Day 3 in Donetsk

My day started off with a text message from the two oldest children saying good morning! They had their dance recital today and it was an absolute joy to watch these children dance and sing. Yesterday they went to the hospital for their exam, today we were able to get the petition notarized but still waiting for the social worker before we can send the paperwork to kiev. I'm hoping by mon that ill know my court date. Did I share that I was on the local Russian news tonight? Yep! LOL. The tv station came to tape their performance and were interviewing Isaak when he immediately hollered 'Momma' into the audience. I joined him on the set while every 3rd word was either america or momma! :)
Ill keep u posted!
Happy trails
Melinda

visiting the children

Hello everyone! I want to thank all of you who are calling and emailing as it is wonderful hearing from home! The children had to go for their physical at the hospital so I am waiting for them at the orphanage. They made me promise to wait here for them! :). Dima is the little translator as his english is very good. They were beaming when I got here but Dima and Vica had already borrowed a cell phone from a friend to call me to say 'good morning Momma' full of happiness and giggles as they spoke! Lol. It is a gorgeous day here. My brother stayed at the apt to do his laundry as it takes 3 days to dry. :). I knmow I have shared this before but I am SO fortunate!

The three children

Today was absolutely the best day of my life-I met the children! They are more than I could have ever hoped for - it is unbelievable!
I will post pics as soon as I can. This evening we walked to get groceries then to get a sandwich. Today has been a dream an unbelievable dream! What have I done to be so fortunate?! I have and am receiving calls every day from friends touching base and I want you to know how much I appreciate the calls. It is great to have such wonderful support. Did I mention the children are learning english and read almost fluently in english and know the entire alphabet and can count to 30! I was not expecting this - wow! Thanks for the many supportive emails too.

Meet the children tomorrow

Spent today getting aclimated to Donetsk. Exchanged currency, bought groceries, found a great restaurant! And found a curling iron since mine didn't work. The latter proved to be the most difficult. It is warm here. I do NOT need the sweater I packed nor the turtle neck and fleece pants. These took up valuable space and I wish I would have tossed on a few more tshirts instead. Have found that the books could have been left too. I'm sure everyones trip is different but I had read where books were crucial. I am out walking and exploring if not doing business or sleeping and 1 food book would have been adequate. Those of you waiting know that the traffic in kiev, although crowded is nothing to worry about, you will be safe with your driver. Our apt is roomy and clean with wonderful waterpressure. Tomorrow, I meet the children and will post information when I can.
Time goes very FAST over here! Thinl "happy" thoughts for me tomorrow, it is an important day!!

Arrived at Donestk

Hello from Donesk! We survived the train ride and yes, it is cramped quarters and very stuffy but although the bathrooms were not pleasant, I had expected worse. The K
'Swaying' of the train is more like a jerking when you are tryng to sleep lol and after much laughter I think we both managed some sleep. The phone calls have been a wonderful treat! My translator Oksana is excellent and has a wonderful sense of humor. We are checking on the passport situation for this region today.
The commercial district here is actually cleaner and in many ways nicer than Kiev which is a surprise.

Arrived at Donetsk

Train Ride

I'm on the train as I type heading to Donetsk. Yes, the rumors about the restrooms are true. :). Just a short post as I plan on taking advantqe of the swaying of the train to get a good nights sleep!
Goodnight.

Heading to the region/Donetsk on the midnight train well

Leaving on the midnight train tonight. Well not really midnight- 7pm. Its a 12 hour ride to where the orphage is but then again, it seems as though everyones train ride is 12 hours! Enjoyed the open market yesterday taking photos that I think would be good for national geographic - yeah right! Lol. But the vendors, colors, smells and noises are unlike anything you see in the States.we are in the park now ready to spend our last day in kiev before heading out to donetsk!
Think good thoughts.

