Our Big Day in Court!

Day 19

Court House in Krivoy Rog!

              Yesterday was the Big Day!! We had our adoption hearing in Krivoy Rog. It was a little nerve racking. Court was scheduled for 3pm or as they say here 15:00hrs. I wasn't sure what time court was. I'm kidding  but I like 3pm better!! We sat in a hall way out side the judges chambers and about 3:15 we were directed down a dark hallway into a small court room. On the right side of the court room was seated the court recorder. Beside her at another desk was the orphanage director, the inspector, and the prosecutor. Scott and I along with our interpretor were seated at the opposing desk facing them. Behind us was an old, tall, cage like jail cell with a hugh padlock. I guess you could say we were on the side in question. It felt like a day in the principals office. At the front of the room was a large bench with three very tall chairs behind it. Where the judge and two jurors would soon be seated. We all stood as they entered the room. The judge was friendly and smiled.  We were asked to stand and say our names and date of birth. Then we were asked if we held anything against the court and if we trusted the court!?! Then he read a lot of  legal documents telling about us and our approval in the US as acceptable/approved for adoption. The same as for our European and Ukrainian clearances. We were then asked to make statements how we know him, why we would like to adopt him and if we had any financial  benefit to gain from adopting this child. Then statements where made by the inspectors office as to there observation, approval of documents and requirements being met, and if their office was in favor of this adoption. They approved!! Scott was asked to stand as the prosecutor asked him questions. He asked how we could communicate with the child? How did he interact with our three children? Did we only want to adopt this particular child? Were we going to teach him English?  I believe his job is to fulfill that someone is there in the best interest of the child. Then the director of the orphanage was asked to make a statement about Lincoln and how he came to know us.  Also, how she believes he feels about us, about being adopted, about leaving his home country and coming to America. She was very nice and explained how he came on the hosting program to America last summer. She stated that he was very happy when he came back, and that we called him about every 6-8 weeks with our translator (our good friend Liliya), how we took interest in sending him art supplies, candies, games, and pictures of him with his American family. Then she told the court how happy he was that we were coming to adopt him. Often, he showed the pictures we sent to his teachers and friends. She seemed very happy for him!

The bench where we waited for court!!

                The judge and the two jurors then left to discuss their thoughts and make a ruling. We waited about 15 -20min. During this time the prosectutor was asking us some questions thru our translator. He wanted to know if Pennsylvania was similar to Krivy Rog ....we told him that it is similar in weather and seasonal changes but that we have a lot of mountains and hills. It is pretty flat in this part of the Ukraine. Also that we live in a small town that has homes and not many apartment buildings like they do. We showed him some pictures and he said it is very clean and beautiful. He then asked if he could find a job in America being a prosecutor. We all laughed...it was nice to see them want to interact and ask questions about our country.             
                We told them in return that we have seen and had some of the best produce ever. The tomatoes are so good and the red, yellow, and orange peppers are picture perfect. The fruits are out of thes world in flavor. This made them proud and they like to tell you how everything in Ukraine is grown Organic. The soil is very rich in minerals and nutrients that the plants need.
             The door opened we are stood and remained standing as the court decree was read. It stated all adoption requirements had been met and that under the provision and decision of the court and it's jurors. That Boyer, Charles Scott and Boyer, Jennifer Jo would hereby be named the parents of Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Zemlyany and he would take their name as Lincoln Oleksandr Boyer.. The court offered their congratsulations and court was adjourned!!! So it is official....the  Boyer's have a new addition to the
family!!

           We then went to the judges chambers. There we were presented gifts from the judge. He gave us three bottles of apple pumpkin juice that a group of priest he knows in a monastery make. Then a picture of a Ukrianian leader named,  what translates into.... George the Great. He then told us he is named the same. We visited and he showed us picture of his two sons and daughter.  He told us his oldest son is staying in Buffalo, New York with a preist and his wife on an exchange progrm. He wanted to know how close we were to there and if we needed his son could give us a ride home from the airport. We told him it was far but thank you!! Our visit was over, he shook Scott's hand and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I was wondering if maybe we are part of his family now!!   It was a good experience and the judge seemed like a man who had personal concern for the children of Ukraine. He  told us the juice that he gave us , he often takes to the orphanage and the children love it.
It is nice to see people hearts around the world love God and want to serve  His children.  

Boys will be Boys!!!

Day 16
                The Lady at the pharmacy was so nice I decided to go back and see her again today. This time under the recommendation of the family pharmacist. What would we do with out George!!! Thank you George!!! And Liliya for telling us  I was able to buy antibiotics over the counter here. Hopefully this will do the trick!!

