Sunday, Monday, Tuesday (June 13-15)

We walked along the promenade and along the boardwalk on Sunday afternoon but not much was going on. There we quite a few people swimming as it was hot. A couple of trains went through. It is interesting that they have a freight track running to the docks along the boardwalk – imagine that at Virginia beach – a freight train running down the middle of the boardwalk!!! I understand that the track was there long before the tourist buildup but it is interesting.

Nicky told us why there are locks on the railing – when couples are married they engrave a lock and put it there. Interesting because I took a picture in that same gazebo in 2006 and there were no locks. But that does make sense – kinda like the American ball and chain thing!!!!

We headed back to the apartment to cool off and get cleaned up for supper. We decided to go toClub 89 because it is by the sea and we had heard good things about it. We took a cab. There were loads of folks down on the promenade now – about 6:30 PM. They were selling ballons and there were artists and vendors – just like Virginia beach!! The restaurant was crowded but we got a table outside (too hot inside) and we ordered. Cody and I wanted fish but they were out of fish – I understand this is typical. So I had Cody order anything with chicken and he ordered the same for himself. Katia ordered a salad.

We had a good time while we waited for our food. There was sooooo much going on. Most of the couples were all dressed up and there were lots of kids roller blading and riding electric 4 wheelers around.

They brought our food and I don't know exactly what it was but it was extremely delicious!!!! It was like a slice of chicken breast that had egg and some flour and spices and was maybe half

baked and half fried – it was very tender, moist and delicious. We had katushka fri (fried

potatoes) also. Katia loved her salad but when she tried our chicken she wanted some also (probably cause Cody and I were making a lot of food loving noises) so we each shared a piece with her – the portion was fairly large.

After we ate, we went for a walk on the boardwalk. A train went by – (see the pic)!! The little carnival was in full swing in the evening. I got tickets for the kids to ride the bumper cars – they had the bestest time ever!!!. Then we walked along and decided to ride the Ferris Wheel. I was thinking that wasn't such a hot idea when I saw the cars you rode in but it was too late. It is about 80 or 90 feet tall!

On the way back to the apartment, I took a picture of a guy with a lizard – he was showing it to some young ladies who were laughing at him. Then he started yelling at me cause evidently that is how he makes his living – having people pay him to photograph his lizard. It's not the first Ukrainian to not be happy with me!!!

We took a taxi back to the apartment and skyped with Kathie and the boys.

Monday we got up early and headed for breakfast at the hotel. We were taking Katia back to

Huliaipole today and it was already a scorcher!!! Found out the schedule is the same as Saturday – 11 AM Bus to Huliaipole and then a 3:20 PM back to Berdyansk. I bought three tickets and we started our 75 minute wait. Then I got a call from Oles saying that Cody needed to head back to the Orphanage to take a test – so I sent him on his way. I escorted Katia and prayed that God would once again give me traveling mercies.

The whole weekend had been out of my comfort zone but God had been doing a work in all of us!! I was not happy when I found out that Katia was staying with me instead of the Orphanage and then God worked that out by allowing Cody to stay with us. That was a miracle all into itself!! If

Katia hand Cody had stayed at the Orphanage – they really wouldn't have had time to bond and neither would I. As a result, the weekend was perfect – a great experience with lasting memories for all of us. And now, it would be just Katia and I on the trip back.

I was a little nervous again – traveling asnd not speaking the language is daunting but Huliaipole is not a big city!!! Katia and I had plenty of time to communicate and by the time we got to thew orphanage, she was hitting me in the arm just like Cody does. In Huliaipole, the same cab driver was waiting that we used two days before – so it was a no brainer to get him to wait while I walked Katia to the office. When I got back to the bus station I knew I had to wait till 2:30 before I could purchase my ticket. I did ask what time the bus for Bredyansk left and they told me at 3:20 – which is what I expected. I also knew it would be the same bus that brought us up there.

The only down side was – it was hot and it looked like a storm was brewing. It was a deluge before the bus got there and the driver had closed the roof vents – so much for air. By the time I got back to Berdyansk, the sun was shining and I was about to pass out from the heat. Definitely a 2 piva night at the hotel!!!

Oles had driven in early that morning and I gave him my bed and I got up to catch up on paperwork. Since he had his car – it would be an easy trip to Zaporozhya when we go. I went back to the apartment and got my stuff together so I could pack in a moments notice and went to bed. At 7:30 Tuesday, I got that notice we were leaving!!!! Lots of running around to do. Evidently Oles had worked out a deal with the Orphanage Director to get them a copy of the birth certificate after we have it changed. We got on the road to Zap about 1100 and arrived at 1:30.

Got Cody's new birth certificate in about an hour and now we are waiting while Oles sees what we need at the passport office. I hope those prayer's I asked for are working!!!

Well, it seems that Oles may have worked a deal to get the passport very soon!! We ran to a Notary to get copies of the Birth Certificate and to find a place to do passport photos. All that is done and we are back at the passport office - we still haven't had lunch at it is 5 PM but if we can work a deal here – we may be on our way to Kyiv soon!!!

Looks like it will be tomorrow before we blow this town – looking for another Notary and then supper and find a room for the night.