The Boys Leave

Yesterday (Monday), Elliott, Nicky and Tyler packed and headed off on the bus to Zaporozhya where they caught the overnight train to Kyiv. They fly out of Kyiv on Wednesday morning. Thank God for Doug and Suzie Stoddard. They are really making the trip easy. Doug picked the boys up at the train station at o dark thirty in the morning and will take them to the airport tomorrow.

Here is a picture I've been wanting to post but couldn't find

until recently - our first family

photo:

Kathie and I called Elliott to call us a cab to go to eat last night and had to call him a couple of times to get supper ordered. Now we are realizing how much help he was while he was here. We had him get us a cab home while they were boarding the train. We are going to run up a large phone bill if we don't figure this out in the next day!

Kathie is making plans to for her trip home. We would like to travel up to Kyiv on Friday night but with court in the afternoon, I don't know if we'll make it - I may have to spring for a cab to Mariopal - I will definitely be stressed if we don't!

I am having a coffee american at the sidewalk cafe with the wi-fi. I looks like mud and tastes gritty - but it does have a kick! I normally have decaf so I'm probably in for a quick walk home!

I dropped off another load of laundry - that process is pretty much in auto although I was able to ask for softener this time.

At our favorite restaurant - the bavarian looking one in the park about a block from the hotel - likes to play an american '80s rock and roll radio station. They also have very good Moldovian chardonnay (although it is not chilled).

I am really looking forward to this week with Kathie without the boys (although we will have Cody in the afternoons) to have a little chill time like we did the last time we were here. Cody is a joy to have around - he is low maintenance and appears to be a happy boy. I am also looking forward to my time with him after Kathie leaves - look out Berdyansk - party time!

Holidays in Berdyansk

Today (Sunday 5/30) is our 23rd wedding anniversary!!!

Cody's school had the "Last Bell" ceremony Saturday. Nicky and Tyler spent Friday night there again. We were told that it was at 9 AM, then we got a call at 8:15 and said it starts at 8:30! We were about 15 minutes late but we got there. The Rahn's attended the ceremony last year when they were here. We saw Natasha (The Rahn's new daughter) at the ceremony and talked to her. She and Cody will be in the same grade and school in Williamsburg! It is a small world!

After the ceremony, I gave Nick and Cody some money and they were told to be home by 8 PM. Cody ended up staying with us at the apartment on Saturday night. See them? They are crashed!!! We walked to the grocery to get them breakfast this morning and they ate it all!!

Last Monday was definitely a holiday. I am not sure which one it was though. We thought it was Children's Day but we now know that Children's day is Tuesday, June 1. We know that because we were interviewed by Berdyansk TV yesterday in conjunction with Children's Day. Oles had called and said that the Inspector had called him asking if we would allow an interview for Children's Day. He thought that Elliott could translate for us - they wanted to interview us on Monday with Elliott and Nicky but we told them the boys were headed to Kyiv on Monday. So we rescheduled for Friday afternoon at 2 PM. Elliott just missed the interview - he was on his way back from Militopal and arrived at the apartment as we were headed out. Bill's wife Oksana was kind enough to be our translator. They interviewed us in the park outside the Inspector's office - they only asked each of us three questions - naturally, Kathie got the tough one, "What does Children's Day mean to you? " (Never heard of Children's Day before this!!)

So what holiday was last Monday? I asked Oksana what holiday was last Monday and she said it was Penticost - since it falls on a Sunday they celebrate on Monday.

Also the anxiety is over as of Saturday night - Oles called and said he will pick up the papers in Zap so I am off the hook to go there. We already got the boy's ticket's for the Zap train so now we are trying to change them to the Militopal train (don't have to ride the bus as far). The kids will be leaving Berdyansk at around noon on Monday - they will get to Kyiv on Tuesday morning and our friend Doug Stoddard will meet them there and they will stay with the Stoddard's on Tuesday night. Doug also said he will get them to the airport on Wednesday to catch their flight. This is such a big help!!!

Found out that Kath and I will not be leaving Berdyansk until Saturday because court is in the afternoon and could last as long as two hours - leaving later Friday is out of the question so Kath is now looking for a Monday flight to the states. Kinda keeps you on your toes!!!

Today 4:45 PM Oles called and said he was sending a cab to pick me up and take me to the bus station to send a document to Yulia on the Kyiv bus. The bus leaves at 5 PM! The cab drove 70 down the hill to the bus station and we ran and caught the bus just before they closed the doors. Then Oles called me and said that I had to do the same thing for the 9 PM bus to Odessa!!! Thank God the bus station is just five blocks from the restaurant!!

The Anxiety is Setting In!

Oles left for Odessa on Tuesday so we are on our own! We have gotten laundry dropped off, picked up and I have had to take a taxi to the courthouse to drop off documents. Now Oles needs me to go to Zaporozhya and pick up a document for court. It doesn't have to be done right away so I am going to try to work it in with dropping the boys off to catch the train. I also want to minimize my costs. So.... do I take the bus to Zap or hire a cab? It would have to be a huge cab to take all the luggage...Then when I get to Zap we have to get the boys to the train, I have to get the documents and then find the bus back to Berdyansk. Then I will have to do it all over again after court to take Kathie to Kyiv - only then I will also take the train up and back. I'm up for an adventure but also somewhat perplexed about what to do. I really need your prayers for this adventure!!

Elliott will be a big help on the first trip. The train to Kyiv leaves in the late afternoon or evening so he can ride the cab with me to get the document and get me back on the bus before they head up on the train. I'll have to be focused on what he does so I can guide Kathie up there.

That will happen on Monday so I have three days to plan it. Kathie gonna call some folks in Zap and Kyiv to see what else we can work out.

