Reflections from Kathie

I can't believe I'm back in Kiev. We left the US 4 weeks ago today. I fly out tomorrow. By myself. Wow. What an adventure!

A recap of the past few days, or maybe more..

It was hard seeing the boys letting the boys back home by themselves, but I see the beauty in being able to have Cody to ourselves for a few days. We just hung out. We walked, tried to talk to one another (using as few words as possible), laughed at Pap and shared a lot of food! We were afraid he was bored a few times and called Oles and had him translate that it was okay if he wanted to return to the orphanage and play with his friends, we wouldn't be upset. Every time he said he did not want to go back to the orphanage but wanted to stay with us. Sometimes it was awkwardly quiet but he seemed content. One day we bought him shoes at the market. I am sure it was the first time anyone had ever bought him anything there. I was sure he would pick out a pair of skateboard looking shoes, like Nicky and Ty's, but he didn't. He had a definite idea in mind and we walked around until we found them. We were happy he had his own ideas and didn't seem to be influenced by those American brothers of his!

We've had a great time getting to know our new (& not so new)English speaking friends, Doug & Suzie, Karen Springs in Kiev. Bill & Oksana, Dima, Frank & Chris, Don, Inna, Sara and Brittany. They are all involved in ministry, some long term and some short term. A definite gift from God for the Schweickert's!! Dave and I were reflecting today about how awesome it has been to have so many wonderful people to connect with here who have geniunely been interested in helping us. A definite blessing from God for the Schweickert's. I can't imagine getting the boys home without Stoddards or Karen setting up our housing at the church in Kiev. Then there was Bill who came to our rescue with the apartment at the center in Berdyansk. Oksana came to our rescue and translated for TV interview when Oles and Elliott were out of town. Inna bought our train tickets when we couldn't and Don got us to Melitolpol after court to catch the overnight train to Kiev. JUST TO NAME A FEW.

Then there was our fearless facilitator Oles. He is the man who can get the job done! We Americans may think we know how to do something and do it better but he understands the culture, system and people. I wouldn't hesitate on recommending him for adoption to anyone who asks. We will miss him terribly. His project manager, Yulia has been very dependable and helpful with the adoption maze while in Kiev.