Our train ride was an experience. Let's just leave it at that. Not bad, not great. Just an interesting experience. Because we were in the last cabin of the last car, we felt every turn like a ricocheting boomerang. Blake and I both managed to get in a few good hours of sleep, regardless.
Sometime around midnight, my second fit of uncontrolled laughter came upon me. The first one occurred as were were on approach to landing in Kiev and I looked out the aircraft window to the bleak, overcast, almost lifeless landscape that is Ukraine. Maybe the lack of sun and spring colored my perception, but it seemed so apparent that we were flying into a former Eastern block country, one very different than any I've been to before. The absurdity of what we were doing really struck me at that particular moment. Last night, as I lay in my "deluxe" sleeper cabin railing along somewhere in the middle of Ukraine in the middle of the night, the same sense of absurdity hit me. What on earth had I gotten us into?
Irina, our translator and court liaison, met us right at our cabin. We were packing up and she ran to us, all out of breath. She had been told our car was at the opposite end of the train, so she had run all the way back so as not to worry us or miss us. I was so impressed with that. We just thought she'd be waiting on the platform.
Irina is a dear- very sweet, very professional, and very educated. I was surprised to learn she had never been in the U.S. or U.K. because her English is so good.
We went back to the flat Irina was staying in last night to get washed up and changed for our appointment with the Director of CPS (Child Protective Services) for this region. Our appointment was at 10am. The director asked for a few additional copies of our documents so Blake and I went down to the main lobby area with Irina while she accomplished this.
Watching all of the people come and go is a study of a culture vastly different than ours in the U.S. It is so apparent everywhere in Donetsk that we are in a country that was, until fairly recently, under Soviet rule. Almost everyone and everything looks so -- bland. I was going to say vanilla, but vanilla has much more flair than this. It's like watching a dreary black-and-white film just dying for some light or some color to appear.
My husband is a true patriot. One of the things I find so endearing about him is how much he loves our country. I am also a very proud American, but I've always enjoyed seeing and traveling to other countries, where Blake, while fine with that, really prefers vacationing in the good ole' USA. I have to say, though, Blake is handling this trip better than I am. I miss my country so much.
I realized today that when I've traveled abroad I have been either a) much younger, b) with Blake and/or friends in a more western culture, or c) in the cocoon of American Airlines. You cannot discount the comfort of being in a foreign land, staying in a crew-friendly and modern hotel, usually in a great neighborhood, with people you know. No matter where you are, a part of your world is still with you.
I'm learning a lot about myself on this trip- some good, some not so good. Maybe I'm not as adventurous as I thought I was. Or maybe my idea of an adventure is not the same as it once was. I do know that as we drive through the streets of Donetsk passing dreary tenement after dreary tenement (which is the average home here), it is becoming very clear to me that what we're on is way more than an "adventure".
I still do not know how this will all turn out and what God has planned for us. But one thing I know for certain: there really truly is no place like home.
Friday, 15 April 2011
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Okay, here's where it gets interesting ...
The last two days have been a flurry of activity. Following our SDA appointment yesterday morning, we went to the hotel for a quick nap since neither of us got the best sleep the night before.
We had arranged for a tour of the city, so we did that in the afternoon. Oleg, one of the dirvers at the Hyatt, became our new best friend as he showed us around the oldest and most beloved monastery and cathedral in Kiev, the World War II museum, their Parliament building and President's residence, plus the Opera House and some cool neighborhoods and shopping areas. Oleg was a great tour guide and even had a big, warm coat in the car for me to wear when it got colder.
The weather is not warm at all. It's mostly overcast and in the 30's-40's. We have gotten some sun at times which makes the city look more charming.