It is another very nice day in Berdyansk. Some clouds - mostly sunny about 71 degrees - slight breeze, low humidity. I checked the weather and it is supposed to heat up next week to the low 80's. Until now we haven't had to use the air conditioner at the apartment.

We dropped off Steve at the bus station in the early evening yesterday - he was headed to see friends in Militopal. Then I took the boys to eat at the Hotel. Kath was feeling tired - keep her in your prayers as she is wiped out from all the walking and organizing and she might have some little bug also - she was coughing this morning.

We were woke up by loud music blaring from a PA system across the street at the school - it appears that today was graduation. all the girls had on black skirts and whdite bouses and the guys had on black slacks and white shirts. The all had a red banner over their shoulder. the music was blaring for about an hour and there were lats of adults milling about.

I am down on the promenade now and I see there are also lots of girls wearing what looks like maid outfits with a white stockings and a white banner and these guys have on black sport coats and the white banner also - maybe another school???? Lots of folks out also - I wonder if it's another holiday??? I hate it when they have holidays and don't tell me about it - guess I'll have a piva to celbrate whatever it is.....

As I am sitting here observing people I need to vocalize an observation - the man purse. Here in Ukraine, most of the guys have them. These aren't the small backpack like Paul Copeman uses - these are... well... purses! Some look like a camera bag on a long strap but some have a handle and are... well... purses! What do they put in there? Mascara? Lip gloss? Their billfold? Comb? Change purse? Should I get one to fit in? Maybe I'll get Nick one first to try it out. If he doesn't use it, I'll forget it. I asked Oles about them and he said they originated when the iron curtain fell and all the Russian mafia had them - that kinda worries me cause you could only put a small gun in there ( kinda feminine... maybe a 25 caliber)... not like the violin cases of the twenty's in the US - those were real gangster's....

Visiting Relatives

First I would like to thank all of you who are leaving comments, especially Nancy Hathaway - Kherson - got it!! I have been confused over the Huliaipole pronunciation for some time. I thought is was two words until I found it on Google Earth.

We have a relative from the US here with us for a day - Steve Huff - Kathie's cousin. He was in Germany and decided to head on down. He came in on the 3 PM train. This is the guy who did the engraving on the Browning Hi-Power that I inherited from Kathie's dad.

After we visited for several hours we decided to take a cab to the Potato House for supper. We had never been there before but we had been to the pizza parlor next door. We walked into the Potato House and the decor is somewhat puzzling - there are pictures of cowboys and Indians super imposed on urban (New York, I believe) pictures. This is not just framed pictures - It is the wall paper - more like a mural. There is one picture of several Indian chief on motorcycles (Indian motorcycles I presume!!). On the ceiling is a huge photo of skyscrapers oriented like you were looking up through them. Also the waiters and cashiers have a pseudo cowboy hat on and western shirts and jeans. So my curiosity got the best of me and I had Elliott ask what gives. He immediately started to roll over in laughter. The cashier said that the food they serve is Mexican in nature (Buffalo wings?) and that is what they depict - not knowing that Mexicans are not Indians. She said that Ukrainians never ask.

The food and wine was great and inexpensive. I had the Chicken steak (Sliced like a steak and very tender!) - the boys finished off the last of their supply of buffalow wings and they said they were tasty.

Another interesting observation to show you that the Ukrainians are getting more western in their orientation - please see the SUV. This is the premier SUV in Ukraine made by the reliable LADA corporation. High ground clearance so that you can climb out of those potholes without bottoming out!!!

Tuesday, May 25

We are very fortunate to have a washer in our apartment. The first few days we were here, when we had both apartments, we were running them continuously. Since last Friday, the one in our apartmen t won't spin. These are side loading washers that use very little water but they spin the clothes almost dry – a cycle takes about an hour and a half and you still have to hang the clothes up to completely dry but they are easier than using the tub and ringing the clothes out. So the wash has piled up.

Kathie and I loaded it into two backpacks and took it to the laundromat where they do it for you this morning at 8 am. The weather was great – about 70, sunny with a slight breeze so we didn't sweat too much! When we got to the laundry (Gary – same one we used last time – by the hotel) there was a guy there that spoke as much English as I speak Russian!! kathie started by trying to explain that we had used this laundry in 2006 – I was trying to explain two loads all on the same bill. That's Kath – trying to get the relationship down! I just wanted the laundry done. It is supposed to be done tomorrow – we'll see!!! Ten bucks says that the woman that did our laundry in 2006 recognizes Kathie and does it for free!!!

We exchanged some money and got some breakfast food from a street vendor (I wish this would catch on in America – the food is great!!!!)) headed back to the apartment. We are trying to get Elliott packed up – he is headed to Keersan (can't find it on Google Earth so the spelling is questionable!) to visit Mel's House – a christian outreach to orphans that have aged out of the orphanage and then to Mariupol to visit his sister. Elliott is the greatest kid on earth but he isn't real organized!!! He has a heart as big as Texas but he wouldn't pack underwear without us!!!

Oles had us sign some documents to get the court thing going. He is headed out to Odessa after he applies for a court date – we are praying for June 3!! Oles tells us that even if they give us June 3 that that is not a sure bet – the SDA paperwork may take longer – so everyone on their knees now - lift this up – I love Ukraine but want to get Cody and get back!!!

I took the cab with Oles to the court building so I could head to my favorite wi-fi hotspot to blog on the main drag and watch the people go by.

The Weekend -Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Saturday, a day off!!! Kath and I got up around 8 and headed to the big supermarket to have coffee. While there we decided to get some groceries. I'm always kidding Kathie that she can runn into people she knows wherever she goes - so we run into the inspector that handled our last adoption and was the inspector for this one also and we ran into the Orphanage director, Galena Anatoliva!!!