        Today we went to buy Lincoln shoes. It was about a 30min. drive. We arrived at the store and he was timid about entering the store.  He slowly walked in and his eyes were just shifting all over the place.  We headed to the boys department and they had a good many shoes to pick from. This was a little overwhelming for him. He looked and I showed him a pair of sneakers. He liked them and tried them on. Well, he was pretty impressed with them and was satisfied to take them and go.  First we checked them.... I could put three fingers behind his heel.  So we suggest he try the same shoe on in a different size. It was new for him to be able to pick the shoe and the size. When we told him to pick a second pair he thought we wanted him to get a different pair than the sneakers he already picked.  So we had to explain that he was getting two pair of shoes. Ones for playing in and good shoes for church and dress occassions....like court on Thursday.  Slowly you could see a smile and then he slowly nodded his head as to say....Oh, I get it!!

We then went to the mall for some ice cream. Eager was nice enough to order for us.  The girl brought our coffee and ice cream for Lincoln. She also brought him a pepsi and a creape like dessert with cream and powdered cocco on it. Eager and Lincoln are no longer allowed to order on the buddy system. Talk about Sugar Shock!! I was so worried he would get sick in the car on the way back.  Some of the children got car sick last summer when they were in America from not being use to riding in cars. Luckily he was fine.

When we arrived back to the orphange all the kids were playing inside the gate. They all came runnig toward the car. They are always excited to see us coming and they like to see the  "machina" or car. They like to open  and close the car doors just to see how they work. The boys like to look at the speedometer to see how fast the machina can go. Boys will be Boys no matter where they are.  One boy likes to come see us and practice his English words. He says "Hello" very loud and laughs. Today he says hello and wants to show me something. At first I thought it was a plastic bug out of the toy bug we brought. No it was a real bug that moved. One of the biggest bugs I have ever seen!! .... See Boys will be Boys no matter where they are!!!

Big Smiles!!!

Day 14

                 Yesterday we stayed at the apartment. I have been a little under the weather. It started as a plugged up ear and has went to a sinus/ear infection. I have not had one of those in years. We have tried several home made remedies to clear it up. Warm water, steam, hair dryer, 3 days of antihistamines, Vinegar, baking soda, tilting my head and jumping on one foot, and a few other things we found recommended on the internet. My uncle recommended getting a decongestant. So today we headed to the Pharmacy. The lady was so nice. She read my sign language....I pointed to my ear and put my finger in it and then pinched my nose and pointed to my sinus. I must have looked crazy. She said "da, da, da." Then she showed me a bunch of stuff I could not read. She showed me ear drops and throat drops and I said "da, da, da."  Then she showed me nose spray and again I said "da, da, da." Still I need a decongestant but how do I tell her. Then I see a package that has solpadeine. I point to the pack and then to my nose and she said "da."  I think I may have what I need....my one semester of pharmacology may have paid off.  So we paid and I thanked her several times for her help.  I then asked Eager our driver is this for my sinus/ear and he gave me thumbs up and said "Good."  Now to read the directions....I asked  Eager he puts up 2 fingers and says "vaskriesienia" or Sunday.... then 2  fingers again and says "pan'ed'el'nik" or Monday....so I guess 2 a day. It is funny how the name of things look to be in English but the rest of the package is written in Russian.

What does it say????

    Then we went  to see Lincoln. We took a walk to a local play ground and he played. Then we ran into two boys from his school. He told them my Momma and Pappa from America. He was so proud to belong to someone. To have a family!!!! We are so proud of him for being brave enough to trust us to be his family. He asked the one boy to take a ride on his bike and the boy was nice enough to let him ride. Then we headed toward the orphange on the way we saw a hair salon. Scott pointed to his hair and then the shop. Lincoln shook his head no way, Scott ment for Pappa.... He was ok with that. So the girl inside told Scott to sit and then asked in Russian,,,"How do you want it cut?"  Lincoln steps up, starts pointing to Scott's head and telling her how to cut Scott's hair. He and the girl decided what Pappa needed and the girl started cutting.  I just had to laugh.....I just hoped he didn"t tell her to give him a mohawk......seeing how we have court on Thursday.   She actually did a great job.                                               

                   When we got back to the orphanage I had some bubbles to play with and soon all the kids were playing. They all just laughed and laughed. Such a great group of kids.  We have had such fun playing with them.

