Friday March 2

Today we rested all morning and early afternoon in an effort to feel better, was at least partially successful. It may be that travelling 3 times is more draining than we realized or appreciated. Anyway, we were contacted by our Nashville friend Heather (hhinukraine.wordpress.com) about meeting for dinner. She knows we have American stomachs and appetites that haven't been indulged much this trip. So our task was simple. We needed to walk about one half mile to the Demivska metro station. From there, we take the train up one station to Lubidska station to get to the Ocean Plaza mall. Simple, right? Well, we managed. It may have been Angela's first time in such a busy place alone with us. As soon as she saw Heather, we became old news! She wanted to hold her hand and walk with her all night! We didn't mind this a bit, because we understand that Angela still probably has more trust for Heather and Lesya (our host in Kiev) than us for at least two reasons. First, they can speak her language. Second, she has known them for 5 years, and for 5 years they have developed her trust. These children have so few people in the world they can rely upon, and Angela is about to say goodbye to to of them. Trust is hardly won, especially after it has been repeatedly destroyed. It was beautiful to see them interact, and also gave Julie and I a little break.

As I said, we went to a large, suburban mall for the evening to eat. I can happily report that I had a steak and french fries and it was delicious. Lesya joined us later in the evening. A good night of fellowship all around.

Angela and Heather

After dinner

After dinner we walked around the mall for a while. It was a very upscale place, so much so that they had a mini aquarium! I hope my oldest son is following this because, we saw, in person, a shark! A nurse shark swimming in a tank, to be specific.

For R, my oldest boy and a shark lover.

Near the exit, Angela wanted us to all pose for a picture in front of a fountain. Most importantly, she wanted to take it. So, here it is.

Everyone but Angela. 

At the end of the evening, we all returned to Lesya's place and watched videos, looked at pictures, and heard stories of previous orphan camps and orphans the girls know. The enormity of this whole situation, being 6,000 miles from home, in a country on the brink of war, filled with hurting children, and about to become the father of one! We have for so long prayed for and anticipated this event and the Lord has accomplished it so perfectly! I found myself praying that we would be worthy of this rich reward. We will rely upon Him alone to continue to go before us.


Michael and Julie

Better late than never

Hello!
Sorry again for not posting more frequently. Julie and I have been down with nasty head colds while here and have been quite exhausted. Ukraine has been in the news quite a it lately. Let me assure you that we are and have been safe, as Kiev is several hundred miles from the Crimean peninsula. We are scheduled to leave tomorrow morning as planned. I encourage you to follow bbc.com for the up to date coverage of the goings on here.

That said, let me try to get you up to speed.

Thursday March 1

Today we hadtwo major appointments. First, we visited the Medical Center in Kiev for Angela's medical appointment. While there a doctor examined her medical records, reviewed her recent X rays, and a physical examination. Everything seemed well, although Angela is always uneasy in these situations. She gets particularly nervous when I leave the room. Afterward, we went to the American embassy to begin processing her exit paperwork. The matter was a pleasure, and we think her passport may be here Friday, which means we could leave Tuesdayas opposed to Wednesday. We will have one more appointment at the embassy, most likely Monday, where we should beable to pick up her visa to travel to the US.

We were done by around noon, and decided to do our soiveneir shopping for friends and family at the Slaba Market.  In the US we would call it a flea market; its popular with western tourists and the vendors all speak English. We got some great stuff and were able to negotiate on price. While there, we got some new pictures in front of sd. Andrews church, which we also visited on our first trip.

St Andrews

We then went to an excellent Chinese restaurant for lunch. We've gotten accustomed to large quantities for low prices, and this place was no different. Angela ate a large helping of salad, rice, and chicken. 

Not one of my better pictures, but of course Angela is cute.

In the afternoon, Julie and I started to feel a bit I'll so we laid pretty low the rest of the day. There was however a skinny balloon fight. 

These were a great investment. 

I took a couple of shots in the evening of the view from our place to share with you as well:

Part of Kiev skyline

Looking down from our street. This fairly standard.

In closing, I can say we are doing well as a family and enjoying being reunited with Angela. We are gaining a better understanding of what our family dynamic will be like when we get home. Angela has been talking constantly about seeing the kids again. We miss them so much as well, along with the rest of our family. God bless you all and we will see you soon.

Michael and Julie