and passport, then HOPEFULLY on to Kiev on 26th to Embassy and medical eval. and probably not home until the 28th. Somehow, I'd hoped the 20 days our facilitator told us would come to pass even though I haven't read about any other couples who were so lucky. So now I am dealing w/the dilemma of going home and returning or staying and waiting. Of course, I miss Blake and would love to go home to see him for over a week. That would be wonderful. However, the plane trip (23hours) is awful and you miss 1 full night of sleep. That would be the same going and coming and going back home again. Plus, I wouldn't get to see the kids at the orphanage. Trent and I realized last night that it would be the first Valentines Day in 22 years that we would be apart. Ahhh, isn't that sweet. I was thinking today about how much I would have to miss Brianne and Trent too now, but in truth the time has passed quickly so far and I'm not sure how. I have e-mailed our facilitator, travel agent and we will talk to Lena about it tomorrow. Please pray for clear discernment on this and that I will have peace about my decision. I am definitely torn.
At first I was concerned b/c they told us that Lena was in 5th grade here. With her age, she should be in 7th, but we remember her telling us that when she was with her mother she only went to school about 2 or 3 months out of the year. Now, I am glad about this b/c she is the oldest in her class. One more year of age or higher academic skills and she would be w/the older group. You can definitely see a difference in the maturity of the kids and the girls are interested in boys, etc. It seems that we are getting her at an opportune and impressionable time. We are thankful for that. Actually, academically I was impressed with her reading. I was planning on starting at the beginning and she is reading quite well in English to my surprise! I will have to go back w/some phonics still b/c many of the words she knows are sight words that she has memorized but still it will help her alot.
The restaurant we ate at today was not good and too expensive. Trent got stewed meat, not really sure what kind of meat! I got a baked potato and when I got halfway through it I took a bite that was definitely NOT potato. Trent thought it might be slabs of lard that were cooked. Whatever it was, I couldn't help spitting it out. So much for etiquette.
Speaking of such, it is rude and bad luck here to whistle inside. Besides whistling being rude, they have a superstition that if you do it inside you will lose all your money. Hey, with the US economy now, maybe we've all just been whistling too much, ha! Of course, it's also very rude to yawn in front of others. I managed to do both in succession yesterday at the orphanage, but managed to quickly recover and stop myself. Trent whistled once too and we called him on it. O. said that if he did it in Nicolae's car that N. would lose his money. Trent said that he would probably throw on the brakes and kick him out to walk the rest of the way. O. retold this statement to Nicolae and he got the biggest laugh out of it. I've never seen him laugh so hard. By the way, they told us today that Nicolae grew up in an orphanage too from 6 til 16 but that the conditions were much better for orphans then and that the government gave them an apartment and money and helped them get jobs or go to higher education then. Not so lucky today. Maybe this is what made him so sensitive and caring. I gave him a New Testament yesterday when we got in the car and he sat there reading for about 5 min. while we all waited to leave, but of course no one said anything! Pray that he will read it more and more and ask us questions through Oksana. They could both learn of Jesus' love together:)
Today, my heart sank as we talked to O. about the timeline of things. Trent and Brianne are planning on going home on the 12th and I was planning on staying until the 10 days of waiting was over. However, I sat down w/O. on the calendar b/c they tend to only tell us things as they think we need to know them. I wanted definites which seems to be impossible here. They stated that the 10 days is 10 full days, not the court day or the 10th day. Then the 11th day is on Sat. and vital records aren't open on Monday, hmmmm. So Tues, the 24th we would have to go to Lena's hometown to get a new birth certificate and back to Donetsk on 24th or 25th for notary and passport, then HOPEFULLY on to Kiev on 26th to Embassy and medical eval. and probably not home until the 28th. Somehow, I'd hoped the 20 days our facilitator told us would come to pass even though I haven't read about any other couples who were so lucky. So now I am dealing w/the dilemma of going home and returning or staying and waiting. Of course, I miss Blake and would love to go home to see him for over a week. That would be wonderful. However, the plane trip (23hours) is awful and you miss 1 full night of sleep. That would be the same going and coming and going back home again. Plus, I wouldn't get to see the kids at the orphanage. Trent and I realized last night that it would be the first Valentines Day in 22 years that we would be apart. Ahhh, isn't that sweet. I was thinking today about how much I would have to miss Brianne and Trent too now, but in truth the time has passed quickly so far and I'm not sure how. I have e-mailed our facilitator, travel agent and we will talk to Lena about it tomorrow. Please pray for clear discernment on this and that I will have peace about my decision. I am definitely torn.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Sweet girls!
These are the sweetest girls, Vyala, Natasha and Lena. Vyala is 11, and Natasha is 11. Vyala walks us out every day waiting for a hug, which is only given rarely it seems with others. Natasha does everything everyone tells her to do and never has anything to say unless it is kind. Many of the others jump on each other w/words as would be expected when so many kids are together all the time. Natasha though is different and she smiles at us all the time. We took peanuts and almond cookies which were a big hit today, especially the peanuts! Even the kids who refused my offer eventually came over and got some. We pulled in 1 more shy girl to our card game today and the last 2 came over to watch. We've made progress. Dennis, blonde headed boy who is sitting on the floor on the right side as your looking at the previous group picture continues to make us laugh. He plays most of the games with us and has a good sense of humor and laughs and smiles alot. He has 2 younger siblings and 1 older, but they are not in the orphange with him. I am trying to get the rest of his story. He is very calm and sweet. They are all growing on us and we hope they will find homes.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Wed., Feb. 4th
Today Trent added coins into the pot for our BlackJack game...nice! Brianne and our translator ended up winning it all back anyway. We have more kids joining in our games now and quite a few buddies. I will miss them. Natasha is so sweet and loves to play w/us. Her hair is cut shorter than a boys and will make it unlikely unfortunately to be hosted or adopted from pictures. She was quick to show me a picture from when she had shoulder length hair and it made a big difference, but as you get to know them you look past the haircuts and see the personality. I wish they could post pictures of when she had longer hair. Vyala (previously listed as Viola) walks us out everytime now. Brianne wants us to get a close-up of the 2 of them to post. She really wants them to be adopted. Dennis is a sweet, blonde headed boy that loves to play games with us too.
