Monday, July 13, 2009

Day 2 in Kiev

It always helps if you get a good nights sleep. For the most part--- we all got that, especially Dennis. However, we are all still wanting long afternoon naps!
Last night, we heard sirens as we walked toward the Globe to go to the Internet café. That is when we saw smoke coming from a third or fourth story window in the huge brick building above the Internet café. There was a fire, and boy was it interesting to see Ukrainian firefighters in action—or shall I say their lack of action.
After we got home last night, we enjoyed a simple dinner of noodle soup with pelemeni stuffed with meat and cheese. We had ice-cream for dessert!


Today was a down day for us, so we did a lot of walking around.
We got to see some very beautiful buildings and statues.
Look Jenn and Adam----- even Ukraine is anticipating the fifth Harry Potter movie!
We met up with a nice Spanish couple and their adorable newly adopted four year old daughter around 10:30 in the morning and had a nice time exploring the park. Carmen and Miguel and their beautiful daughter Olga have already made this time in Kiev pass very quickly. From the moment we met them, it felt like they were old friends---- it probably helps that John speaks Spanish.

We then went to an outside restaurant for lunch and had the pleasure of ordering our food the best that we could. Even with an English menu, it was unclear exactly what we were ordering. When John was asked if he wanted bread, it was tough to determine if he was being asked because his dish came with bread or if the waitress thought it would be a nice accompaniment to his meal. Why wasn’t I asked if I wanted bread? And wouldn’t one assume that if you order a Coca-Cola with a glass of ice, and the waitress doesn’t tell you that there is no ice, that you would get ice with your beverage? Only when I asked later, did she tell me that they had no ice. Hmmmm, I probably would have done without the barely chilled soda and gotten Chai instead had I known there was no ice. Hopefully, this doesn’t sound like I am complaining because in all honesty, I enjoyed my meal of fresh cut up vegetables and homemade buttered noodles with herbs. And the company made our meal even better, but the stress of wondering what exactly I ordered--- I am not real adventurous with my food you know---- is enough to keep me eating Ukrainian cup-o-noodles from the local market. Oh, and ice-cream is always good no matter where you get it. Did you know that at McDonald’s we can order three ice-cream cones for under a buck? Definitely, a great value!

As I type this up in Word, I am sitting alone in our apartment. Dennis is sleeping angelically in our bedroom, and John and Julia are out visiting an art gallery. I need to pace myself a bit------ even though I love being in Ukraine, I am spoiled living in America and honestly, I am feeling it. Up until now we thought we didn’t have any hot water--- who knew that we had to run the water longer than it actually takes to shower before it warmed up. And yes you can call me spoiled----- but we have 2 towels in our apartment for the four of us--- no dish soap to wash the dishes---- and no trash can in the kitchen. My awesome husband always looking to make me laugh at least had an explanation for their being no trash can in the kitchen. He said all great chefs keep their trash cans as far away from their meal preparations so that the kitchen area can stay sanitary. Why would any sane, clean person want a trashcan in the same room where they make food?

Tomorrow we will meet at the SDA to accept Alexsey’s referral. Please pray that we get the necessary paperwork by the end of the day so that we can board a train and travel all night to the region where Alexsey’s orphanage is. It would be so nice to see Alexsey bright and early Wednesday morning!
*************************
Ankle-breaker defined
A huge Ukrainian pothole.

39 comments:

Charissa said...

Ooooh, this is so exciting. It's like being there all over again. When we were there someone had disposed of their Christmas tree in one of those Ukrainian potholes. It was that big.

Kelly said...

So cool. Do not forget to take photos of the food. Besides seeing the photos of the kids, that is my favorite part!! How is Julia holding up?

Conethia and Jim Bob said...

I am wishing you the best, Praying that you see your Alexsey ASAP!

Jenn said...

I'm so glad everything is going well!

Praying!
Jenn

Anonymous said...

