1st Day in Kiev

Independence Day in America. The first ever we have missed with our own family. But let me take a moment to describe the hospitality that was shared with Jeff and me. We arrived after many hours of traveling. Our necks hurt a bit from wobbling on our necks as we fell asleep so much on the plane. Anna, Andre and Dennis met us at the airport waving an American flag. They had a sign painted by friends and gave us flowers. We drove through the city and they checked us into our apartment. It reminds me very much of our cottage days in Harrison on the inside. Very conducive to sleep once our heads hit the pillow around 10:00 Ukraine time.


Once in side a champaign toast and off to the country for dinner with Dennis’ parents and family. They told us they were taking us to their house in the country. Believe me, that was like being on an old country road in West Virginia. It was absolutely beautiful. A house built by Sasha and his wife Tatiana with gardens every where. They were all surrounded by rock and slate and some ornate tiles. One garden was fashioned after Stonehenge. Then we sat down to dinner. We toasted a lot and Lena, (babooshka) Sasha’s mother in law was very taken with Jeff. We did not understand until later when she shared through interpretation that he looked very much like her son who had paased away not too long ago. She was very sweet. Before she left she brought us each a very personal and special gift while blessing us. We arrived back here and slept till 9:00am today.

Today Anna, Andre and Lena came to visit before Kostya arrived. We finally feel “normal” today and it was nice to just relax and not feel like we had to get up and go somewhere immediately. I tried to make some tea that was here – it turned out tasting and looking more like spinach. Thank God for Anna – a saint who brought some coffee, water and snickers!!

When Kostya came we left our friends and family and went to the National Adoption Center to give our receipt from the Embassy. We got a peek at the Director and tried to act cool, calm, and collect. We were not fooling anyone – they all knew we were Americans. After that we went running around and did some errands. We actually had the opportunity to meet another family today and have lunch.

Last, we went through the train station to deliver a package to another family and get Kostya’s bag from the lockers. We returned and then found out the time for our appointment. It is at 12:30 tomorrow. Please pray for us – this is not a bad thing – but it means that 6 families will be ahead of us. God is in charge – I have to keep thinking that and keeping it in our hearts. Once we meet with the officials there we will know after choosing a child where and when we are going. Kostya thinks that we will leave Kiev most likely on Wednesday.

Kostya has been a great friend, too. We have been so fortunate to have family and him here with us. We know we have seen parts of the city and enjoyed wonderful hospitality that others do not. You can see from the pictures all the fun and sights we have seen. We pray that all is well with you all. We are setting up internet now and will have a phone number you can reach us at in the next few minutes (10:15 Ukraine time, 4:15 your time). We will miss all the festivities back home. Not to mention our two sons. It is not the same without you guys! But believe me, the walking and the many, many, stairs would be a reminder of Diamond Head in Hawaii – they don’t sell ukuleles here! (I am amazed that almost all women wear tiny high heal shoes with everything and can walk faster than we can!) We love you all! We miss you! I will try to update each day. Can’t wait to hear from you all. Paka!