Last night we walked to Mcdonalds b/c Trent was really craving a hamburger and no one sells them here. He doesn't even like Mcdonalds at all, but it was the only choice. We had a hard time telling the girl what we wanted and she didn't understand quarter-pounder so we all got the big n tasty which had a traditional sauce from over here instead of mayonaise. Oh, well, we've got the rest of our lives to eat burgers! Trent is dying for some BBQ too and says that is the first stop he is going to make when he gets back.
Last night we walked to Mcdonalds b/c Trent was really craving a hamburger and no one sells them here. He doesn't even like Mcdonalds at all, but it was the only choice. We had a hard time telling the girl what we wanted and she didn't understand quarter-pounder so we all got the big n tasty which had a traditional sauce from over here instead of mayonaise. Oh, well, we've got the rest of our lives to eat burgers! Trent is dying for some BBQ too and says that is the first stop he is going to make when he gets back.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Lena's classmates
Today, we had alot more fun at our visit. For potential adoptive parents, my #1 recommendation is to take games that are easy to travel with. The first few days were awkward and quiet with me trying to come up with 50 questions (we had more than enough time to exceed 20) to ask Lena or things to tell her. Even though we already know her it was still getting boring for all of us to just sit and talk for that long. She is after all a teenager and Brianne almost is! It was hard for Brianne to just sit too. Today, we took Old Maid and a regular deck of cards. Trent quickly taught them how to play BlackJack and 5 card draw. Then we played Old Maid and concentration. NONE of them have poker faces. It was quite funny. We played cards for over an hour and when the teacher came to get them for lunch at 2, the girls asked us to stay while they ate and play some more after lunch which we did even though our stomachs were hungry. We end up eating between 1 and 3 over here, unless there's paperwork to do, then you may not eat til nighttime. But it was a great feeling to have them ask us to stay. We say that they have their own Ukrainian rules b/c they like to play in whatever way gives them an advantage. Trent called them cheaters several times, but O. said, I used to play like that too. In checkers, they move forwards or backwards at any time. It's been tough for Trent to not lay down the law!
There are 2 girls who Brianne really likes named Natasha and Viola who are friendly and inquisitive and want to do whatever we are doing. There was 1 boy that came in today who is from a different class. His name is Roman and I really fell for him today. He is 11 and has been there since he was 5! I thought of my own son who is 6 and can't imagine him living without parents. It really touched my heart. He actually reminded me alot of Blake b/c he is cute w/brown hair and eyes with a very expressive face. He doesn't have an overabundance of energy like Blake, but he was very energetic and bopped around the room. He went and looked at himself in the mirror and made a face knowing that we were watching. He had a sense of humor and tried to get our attention a few times. He told us his aunt married an American and lives in Texas, then he went over to a lego helicopter, spun the blades and said, "I am going to fly to Texas". I told him to come see us if he did. I pray that he will make it to Texas someday. He wanted to know if we had a horse, so I am going to take pictures to show him tomorrow. I would like to take him home too, but we certainly don't want to start over at this point and I guess 1 more child is enough for now. Even though he wasn't in Lena's classroom when we left, he must have found out we were leaving b/c he ran to the front door, poked his head out and waved goodbye.
Today, as I was thinking about having to stay here over 2 more weeks and was thinking about missing Blake, I realized how ironic my feelings were when voiced to O. a couple of times the last week. She has a 13 year old daughter whom she has to leave on a regular basis for long periods of time to work w/families in different regions. She is lucky enough to live w/her sister and father who can take care of her, but still she has to leave her daughter. I guess the Lord answered my prayer today to help me get a better attitude. I am grateful indeed for getting to spend every day w/my kids on a regular basis.
There are 2 girls who Brianne really likes named Natasha and Viola who are friendly and inquisitive and want to do whatever we are doing. There was 1 boy that came in today who is from a different class. His name is Roman and I really fell for him today. He is 11 and has been there since he was 5! I thought of my own son who is 6 and can't imagine him living without parents. It really touched my heart. He actually reminded me alot of Blake b/c he is cute w/brown hair and eyes with a very expressive face. He doesn't have an overabundance of energy like Blake, but he was very energetic and bopped around the room. He went and looked at himself in the mirror and made a face knowing that we were watching. He had a sense of humor and tried to get our attention a few times. He told us his aunt married an American and lives in Texas, then he went over to a lego helicopter, spun the blades and said, "I am going to fly to Texas". I told him to come see us if he did. I pray that he will make it to Texas someday. He wanted to know if we had a horse, so I am going to take pictures to show him tomorrow. I would like to take him home too, but we certainly don't want to start over at this point and I guess 1 more child is enough for now. Even though he wasn't in Lena's classroom when we left, he must have found out we were leaving b/c he ran to the front door, poked his head out and waved goodbye.
Today, as I was thinking about having to stay here over 2 more weeks and was thinking about missing Blake, I realized how ironic my feelings were when voiced to O. a couple of times the last week. She has a 13 year old daughter whom she has to leave on a regular basis for long periods of time to work w/families in different regions. She is lucky enough to live w/her sister and father who can take care of her, but still she has to leave her daughter. I guess the Lord answered my prayer today to help me get a better attitude. I am grateful indeed for getting to spend every day w/my kids on a regular basis.
Monday, February 2, 2009
court date
New apartment in Donetsk
We just found out our court date was set for next Tuesday, Feb. 10th. We had mixed emotions. If it had been set for 2 -3 weeks, we had decided to go home to work and see Blake. Now, we have court closer to the time we were hoping, but not enough time to go home. I still see it as a good sign that the judge was willing to set it a week out. However, we have been told by both N. and O. that the 10 days will not be waived b/c of the European convention that the US did not sign. So, it will be another 19 or so days for me. The good news is that Trent and Brianne may actually get to leave a couple of days earlier than planned, maybe on Feb. 12th and will not have to come back.
Next prayer mission: pray that the judge will find a reason to waive the 10 days. I just want to get home to see Blake and the rest of our family and friends. If he does not waive it, I am still thankful for how things have gone so far. We have seen how so many issues can change so quickly over here. Thanks for your continued prayers!!!
Awaiting the judge
Not much new today. I think we are getting tired because now nothing is happening. O. waited for the judge Friday and today and never caught him. He was too busy or gone so we don't have a courtdate yet. She is going at 8 in the a.m. to try to catch him. A friend said that the dates they are giving out here now are 2-3 weeks out b/c of the prosecution. We were hoping for the earliest time which is 5 days. We are still hopeful. If it is that long we will probably come home and then come back. Trent is VERY ready to come home. He and Brianne like the familiar. We moved apartments today and this one is bigger. The shower doesn't seem to leak, toilet flushes better (for a plumber this is important!) and our bed is softer. It is decorated very well. I was so impressed after walking in this dark, concrete stairwell and then, wow! We even have a stove now. All this for only $43 a night. The other place was $30 (not too bad considering the price). Keep praying. I'm calling on everyone for this one. I really dread having to do the travel all over again, especially the train.