Heading top the region/Donetsk

Referral to Donetsk

Had an incredibly positive appointment today. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. I have a referal for 3 children.My journey has just begun! Celebrating with a nice glass of Cabernet with a cool breeze blowing through the window. The same comforting breeze that greeted me before my appt as I waited in the shade of a maple outside of the SDA. The sun was shining on the gold trim of St. Andrews cathedral and against the bright blue sky and with the noise of the street vendors and traffic I was able to capture a moment of peace and nature in this city of 4 million. I wonder if I was the only one who felt the refreshing coolness of the breeze....

Appointment went well!

My appt went very well more later!

From Kiev!

We made it! What a journey this has been! Kiev is like no other place I've been. The flight was excellent. Some how I was able to get to an internet cafe get the simms card in my phone get some money exchanged, grab maps - in english all before l left the airport or met my wonderful translator! There has been the normal travel issues of travel, delayed flights, walking in circles lol, electronic problems etc... However, the wonderful bowl of bortsch I enjoyed yesterday and the lights of Independence square last night have washed away the tiredness of the travel.
I must share that Cathy H and the group from Ukrainian Angels have been there IMMEDIATELY when some nuance has surfaced that I needed help with. Those of you waiting to travel know that you are in good hands. My translator Kostya could not be better! The bonus is that besides being professionally competent, I enjoy his company and he has a positive good spirit. Today is my appt. I have butterflies and wish it was this am to avoid this waiting but good things happen to those who wait - right? :)
This is an experience of a lifetime and without a doubt supercedes all of my previous journeys!
Happy trails from a great apt (with hot water, washing machine, drying rack, fridge, microwave etc... In Kiev!
Life is good...

Heading to Chicago

I'll keep this short but I am packed. Into one medium (seems small) duffle bag and my day pack is bursting but sounds like bubby's carry-on is not quite full - yet! :)
Everyone has sent me warm wishes and I must have 1/2 the country 'praying' for me so this has got to be good! :)
I'll post as I can,
Happy Trails,
Melinda

3 days 'til take-off!

Where did yesterday go!?? :) It's 3 days until departure. I have contacted Dr. Yuri who has asked me to call him upon arrival and I'm glad I've arranged for him to travel with me to the region to meet and examine my referral. Right now, I'm running out to the grocery store to get last minute packing items and hope to pack by the end of today. Okay.... so I probably won't be packed but I WILL have a bit more on the pile by today. SO much to do. I need to sit down and pay bills for the next two months and get that out of the way.
It hurts to have these gorgeous fall days and to be indoors rushing around on 'to do lists', but there will be many fall days to come and I feel blessed to be traveling to Ukraine at such a wonderful time of the year - harvest time!

It's Almost Here!

Hard to believe how fast the time has sped by since I learned of my appointment. I'm down to 3 short days here at home and have LOADS to do. Going to begin packing today and making a 'pile' in the spare room. Everything is falling into place and I am enjoying this wonderful fall weather as I near my travel date. This last month has found me backpacking in Montana, hiking into the backcountry cabins of the Porcupine Wilderness Area for a week, a weekend trip to Las Vegas with mom and my sisters and at last, I'm home.
Picking up some anti-biotics at the drugstore this afternoon (check) - just in case I were to come down with something while in Ukraine. I purchased my evacuation insurance this morning (check), filling out bills for the next two months this afternoon (check) etc.... I'm not sure if my list will end but either way, Monday morning will find me saying goodby to Casey dog (he'll miss me if no one else does!), Annie Cat and of course Griz my little scardy cat who doesn't realize how much his little peaceful home is about to change! hee hee
My brother (Bubby) and I have been sharing packing lists and discussing what we'll need while pouring over websites and looking at maps on the internet etc... I'm heading to the store this evening to buy last minute items and some travel food stuff then tomorrow, I'm meeting with Annah - my angel. She is coming over to look at my electronic translator and share some last minute tid-bits about Ukraine and what to expect. I STILL can not believe that I found a Ukrainian lady who speaks fluent English, Ukraine and Russian right here in Henry County! She is an absolute gift and I feel fortunate to have met her.
I'll do my best to post while in Ukraine. Please keep me in your prayers....
Happy Trails...
Melinda