 My good friend Liza was there today and brought her friend Natasha with her. She was very shy but I convinced her to get in the picture. They love to see pictures of themselves. Seeing how they don't have many. We are going to make a shutter fly book and send one to each of the kids.

                                                                 Liza  and Natasha
        Soon it was time to leave and the kids were disappointed as were we....our time goes so very fast.  We said our goodbyes and gave out several hugs!!  We then headed to meet our friend  Curtis...he is a missionary here in Krivy Rog. He came with the children on the hosting program last year. He has such a heart for the children of Ukraine. We had dinner and talked about Ukraine and the children he works with.   It was great seeing him!!  After dinner we said our goodbyes and headed back to the apartment to find the elevator out. So we took a walk to the ninth floor. I needed the exercise anyways.  It was a full day filled with a lot of laughter and Big Smiles!!!!

Nap Time!!!!

Day 12

                Today we stayed at the orphanage. We arrived at 2pm and they woke Lincoln from his nap..."yes" I said nap. (As you can tell he just woke up!!)  All the kids take a nap from 2pm until 4pm. The second time we visited  we were in the young boys part of the orphanage which consist of a room for sleeping and a room for play and studies. The boys were called to lunch and they quickly did as they were told. So we waited  in the sleeping room where we were playing UNO.....before very long the boys started coming in one by one.  Some in a hurry and still chewing their food...I don't think they get alot of visitors so when they do it is a big deal.  Soon a caregiver said something and the boys all jump up and start taking off their clothes.  I start thinking.. Oh my ...what is going on! So they nicely folded their clothes and put them on the chair at the end of their beds. They then very routinely pulled back their bed cover, laid down and close their eyes.  Soon after they are sleeping.  Then at 4pm someone wakes them.  I've noticed the days Lincoln is with us during nap time he yawns a lot.  It will be some long days when he first goes to school.  I don't think Bellwood has a nap session in the schedule.
               
               Today we spent playing with Lincoln. He likes to thumb wrestle...I think he won a few rounds. It was a fun day!!! It will really be fun when we can see him in the back ward with his brother and sisters. We are so proud of Jackson, Maddison, and Reagan for opening their hearts and being so receptive and given of  themselves. They have such hugh hearts and they just keep getting bigger!!!!! Amazing how these three children can see serving others and focusing on what in important in life is why we are here.  For this we are so greatful. Also, so many of our family members and friends have been so supportive....I have received well over a hundred emails and facebook posts telling of your love, support, and prayers. It is awesome to know we have so many people praying for us!! So for this we say Thank-You!!!  (and Yes I'm try to fix why you can't post on our blog....Sorry, not sure why)

              I'm closing this post with pictures of where we are living and the view from our balcony. It's not as bad as it looks...it's just the housing in Krivy Rog.   (Lori and Cindy...is this the place you remember?)

Can you say Sheetz???

Day 11

                      Today we went to see Lincoln and again were given permission to leave the orphanage.  So, we headed to a Ukrainian version of "Chucky Cheese."  On the way there it was something to watch Lincoln looking out the window of the car.  I don't think he gets to leave a ten block radius very often or ride in a car very often.  He was looking out the window, touching things in the car, pointing to everything, and was just absolutlely taken by the experience.  The place was a fun time ....video games, air hockey, slides, jumping in the balls, jumping on the "but-toot" or the "trampoleen"...Maddi thinks that is soooooooo Funny..... Kid Humor!!!

                    After a few hours of running, jumping and playing it was getting late. At this point we had a very tired and hungry boy on our hands. So we did the natural thing .........headed for the Golden Arches!!! Ordering was too funny.....we all had the same thing because it was easier to order. Funny thing in Ukraine you pay for everything....you even order and pay for ketchup. Kid you not!!! The one day we ate pizza and asked for a box to take what was left and the guy said 2 grivna which is only  12.5 cents....it's just funny because we just take thoses things for granted.  Also, if you want to take your eggs and milk home you need to buy a bag!!!!  Some eggs don't even come with a carton... you put them in a bag.  Now talk about please don't smash my EGGS !! LOL!!!

      

                                       I don't think I've ever seen a kid enjoy McDonalds so much, it put commercials to shame. This was our first meal together in ten months. Our family usually hold hands while we pray. We sat down and Pappa said  "pray" and he automatically reached for us both.  It was wonderful and uplifting to see him want to be grafted into what we love and believe "Praising God for our blessings and returning many thanks to Him!!" Last summer he enjoyed praying with our family.  One nigh twe were tucking Jackson and Lincoln in and saying their prayers with them.  All of a sudden he puts his finger up like.... wait a minute.  He leaves the room and brings back Maddi and Reagan and wants us all to hold hands and pray.  Then he points to himself and says me.  He wanted to pray ....so thru tears I helped him find the words but I knew he already had the heart.  He says "Christ Good !!"