Lessons learned in restaurant
Well, we learned a lesson the hard way last night. We were out on our nightly walk to a restaurant and wanted to try a new one that said "Pizzeria" and "restaurant" outside. We figured they might have menus in English, which they did. It was what seemed to be a true Italian restaurant, not Tex/Italian. Even the lasagna tasted different from what we are used to, but it was o.k. Brianne liked her pizza w/mushrooms, ham, tomoatoes and herbs even though it was very thin and very different from pizza in the US. She has branched out some too. Brianne and Trent ordered freshly squeezed pineapple juice and I ordered Mango which was all good. When looking over the menu, we had figured out the price of the entrees in US$ and made appropriate choices, b/c there was a huge price range. However, we neglected to check the price of the juice, which was a huge mistake. When we got the bill, the total for the juice was the equivalent of $44 US$!!! It was well more than 1/2 of our total bill. The pineapple juice was $12 each and Brianne sucked down 2 of them quickly and my mango was $10. Lesson learned... check all prices!
My favorite restaurant has also denied our credit card both times and we used different cards. Our translator said they probably would just rather get cash. However, 2nights ago we were almost in hot water. We planned on using another card that we used without a problem earlier that day. We've been using a CC when we can so we have less of a chance of having to get more wired over here. Nice restaurants and grocery stores are the only places we have found them. When he refused the bill, we counted up every last bit of Gryvna that we had changed and it ended up being about $2 short including the tip. Guess he should have taken the CC! I'm just glad we didn't get hauled off for not being able to pay. Lesson learned...you can try CC, but have cash to back it up!
On another note, all restaurants here have TV's in the dining areas. I thought that was an American hangup. Most continually run what I would consider MTV at home. We don't watch it and I'm sure it can be very sensual and obscene at home, but I have been astounded by what they show on it here and in public places. Yesterday, I told Brianne that she needed to face away from the TV and when she sat down, I reminded her of it and asked her to move to the other side of the table to which she readily complied only to tell me, "Mom, look behind you, there's one over there too!" We try to eat looking down or at each other, but it is a constant bombardment! At least, I am thankful that I have a child who wants to shield her own eyes.
My favorite restaurant has also denied our credit card both times and we used different cards. Our translator said they probably would just rather get cash. However, 2nights ago we were almost in hot water. We planned on using another card that we used without a problem earlier that day. We've been using a CC when we can so we have less of a chance of having to get more wired over here. Nice restaurants and grocery stores are the only places we have found them. When he refused the bill, we counted up every last bit of Gryvna that we had changed and it ended up being about $2 short including the tip. Guess he should have taken the CC! I'm just glad we didn't get hauled off for not being able to pay. Lesson learned...you can try CC, but have cash to back it up!
On another note, all restaurants here have TV's in the dining areas. I thought that was an American hangup. Most continually run what I would consider MTV at home. We don't watch it and I'm sure it can be very sensual and obscene at home, but I have been astounded by what they show on it here and in public places. Yesterday, I told Brianne that she needed to face away from the TV and when she sat down, I reminded her of it and asked her to move to the other side of the table to which she readily complied only to tell me, "Mom, look behind you, there's one over there too!" We try to eat looking down or at each other, but it is a constant bombardment! At least, I am thankful that I have a child who wants to shield her own eyes.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Prayer request: Tomorrow is an important day. O. goes to see the judge and request our courtdate. We are praying for Friday. That's the earliest it could possibly be and if we get that date we have to pray that all paperwork in Kiev will be finished by then as well. N. turns in the paperwork in Kiev tomorrow for them to work with. Pray for the judge. He will definitely help determine how long we have to stay. We have heard he is good and independent. This is said to be one of the best regions to adopt a child from in the Ukraine.
Today's meeting went well. We got to meet Lena's classmates and take pictures. We took a picture of one boy today who was 13. He was small and not nearly as tall as Lena. The teacher said she hoped he would find a family and that he was very sweet and good in woodworking and figuring things out.
We took a picture of 3 of Lena's closest friends, Emma, Nastia and Kyrstina. Emma has been to the states. Nastia is the youngest at 11 and is so precious and pretty.
We also got to see Lena's room (w/3 roommates). The room had 4 single beds and ea. w/a small nightstand. The have lockers for their clothes in another room. She and a couple other girls had dressed up today. Their class has their own eating area for special times and a playroom w/books, a couple of dolls and stuffed animals. It also had children's Bibles and New Testaments. The orphanage is very big and kept tidy and clean. Her teachers all want her to have a family and have been glad we came to get her.
We had our first new snow yesterday evening and it has just now slowed down and it's 3p.m. here. Brianne was excited and wanted to get out in the new snow. I wanted some exercise b/c we sit alot and so Trent reluctantly agree to walk together to my favorite restaurant about a mile a way while it was snowing. It was beautiful and really helped to make the town look nicer. Trent thought we were crazy going out in the weather, but we had a good time.
The snow was so powdery that Brianne had a hard time making a snowman and so she made a snow "tree" and packed it on the tree and decorated a face.
Most of the restaurants we have eaten in here are very nice even fancy with a couple of them being Luby's style. Many of them have English menus and we have learned to recognize most food on the buffets although sometimes we are surprised by what is inside since they stuff many pierogies, etc. with different things. I had an awesome Greek Salad last night and Trent had Rabbit. My next funny story came when Brianne (who has not been as impressed with the food and is not as adventuresome in trying new things) ordered the Tiger shrimp. We had been told they were huge and peeled. When they brought them the were not peeled w/legs& eyeballs still intact. She got passed that once we peeled them and ate them, but they were just medium sized to us and she was still hungry. Trent shared several bites of his dinner which she liked. Then he happened to ask her, "would you like some more rabbit?" and needless to say she did not! It tasted good until she knew what it was. It didn't help that she has had 5 or 6 rabbits for pets!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Nicolae/food
A funny thing happened on the way to our new apartment in Donetsk the first day here. With the luggage and N., O., and our driver we had to take an extra taxi. Brianne and I stayed w/the luggage and Trent went w/N. and O. and the other driver. I was a little nervous about getting in a separate car from Trent and our 2 English speakers. Nicolae only new a few English words and we had just met him. At one point they turned off and we kept going and I tried to ask Nicolae if he had seen them. We thought we were going to the government offices, but they had decided to go see our new apartment first and see if we liked it. Nicolae turned into a back alley beside some apartments and I was getting a little nervous. No communication and no one I knew in sight and the area didn't look so safe. Thankfully, within a couple of minutes the others arrived and told us where we were. Since then, Nicolae has become very dear to us. He is quick to grab any bags that we have and offered to help Trent up the stairs (about 5 flights) one night after he had turned his ankle. He has given us delicious mandarin oranges and always looks out for us. It's funny now to look back on that day when I was unsure about him and nervous. Today we were arguing about whether or not we would pay for his food (which was only stew, juice and a piece of bread). Finally, the cashier said "Yes or No?" To which I replied yes and he replied no, but finally gave in. Again, God has surrounded us with wonderful people.