In the afternoon, Bill from the complex here was having a youth gathering and we went to the rec area and played foosball and and ping pong.

About 7 ish we got cleaned up and took the boys to a restaurant in the park by the hotel. It is a bavarian looking place and the food is excellent and they have a good wine selection. This is where we found the moldovian chardonnay the last time we were here. We all ate till we were about to burst and then headed back to the apartment.

Sunday we woke up early because Nick and I were going to get Cody in Huliaipole. We had reserved tickets on Saturday and the bus was leaving at 7:00 AM, the cab would be here at 6:40. The cab driver, Roman, has been very helpful and helped us get to the right window to get the tickets. It took about an hour and a half and I recognized the bus station as the one we stopped at for a break when we came back fro Zaporozhya. We hired a cab to get to the orphanage. It was going to be more expensive than I thought and I thought we were being taken. It should only be 4 miles to the orphanage. I learned quickly that we got off the bus in Polohy instead of Huliaipole. Evidently it is a major stop on between Zaporozhya and Berdyansk, and it is about 12 miles from Huliaipole - so we had to take the cab there and back (since I already contracted the guy!) He stopped at the bus station in Huliaipole to ask directions, so at least I know what the right stop is now!!!!!

We picked up Cody and got back to Polohy, and bought three tickets on the bus to Berdyansk - it was leaving in ten minutes! Guess what - same bus we rode to Polohy on!!! We were back in Berdyansk by noon!

The boys and I went to the hotel for lunch (cause they have an English menu). I was starving, the boys had snacks at Polohy. I had a Caesar Salad (the best ever!!!) and Diruny (potatoe pancake with mushrooms) and a piva! I was stuffed. We called Roman to take us back to the apartment.

The kids are all going to spend the night at the orphanage tonight (even Tyler). Elliott rented some movies. and they are gonna party because tomorrow is a holiday - children's day!!

Oles, Kathie and I went back to the bavarian restaurant in the park for supper - afterwards Oles went for a walk and Kath and I headed back to the apartment alone for the first time in two weeks!!!

Kathie starts writing here....
Monday, May 24

Today is a national holiday in Ukraine, Children's Day. I think it is a great holiday to have, just not on my time! :-) Every holiday keeps us another day further from completing our adoption and coming home with Cody. The next holiday is Monday, June 1st. Not sure what that one is all about yet, but everything official will be closed that day too.

Yesterday, Elliott & I went to church here at the center. The music was awesome and I so wished I understood Russian to appreciate it even more. The church last about 2 to 2 ½ hours so it felt like home! I miss our church but so awesome to know there is brothers and sisters in Christ wherever you go.

Dave & Nicky took Cody to Huliaipole (I'll never be able to spell or say it correctly) on Friday by taxi and had to go get him Sunday by bus. They got off one town to early yesterday and had to find a taxi to go the last 12 miles. Cody was glad to come back. He wasn't very excited about going, as he didn't really know anyone, barely his sister. Of course, he is all about hanging with his new brothers now. I'm wondering if he will really bond with Dave & I because of the boys. Oles encouraged me by saying he would. He said Cody has many boys in his life, what he doesn't have is parents and a family. We will have our moments and it will happen. I liked hearing that.

Yesterday when the boys returned they all wanted to stay all night together in the orphanage...even Ty! I wasn't concerned about E & N but I was Ty. I thought “what if he doesn't like it, what if everyone ignores him, what will he eat, etc...” Dave assured me that it was Ty's idea and it would be an experience for him whether he liked it or not. Nan Nan's get a little overprotective sometimes. Long story short...he had a great time! (however, the only thing he ate was candy because the other food looked to weird!)

Dave & I have been walking about 5 blocks most mornings to get coffee. We found a place where the coffee is tolerable. I doubt if it is decaf but I don't seem to be wired from it. Hopefully, I won't have a terrible headache coming off of it when I return home!

Earlier today be bought fruit at the market. Bananas, strawberries, orange, apples & kiwi. It is 4 p.m. And we have NONE left. Cody himself ate 5 bananas in a row! Fruit is a rare treat in the orphanage.

Elliott is here chillin for the afternoon and has lost his voice. I hope he gets it back soon because he is going to Kherson (3/12 – 4 hr drive)to visit “Joshua's House”. Joshua's house is a home for boys sponsored by Heart for Orphans (www.heartfororphans.com). God is doing an amazing work there and he is anxious to see it! Then he is off to Melitopol for a final visit with his sister, Ruslana before coming back to Berdyansk.

It is a beautiful day out again, so Dave & I are headed out for a stroll before I have to rattle some pots & pans. (notice I'm trying NOT to complain about it!)

Back to Dave composing...

I love to go exploring whenever I'm in a place I'm not familiar with. When we moved into the Baptist mission house in Kyiv, I wasn't happy till I walked around and figured out where it was on the map. I use Google Earth a lot because it is easy to see the landmarks. I also get the spelling of the namer of the towns from Google Earth – they have both the Russian (Cyrillic) and the English form of the name. From the apartment we are in now, I have been north – to the big grocery store, east – to the hotel Berdyansk and downtown, and south to the orphanage.

So this afternoon, while Kathie started supper, I decided to walk west from the apartment. The area we are in has several five story apartment buildings that are very long – maybe a large city block long (150 yards). When I went one block south and then west, there was a park-like place about 5 blocks long (west from the apartment) with a wide paved walkway through it. It is about 200 yards wide and was absolutely filled with people today (cause of the holiday). At the west end there is a small mopen air market but it was closed today. There are a couple of restaurants (bars) that have tables outside at the end of the park – I'm gonna go have a piva there tomorrow!!!