           Time to get  back and so we head off. On the way I noticed Eager our driver looking down alot. So I look to see what he is looking at. The car is on  "E".. not close ... I mean major "E."  It is a drive back to the orphanage and every station we try to stop at has a  red plastic strip up so you can't pull in. I'm thinking are they on strike, is there a shortage of gas, and... that the director is going to be mad if we call and tell her we ran out of gas.  After three stations he just keeps driving and Drifting... when we can to save on what little gas or should I say fumes we have.   Some how we made it.  Good!! So... I'm thinking he will ask if there is a can with some gas and we will fill it and bring it back tomorrow.  "Nooooo"....it's back in the car and down the road.  At this point he is finally starting to acknowledge we don't have much in the way of fumes.  It's starting to get dusk so I am now praying.  Answer to prayer...the closest station that was closed was now  "OPEN."  Eager wiped his brow and then we all started laughing.  He says Oozen ....Dinner!!!  They were closed for dinner!!!    It is definately not Sheetz  friendly here!!!!!!!!!!   

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood !

Day 10
              Today we went to visit Lincoln and he was not there. So a worker went to find the director. In Russain the director was trying to tell us something but we had no idea what. So she went and brought a worker to us and she took us on a 15min. walk thru the neighborhood. Before you knew it we were at his school. There were two ladies that came outside to meet us. The one was Lincoln's teacher and the other was the English teacher. So she translated to us that Lincoln was not there but two boys would take us to him. She also wanted to know what we were going to do with Z child. We just looked at each other and we told her we did'nt know we could take him from the home grounds! She said the director said it was ok. So picture this ...we are in a foreign country with not alot of language skills, in a strange neighborhood, know nothing of our surroundings, and are asked to come up with an outing on the spot. So I say to the English teacher....what do you suggest?  She recommeded the museum or the botanical garden near by.  Boy was I relieved !!!!
              We then went on another 10min. walk to meet up with him. Here he was swimming. We felt bad he would miss out. But he didn't seem to mind. On the way we stopped at a store that had some shoes. We need to get him his own clothes to leave the orphange. When he leaves all the clothes he wears are property of the orphange. We brought him clothes but not shoes because of not knowing the size. Thinking we could get his shoes today, we stop in the store and the lady comes and I'm expecting to find a pair and she will see if they have his size. To my American thinking I was suprised to find out these few pair of shoes was it. No ..."do you need this in a size six or seven?"  If they have something that almost fits ...that will do!!  Maybe we can look another day for shoes.
              It's off to the botanical garden. We first stop outside the museum to look at some excavation equipment displayed there. We are still not sure of what is in the museum. We get to the garden and come to a big iron gate with a sign on it in Russian. We both look at Lincoln as to say is it open or closed? The verdict is OPEN!! Good!! The funny thing about Kivy Rog is everything looks closed even if it is open.
We proceed to the builing on the grounds in search of a place to pay, a person to pay, some kind of formality or procedure. We finally found a person and payed. Off to the garden we go.

            We are only there a few minutes and can tell he has been here a few times before. We had our own personal tour guide, how nice!!! The garden was beautiful and nice to see in the middle of  old concrete buildings, broken down sidewalks, and  near people whom hardly ever seem to smile. We tour the grounds and smelled the roses. I thought to myself ...."It's a  Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!!"

Max - True Hope Hope Ukraine

Amazing How GOD Works!!!