Today we worked out and then went to the big department store to pick up a few moe things to do with the girls, just in case. We had already brought several things (for the kids at the orphanage, too) that I'd picked up at Target: fun hair accessories, "silly bandz", stickers, coloring books and markers, little pottery & paint sets, stuffed animals, plus 6 big fun-pak bags of M&M's (we hear they're a big hit here!). Can you believe we fit al that into our carry-on only luggage? Along with clothes and toiletries (all 3oz. or less!) for 3-4 weeks? We are all-star packers, if I do say so myself!! ;) But I digress ...
So we picked up a bracelet-making kit and the game "Operation". I can't imagine being bored with all of this! Unless, of course, the girls simply find us boring, which I guess is a possibility!
After shopping we went back to the SDA to pick up our referral to officially meet the girls. Konstantin met us there with our translated dossier (all of our documents) plus our train tickets. He went over what will happen tomorrow along with snippets of advice while he walked us back to the Hyatt. He's a good guy and very, very busy. He not only works with adopting families, but also organizes hosting trips for the children. This is his passion and he is constantly on the go advocating for the orphans of Ukraine.
We had a nice early dinner at the hotel as Konstantin warned us against the train food. Then we were packed and downstairs again for our ride to the train station. Oleg not only drove us, but ushered us all the way to our car - which was quite a distance - and even got us situated in our compartment. The station was very chaotic and, of course, rife with pick-pocketers, so we were so grateful to him. See why he's our new best friend?! :)
So, we are now secure in our "deluxe" sleeper car for the all-night ride to Donetsk. Blake nor I have ever taken a train at night in a sleeper car, so we're feeling that this is playing right into our "big adventure". There is something very calming about being on a train at night. I am sure we will sleep well.
Thanks again so much for all of the thoughts and prayers. We will need them again before you go to sleep tonight as we meet with CPS (Child Protective Services) tomorrow at 10am local (3a EDT, 2a CDT, etc.). We're not positive when we'll be meeting the girls, but it will be sometime after that.
I'm not sure how good our wireless service will be in Donetsk, but since it's a large city, we should be okay. I will let you know how everything goes tomorrow on my next blog. 'Til then ...
Much love. xoxo
We had arranged for a tour of the city, so we did that in the afternoon. Oleg, one of the dirvers at the Hyatt, became our new best friend as he showed us around the oldest and most beloved monastery and cathedral in Kiev, the World War II museum, their Parliament building and President's residence, plus the Opera House and some cool neighborhoods and shopping areas. Oleg was a great tour guide and even had a big, warm coat in the car for me to wear when it got colder.
The weather is not warm at all. It's mostly overcast and in the 30's-40's. We have gotten some sun at times which makes the city look more charming.
Today we worked out and then went to the big department store to pick up a few moe things to do with the girls, just in case. We had already brought several things (for the kids at the orphanage, too) that I'd picked up at Target: fun hair accessories, "silly bandz", stickers, coloring books and markers, little pottery & paint sets, stuffed animals, plus 6 big fun-pak bags of M&M's (we hear they're a big hit here!). Can you believe we fit al that into our carry-on only luggage? Along with clothes and toiletries (all 3oz. or less!) for 3-4 weeks? We are all-star packers, if I do say so myself!! ;) But I digress ...
So we picked up a bracelet-making kit and the game "Operation". I can't imagine being bored with all of this! Unless, of course, the girls simply find us boring, which I guess is a possibility!
After shopping we went back to the SDA to pick up our referral to officially meet the girls. Konstantin met us there with our translated dossier (all of our documents) plus our train tickets. He went over what will happen tomorrow along with snippets of advice while he walked us back to the Hyatt. He's a good guy and very, very busy. He not only works with adopting families, but also organizes hosting trips for the children. This is his passion and he is constantly on the go advocating for the orphans of Ukraine.
We had a nice early dinner at the hotel as Konstantin warned us against the train food. Then we were packed and downstairs again for our ride to the train station. Oleg not only drove us, but ushered us all the way to our car - which was quite a distance - and even got us situated in our compartment. The station was very chaotic and, of course, rife with pick-pocketers, so we were so grateful to him. See why he's our new best friend?! :)
So, we are now secure in our "deluxe" sleeper car for the all-night ride to Donetsk. Blake nor I have ever taken a train at night in a sleeper car, so we're feeling that this is playing right into our "big adventure". There is something very calming about being on a train at night. I am sure we will sleep well.