Kathie cooked a fabulous meal while I was gone and all the boys are back from roaming the town so it's time to eat!!!!

More Travelling

Woke up Thursday, May 20, (I'm forgetting what day it is!!) and Kathie and I walked to a shopping center about 4 blocks from the apartment. It seems to be a new place with a large grocery (reminds me of a small version of a WaMart Supercenter cause they have everything in there from drills and grills to books and groceries). They have a coffee kiosk in the center so you can see what's going on. There is an appliance store, a couple of shoe stores and a drug store. There are several empty stores too. The coffee was great! We shopped and took the groceries back and late in the morning, Ty, Kath and I walked to the hotel for lunch.

We walked down those big stairs by the open market and noticed that they had redone them since we were here last. They used to be in horrible shape and now they are rather picturesque! Even have roman columns at the top. The Market has changed also. They have a lot of booths that have like a hurricane shutter over it in the front so it can be locked up rather than just the metal frame for a canvas cover. But the market was closing up by 3 PM when we got there.

Elliott and Nicky had gone to the orphanage to get Cody about 3 PM also. We headed back to the apartment about 4 pm. We then decided to try to meet up with the boys for supper but by the time we worked that out Cody had to be back at the orphanage so Elliott got him something quick to eat. We all went downtown about 9 PM and met Oles and Elliott and Nicky for supper.

The boys had a good time with the camera after we ate and were walking on the promenade. The we went back to the apartment and crashed.

Friday, Oles had to go to Zaporizhzhya to get our separation agreement and I had to take Cody to Huliaipole to spend the weekend with Katia. We were both gonna take the bus, Nick was going with me to translate. We picked up Cody, signed a petition and left about 11 AM. By the time we got to the bus station, the Huliaipole bus was sold out. We could rent bikes (my idea), walk or take a cab – so we opted for the cab. We had a great trip up there and got back around 5PM. Cody wanted Nicky to stay with him but we decided against that at the last minute. Not sure of the politics in that orphanage and the purpose of the trip was for Cody and Katia to spend time together. I have to get him Sunday so pray that I will get the right bus and not end up in Siberia!!!

We went back to the big supermarket to get more groceries – you can spend a fortune there just on cookies and candy!!!! Tomorrow is a day off!!!

Tuesday, May 18th. I have been in Ukraine for 9 days and this is my first time posting to the blog. Dave & I are sitting outside the Notaries office while Oles is taking care of business. I'm a little foggy so bear with me...
This trip is certainly different than our first trip. Let me say that I was somewhat aware that there are ALWAYS issues that arise when traveling to Ukraine to adopt. I was prepared (somewhat) for that but traveling & maintaining a group of 5, plus Cody, Oles and now Ruslana & Deeana (Elliott's sister & her daughter)is definitely a challenge! Last trip there was some down time but I haven't found it yet!

I actually haven't read what Dave has posted yet (too busy)but I hear you all have been well informed on our itinerary, food and his piva and wi-fi finds! I will just tell you some interesting observations and some heart stuff and details about the boys reactions and happenings.

Cody Aleksander (still trying to get use to his name)is dreamy. Yes, we changed his name (he wanted an American name) and it had to be done in Kiev before traveling to Berdyansk. This was so I could sign off on Dave bringing him home without me. We are traveling back a few weeks before him so the boys can get back in school. Seeing him for the first time in 3 ½ years was sureal. All these thoughts swimming through my head, remembering all the prayers for him over the past 3 years, wondering what he is thinking, feeling, what is he going to be like. He walked through the door and my heart leaped and melted at the same time. He was totally overwhelmed, nervous and excited and could barely speak. His bottom lip was quivering but his eyes were glistening! Cody is REALLY tiny for his age. He is 15 ½ but looks 12. He has GREAT hair...sandy blonde, nice texture and a nice wave. Plush eyelashes just like his sister, Tobi and his eyes are a beautiful green in color. His cheeks flush easily and has a smile that lights up a room. Yep, he's pretty much perfect!

I'm back...it's now Thursday, May 20th. Had to stop a few days ago because we were on the move to Zaporizhzha and then Dave & Oles stayed in Zap and sent me home in a taxi by myself.

I'm going to try to stay away from all the details of itinerary and food (however crazy & good) and get to the emotional/relationship stuff. As I write this I am sighing. Too much to tell without enough time. Three boys from Ukraine. Three boys with a past. Three boys who have left/leaving family behind.

Elliott bears the burden of a sister who is just surviving (his words) as a single Mother who because of her heritage (gypsy)most Ukranians choose to ignore. His emotions are high because of the plight of his family & friends. He is spread thin between his sister, his homework, his friends, his new brother and doing ministry. I think he will collapse when he gets back to the US!

On Monday Nicky 30-year-old half brother shows up that he forgot he had, AND Wednesday his biological Mother shows up with tons of drama and tears. (LONG STORY) Nicky showed her affection because she extremely emotional. He said he felt sorry for her but felt no love, that it was like hugging a stranger. Nicky told us that when you hug your Mom you are suppose to feel comfort, but he felt no comfort like he does with me. He said that I am his real Mom. Not sure he has really processed it all. I know I haven't.

