Smooth Sailing

Good evening all,

We had another pretty easy day here. This morning we had our appointment with the SDA, which is basically the equivalent of our Department of Children's Services. Our facilitator met us in front of our apartment at 8:40 and led us on a 15 minute walk to the location. It was a cold, brisk morning, and fortunately I dressed a little bit more appropriately (3 to 4 layers, gloves, wool hat). We took a few pictures of the route along the way. 

This is the sign on the front of our apartment. We took it so we could remember our location, as the buildings and streets in this part of the city look very similar. If you can't read Ukrainian, it says " The Wall Family is staying here, cash donations accepted." Obviously, the people here can't read...

Looking northeast along Strelyetskaya Street from our apartment entrance. Ukrainian roads are narrow, and if people were to park on the street, would be only one lane wide. So they just park on the sidewalk. Problem solved. 

One of the interesting things we passed on the way was the Golden Gate, which was built in the 11th century, supposedly by a fellow named Yaroslav the Wise. A portion of the original structure remains, and we'll try to take some pictures tomorrow. The SDA office is located at the top of a bluff right next to St. Andrews Church, which was built in the late 1700's but destroyed by bombing during the Second World War. The bluff overlooks the Dnieper River. 

St. Andrews church from the side entrance to the SDA.

Our meeting was quick and simple. We were required to show our passports and sign a book, and then our facilitator translated the contents of A's personal file including family and medical history. There were no real revelations - things were close to what we presumed about her past. We were done in less than 20 minutes, another hassle-free step completed with ease. We have to return to the SDA tomorrow between 4 and 5pm in order to pick up our official letter to visit A's region. 

After we got back, we had nothing to do the rest of the day, which allowed us to catch up on some much needed sleep. This evening, we were lucky to be joined by our friends Heather (from Nashville) and Lesya (from Kiev) for dinner. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with them, and they each know A from previous Radooga (an organization which ministers to orphans in Ukraine) summer camps. We learned more about life in Ukraine and heard more stories about orphans in Ukraine. We found ourselves a bit overwhelmed at the way our lives have changed as a result of this journey, the new friends we've met, places we've been, and things we are now a part of that we couldn't have guessed at a year ago. We feel so truly blessed to be here. 

We will have more free time tomorrow, during which I think we will venture out to see more of the city and do some gift shopping for the other kids in A's groupa (kind of like roommates) at the orphanage. Our friends in region informed us that A was smiling and happy today and knows that she will see us on Wednesday. Of course, we can't wait. We will be leaving at 3am Wednesday morning to go see her. 

Thank you all for your continued prayers. To Ryan, Hannah, and Jack: Banana Peel and Captain Mommyface love you. 

We will update you all tomorrow. 

Michael and Julie