It was quite funny to see us toting all our rolling suitcases through the train station and into the car. We "thought" we packed light, but realized it was still too much. Especially when we had to drag all of it up 5 flights of stairs here. I am glad that we brought a few snacks from home and some small gifts though. We also brought donations of toothpaste, floss and toothbrushes that were given through a dental ministry in my mom's church, FBC Hamilton. They filled almost a whole rolling suitcase (the size you can carry on). The director was very appreciative of the gift.
We thought we might lose some weight on this trip, but instead have found several foods that we really like. Of course there are many that repulse us as well. Brianne took a bite of a cresent roll dusted in powdered sugar only to find the surprise of minced figs (I think, although it look like mincemeat and smelled like mold) inside. To which she replied " that is the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted". The Borshch is very good, much like our stew, but w/beets as the base;however, I would never have guessed it. I LOVE Verineeke (need to look up the spelling on that one) which are like pierogies that are boiled or pan fried. The ones I had were stuffed with potatoes and mushrooms. We don't care for most of their bread or bakery items, but had some great rolls w/dinner one night and instead of butter they brought out small dishes of LARD mixed w/garlic and green onion. It was awesome. They top many foods w/sourcream and cheese. Like I said, we are not loosing weight! We walked to the corner store last night b/c Brianne wanted an icecream. It was literally frozen whipped cream sweetened with sugar! We have also had a little chocolate every day.
Nastia
Today's meeting with Lena's sister(Nastia) went well. She was very much in favor of her adoption by us. Lena was a little sad talking about leaving her sister and Nastia kept telling her not to be sad about leaving, but just to be happy b/c she was going to have a family to love her forever. She seemed very glad to meet us. She hugged us at the end and asked us to please take good care of Lena that she deserved it. Then Lena went to get Krystina again and we took more pictures. K. even played a little song on the piano for us. When she first came in, Krystina gave me a stuffed animal as a gift. She is a very sweet girl.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Documents/sister
Today our translator finished up the last of the documents that have to be sent via overnight train to Kyiv. She ran around most of the day between the internet cafe to type things up, inspectors office and the orphanage and even on to court to submit it to the judge but he had left 30 min. earlier as they closed down early for the day. However, it was very good that she at least completed all the documents with the many signatures required. Now, N. will pick up the documents in Kyiv and submit them to the SDA on Monday and hopefully we can request court date for next Friday. The SDA has up to 5 days to complete their paperwork that has to be done before court which might mean that we can't set the date until the following Monday, but I am optomistic that we will get Friday. Please pray with us for this. O. has been running to get everything done as quickly as possible and today at lunch she was just getting her food when they called that the inspectors boss had come in and was signing the last document so she took off without eating, leaving us there to eat while she picked it up and took it to court. We have been very pleased at how hard she is working to get this done.
Today we talked to Lena about the name she would like to have. Here, her name is spelled Olena, but she chose to change it to Lena to seem a little more Americanized, but still be somewhat the same. That was good w/us b/c it is what we are used to calling her. She also chose Nicole for her middle name. We gave her the ideas of Ruth, b/c her story has similarities to Ruth from the Bible, and Nicole b/c her father's name was Nicolae and in this culture they use the father's name in their name. Trent got to tell O. and Lena about the story of Ruth. However, Ruth seemed too different to her and the "th" is hard for them to pronounce, but when we mentioned Nicole she said she had been dreaming of that name. So it is being submitted as Lena Nicole Christianson for her new birthcertificate.
She was happy about her name but quiet several times today. It is alot to think about and there are big changes coming up for her. She was also concerned that she might not get to talk to her sister(24) anymore. We assured her that we would let her call from time to time. Her sister is coming to see her tomorrow all day and we are planning on trying to be there to meet her and take some pictures. She told O. today on the phone that she was willing to sign her consent.
Please pray that the meeting will go well and that her sister will feel comfortable with us.
A couple of funny stories:
Our apartment here doesn't have as many nice things such as dishcloths, extra blankets, or a drying rack. However, one blog I read suggested bringing a bungee to hang clothes and it has worked very well. We have missed the extra blanket though. Night before last Trent was having a hard time sleeping and our bed is very hard, there is no top sheet and the comforter is hardly big enough to pull across the 2 of us. So he got out of bed and came to the couch which pulls out to make it the same size as a double bed, but is equally as hard. Trent only had the throw which was laid over the couch. After lying down, he pulled the throw over himself and thought "I am sleeping under a rug!" It seems after examining it, especially the underside, that it is a throw run that they probably put on the couch after sweeping. Oh well, last night I slept on the couch and used it over an extra sheet I found and it wasn't too bad, at least it was heavy!
We have learned more Russian words and even how to read a few of them. Trent thinks it is funny that when we order water and want just regular bottled water you say, "vada biz gaza" which means "water without gas" in other words not carbonated.
Krystina and Lena shared a neat story with us about how they met. They have known each other for 4 years and so they are like family. They met in a shelter which is where the children go until all paperwork is done and the govt. decides which orphanage they will go to. One day Lena got her "porridge" but refused to eat it b/c it was so aweful. Krystina saw her and said, "hey, girl are you going to eat that?". Lena said no and allowed her to have it. Krystina had been there longer and was hungry even though it was so awful. They told us sometimes there were even flies in their borsche (it is like stew). Krystina was in the shelter 6 months and Lena was there a year, but at least her sister visited her and brought her some different food while she was there. Krystina is one of the most polite and friendly people we have met. She, unlike nearly everyone else we have met, makes good eye contact and smiles at us alot. I hope we get to see her again.
