Since we have decided to try to adopt both girls we are going to be in Kiev for another two or three days. I guess we have to have a separate appointment to talk about Sveta, so we have to wait a few days for that appointment. It is crazy, wait another two days for another 5 minute appointment. They will then give us a referral to go and see the girls in the orphanage. We may not be able to see them until the end of the week. Torture I say.
We found out Sveta's 15 year old brother is in another orphanage and that we will have to go visit him. The director told us he does not want to be adopted so we just have to get to know him and have him sign a document that says he is o.k. being separated from his sister. They are in different orphanages and don't really even know each other. If he happens to say no then the adoption of Sveta will be a no go. I was nervous about the idea of two at first but now am really hoping that it goes through.
Our translator here in Kiev told me he was the one who talked to Sveta about being adopted by us. He said she was so happy and ran around the whole orphanage telling all of the kids that her family was coming to get her.
After our appointment I got Jeff to go jogging with me in the park. I am hoping to be able to stay in shape enough to do my triathlon when I get home. I can see it is going to be a challenge.
The people here walk everywhere and the park was full of people and little stands to buy stuff. Jeff is in awe of how the people dress. They are always dressed up and these women walk everywhere in these huge heals. We must fit in o.k., despite our casual dress, because everyone talks to us in Russian then when we don't respond they say oh Americanas. Jeff says he is going to stop people tomorrow and get pictures. That should be entertaining. I'll be sure and post them. I thought the girls had funny hair because they were in the orphanage but not so, a lot of girls here have hair like that.
We had a lot of fun in the grocery store today. We looked at all the boxes and cans and tried to guess what was inside. As part of my goal to take on the cultural I have decided to try as many things as possible. We bought a few interesting things I'll let you know how it goes.
We don't have an appointment until Wednesday so tomorrow will be just another day hanging out in Kiev.
Here are a few pictures of our apartment, Also a picture of our elevator. After one ride in the small elevator Jeff and I decided we would prefer the stairs even though we live on the 5th floor. If that gives you any idea.
You can thank Jeff for all the great photos. Many of you know how much I hate taking pictures. Jeff has gone above and beyond and we even have pictures of the plugs if anyone is interested? LOL! I sure love him!
Thanks for all the comments. I feel so alone here in this foreign world with only one person who understands me. It is the highlight of my day to hear from all of you. You might get bored after 5 weeks of this but I sure appreciate it!
Oh Amy S. I got blisters on my toe and had to use the Dora band aids you gave me. They are the bomb!
Until tomorrow..
Thanks for the update! I think I'd prefer to take the stairs too. If it makes you feel any better, I haven't even gone jogging. I hope I'm ready for the triathlon!! And, thank you Jeff for the pictures. Sure appreciate them.
ReplyDeleteI hope that I am ready for the triathalon too. I hope I watch enough movies/tv/internet to make it. (Hmm- maybe that wasn't the kind of triathalon you were talking about; but at least I feel cool saying that I am getting ready for the triathalon:)
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to read about your adventures, and I would love to see pictures of all the outlets! I am excited for you to see the girls, I hope that things work out with Sveta. How exciting for them. How touching.
Yeah! Another blog to read. Lena is so cute. Why can't I remember her? Please tell me who Sveta is. Did she come over in October?
ReplyDeleteStairs are the way to go!! The smell alone is a good reason but also I've seen several of those elevators get stuck with lots of people in them. :) Did Jeff take pictures of the grocery store? That would be fun to see since he is documenting everything so well. Enjoy the adventure.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving hearing your updates! Is that the clothes washer in the kitchen with the stove? Quite the experience. What a great adventure! I'm so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteHey Amy,
ReplyDeleteJust wondering if you have been doing facebook? We could instant message if we set up a time.
I love Debbie's comment about the clothes washer in the kitchen! I guess it didn't phase me before, because in our first apartment our stove was in the middle of our washer and drier. Kind of made my heart skip a beat when I saw your picture- good times, good times!
Cultural shocks are always fun, ah? If not, tell me. I have been in a few!! But I love how they open your minds and hears to other people and to really know that they are also children of Our Heavenly Father, just like us! We miss you already and can't wait to see you and the girls... You are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove, Vanesa and fam.
Amy - this is Carrie. I had to drop you a line and tell you how much comfort your blog brought to me today. Andreas and I are frantically getting ready to leave in a few weeks. To put it mildly, I am just a little terrified. But when I read your sweet words about being able to tell your daughters that you love the land that they came from, and the people in it, it gave me a whole new outlook. I love my Yuliya so much and want her to know I love everything about her. Therefore, I too am taking the pledge that you made to love the people and the land and will stop thinking about being a spoiled American. I'll remember that I need to love and serve the people around me when I'm in Ukraine so I will have good things to tell her. Thank you@ :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your comments. Thanks Carrie for your encouraging words. You are so sweet.
ReplyDeleteVanessa you make me smile. Thanks for loving me and bringing comfort to my heart with your words.
Lori,
Sveta did come with the program in October. Wendy has a picture on her blog. We don't have one yet. Thanks for saying Hi!
Amy G. and Deb,
Yes the washer is in the kitchen and I'm glad you've experienced it before Amy. The stove between the washer and dryer that is awesome. I am on face book and that would be fun to instant message one of these nights, your afternoon. I'll let you know. How is the room coming?
Dona,
I'll tell Jeff about your experience with the elevators and we will definitely stay away.
Love you all!
Hi Amy!! :-) You're so cute. You sound like you're handling things well. Good job! I'm so glad the band-aids came in handy. I was seriously embarrased to even give those to you.
ReplyDeleteWe dyed Easter eggs with Mary last night and London didn't know you're not supposed to eat the shell. Crunch, crunch. It gives me chills to even think about it. She spit it out but couldn't seem to figure out what the big deal was. She pulled another egg out of the fridge later and was just gonna chow into it, shell and all. Silly kid. She told me and Mary that she wanted to come see you. We'll be so glad when you're all home. Good luck with Sveta's brother. It won't take him long to realize how awesome you and Jeff are. :-)
Love ya!
Hurray! A blog to follow. I'm so excited to see you both tomorrow. I can finally talk in full English sentences!
ReplyDeleteLet me know how the train ride goes. Don't be suprised when you get here. It's a bit trashy!
Love,
Wendy
Amy,
ReplyDeleteThat is funny about London. She is so cute. I miss her tons. Everything you gave me has come in handy so thank you again for being so thoughtful. Thanks for commenting I love to hear from you.