Day 9           

           This morning we visited the orphanage. We were greeted with smiling faces and hugs. At first they were shy but now when we come it is like they have been expecting us. There were all boys and one little girl Liza today. She is so sweet and just beautiful. She has such a gentle and sweet spirit.  She sat with me for almost two hours putting a large Mickey Mouse puzzle together. I think she enjoys just sitting with someone and sharing in something. It is funny how you are limited in language skills but the heart makes up for it. She would try to fit a piece and it would not fit. So I would help her a little and she would just smile so sweetly and say "spa-ce-ba" or "thank you."  
       ***** Today is our sweet Jackson's 10th Birthday!!! "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAX....WE LOVE YOU!!!" Enjoy your day and save your dad a piece of Aunt Betsy's Texas sheet cake!!!!!!!*****
            For his special day we took the computer to the orphanage and let all the children skype Jax. They sang to him in Russian and English.   So, Thank You!!! Grammy and Pappy for getting up at 5am to Skype us!!
The kids all loved it!!!!!! They loved seeing the kids in America and themselves on the screen.  Lincoln kept touching the screen and telling the other kids "Brat" and "Sistra."
           Before long it was time to go. Our visits go fast and the children all want to know if we will come back soon. Lincoln gives hugs and says good everytime. But today Liza left the room and then came back to give Scott and me a big hug. Such a sweet girl!!!!
           We then had our driver "Eager" find us a place to eat.  So I sat down while Scott and Eager ordered.
Then they decided to move and go upstair to eat .  It was pretty full and I thought we may have to go back down but then we found a place. Lunch soon came and part of Scott's prayer before lunch was asking God to reveal how he would have us help the children and serve him while in Ukraine. We ate lunch an then headed for the exit.  Before we started back down the stairs a young man stopped us and said "You speak english?"  Excited we answer "YES!!!!" ... other than each other, he was the 1st person in three days who could speak to us.  Then he told us the teens he was with said " look foreignors"...I laughed... it is that obvious!?!
 He laughed and said "Yes!"  not the answer I was looking for. Long story short his name is Max Fetisov a native Ukrainian who ministers here in Ukraine thru "True Hope Ukraine" a ministry that helps hospitals with abandoned babies,different types of orphanages including special needs, provides dorms for graduated orphans to help keep them away from prostitution and drugs, sponsers technical school for the orphans, and many other outreaches.  I posted their site and included a  You Tube video on Max....Please check it out!!
I think you will find alot of the kids already know him and/or his work.  We found a picture of Lincoln and friends with a  " Team"  brought in from the States to do work with the kids.  Amazing How God Works!!!

A Wonderful Day with the Kids

Day 7

Today we traveled with our "Trusted Driver Eager" to the orphanage to visit Lincoln and the kids.  We had picked up some coloring books, markers, colored pencils along with some oragome for the kids.  The day was rainy and outdoor play would not be good.  The gifts were a big hit and before long everyone was playing UNO or coloring a beautiful picture.

Lincoln on his bed

After a short while it was shower time and all the kids moved toward the shower with their towels, buckets and clothes.  Amazingly they all returned without much time passing and it was right back to the games and coloring.  Not long and it was one o'clock and lunch was ready.  Jen and I excused ourselves to go for a walk until the kids were done with lunch and their afternoon nap.  They lay down after lunch for about two hours a day.  We returned after about an hour and a half and most were up already.  Play resumed and elevated to some of the toys, balls etc. that we had sent near the holidays.  It was good to see them well used already and that they had gotten there.  We could never get Lincoln to tell us, on Skype, that he got the box or not.  Four o'clock came quick and Eager was there for our agreed transport back to the apartment.    We had a great day playing Lincoln and his friends.  They are so happy to have someone new to see and talk or try to talk to.  Playing UNO will help me with my colors I am sure of that. 

The rest of the evening Jen and I settled in had dinner and caught up on communications with the kids.   We did catch a little TV The Voice, and Greys Anatomy were on in Russian version of course.  You don't need to understand the language just follow along. 

Yesterday Scott received the best 40th Birthday Gift!!

          Yesterday was the best!!! Scott turned 40 and for his special day he received the Gift of seeing our new son for the first time in 10mths. God is Good!!!  Thursday evening we jumped a train in Kiev that was headed for Kivy Rog with our translator "Alena".  It wasn't bad just a little warm and watching Scott trying to sleep on the little bench/bed was funny.  We arrived at 6:15am where our driver  "Eager" was waiting to pick us up and take us to our new home.  The apartment is clean and comfortable but driving to where it is located makes me very thankful for everything we have in America.  The every day things like acceptable sidewalks, drinkable water, safe streets to drive on and "yes" traffic laws and seat belts.
         After droping our luggage at the apartment located on the other side of the three steel doors we went to obtain written approval to visit our son. The Inspector is the one who gives the approval and has 10days to make the decision whether we can proceed with the adoption.  First she went thru our documents and asked for our passports and asked to see pictures of our other children. Lucky I had a few in my wallet and one with all the kids including Lincoln (Sash). After sobber faces and long periods of silence and people coming in checking our passports and going out... Finally, she gave her approval and ok'd our visit.  Little did we know they send a worker from their office to observe our visit "with Z child" as they say.  As if we were not nervous enough.