Then there is Cody. It took 5 hours for his sister to sign the document allowing for him to be adopted without her. He was so relieved when it was over, we all were! She even came out smiling, which was truly a miracle and an answer to many prayers! Cody has only seen her once since she moved to another orphanage 8 years ago. My heart went out to her, she is afraid we will disappear with him and she will never see or hear from him again. We tried to console her, explaining that we have kept in contact with Elliott and Nicky's sisters. Some of you have ask why we are separating them. He has a strong desire to be adopted. I have carried a burden for him over 3 years. We were not approved by our homestudy to adopt more than one child, a boy. There will be two boys to a room. As much as I would like to see her get adopted, it just won't work for our family. He doesn't really have a relationship as brother/sister as we who have grown up with siblings have. He went to the orphanage at age 5 and she was at the same orphanage for two years. Children in the orphanage are separated by their sex and their age. They lived under the same roof at the orphanage for two years but not as a family. We will pray for Katya and do the best we can to keep the two in communication with each other. We have agreed to take Cody back to her orphanage for this weekend. Dave will take a bus (two hours)& drop him off tomorrow and come back. Sunday he will go get him. She has ask for two weekends before he leaves. It is inconvenient, but necessary.

Tyler is a joy to have here. He has been a real trooper. He is enjoying the different culture & food and making lots of observations. He said Berdyansk was much different than he thought. He is anxious to be able to talk to Cody, as are we! He told me today he was ready to hear some English and when he gets home he was going to pay attention to conversations that even other people were having (like at a restaurant). His new favorite thing is hot tea (black). He wants it 3-4 times a day, but I am holding him down to two! Tyler & Nicky watch an episode of McGyver at night before bed and love it! They are so funny!

So much more to tell. Maybe another day. Time to gather the troop and go eat! Feeding this family is a daily issue! I know, I know what you are thinking...GET USED TO IT!! :-)

Separation Agreement

The rest of Sunday and Monday were a blur. Sunday was rainy and we mostly stayed in the apartment. We ate at the Hotel Berdyansk which took forever (remember that Gary and Bev?) so we were late getting Cody back to the orphanage. I stayed at the hotel to meet Dima because we forgot our electrical adapters at the apartment. Dima gave me a ride back to the new place.

Monday we got up bright and early and went to the orphanage to get Cody. We have to go to Huliaipole (about 2 and a half hour drive) to get Cody's sister (Katia) to sign a separation agreement. First we had to go to the admin office and get some papers prepared and then take them to the courthouse so we didn't get on the road until about 12:30. Then we drove on some of the worst roads (it seams) in Ukraine. When we got to Huliaipole (Goo-Ley Pool-ley; sounds like the song Wooley Bulley with a Russian accent) we had trouble finding the orphanage – we had to ask directions about 10 times. It is outside the other side of the city in the country. It is a nice setting but very old buildings from the outside. The inside was very very nice – almost looked new. This orphanage is for kids that have mental issues. Most of them appeared to be “normal” to me.

We discovered that Katia was in town on a field trip. After about 45 minutes, the director sent a group by taxi to get her. The director gave us a tour of the facilities and showed us the work they had done. They are not allowed to use child labor to fix stuff up so the director got around this by using it as a training program for the kids. They would teach them how to tile and then have them tile the bathrooms as training. They did an awesome job.

The next two hours were the roughest we have had to endure so far. Katia showed up and hugged Cody and Kathie and I and we had a tearful trip to the director's office Then the talking started. Kathie and I were clueless (found out later I was clueless – Kathie was tracking pretty good). Oles and the director talked a lot – Cody spoke very little. As the discussion heated up, after an hour, Kathie got upset and walked out and I followed. I asked her what the problem was and she told me what was going on. Katia was going back and forth. She wanted to be adopted also. They explained to her that we could not take her because we were only approved for Cody. Our house cannot accommodate a girl – no separate bedroom. So we were stuck. Cody alone or no adoption!

Cody and his sister were placed in the orphanage in Berdyansk in 2000 and she was transferred to Huliaipole in 2002. Since then they had seen each other once. I can understand that she was concerned about never seeing or hearing from her brother again. She finally relented and signed the papers. We agreed to get them together twice before we leave Ukraine and promised to keep in touch after we get to the USA. We explained that both Elliott and Nicky have sisters (although older) and we had kept in touch with them.

About 7 PM we headed back to Berdyansk. Elliott's sister and her daughter were supposed to arrive in Berdyansk and we wanted to meet her. We got to the compound at 10:00 and every one was still up. We met Ruslana and Deeanna – Deeanna is the cutest little 4 year old I have ever seen!! She looks amazingly similar to Lilly Ponder, whose family donated a suitcase full of clothes for Deeanna. We showed Deeanna Lilly's picture. Deeanna then proceeded to model all the clothes and stuffed animals!

Elliott's sister is absolutely beautiful. She is tiny, tiny (like Elliott) and is just a doll. They both will be staying with us for a few days.

Tuesday we had to go to Zaporizhzhya to get the separation agreement approved. We spent the morning getting paperwork done in Berdyansk and headed out about 11 AM. We got to Zap about 1 PM. We found the office eventually and found that we have to attend a committee meeting on Wednesday at 4 PM where our case will be discussed. We just got our case registered before they closed. Oles said that at least one of us (Kath or I ) need to attend. So we went to lunch. As we ate, Oles and I decided to spend the night in Zap and send Kathie back to the kids in Berdyansk. Kath and I argued about who had to go back to the kids and I won because Oles and I could share a room!!!

We found a decent hotel about two miles down the main drag from the Intourist. The rooms were nice, breakfast was included and they had Wi-Fi (1 MB download for 12 rph). We went past the Coffee Life (Coffee as Lifestyle) made famous by Kim and Kevin McCormack. Unfortunately it was too far a walk for me to get there the next morning.

Wednesday I woke up and went for breakfast – It was two crepes filled with shredded chicken with melted butter and bread and cheese – was very tasty. I had an American coffee which was actually a double cappuccino - I normally have decaf – so about 10 minutes later I was bouncing off the walls.

