We Got Our Referral Letter

Hallelujah!! We got our paper work finished today by the skin of our teeth. We left our apartment at 2 as we had to take our luggage to the train station and check it in a locker (Check out time at the apartment was 2). That was a harrowing experience in itself because we drug our stuff through puddles, packed walk ways and of course many, many, many stairs. We then ran to the NAC (literally) and then sat and waited to get inside. Once it was our turn it took about 10 minutes. We then ventured back to the train station on foot. As we were walking it was very windy. In Kiev they seem to be fixing and painting a lot of structures. Well, as luck would have it a forty foot long fence that was supposed to protect the public from falling objects or debris began to fall like dominoes. We watched in awe as it started to fall and come our way – Kostya tried to hold it up, I jumped out of the way and Jeff was trying to hold it up too. Poor Jeff got hit in the shoulder and hand. Thankfully he had his book bag on – but unfortunately he had his computer in it. (Have you all ever read the children’s story called Unfortunately? Well that was us J) However, it has all been a good adventure and God is good to us through it all! I forgot to tell you all about our subway ride. Another interesting thing. When the train stops in the subway you jump in. Well, unlike the Metro where some would wait and take the next train, no way, about 150 people jump into one car. Perfect opportunity for a stolen wallet or an inadvertent attacka akuley! What a trip that was. You have to literally push yourself in and out when it is your stop. Oh, I forgot to mention it goes about 90 miles and hour but no one has the pleasure of falling down because it’s too packed. I laughed to myself and imagined that it would be funny if we could have some one pick us up like at a concert and we would be vertical over their heads while they handed us off to the next person right out the door.

But seriously, we are safe and sound and so thankful for all that we have done thus far. We are riding on the train and it is really neat. Rob, we have heard the lady walking by selling the chips and pistachios. Kostya has been an awesome guide and a very good friend. He does not like us going anywhere without him. We did venture out to the square today to get out. Jeff bought the internet stuff and I bought some fruit. The lady had to show me the calculator to know how much to pay. We will write soon. When we are somewhat settled and at Kostya’s home we will hopefully be able to call family. We miss you so much. Justin and Jacob, we sure do love you. Please tell Uncle Charles happy belated birthday. God bless you all! Paka!