Today we talked to Lena about the name she would like to have. Here, her name is spelled Olena, but she chose to change it to Lena to seem a little more Americanized, but still be somewhat the same. That was good w/us b/c it is what we are used to calling her. She also chose Nicole for her middle name. We gave her the ideas of Ruth, b/c her story has similarities to Ruth from the Bible, and Nicole b/c her father's name was Nicolae and in this culture they use the father's name in their name. Trent got to tell O. and Lena about the story of Ruth. However, Ruth seemed too different to her and the "th" is hard for them to pronounce, but when we mentioned Nicole she said she had been dreaming of that name. So it is being submitted as Lena Nicole Christianson for her new birthcertificate.
She was happy about her name but quiet several times today. It is alot to think about and there are big changes coming up for her. She was also concerned that she might not get to talk to her sister(24) anymore. We assured her that we would let her call from time to time. Her sister is coming to see her tomorrow all day and we are planning on trying to be there to meet her and take some pictures. She told O. today on the phone that she was willing to sign her consent.
Please pray that the meeting will go well and that her sister will feel comfortable with us.
A couple of funny stories:
Our apartment here doesn't have as many nice things such as dishcloths, extra blankets, or a drying rack. However, one blog I read suggested bringing a bungee to hang clothes and it has worked very well. We have missed the extra blanket though. Night before last Trent was having a hard time sleeping and our bed is very hard, there is no top sheet and the comforter is hardly big enough to pull across the 2 of us. So he got out of bed and came to the couch which pulls out to make it the same size as a double bed, but is equally as hard. Trent only had the throw which was laid over the couch. After lying down, he pulled the throw over himself and thought "I am sleeping under a rug!" It seems after examining it, especially the underside, that it is a throw run that they probably put on the couch after sweeping. Oh well, last night I slept on the couch and used it over an extra sheet I found and it wasn't too bad, at least it was heavy!
We have learned more Russian words and even how to read a few of them. Trent thinks it is funny that when we order water and want just regular bottled water you say, "vada biz gaza" which means "water without gas" in other words not carbonated.
Krystina and Lena shared a neat story with us about how they met. They have known each other for 4 years and so they are like family. They met in a shelter which is where the children go until all paperwork is done and the govt. decides which orphanage they will go to. One day Lena got her "porridge" but refused to eat it b/c it was so aweful. Krystina saw her and said, "hey, girl are you going to eat that?". Lena said no and allowed her to have it. Krystina had been there longer and was hungry even though it was so awful. They told us sometimes there were even flies in their borsche (it is like stew). Krystina was in the shelter 6 months and Lena was there a year, but at least her sister visited her and brought her some different food while she was there. Krystina is one of the most polite and friendly people we have met. She, unlike nearly everyone else we have met, makes good eye contact and smiles at us alot. I hope we get to see her again.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
train ride & Donetsk orphanage
The last 2 1/2 days have seemed like such a very long time. Tuesday night we got on the so-called "fast train" from Kyiv to Donetsk at 7:00 p.m. It was quite amusing! I am trying to figure out how to post pictures so that you can see. Our compartment was made up of 4 tiny bunkbeds that doubled as benches to sit on. That in itself was not bad. However, the smoke on the train was suffocating and we had to close our door because of allergies. It was also amazingly hot! Here we were worried that we were going to be cold over here and instead we were so hot one night in Kiev that it was hard to sleep and on the train it was so hot, the air felt heavy! We were in long johns for sleeping and boy was that a mistake. Our facilitator stayed in the same compartment and changed into a t-shirt (they don't tell you about those little details!) The bathroom was beyond gross, but thanks to reading other adoptive family blogs, I was prepared w/my toilet seat cover and tiny toilet roll! Brianne decided she didn't need to go that bad. The traine made about 8 jolting stops at towns along the way. We agreed that we had slept a matter of minutes on the 12 hour overnight trip. Brianne was so tired that she talked in her sleep the next night. We have never been so glad for a night to end.
When Trent put it into perspective, he said it was the worst day, but also the best day because the next morning we were able to go to Lena's orphanage. We arrived in Donetsk at 7:10 a.m.and didn't have room for 1 suitcase. They took it to the luggage area and said that it would be safe until they could come back for it. We went to a restaurant to get breakfast. Trent said the coffee was as strong as having about 4 cups at home! He was quite loopy after having it and climbing several flights of stairs at the adoption inspectors office. Brianne and I shared an order of pancakes which were like crepes w/yummy strawberry jam and a little chocolate syrup. They were very good. We also had fruit flavored green tea (fresh and infused at the table) very good. Then we went to the adoption inspectors office. When they knocked on the door and they saw us in the hall they called in N. and closed the door on us seeming very unhappy. N. told us that they said they were very busy and no one could go w/us to oversee the visit at the orphanage that day. They asked to copy all of our papers and maybe go the next day. We prayed hard in that little hallway. Over here, most Ukrainians don't look you in the eyes and especially don't smile b/c that implies a friendship. We couldn't even get them to look at us, but I was determined to make eye contact and smile and say "dobredeen" hello in Russian.
Our facilitator, N., went downstairs to make copies and Oksana, our translator went back in to talk w/them. In a few minutes one of the ladies came out, I stood up and made eye contact, she told me to sit and made a gesture that it was good. We were very surprised by her actions!
Oksana came out and said they were going to go with us that very day to the orphanage. I truly believe it was the power of prayer that changed things. It took a long time, but finally we were at the orphanage. They told us they were under prosecution and we could not act as if we knew Lena. They look unfavorably on hosting programs b/c many work as adoption agents or in cohorts w/them and it is unlawful here. The greatest moment was when we were waiting to see the director of the orphanage. One of the teachers mentioned to some kids in the hall upstairs that some Americans were in the office. Lena, as well as many other kids, decided to walk by the office and glance inside. (She had been told by the director that she might have parents coming for her sometime, but she did not tell when or even that it was us. ) As she walked by, she saw us and Trent gave her the sign to be quite b/c we couldn't act as if we knew her. She had the most amazing surprised look on her face. It was priceless!!! They she dropped back into the hallway, but it was obvious to the other kids that she knew us and much whispering ensued.