I walked around a bit and then Oles and I went to lunch. We ate at a nice cafe with huge roman pillars that was outside just off the main drag across from a large park. The food was great – small portions though – must have been gourmet food! Then we took a cab to the committee meeting. We were last on the docket and were called in at about ten after four PM. They asked who I was and what did I want. They seemed to approve the request right off the bat, which was a miracle according to Oles, but then they started to discuss it. We were told to leave and then called back in twice and you could hear them arguing loudly (but that is the Ukrainian culture). They finally approved and said we could pick up the decree on Friday.

By now it was storming fiercely outside. I thought we were gonna spend another night and wait on the decree but the next thing I know we are at the bus station and on the bus to Berdyansk. The bus is about a 21 passenger bus and seemed to hold up well on the rough roads but I could not blog on it as my fingers would always hit the wrong keys so I just tried to enjoy the scenery. We got back about 8 PM and I was very happy to see Kath and the kids.

Found out that Nicky's brother found the apartment and brought his mother there. I'll let Kathie blog about that.

First Weekend in Berdyansk

We called around about getting another apartment and finally talked to Bill at the church that the Rhan's referred us to. We made arrangements to go there at 9PM after we ate and took Cody back to the orphanage. Bill was so nice – he offered to come get us in a van and drop Cody off! What a nice guy – extremely personable – from Montana.

Originally we were to have Cody back at the orphanage at 7 pm and there wasn't enough time so Elliott offered to call Galena and ask to keep him till 9 and she said OK. Oles said that Galena had offered to let us keep him overnight originally but we really don't have the space here.

We went to the apartment – it was fabulous – large rooms but only one bedroom and a living room. It has a storage room with a desk in it so we are going to get some foam mattresses for Oles and Elliott to use there. Also there is a second apartment that has an attached door that is available through Wednesday, so we are taking that. We will move after service tomorrow. Gonna get two cabs and pack up.

Kath and I got up by 8 and they boys slept in (naturally). We walked up to find a coffee house and couldn't find one. We ended up at the bar I was at yesterday afternoon with the free Wi-Fi. I got a cappuccino cause I could point to it and Kath just drank her bottle of water. We blogged and updated my Quicken accounts and then we went looking for brunch to take bake to the kids. We got the same potato filled pastries that we got yesterday and then went to a bakery. We got a couple of bear claws and other jelly filled thingies and headed back.

At 12:30 we ordered three cabs and started the move. By 1:30 we were all moved in and started laundry. This really feels like home!!! Security is great - it is in a compound and has locks on the entry door and the door to the appartment. We are now trying to figure out what to do for lunch/dinner.

We had Nick get Cody at the orphanage and he is with us now.

The lost post from Thursday

Karen Spring from CBN told us that there was a great restaurant not too far from our room. So we showered and all of us except Elliott headed out. Elliott was with his friend (Maxim) from the orphanage that is going to college in Kyiv now. We walked to where we thought the restaurant was and Kath changed from her sneakers into dress shoes. We walked up to the door and realized it was an Irish place not the Italian one we were looking for. So we headed up the street and called Karen and realized we were about 3 blocks from it so we headed in that direction. The name of the place is Olivia's and it is in a green building on the main drag.

We still couldn't find it!! and now it started to rain a little. We wanted Nick to ask where it was but he would have nothing to do with it (embarrassed that he might not remember his Russian). So Kathie askee – just went up and asked – the lady understood a little english but could speak any so she responded in Russian and Nick listened but didn't speak (wish he did that more!!!) We took off and headed in that direction – still raining. After four more blocks it quit raining but we still hadn't found Olivia's.

We called Karen again and discovered we were a block away – headed a little further and there it was. We walked in and there was no room – It would be about 20 minutes. We walked to a coffe shop about a half block down and dried out.

After 20 minutes we headed to the restaurant and they had our table ready – we ordered and Karen arrived. The food was excellent and we had a great time with Karen. After dinner we went across the street to a desert shop and further stuffed ourselves with cheesecake and eclairs. We finally decided it was time to head back and Kath changed into her sneakers – I knew I was in for a foot rub when we got to the room.

On Thursday, we woke up and got the kids up at 8 to go to the embassy to fill out the paperwork needed for Kathie to sign so she can leave after court. We headed on the Metro, the Blue Line, to the intersection with the Green Line. We got off and headed three stops up the green line. Miraculously, we got off at the right place and walked about ¾ mile and there it was. We were in and out in 30 minutes! We headed back to the Metro and headed back to the Blue line intersection. The idea was to head 3 stops further south to CBN. Wellllll, guess what? We were back at the room!!! So Elliott and Nick decided to take a cab and Kathie and I decided to stay and eat with Oles who arrived while we were gone.

Oles was our Facilitator when we got Elliott and Nicky and we wanted him again this time. So we ate and talked while we were waiting to go to the SDA and get our referral at 4 PM. I took Ty to lunch about 2 PM and then we took a cab to the SDA. Traffic was heavy and we were late!! No problem – they we backed up so we waited outside for about 30 minutes.

We met Lynn Locher who just adopted two adorable girls. David and Amanda, the couple from Texas that we me yesterday was also there. We enjoyed talking to them all! Then we were wisked in and given our papers. Lynn and the girls were going to go with us to supper.

So we started walking thinking Oles was gonna get us a cab – after a mile I figured Oles gave up and we walked to three or four miles to the room – Kath had her dressy shoes on and I knew I would be rubbing those feet again real soon!! We went to the UNO Pizza place again and ate and called two cabs to get us to the train. Oles also got word that we had an appointment with the Inspector (social worker) to go to the orphanage tomorrow morning!!!

We got to the train and we were able to get one compartmenonly one nightt and two additional tickets but were sharing that compartment with other folks – Oles and Elliott offered to take those seats as they speak the language. The train is old – It is air conditioned and the piva is warm – but it is only one night.