How interesting, I love seeing what it is like there. The food part is especially interesting. How is your leg? Of course Sweet Dennis looks like an angel sleeping. He is sure growing. Is that a Gwen Oatsvall shirt John is wearing? What an adventure for Julia to have with her parents. I am so excited to hear about your reunion with Alexsey!

Have Fun,
Jodi Lewandoski
St.Michael,MN
Parrotbay@charter.net

Mike and Gail said...

Hows the weather?

Carmencita said...

Queridos amigos,estamos muy contentos de haberos conocido ,ya sabes Cristina que te he estado siguiendo desde que conocí tu historia de adopcion ,cada dia entro en tu blog y veo la bonita familia que sois,jamas olvidaremos el haberos conocido a vosotros y a tus preciosos hijos Julia y Dennis,que pena no saber hablar ingles pero gracias a Juan y su español casi perfecto nos ha servido de interprete muy bueno,os deseo la mayor de las felicidades ahora que ya estareis junto a vuestro precioso hijito Alexis y para toda tu familia muchos besos .
carmen y miguel.

Chris Haven said...

Cant believe you are on adoption number 2 and we are still waiting to adopt, I remember when you were visiting Dennis can't wait to see pics of Alexsey. How is julia adapting to the Ukraine? How is Dennis doing, I would love to see pics of him reuniting with his caregivers. So exciting. My prayers are with your family.

A said...

I'm loving every minute of this! Praying for your family in Ukraine and the US!

Amy said...

So glad that you guys made it safe! Glad that you have enjoyed your surprise day off to rest before getting everything started!

Take care!!

Hugs!
Amy

Rakel Astros said...

hmm...Then Ukraine must be quite late, since the SIXTH Harry Potter movie is coming out this year :D
Nice photos, anyway!
Hope everything goes well tomorrow.

MoonDog said...

I cant believe how Dennis has grown up suddenly! thanks for the pictures and the updates! Glad you are all there safe and sound. Cant wait to hear about Alexey when you meet him again!!

Anonymous said...

Hows Julia liking it? Is she supprised by any of it? I know one of your reasons for taking her was so she could experience the kind of places her sisters and brother came from! :o)
Emma

MyCrazyLife said...

Aww Im so happy for you guys :) I am excited to hear about the whold process!

Anonymous said...

How exciting this is!! I'm so happy and privelaged to be able to be on this life adventure with you. Thank you, Christine, for bringing the Internet along with you on your journey! (Look at how long Dennis is while he sleeps!) You are all in my prayers! Safe journeying!!

Lydia said...

I love reading this- we are hoping to travel within two weeks!!! I also LOVE seeing Dennis- how much he has "chunked up" since he came home!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!

Anonymous said...

I find myself checking back repeatedly - almost like waiting for fresh pictures of a newborn on someone's blog! I know you must be wired up with anticipation and love and excitement. Blessings to you during this time. I am sure that the caregivers at the orphanage will be absolutely BLOWN AWAY with Dennis. And precious Alosha gets to have a family - and your sweet family gets a new brother. The whole miracle makes me smile. What an awesome gift that Julia and Dennis get to do this with you!

Praying in Florida said...

Thank you for the updates! I found this morning when I woke up that I was praying for Dennis and Co. Praying for safe (no more random poles to run into) and smooth (easy government visit tomorrow) trip.

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I am so glad you made it. icannot wait 'till you come home with Alexie. ihope you have a wonderful rest of the trip and i love you and cant wait for you to come home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Praying
annalyn reed

Michelle said...

would you PLEASE let us know what time you'll be having your appointment in "american time"? i want to be praying but i have no idea when it is or what the time difference is!!!

i too find myself checking back here repeatedly, so excited that you're FINALLY there to get Alexsey. his life is about to change forever and he probably doesn't know it... one day he's an orphan, falls asleep like usual, wakes us, and BOOM, hello family! i'm praying for his little heart in all of this, that he will have a smooth transition to your family & that he won't be afraid. praying that any fear or frustration with the changes will be FAR outweighed & worth it in HIS eyes because he's got a family... a home... someone to tuck him in at night, kiss him when he's hurt, help him be the best he can become, give him a safe house with a nice warm bed, hold him just because, and most important will teach him about Jesus so that He can be on the one path that is truly good.