Thanks again so much for all of the thoughts and prayers. We will need them again before you go to sleep tonight as we meet with CPS (Child Protective Services) tomorrow at 10am local (3a EDT, 2a CDT, etc.). We're not positive when we'll be meeting the girls, but it will be sometime after that.
I'm not sure how good our wireless service will be in Donetsk, but since it's a large city, we should be okay. I will let you know how everything goes tomorrow on my next blog. 'Til then ...
Much love. xoxo
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
God is Good (and so are His angels) ...
We went to our SDA appointment this morning. Konstantin met us in our lobby and we walked to the Adoption offices, arriving right at 9am. They opened the gate within a few minutes and up we went to the office of the "child psychologist" who would present us with the files of the children available for adoption.
We had come with a print-out of two sisters who Joni, my dear new friend through adoption (who also set up this blog for me!), had emailed to me about a week before we were to leave. She had noticed the girls on the SDA website, which is really meant to be used by Ukrainians, I guess, but anyone can view it. She and her daughter had discovered the darling sisters on the site, but their family is looking at adopting one child at this time since they already have four kids! The girls are so cute, born in 2000 and 2002, and we knew it was a long shot for them to be available to foreigners, but we decided to at least ask about them when we got here.
The office we were escorted into was much more comfortable than we had anticipated. We sat at a small sectional sofa in the corner with a coffee table in front of it and desks at the other side of the cozy room. Lots of books on bookshelves, a lovely window ... we were expecting something much colder and more sterile, so we were very pleasantly surprised. The child worker was quite young, in her late twenties, with a kind and pretty face. Blake was asked to say a little something about our family and then what type of child or children we were seeking. That's when we mentioned the sisters and presented our copies of their postings from the SDA website.
The child worker looked at it and she and Konstantin talked a bit back and forth. She then got up to make a phone call. Konstantin told us the ph# to the girls' social worker was on our copy, but no last name. SDA files go completely by last name and/or birthdate, neither of which were listed on the print-out I had. Meanwhile, she left and brought back a few files of other children to look at. We were presented with two sets of sisters. We didn't feel any connection at all to these children, I'm sorry to say. She then ran in with the files of Karina and Victoria, the girls we had asked about, and said that they were, in fact, available for international adoption! She and Konstantin then talked quite a bit more and both were on their phones talking with various contacts of theirs, trying to get more info on the girls. Meanwhile, we were shown another set of files of a brother and sister sibling group (once you mention that you might possibly be open to two, I guess that is what they decide to show you!). Again, unfortunately, we did not feel any interest for those children.
At this time, both Konstantin and the sweet SDA worker were off their calls and relayed to us that Karina and Victoria had been in state care since 2008. They had been on at least one hosting trip to Italy, and possibly one trip to the U.S., too (little discrepancy there) and had also turned down adoption requests from a Ukrainian family as well as a foreign family. These girls certainly know what they want! There also had only been positive reviews on them from their various child care workers. So, long story short, we are going to meet them on Friday!
They live in Donetsk, which is the second largest city in Ukraine, and quite a distance from here. We will take an all-night express train tomorrow night to arrive Friday morning. Konstantin is setting up an apartment for us with our translator and in-region liaison. I will send more info as I receive it.
In the meantime, here's a link to view the girls' info (this is what Joni, who I now call our "adoption angel", had sent me and what I had printed out):
We had come with a print-out of two sisters who Joni, my dear new friend through adoption (who also set up this blog for me!), had emailed to me about a week before we were to leave. She had noticed the girls on the SDA website, which is really meant to be used by Ukrainians, I guess, but anyone can view it. She and her daughter had discovered the darling sisters on the site, but their family is looking at adopting one child at this time since they already have four kids! The girls are so cute, born in 2000 and 2002, and we knew it was a long shot for them to be available to foreigners, but we decided to at least ask about them when we got here.