         Off we went to the orphanage to meet the director who was very nice. She offered us coffee, Tea, and cookies.  We were to excited to think about afternoon tea.   After checking Z documents and passports she sent a worker to bring him to the office for our visit.  At this point I had sweaty palms and a lump in my throat. Alot of thoughts racing through our minds ....how will he react to us... will he be shy... do we go to him or let him come to us.  Next we heard foot steps and around the corner he came with the Biggest Smile you could imagine.  Before you  knew it he was in our arms. There were tears of joy and laughter thru relief as we knew it was just like the day he left.  After we got our composure I looked up to see the director, social worker, and our translator all wiping their tears.  It was a great reunion that exceeded our expectation by far. We were then invited to stay and visit with him for the rest of the day.  We were welcome to stay in the visiting room or go out and play in the yard.  There are alot of trees and very old playground toys that don't look very safe or sturdy. No swings just metal monkey bars and a few things like that . Behind there is a basket ball court that must belong to the neighborhood. We played there with Lincoln and two other little boys from his group.  They were very cute and shy but the more we played ball and laughed the more they warmed up to us.  At one  point we were playing with a few other kids to turn around and find the two little boys, six year old Kola and 7 year old Roma hanging  about 12ft in the air over the top of the basketball hoop  trying to get the ball unstuck between the rim and the backboard..  It was not their first time doing this. It was sad to see how they just figure it out for themselves but nice to see them working  together to achieve their goal.  And they did!!! 

     We had a wonderful day and wouldn't trade it for anything.  A few more paperwork items to take care of and a stop or two and the day had ended.  The wonderful process continues and we are one more step closer to bringing Lincoln home!

Day 3

Today we met with the SDA and got our approval!  Wow what an answer to prayer!  It was great to see Lincoln's (Sasha) picture when he was younger.  Scrawny little guy!  Mam ma Boyer's home cooking will work on that for him. 

SDA Bldg. we visited to get approval

It seems as though the process is moving now.  All the wheels of the engine are fully engaged and we are picking up the train on Thursday to go to see Lincoln.  It has been 10 months since we last saw him.  Long for us as adults, we can't imagine what it has been like for him. 

After meeting with the SDA we prepped a lot of our paperwork.  Paperwork, paperwork, we have killed too many trees during this process. 

Jen and I had dinner and a walk before heading back to the apartment.  One more trip to the market and back to our temporary home to prepare for tomorrow. 

Day 2

Our facilitator picked us up at around noon to take in some sights with our eyes open this time.  She tried to move our appointment from Wednesday to today to speed the process but they are coming up on a three day holiday and it was too short of notice.  Wednesday will be just fine.

Kiev is a very beautiful city with old architecture  Some of the buildings reminded us of Pittsburgh downtown with the large stone and carved moldings.  The churches are magnificent many with gold domes and beautifuly painted interiors. 

Jen and her new found friend!

We completed our day with dinner for two downtown.  $3.50 each for dinner!  Not bad.  Back to the apartment to figure out the washing maching. 

Behold, children are a gift from the Lord. Psalm 127:3

Day 1      

Travel:  JFK on Father's Day was very busy to say the least.  Several planes leaving the country from the day before were delayed or canceled and lines became long.  It was clear we were not in Bellwood anymore!  Overall our travel was without a hitch.  The plane ride was long as predicted and the food was interesting; yes interesting would be best.  Arrival in Kiev a little ahead of schedule 5:00 a.m EST and 12:00 here in Ukraine.  Our facilitator picked us up at the airport and off to the apartment we went.  The apartment is very nice and extremely clean.  We like it.  I am trying to talk Jen into letting me buy the furniture to update our home for Lincoln (Sasha).  I don't think I have her yet but the OVER SIZED RED lampshade is helping!

We went to dinner with the facilitator and then a small walk around Kiev.  One stop a the store for some supplies and money exchange.  Jenn tried to steal a jug of bottled water.  The store has many parts and I would guess that each is owned by a different proprietor.  They do not give you bags so we were carrying our purchases and went through another part of the store.  The owner began to yell at Jenn to stop and pay for her water.  I left him go until he got her attention and then told him we bought it in the other store and showed the receipt.   Returning to the apartment to regroup and rest was well needed at this point.  I fell asleep in the couch and I think Jen fell asleep while on Skype with the kids and her mom and sister.

It has been a blessing to travel with Jen and prepare for a Great addition to our family.  I know the kids and our extended family are excited and looking forward to this great opportunity.  Day One Done!