Well, it was kinda air conditioned. The halls had ventilation – the compartments didn't and they got stuffy. We played cards and read and then it was lights out. I woke up at 4 to use the john and it was locked – I assumed someone was in there. After about 45 minutes I went to the next car. I found out later that they lock the johns at night – evidently Ukrainians don't have a tiny bladder like me!!!!

A lady in Elliott's compartment snored all night and he came in our compartment at 5. I switched with him so he could sleep – I was reading. We pulled into Zaporizhzha at 6:30 and caught a cab van to take us to Berdyansk

In Berdyansk

We arrived yesterday. I am missing the last post from Kyiv - can't figure out how to copy and past into blogger with this computer. So I'll post it later.

It seems like we have been here a week! We wnt to a lot of diffeent places yesterday. We started by taking two cabs to some administrative office after we dumped our bags at our new apartment - more on the apartment later! The boys took off toward the hotel and we went to the court building to meet with the inspector. We got in after a short wait and the two ladies were the same ones we had last time. They agreed to go to the orphanage with us in about an hour. So we took off by the hotel to get some food! We bought these pastry sandwiches - Kath got one with potatoes corn and peas and I got one with meat - not sure what kind but there weren't any dogs around (sorry shak)! The boys showed up and we wen't and got two taxis. We all went to the orphanage - Inspectors and all.

As soon as we arrived, it went nuts! Everyone noticed Elliott and Nicky and started yelling and talking. It was old home week. Galea Anitoliva ( the director) was in tears! It took a godd half hour or more to get the show on the road and meet Sasha. We finally got the business done. The inspectors would not sign off immediately but said we could pick up the paper on Monday. I thing they were unhappy that they weren't the main show! Galena said that we could pick up Sasha both Saturday and Sunday.

Oles, Kathie and I went to a Notary to get some petitions done. I fell asleed in the waiting room and Kath kept waking me up cause I was snoring rather loudly. Then we went to the hotel to get some supper - I was famished. Then back to the orphanage to watch Elliott play soccer.

About 7 PM we walked back to the appartment - Tyler, Nicky, Kathie and I. We took the same path back that we did when we were here the last time - about a mile or so. I took a shower and fell asleep.

The apartment! What can I say? It is very old. The front door is at the back and it is an 8 plex. We are on the second floor in the front and have three rooms, a kitchen and bath. The size is nice - the beds are not comfortable - but if you are tired enough - you can sleep! As you enter from the back you can smell sewage - evidently a pipe is brken in the crawl space - you have to hold your breath. Also as you walk around the side - there are openings to the crawl space and they stink also. The price is good and it is withing walking distance to the orphanage which is important to Kathie and I. We are looking at other places but we are not sure we are going to move. We might be able to get wireless at another apartment but I found this place I am at now thet is on the main shopping street and has free internet and cheap piva. I'll have to consider that!!! A post of this size is a two piva deal!!!

We picked up Cody this morning - we were supposed to be there at 9 but we got up at 8 and it took us till 9:15 to walk there. It is an absolutely beautiful day out - about 73 sunny and a breeze. We went to Galena's office and asked for Cody. She got him and had him fill out a petition we all had to sign saying he would be back by 7 PM. We walked back to the apartment - got Ty and Nick and headed out for lunch. Between Nick and Cody we had no trouble ordering from Russian Menu.

We walked up to the Azov Sea - Some folks were swimming. Ty took off his shoes and waded - he said it wasn't too bad. Afterward, the boys went off one way and Kath and I went to shop for a camera - I left the last one in a cab in Kyiv on the way to the SDA. Then I walked Kath back to the apartment for a nap - I went to look for Wi-Fi and I found it!!!

We Got our referral

Kathie and I woke up and went to a place called the coffee house that was three blocks from our room. There are several coffee places that show a cup of coffee and then some have an english sign that says “Double Coffee” and some say “Coffee House” in Russian. I thought they were all the same until Yulia explained it to me. The all have free wi-fi. So I got the apple cinnamon pancakes again and Kathie got a pastry. We both got a latte and then skyped with Tobi and Tommy – the only people up at 1:00 AM Eastern time!

We then went back to the room and showered and got ready for our meeting at noon with the SDA. The cab arrived at 11:20 and we were told we could walk – so I wasn't worried about getting there on time. The traffic was horrible!! By 11:45 I was worried!! We got there at 11:55 only to find out they were have a retirement party for one of the ladies and we were told to stand by. We talked to a couple from Texas that are adopting a brother and sister from south eastern Ukraine – close to the Russian border. They had already adopted one boy from Latvia last year – that took three trips – one for a court proceeding that took 35 minutes!

At about 12:15 we (both groups) were told to hurry in. The lady told us his stats – birthday, entered the orphanage, etc. He has been in the orphanage for ten years. Then she told us that we were approved and could pick up our referral at 4 PM tomorrow!!! We left the office and made plans to get tickets on the 7 PM train to Berdyansk Thursday. We will get up and tour CBN in Kyiv in the morning. Yulia will make our reservations.

We had the cab take us back to the Baptist Missions Home and got the boys up, changed our clothes and at at the kitchen here. We had vegetable soup bread and spaghetti and sauce with kielbasa – both were great. Then we all went out exploring so I could figure out where we were on the map. We walked about 10 blocks from here to find out were pretty close to where we were before – just down closed to the river. This is the older part of Kyiv and is really nice – they are tearing the old buidings down and putting up new ones. We found a Metro station close by so we won't have to use cabs anymore except to get to the train. We got the boys some sodas and some candy at one of the kiosks. We also decided where we were gonna eat tonight – an Italian place with another place to get desert across the street. Both are close to the Chernobyl museum (hope they don't have any radioactive exhibits!).