The office we were escorted into was much more comfortable than we had anticipated. We sat at a small sectional sofa in the corner with a coffee table in front of it and desks at the other side of the cozy room. Lots of books on bookshelves, a lovely window ... we were expecting something much colder and more sterile, so we were very pleasantly surprised. The child worker was quite young, in her late twenties, with a kind and pretty face. Blake was asked to say a little something about our family and then what type of child or children we were seeking. That's when we mentioned the sisters and presented our copies of their postings from the SDA website.
The child worker looked at it and she and Konstantin talked a bit back and forth. She then got up to make a phone call. Konstantin told us the ph# to the girls' social worker was on our copy, but no last name. SDA files go completely by last name and/or birthdate, neither of which were listed on the print-out I had. Meanwhile, she left and brought back a few files of other children to look at. We were presented with two sets of sisters. We didn't feel any connection at all to these children, I'm sorry to say. She then ran in with the files of Karina and Victoria, the girls we had asked about, and said that they were, in fact, available for international adoption! She and Konstantin then talked quite a bit more and both were on their phones talking with various contacts of theirs, trying to get more info on the girls. Meanwhile, we were shown another set of files of a brother and sister sibling group (once you mention that you might possibly be open to two, I guess that is what they decide to show you!). Again, unfortunately, we did not feel any interest for those children.
At this time, both Konstantin and the sweet SDA worker were off their calls and relayed to us that Karina and Victoria had been in state care since 2008. They had been on at least one hosting trip to Italy, and possibly one trip to the U.S., too (little discrepancy there) and had also turned down adoption requests from a Ukrainian family as well as a foreign family. These girls certainly know what they want! There also had only been positive reviews on them from their various child care workers. So, long story short, we are going to meet them on Friday!
They live in Donetsk, which is the second largest city in Ukraine, and quite a distance from here. We will take an all-night express train tomorrow night to arrive Friday morning. Konstantin is setting up an apartment for us with our translator and in-region liaison. I will send more info as I receive it.
In the meantime, here's a link to view the girls' info (this is what Joni, who I now call our "adoption angel", had sent me and what I had printed out):
I will write more later. We are on our way to grab dinner and are famished! Just wanted to get this info out sooner than later and thank you all so very much for your prayers. Blake and I clearly felt the hand of God in the meeting this morning and totally felt the peace and clarity that we have so fervently been praying for. We will continue to need prayers as we continue through this process, particularly in meeting the girls. We remain open to whatever it is God has planned for us.
Much love! xoxo
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
By the way ...
Just want to clarify that tomorrow in Ukraine is the middle of the night in the U.S. So, please say your prayers for us before you go to bed tonight! Thanks so much! :)
xoox
xoox
A good evening ...
We went up to The Bar on 8, which is the hotel's top-floor restaurant and bar, and enjoyed a lovely evening. Konstantin came up to meet us. He is our adoption coordinator while we're in Ukraine and it was very comforting and informative to go over everything with him. We feel much more prepared for whatever happens tomorrow. We are not sure if we will find a child or children who we feel a connection to or who we will feel capable of parenting. As I mentioned earlier, it is a very subjective process and it is anybody's guess as to whom we will be shown. Our hearts and minds are open, though, and we are really praying that whatever God has in mind for us, we will know it clearly.