They came in and basically introduced her to us and we were allowed to talk or ask questions in case someone came in while we were talking( no hugging, talking about the summer, etc.) It was very hard, but she did well by not looking directly at us. When she happened to look, she would smile so big. She told them she wanted to be adopted and we sat while they filled out about a million forms and she signed her consent. We sat in the office for about 2 hours, answered questions and waited. Then we took forms back to the inspectors office and on to the notary. We were starving and tired and our driver, another Nicolae ,brought us a coke to which I almost hugged him! Finally, we were able to eat about 8:00p.m. last night. We learned that you eat when you have the chance and it's best to carry snacks with you! Our translator, Oksana, said she had never seen so much accomplished in one day. We got all the paperwork done from the orphanage except for the medical which was done this a.m. Now we are waiting for 1 other person to sign the medical paper and we send them by train to Kiev.
While waiting for the notary to do all the papers (about another hour), Trent presented the gospel to Oksana who said she also carried a Bible after Trent showed her his in our backpack. He used our pastor Dan's 5 finger points to tell her about what the Bible says. She said she was just in the stage of asking questions. She said she would like to accept Christ, but she was not ready then. Please pray for her salvation and that we can share more with her.
More Prayer requests: Medical will get signed and sent off tomorrow or as soon as possible. Pray for court a week from tomorrow (Fri.). So far we are a day or 2 ahead of schedule after meeting the child. That could all change so easily. Our facilitator, N. said last night, "I'll see you in a couple of weeks" and I said, "I'll see you in a few days " Again, our prayer is to get back asap for Blake.
We have been blessed w/wonderful people, even including our drivers. The one we'll have for many days in Donetsk is Nicolae. He carries bags, opens doors and gets us whereever we need to go while waiting for us as long as it takes. Today, we paid him about $70 US . He picked up O. at 8:30, picked us up and left us at 7:00 p.m. We keep asking him to eat w/us. It may seem like alot to pay a taxi and it does add up , but not that much for the time he puts in. Please pray that he will be blessed.
Lena was much more talkative today without the inspector present. She told us that she had wished alot for us to come. Trent asked if she would miss anything from the Ukraine and she said only her friends. She brought her friend, Kristyna, in to visit with us. We would like so much to find a home for her friend. She is 12 and brown headed. I will try to post a picture. She loves to dance and do choreography for dances for her friends. She loves to sing and said she won 1st place in a singing competition outside of the orphanage. She is very friendly and outgoing and has tried to learn some Italian. She has a folder of pictures of famous singers that she has collected and organized. She never knew her father and her mother died. One brother died and the older one and cannot adopt her. Lena will miss her greatly. We would like to host her this summer and try to find her a family in the states. It is so sad to see these sweet kids who don't have parents to love them.
Lena spoke some in English to us when the translator left the room. She said since she came to stay w/us last summer, she is the best in her English class and that she even helped a family and another orphan to communicate when the translator had to step out for a few minutes. Many of the older kids are told bad stories about Americans for reasons that I can expand upon later and there was a girl who had a family that wanted to adopt her but she wasn't sure. They asked Lena to talk to her and tell her that it was o.k. and to tell her good stories about coming to the U.S.. God is already using her for good.
It was hard to leave her and she can't come w/us at all b/c of the prosecution here now. We have to be very careful to follow all the rules. It was a good day and we feel blessed. Keep those prayers coming. We have definitely been looked upon w/favor by many here. Even the director brought in many chocolates and cookies and set them on the table today. Both days she has given something directly to Brianne, today it was a whole container of different chocolates! O. said she has never seen such a welcome....again I know it is the prayers. It has been an adventure and there is more to come. Thank you for your faithfulness to pray for this trip and for so many over here in the Ukraine. In God's eyes it truly is a small world.
When Trent put it into perspective, he said it was the worst day, but also the best day because the next morning we were able to go to Lena's orphanage. We arrived in Donetsk at 7:10 a.m.and didn't have room for 1 suitcase. They took it to the luggage area and said that it would be safe until they could come back for it. We went to a restaurant to get breakfast. Trent said the coffee was as strong as having about 4 cups at home! He was quite loopy after having it and climbing several flights of stairs at the adoption inspectors office. Brianne and I shared an order of pancakes which were like crepes w/yummy strawberry jam and a little chocolate syrup. They were very good. We also had fruit flavored green tea (fresh and infused at the table) very good. Then we went to the adoption inspectors office. When they knocked on the door and they saw us in the hall they called in N. and closed the door on us seeming very unhappy. N. told us that they said they were very busy and no one could go w/us to oversee the visit at the orphanage that day. They asked to copy all of our papers and maybe go the next day. We prayed hard in that little hallway. Over here, most Ukrainians don't look you in the eyes and especially don't smile b/c that implies a friendship. We couldn't even get them to look at us, but I was determined to make eye contact and smile and say "dobredeen" hello in Russian.
Our facilitator, N., went downstairs to make copies and Oksana, our translator went back in to talk w/them. In a few minutes one of the ladies came out, I stood up and made eye contact, she told me to sit and made a gesture that it was good. We were very surprised by her actions!
Oksana came out and said they were going to go with us that very day to the orphanage. I truly believe it was the power of prayer that changed things. It took a long time, but finally we were at the orphanage. They told us they were under prosecution and we could not act as if we knew Lena. They look unfavorably on hosting programs b/c many work as adoption agents or in cohorts w/them and it is unlawful here. The greatest moment was when we were waiting to see the director of the orphanage. One of the teachers mentioned to some kids in the hall upstairs that some Americans were in the office. Lena, as well as many other kids, decided to walk by the office and glance inside. (She had been told by the director that she might have parents coming for her sometime, but she did not tell when or even that it was us. ) As she walked by, she saw us and Trent gave her the sign to be quite b/c we couldn't act as if we knew her. She had the most amazing surprised look on her face. It was priceless!!! They she dropped back into the hallway, but it was obvious to the other kids that she knew us and much whispering ensued.
They came in and basically introduced her to us and we were allowed to talk or ask questions in case someone came in while we were talking( no hugging, talking about the summer, etc.) It was very hard, but she did well by not looking directly at us. When she happened to look, she would smile so big. She told them she wanted to be adopted and we sat while they filled out about a million forms and she signed her consent. We sat in the office for about 2 hours, answered questions and waited. Then we took forms back to the inspectors office and on to the notary. We were starving and tired and our driver, another Nicolae ,brought us a coke to which I almost hugged him! Finally, we were able to eat about 8:00p.m. last night. We learned that you eat when you have the chance and it's best to carry snacks with you! Our translator, Oksana, said she had never seen so much accomplished in one day. We got all the paperwork done from the orphanage except for the medical which was done this a.m. Now we are waiting for 1 other person to sign the medical paper and we send them by train to Kiev.