Tyler and Nick went back to the room and Kath and I stopped to get a beer (well, I got a beer and Kath got a Bitter Lemon, Ty's new favorite soda!) at a market that had a couple of tables out front in the shade. We sat there and watched the folks walk by – definitely not in Kansas anymore.

Third Day

We got up to a cloudy day – kinda raining in spurts – mainly just misting. Kathie, Elliott and I walked up to the restaurant with the wireless for breakfast but it was not open so we walked another two blocks to a coffee shop that had wireless and ...cinnamon apple pancakes!! Coffee, a latte, pancakes and a pastry cost 87 rph ( 11.04 US)! And free wi-fi!

Then walked back to the apartment to wake up Ty and Nick cause we are moving to the Baptist Dormitory. The kids and Oles will share a large bunk room and Kathie and I have a smaller room with a private bath like what we had at the hotel Berdyansk the last time we were here. It is in a older section of Kyiv down by the river.

After moving in, Kath took a nap and the boys and I sent to look for a restaurant. We settled on an UNO Pizzaria (Not like the UNO's in Williamsburg!!!) We got a pizza and two orders of Sushi. I ordered a piva and the waitress wanted to know if that would be for four. Evidently they don't care if a 13 year old drinks a beer with his lunch! I told Nicky and Tyler, "No way, Jose."

We went to a basketball game after that while a friend of Elliott's was playing and then we went to Doug and Suzie Stoddard's for supper!! Great food and lotsa catching up to do with them. We haven't seen them in a long time.

Tomorrow - we go to our SDA appointment at noon - Please pray for us!!!!!

Second Day in Ukraine

We slept very well last night! The boys didn't stir till noon. Kath and I went for a walk and bought some cherry bear claws, a jug of water and some piva for me! Not too many folks out as it was a holiday here - the day after Victory day! We carried it all back to the apartment.

The bear claws were still warm and very good!!! The boys got up around noon and we all went up the street to get lunch around 1 PM. The restaurant had free wi-fi and we sent Elliott's homework and checked email. The food was great but a little pricey - about $50 for five of us but well worth the price. Nick and Ty left to go back to the apartment on their own so they could go skateboarding. Elliott, Kathie and I all waited and left about a half hour later.

We have tickets to the Passion: Kyiv, Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman concert tonight at 6PM so I went down to the metro to check out where we had to go and to get some headphones for my mp3 player. Could not figure out if it was one stop or 3. It appears there is a transfer involved - Elliott will have to read the signs - Don't know why they dont have signs indicating the color - all the subways are color coded - we need to go to the intersection of the Blue and Green line - the Palates Sportu (Sports Complex).

Well it was one stop and then you walk over to the Green line section and come up and there we were - a few minutes late but we weren't lost!! We walked in and we were right by the stag. What an awesome concert!!!!

Afterward we took the subway back to Victory square and went to the McDonald's to get something to eat - they closed as we walked up the steps. So we went down in the Metro and there was a McDonalds at the food court - so we were able to get something there. Then we went back to the apartment and the kids watched some 24 episodes and Kath and I went to bed.

Arrived in Ukraine

Well, we made it to Kiev!!!! What a journey! We flew out of Richmond on time but what a ride. It was a roller coaster getting up to altitude because of the winds and it was a rough ride all the way. Nobody got sick but we were mighty green!!.

The flight to Kiev started out promising - the departure moved from 4:20 when we arrived at JFK to 4:15 as we started to board. The plane wasn't full so Kathie commandeered another row of middle seats so we could lay out a little. Hen we got the bad news – the volcanic ash was requiring Delta to refile another fight plan south to miss the cloud – down to North Africa and then up over Spain. That took two hours – when we pushed out we were 21st in line to take off on the one runway they could use also due to high winds. So we were delayed getting off the ground for three and a half hours and then the flight time was ten and a half hours versus nine and a half cause of the detour – we got in at 1 PM instead of 9:10 AM.

All of our luggage got there with us and we breezed thru customs. Yulia met us with a nice Mercedes Van – leather seats and plenty of room for the luggage and the crew. We first went to a phone store to get a battery and some minutes but were disappointed to find out that we had no money to pay with (didn't do the exchange thing yet). So we had Yulia drop us at the apartment.

We get there and the elevator isn't working and the apartment is on the fourth floor – so we all trudge on up there to find out we are at the wrong building!!! So we trudge down again and walk another half block to the right building. The elevator works here but it won't go to the fourth floor. Nicky and I took it to the third and walked up- the smart ones went to the fifth and walked down.

It is Victory Day in Kiev and the roads are blocked off – Victory Square is a half block from the apartment so we head on down to the square to find a money exchange and a phone store. We found both and then went to Micky D's for lunch (Kathie's favorite especially on mother's day!!! - She got a Sunday cause it was!!!) It was just gorgeous outside! 75 degrees – no humidity.

We are sitting outside on the balcony watching the detoured traffic pass by – the kids have gone to find a market to buy some snacks – I had gotten water and piva (Russian for brewsky!) earlier. The balcony is about 3 feet wide with a wrought iron railing that you don't want to rely on and there is linoleum on the concrete floor. We brought the kitchen chairs out to sit on and I'm polishing off the piva. The street is narrow and the fact that a black Mercedes is not quite all the way on the sidewalk means that only one lane of traffic can get through. The cars are honking for the right of way and some are very animated. Also you can see all the other balcony's – kinda like that Jimmie Stewart move – A Room With A View.

Got the Phone all set up and found that the number was different than what was on the back of the phone. The correct number is: 80684003720.