On our way out, we heard a ruckus from the corner of the room from what sounded like Americans (of course the ruckus was from Americans- lol!), so we walked over to check it out. Turns out they were a contingency of soybean farmers who are in this country to investigate the possibilities of farming their produce here. The soybean farners have been all over the world on similar missions. Who knew? Very wordly and educated gang from North Dakota, Kentucky and Missouri. There was also a gentleman from Arkansas who has been living here for the last 12 years and has been their liaison for the trip. It was really a pleasure just laughing it up with them and it was also very fortuitous for us to meet Brian, the Ukrainian ex-pat, who volunteered his assistance for whatever we may need him for going forward. So funny, it is always nice to meet Americans when you/re abroad, no matter how long you've been gone. Here we've been gone for two whole days and we were so happy to meet fellow Americans. It reminds me of always feeling so at home whenever I meet fellow American Airlines employees or even just other U.S. crewmembers when I'm abroad. What can I say? I love my fellow countrymen!
So, our very important, very crucial meeting is tomorrow morning at 9am local. That is when we will be shown the files of children who are available for adoption to us. We will probably be shown anywhere from 5-12 files. Again, very subjective process as there are over 100,000 orphans here in Ukraine and we will be shown maybe 10. If we're lucky. Blake and I are convinced that that is where God comes in. If He has a child in mind for us, we feel that we will know it when we are shown his/her file. Otherwise, maybe we're just here in Ukraine on a mission and not to adopt. We've brought all sorts of toys and candy and gifts for the kids and we will certainly be sure that they will receive these. The only thing we're unsure of is whether or not we are meant to be parents of one or two of these children. That is the $64,000 question, if you will, and that is what we have devoted all of our time and thoughts and prayers to.
If ever we needed prayers during this process so far, tomorrow is it. I may ask for lots more in the future, but as of yet, tomorrow is certainly the biggest day so far. Please pray for clarity for us. We are looking for peace and clarity above all else. We do not want to "guess" as to whether or not we are supposed to go and meet a child. We really want to feel a conviction to do so. So, your prayers are more than appreciated!! Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!
I will let you know how our meeting went as soon as I am able. If we do find a child/ren who we would like to meet, we will most likely be leaving on Thursday night to travel by train to the region where that child/ren is. That is where the true adventure begins!
But first things first. Let's see what tomorrow's meeting holds for us. We are nervous and scared and prepared. We shall see ...
Thanks for the prayers. Please keep 'em coming!!
Much love!
xoxo
On our way out, we heard a ruckus from the corner of the room from what sounded like Americans (of course the ruckus was from Americans- lol!), so we walked over to check it out. Turns out they were a contingency of soybean farmers who are in this country to investigate the possibilities of farming their produce here. The soybean farners have been all over the world on similar missions. Who knew? Very wordly and educated gang from North Dakota, Kentucky and Missouri. There was also a gentleman from Arkansas who has been living here for the last 12 years and has been their liaison for the trip. It was really a pleasure just laughing it up with them and it was also very fortuitous for us to meet Brian, the Ukrainian ex-pat, who volunteered his assistance for whatever we may need him for going forward. So funny, it is always nice to meet Americans when you/re abroad, no matter how long you've been gone. Here we've been gone for two whole days and we were so happy to meet fellow Americans. It reminds me of always feeling so at home whenever I meet fellow American Airlines employees or even just other U.S. crewmembers when I'm abroad. What can I say? I love my fellow countrymen!
So, our very important, very crucial meeting is tomorrow morning at 9am local. That is when we will be shown the files of children who are available for adoption to us. We will probably be shown anywhere from 5-12 files. Again, very subjective process as there are over 100,000 orphans here in Ukraine and we will be shown maybe 10. If we're lucky. Blake and I are convinced that that is where God comes in. If He has a child in mind for us, we feel that we will know it when we are shown his/her file. Otherwise, maybe we're just here in Ukraine on a mission and not to adopt. We've brought all sorts of toys and candy and gifts for the kids and we will certainly be sure that they will receive these. The only thing we're unsure of is whether or not we are meant to be parents of one or two of these children. That is the $64,000 question, if you will, and that is what we have devoted all of our time and thoughts and prayers to.