- michelle

amyl4 said...

It looks like you are all having a good time.:) I will be praying for your SDA appt. to go well. I can't wait to see your next post!
Amy

Anonymous said...

That is really cool.Was the food good when you all had dinner? And where was Julia? and dennis looks really cut when he was sleeping. I love you all and I miss you LOVE RACHEL

Isabel Y Vita said...

Desde España, seguimos este magnífico blog y nos alegra mucho saber que ya están tan cerca de Alexsey, de volver a verle y de tenerle para siempre formando parte de su fantástica familia. Rezamos para que todo salga según lo previsto.
Nos han gustado mucho las fotos de Kiev junto a nuestros amigos Carmen y Miguel.
MUCHA SUERTE !!Un abrazo desde España.

Blessed Mom of Four AND More said...

Was thinking of you in the swimming pool today, and wondering how soon it would be before Alexsey is in the arms of his Forever Family. I can't wait!
Robbie

kitzkazventure said...

So excited that your reunion is almost here! Hope and will pray that it all goes well at the SDA and you will get there fast!

Family_Dauk said...

I am loving these updates. The restaraunt thing would get to me too. I need to know what I'm getting. I'll be praying for you that the paperwork is all correct!

Courtney said...

The lack of trash cans in the apartments bothered me, too! :) I never thought I could be spoiled by having too many trash cans. LOL

Tracie said...

Cheering you on, Reed Family!

Jenny said...

Thank you Christine for taking the time to post these wonderful posts. Your attention to details is admirable... I totally feel like I am there with you. It's the vacation I wanted and didn't get:)

I hope things continue to go well. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Jennifer

ArtworkByRuth said...

Just have to laugh at it all, and this your SECOND trip! Praying for your SDA appointment!
BTW, the building by the globe with the internet cafe that was on fire wasn't by any chance the main POST OFFICE off the Maiden Square?

Holly said...

I'm glad everything is going well. :)

Wow, that photo of the firefighters is interesting! Is it just me, or are they all just standing there LOOKING at the building, instead of doing anything about it?
Did you find out what had happened to cause it, or whether anyone was harmed?

Yes, that is a rather large pothole! I imagine you would have to be very careful walking around at night to avoid an accident! :O

adoptandoenucrania said...

Dear Reeds! Be lucky today with the paperwork. Did you know our first son,s name is Alexei?
He will be very happy with you all.
John, ¿hablas español? No sabia. A ver si alguna vez veniis por España, que aqui teneis muchos seguidores.
Un abrazo a todos
Marcial, Libia, Alexei y Karlos

Anonymous said...

How does Julia feel being back in Ukraine? Any mixed emotions? We are praying for your safe travels. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you guys today! Hoping no news is good news!
Not so silent observer from NH

kdliberty said...

Praying that no post today means you are on a train on the way to get Alexsey! I have thought of you guys many times today and stopped what I was doing to pray for you guys! -KD

Sara said...

Hoping and praying that all is going well. How neat that Julia gets to experience this with all of you. What neat memories she will have. It looks like you guys are having a good time...The noodles look yummy.

Can't wait to see Alexsey with his family...wow, so many emotions...this is sooooo exciting!!

Roxy said...

I have no words to describe how excited I am for you and for Alyosha. Soon my friend, soon he will be with you.

Violet said...

I'm enjoying the pictures and the stories but my heart yearns for picture of you all + Alosha! I think of and pray for him so much throughout the day!

Violet said...

I'm enjoying the pictures and the stories but my heart yearns for picture of you all + Alosha! I think of and pray for him so much throughout the day!