While waiting for the notary to do all the papers (about another hour), Trent presented the gospel to Oksana who said she also carried a Bible after Trent showed her his in our backpack. He used our pastor Dan's 5 finger points to tell her about what the Bible says. She said she was just in the stage of asking questions. She said she would like to accept Christ, but she was not ready then. Please pray for her salvation and that we can share more with her.
More Prayer requests: Medical will get signed and sent off tomorrow or as soon as possible. Pray for court a week from tomorrow (Fri.). So far we are a day or 2 ahead of schedule after meeting the child. That could all change so easily. Our facilitator, N. said last night, "I'll see you in a couple of weeks" and I said, "I'll see you in a few days " Again, our prayer is to get back asap for Blake.
We have been blessed w/wonderful people, even including our drivers. The one we'll have for many days in Donetsk is Nicolae. He carries bags, opens doors and gets us whereever we need to go while waiting for us as long as it takes. Today, we paid him about $70 US . He picked up O. at 8:30, picked us up and left us at 7:00 p.m. We keep asking him to eat w/us. It may seem like alot to pay a taxi and it does add up , but not that much for the time he puts in. Please pray that he will be blessed.
Lena was much more talkative today without the inspector present. She told us that she had wished alot for us to come. Trent asked if she would miss anything from the Ukraine and she said only her friends. She brought her friend, Kristyna, in to visit with us. We would like so much to find a home for her friend. She is 12 and brown headed. I will try to post a picture. She loves to dance and do choreography for dances for her friends. She loves to sing and said she won 1st place in a singing competition outside of the orphanage. She is very friendly and outgoing and has tried to learn some Italian. She has a folder of pictures of famous singers that she has collected and organized. She never knew her father and her mother died. One brother died and the older one and cannot adopt her. Lena will miss her greatly. We would like to host her this summer and try to find her a family in the states. It is so sad to see these sweet kids who don't have parents to love them.
Lena spoke some in English to us when the translator left the room. She said since she came to stay w/us last summer, she is the best in her English class and that she even helped a family and another orphan to communicate when the translator had to step out for a few minutes. Many of the older kids are told bad stories about Americans for reasons that I can expand upon later and there was a girl who had a family that wanted to adopt her but she wasn't sure. They asked Lena to talk to her and tell her that it was o.k. and to tell her good stories about coming to the U.S.. God is already using her for good.
It was hard to leave her and she can't come w/us at all b/c of the prosecution here now. We have to be very careful to follow all the rules. It was a good day and we feel blessed. Keep those prayers coming. We have definitely been looked upon w/favor by many here. Even the director brought in many chocolates and cookies and set them on the table today. Both days she has given something directly to Brianne, today it was a whole container of different chocolates! O. said she has never seen such a welcome....again I know it is the prayers. It has been an adventure and there is more to come. Thank you for your faithfulness to pray for this trip and for so many over here in the Ukraine. In God's eyes it truly is a small world.
Monday, January 26, 2009
we've arrived!
Well, we're finally here and hooked up to the internet in our apartment. We got in last night and had internet access here, but had the wrong converter for my computer plug. I've been anxious to get online and let everyone know that their prayers are coming to fruition! We had our SDA appt. this afternoon and were shown Lena's profile to which we agreed. It was very quick, easy and relaxed. We pick up the referral tomorrow and head out to Donetsk where Lena is at via the overnight train. Major praise!
We had a fine trip on the way over with an overnight stop in London which was actually a "layover" since it was exactly 24hours. The flight from Chicago to London was nice but not great for sleeping. They fed us dinner at almost 11p.m. and then were bringing breakfast at 3:30a.m. (Chicago time still). Brianne was able to sleep for about 3 1/2 hours in between meals. Trent and I didn't fare as well. I don't think I slept at all (I am quite the insomniac anyway w/out being on an airplane), Trent seemed to be sleeping some, but wasn't snoring so probably not much.
Despite the lack of sleep we hit the streets of London w/in an hour of arriving at the hotel. Not much time to see the sites, so we had to make the most of it. Although a nap would have been nice, we managed incredibly well w/out it and walked for 4 - 5 hours seeing the tourist hotspots. I was still going and ready to head over to the London Eye when Trent and Brianne outvoted me and opted for the hotel. We saw Big Ben, Westminster Abbey (both gorgeous), Buckingham Palace and the River Thames, London Eye, and more. It was definitely worth the stop but again my 2 cohorts weren't that impressed and had seen enough (too crowded for them).
The next morning we headed out to Kiev. Another nice flight and our first taste of Ukrainian food (fish/rice/cabbage salad w/out dressing with a chocolate that was amazing). It was better than expected and the rice was nice and buttery. When we arrived in Kiev there was a slight sense of panic as we did not see our facilitator. We were hit on by about 20 men offering a taxi, but none were pushy and one actually let us use his phone to call our facilitator. Her husband was actually there, but had not seen us come through. We learned quickly that Ukrainians walk very fast as none of us could keep up w/him as he lead us toward his car. He brought us to the apartment that our facilitator, Natalia, had set up and we waited in the car for her for about 20 min. When the landlord arrived he walked us through how to work everything, showing us over and over. Then N. showed up and was very prepared. She had a cell phone w/her # programmed in and a card for our computer so we can hopefully get internet access even when we leave Kiev.
Trent asked if the area was safe to walk in to which they replied yes and told us that the "whitehouse" and Ukrainian president only lived about a street over. It did not help that when we walked into our apartment the landlord showed how to lock the solid steel vault like door w/a bolt and then the inside door with a lock and a bolt! Our next mishap came shortly after coming into the apt. when Brianne locked herself into the restroom and we couldn't help her from the outside. It took her a while but she got herself out!
Today, our facilitator called and told us our driver had come early to take us to our appt. b/c traffic was bad. We quickly got downstairs finding the car she had described and "Nicolae" our driver. We drove for about 15 min. when he pointed out the French embassy and made a comment about the US embassy to which Trent asked if that's where we were going. He said yes and we said no. He kept driving saying our facilitator told him the embassy. I asked Trent to call N. and she cleared it up w/the driver. Who knows which one made the mistake, but praise God we made our way back through traffic and to the SDA in time. Actually, we didn't need to leave early and got there 35 min. earlystill. The gate was locked and did not get unlocked until 2:00 straight up. We waited in the freezing cold for a while and then joined Nicolae back in his car. In the meantime though, we visited street vendors and bought a beautiful nesting doll.