If ever we needed prayers during this process so far, tomorrow is it. I may ask for lots more in the future, but as of yet, tomorrow is certainly the biggest day so far. Please pray for clarity for us. We are looking for peace and clarity above all else. We do not want to "guess" as to whether or not we are supposed to go and meet a child. We really want to feel a conviction to do so. So, your prayers are more than appreciated!! Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!
I will let you know how our meeting went as soon as I am able. If we do find a child/ren who we would like to meet, we will most likely be leaving on Thursday night to travel by train to the region where that child/ren is. That is where the true adventure begins!
But first things first. Let's see what tomorrow's meeting holds for us. We are nervous and scared and prepared. We shall see ...
Thanks for the prayers. Please keep 'em coming!!
Much love!
xoxo
Enjoy it now!
As I mentioned on my last post, our travel experience so far has been downright pleasant. We keep reminding ourselves to enjoy it now because if we find a child in a more remote area of Ukraine, all luxuries will be out the window! No one will speak English (although we'll be traveling with an interpretor, thank Heavens!) and there aren't even normal toilets in public facilities - we will be provided with a simple hole in the ground, and may even have to pay for it. So, we are living the high life while we can!
Because of my travel benefits, Blake and I flew to London in first class and were so excited to see one of our very dear friends as our flight attendant! Then I realized that I knew practically the whole crew. Most of them had bid that line because they will be laying over in London for William and Kate's wedding. How fun is that?! It was really a treat to catch up with my f/a buddies who I don't get to see very often! So, Blake and I were wined and dined and then had a nice sleep on our special "turn into a bed" pod seats. Enjoy it now!!
We had no problems with our connection in Heathrow and then had an easy, uneventful flight here to Kiev. We were pleasantly surprised with how easy customs was at the airport. Very small airport, by the way. We didn't have to fill out landing cards, the lines were very manageable, the customs agent didn't ask us any questions and waved us right through, where we exited straight out the door. So easy! Our driver was waiting right there for us with our name sign and escorted us out to his car - a minivan. He drove us to our hotel and even stopped at a bank for us to exchange some cash beforehand. Piece of cake. Enjoy it now!!
We're staying at the Kiev Grand Hyatt because Blake has so many points with Hyatt that we could stay here for free for quite a while if we wanted or needed. Very nice hotel. A little western cocoon where everyone speaks English and they love providing service. We went to work out at their fitness center (which is beautiful, by the way) and had three people coming in and out to be sure that we had everything we needed. They wouldn't even let me wipe down my own machines. Enjoy it now!!
We are going to go to one of the restaurants at the hotel for dinner. We ventured out today and quickly realized that very few people speak English here, even at tourist locations. Our hotel is right by St. Sophia's Cathedral, which is considered a big tourist site here, and the workers did not speak English there. We tried to communicate, but it was clear we were not really welcome as they were certainly not very friendly. We couldn't go into the church because we needed a special ticket for that and the ticket worker would only sell us a ticket to see the grounds. We tried to get the special church ticket to no avail. Not a nice experience. So we walked around a little more and found another, smaller church where we could just go right in; so we lit a few candles and crossed ourselves with holy water. It was a lovely church. We then walked through the neighborhood, which is charming, and walked through a small park right before reaching our hotel again. Enough venturing out for us for today. Tomorrow we will try to hire an English-speaking tour guide to show us the sights!
We're about to leave for dinner but I'll write more before bed. Tomorrow is a very crucial day for us. For now, we'll go and enjoy a lovely dinner here at the top-floor restaurant where they have all our favorite western fare and they speak English and at least appear to like us! Enjoy it now!! For sure, we will enjoy it now!!
xoxo
Because of my travel benefits, Blake and I flew to London in first class and were so excited to see one of our very dear friends as our flight attendant! Then I realized that I knew practically the whole crew. Most of them had bid that line because they will be laying over in London for William and Kate's wedding. How fun is that?! It was really a treat to catch up with my f/a buddies who I don't get to see very often! So, Blake and I were wined and dined and then had a nice sleep on our special "turn into a bed" pod seats. Enjoy it now!!
