Second - 1st Day in Kiev

Well, we made it back, safe and sound. Raleigh to DC, DC to Frankfort, Frankfort to Kiev. Everything was smooth and on schedule, which is a needed pleasant surprise, as that DC to Frankfort flight really takes it out of you. Kostya met us at the airport, it was good to see him again. We’re staying in a different apartment this time, but in same building, I’ll put some pictures up. The weather here is beautiful, like one of those crisp, clear October days back in NC, hardly any humidity.
Our plan is to go to the NAC tomorrow to formalize our referral and then return on Friday to get the paperwork and then it’s off on a train to Donetsk. Kostya says it would be unusual to see the children before Monday, but there is always a chance (and hope!). We tried to find out our appointment time this evening (got to ride a subway Tokyo style) but it wasn’t posted yet. Did a lot more walking around the city, school here starts on the same day for every kid, the 1st, so there are a lot of vendors out, almost like a carnival atmosphere on some of the sidewalks. Justin and Jacob, we really miss you, but we know you’ll be fine with Aunt Mary, Char, and Uncle Rob. What an awesome family we have! Will update with more details and pictures as we get “settled”. Thank you and we love you all!

Leaving Again

Well, here we go again. Dragging out the luggage, making sure the boy's lives are taken care of while we're gone (not to mention Char and Mary's mental health while watching them through the week:)) - the animals, etc. That part is the "high stress" piece of the journey at this point that makes me a little crazy. The part I have enjoyed most is getting a household and a room prepared for two precious little children. The walls are painted, their drawers are filled and toys are abundant (not to mention the love that went in to preparing everything). What a difference five weeks make. Our friends and family have been outstanding. Without any scrap of "plastic" toddler toys or clothes, car seats, strollers - you name it - I sold it or gave it away. Yet, at this point, we won't be lacking for anything. Amazing and humbling. I cannot even tell you how touching it has been to know that our nieces Cori and Elizabeth and nephew Luke have picked out (on their own) special toys for Edward and Elizabeth. Even some children of special family friends have made a point to bring something over that they want to share with the kids. Justin and Jacob have also spent much time helping to put the bedroom together. I can really see the excitement brewing in them, too. It has been a very sweet time for all of us.

So here we come. More prepared in some ways yet less in others. Both Jeff and I feel a bit more emotional this time around. Maybe it is the anticipation and the fact that the boys are in school - we just can't put our finger on it..... But my two dears, we are more determined and more deeply endeared now than we were 5 weeks ago. Our hearts and our home and our family are as prepared as we can be at this point. Let the journey begin........ We'll keep you all updated and as soon as we lay our eyes on them, don't worry, we'll share pictures!!! Blessings to all of you and thank you for keeping us in your prayers.