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.