We had no problems with our connection in Heathrow and then had an easy, uneventful flight here to Kiev. We were pleasantly surprised with how easy customs was at the airport. Very small airport, by the way. We didn't have to fill out landing cards, the lines were very manageable, the customs agent didn't ask us any questions and waved us right through, where we exited straight out the door. So easy! Our driver was waiting right there for us with our name sign and escorted us out to his car - a minivan. He drove us to our hotel and even stopped at a bank for us to exchange some cash beforehand. Piece of cake. Enjoy it now!!
We're staying at the Kiev Grand Hyatt because Blake has so many points with Hyatt that we could stay here for free for quite a while if we wanted or needed. Very nice hotel. A little western cocoon where everyone speaks English and they love providing service. We went to work out at their fitness center (which is beautiful, by the way) and had three people coming in and out to be sure that we had everything we needed. They wouldn't even let me wipe down my own machines. Enjoy it now!!
We are going to go to one of the restaurants at the hotel for dinner. We ventured out today and quickly realized that very few people speak English here, even at tourist locations. Our hotel is right by St. Sophia's Cathedral, which is considered a big tourist site here, and the workers did not speak English there. We tried to communicate, but it was clear we were not really welcome as they were certainly not very friendly. We couldn't go into the church because we needed a special ticket for that and the ticket worker would only sell us a ticket to see the grounds. We tried to get the special church ticket to no avail. Not a nice experience. So we walked around a little more and found another, smaller church where we could just go right in; so we lit a few candles and crossed ourselves with holy water. It was a lovely church. We then walked through the neighborhood, which is charming, and walked through a small park right before reaching our hotel again. Enough venturing out for us for today. Tomorrow we will try to hire an English-speaking tour guide to show us the sights!
We're about to leave for dinner but I'll write more before bed. Tomorrow is a very crucial day for us. For now, we'll go and enjoy a lovely dinner here at the top-floor restaurant where they have all our favorite western fare and they speak English and at least appear to like us! Enjoy it now!! For sure, we will enjoy it now!!
xoxo
We Have Arrived!!
We arrived here in Kiev almost 24 hours ago. I'm sorry it's taken me a little time to post this. I was trying to finish up a post and send it last night but I kept falling asleep over the computer screen, so decided to "save" it (which I actually didn't, I guess!). I can't find it, so I guess I still need to work on this blogging thing!
Boy, did we sleep! I have never slept so late when traveling to Europe, but I suppose we really needed it. It was such an emotional week before leaving, with Kandy in the animal hospital and the rollercoaster of emotions with whether she was going to be okay or not, in addition to both of us needing to complete projects for work (recurrent training for me, several things for Blake), and then just getting ready to be gone for 3-4 weeks with only 10 days notice! Yes, we needed the sleep ... ;)
But, WE ARE HERE!!! I will write more later about what has been a downright pleasant experience so far. We are very aware that we'd better embrace it now as things will be markedly different if we end up going to a more remote area of Ukraine.
I'll be in touch. We're going to walk around the neighborhood for a bit now ...
Sending lots of love!! xoox
Boy, did we sleep! I have never slept so late when traveling to Europe, but I suppose we really needed it. It was such an emotional week before leaving, with Kandy in the animal hospital and the rollercoaster of emotions with whether she was going to be okay or not, in addition to both of us needing to complete projects for work (recurrent training for me, several things for Blake), and then just getting ready to be gone for 3-4 weeks with only 10 days notice! Yes, we needed the sleep ... ;)
But, WE ARE HERE!!! I will write more later about what has been a downright pleasant experience so far. We are very aware that we'd better embrace it now as things will be markedly different if we end up going to a more remote area of Ukraine.
I'll be in touch. We're going to walk around the neighborhood for a bit now ...
Sending lots of love!! xoox
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)