We were led up the stairs into the SDA office at precisely 2 (we were panicking again b/c she sent another facilitator who didn't show up until 5 min. til 2). We had also tried to call the stand in facilitator and N. on the cell phone she gave us which said it was out of purchased minutes.
We told them about hosting Lena this summer and showed pictures of her w/us which seemed to please them and they showed us her file, gave us a tidbit (literally) of background info., all of which Lena had already told us, and agreed to give us the referral for her. It took about 15 min. and went so smoothly despite all the little issues up to that point. Amazing! On the way back to the apartment, we stopped and bought minutes for the phone from a street vendor and went to the outdoor market (apparently for electronics) w/Nicolae and bought a 3 prong converter for my computer...yeah! Our other converter worked for everything else, but we missed the fact the the computer cord/protector was 3 prong. Again, we could not keep up w/the fast Ukrainian pace of walking. Every now and then Nicolae would look back to check and see if we were still there!
It has been a very interesting trip so far and God has worked all things out for our good. Please pray that things will go well in Donetsk and that the people in charge will look on us w/favor and this process will go quickly. We finally got to talk to Blake tonight after about 20 attempts on our new cell w/all the access #'s to call home. He talked to me for about 1/2 a minute and got off the phone. Mom told him to get back on and talk to me some more to which he replied "why?" He is definitely not missing us yet, but I'm sure it will come. We are missing him and I find myself saying, "this would have been really hard for him" on most things so I know he is having much more fun back in the good ole' USA.
I know this is long, but there's been so much happen since we left. Thank you all for your prayers and comments. Keep those prayers coming, God is good!
We had a fine trip on the way over with an overnight stop in London which was actually a "layover" since it was exactly 24hours. The flight from Chicago to London was nice but not great for sleeping. They fed us dinner at almost 11p.m. and then were bringing breakfast at 3:30a.m. (Chicago time still). Brianne was able to sleep for about 3 1/2 hours in between meals. Trent and I didn't fare as well. I don't think I slept at all (I am quite the insomniac anyway w/out being on an airplane), Trent seemed to be sleeping some, but wasn't snoring so probably not much.
Despite the lack of sleep we hit the streets of London w/in an hour of arriving at the hotel. Not much time to see the sites, so we had to make the most of it. Although a nap would have been nice, we managed incredibly well w/out it and walked for 4 - 5 hours seeing the tourist hotspots. I was still going and ready to head over to the London Eye when Trent and Brianne outvoted me and opted for the hotel. We saw Big Ben, Westminster Abbey (both gorgeous), Buckingham Palace and the River Thames, London Eye, and more. It was definitely worth the stop but again my 2 cohorts weren't that impressed and had seen enough (too crowded for them).
The next morning we headed out to Kiev. Another nice flight and our first taste of Ukrainian food (fish/rice/cabbage salad w/out dressing with a chocolate that was amazing). It was better than expected and the rice was nice and buttery. When we arrived in Kiev there was a slight sense of panic as we did not see our facilitator. We were hit on by about 20 men offering a taxi, but none were pushy and one actually let us use his phone to call our facilitator. Her husband was actually there, but had not seen us come through. We learned quickly that Ukrainians walk very fast as none of us could keep up w/him as he lead us toward his car. He brought us to the apartment that our facilitator, Natalia, had set up and we waited in the car for her for about 20 min. When the landlord arrived he walked us through how to work everything, showing us over and over. Then N. showed up and was very prepared. She had a cell phone w/her # programmed in and a card for our computer so we can hopefully get internet access even when we leave Kiev.
Trent asked if the area was safe to walk in to which they replied yes and told us that the "whitehouse" and Ukrainian president only lived about a street over. It did not help that when we walked into our apartment the landlord showed how to lock the solid steel vault like door w/a bolt and then the inside door with a lock and a bolt! Our next mishap came shortly after coming into the apt. when Brianne locked herself into the restroom and we couldn't help her from the outside. It took her a while but she got herself out!
Today, our facilitator called and told us our driver had come early to take us to our appt. b/c traffic was bad. We quickly got downstairs finding the car she had described and "Nicolae" our driver. We drove for about 15 min. when he pointed out the French embassy and made a comment about the US embassy to which Trent asked if that's where we were going. He said yes and we said no. He kept driving saying our facilitator told him the embassy. I asked Trent to call N. and she cleared it up w/the driver. Who knows which one made the mistake, but praise God we made our way back through traffic and to the SDA in time. Actually, we didn't need to leave early and got there 35 min. earlystill. The gate was locked and did not get unlocked until 2:00 straight up. We waited in the freezing cold for a while and then joined Nicolae back in his car. In the meantime though, we visited street vendors and bought a beautiful nesting doll.
We were led up the stairs into the SDA office at precisely 2 (we were panicking again b/c she sent another facilitator who didn't show up until 5 min. til 2). We had also tried to call the stand in facilitator and N. on the cell phone she gave us which said it was out of purchased minutes.
We told them about hosting Lena this summer and showed pictures of her w/us which seemed to please them and they showed us her file, gave us a tidbit (literally) of background info., all of which Lena had already told us, and agreed to give us the referral for her. It took about 15 min. and went so smoothly despite all the little issues up to that point. Amazing! On the way back to the apartment, we stopped and bought minutes for the phone from a street vendor and went to the outdoor market (apparently for electronics) w/Nicolae and bought a 3 prong converter for my computer...yeah! Our other converter worked for everything else, but we missed the fact the the computer cord/protector was 3 prong. Again, we could not keep up w/the fast Ukrainian pace of walking. Every now and then Nicolae would look back to check and see if we were still there!
It has been a very interesting trip so far and God has worked all things out for our good. Please pray that things will go well in Donetsk and that the people in charge will look on us w/favor and this process will go quickly. We finally got to talk to Blake tonight after about 20 attempts on our new cell w/all the access #'s to call home. He talked to me for about 1/2 a minute and got off the phone. Mom told him to get back on and talk to me some more to which he replied "why?" He is definitely not missing us yet, but I'm sure it will come. We are missing him and I find myself saying, "this would have been really hard for him" on most things so I know he is having much more fun back in the good ole' USA.
I know this is long, but there's been so much happen since we left. Thank you all for your prayers and comments. Keep those prayers coming, God is good!
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