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

I am SO fortunate!!!

I couldn't believe my ears when the principal from my school district called and shared with me that the music teacher's son had married a lady from Ukraine and that they lived 15 mins. from me and she would like to meet me because she is interested in translating for me when I return home with the children! Someone from Ukraine, within a few miles of my park in Henry County!? How could this be? Well, I met with her this evening. Annah, lives in Geneseo, has been in America for 10 years when she married an American. She speaks fluent Russian, Ukrainian and English. She is an angel. I instantly hit it off with her and enjoyed her company. Annah volunteered to show me how to cook borsch as well as some other Ukrainian staple dishes. We are going to travel to Ukrainian Village in Chicago after Labor Day and shop for some groceries, snacks etc... I am very excited about learning from Annah. She has so much to share and is excited about helping my children make the transition.
What a good day today was! I am blessed.

Plane Tickets!!!

It seems real now that I have purchased our plane tickets! :) We'll depart from Chicago 9/17 and arrive in Kiev the afternoon of the 18th, for my 9/20th appointment. I feel better having a flex day between arrival and my appointment. I booked our return flight for 10/10 and we may return prior to that if all goes well at the appointment.
Have tickets - will travel! :)