Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen

Sunday, June 6, 2010

WE'RE HERE!!!

Hello everyone!  After a long but uneventful string of flights, we finally arrived in Ukraine, June 5th at 2:00pm (their time).  Our flights were great although we didn't sleep much and only 3 of our 4 pieces of luggage landed with us (of course the missing one was mine but I'm just getting more practice with learning to embrace "Plan B"--right Shelley F.?)


So, once we got here, "Uncle Niko" picked us up in his cool car and drove us to our apartment.  Luckily my bag didn't make it because I'm not sure where it would have fit in this car!



Here is our home away from home for the next few days in Kiev.  We're about a 20min. walk from downtown where the markets, money exchange centers, and more importantly TGIF is located! (Which is actually where I'm blogging right now since our modem isn't working in our apartment--can I just tell you all that I don't do well with being completely cut off from communication with my "peeps"!  I wasn't sure you all knew that about me or not-ha ha ha!!!)



Jim getting directions from Uncle Niko on how to use our Ukranian cell phone. 


What would we have done without our new "Uncle" helping us get set up and ready to function in this beautiful country!


Then it was time for Jim and Niko to go get some supplies for the night and the next morning. They exchanged money, got a phone card, the modem (that doesn't work--did I mention that trauma???) and...



...our groceries.  The pizza got a thumbs up from me and Michael--not so much for Allen who ended up eating a protein bar for dinner.  Jim had a PB&J sandwich. 
All of this for just 120 Grivna which is about $15.00!

We then fell into our beds around 7:30pm and slept until 10:30am. (Well sort of...the boys slept through the night--I was awake on and off throughout the night but we're all feeling pretty good today!)  I'm thinking of asking the nice people here at TGIFriday's if I can bring my pillow here so I don't have to be away from my computer!!!  I almost don't want to end this blog entry because it means I won't be connected for awhile unless we can get a resolution to our modem issue.

Tomorrow we have our SDA appointment at 11am and then we're going to have Niko's daughter take us on a sightseeing trip (thanks Lisa P. for that suggestion) throughout Kiev!

Hope to be back online soon!  Keep the prayers coming--we're definitely enjoying ourselves and loving the mission God has us on here!

20 comments:

  1. Yeah!!! We hope to see an meet you on Monday!!!!!

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  2. YEAH...this is so exciting!! Continuous prayers coming your way:)

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  3. Exciting!!

    And tomorrow is the big stiletto day?? You must get a picture!!

    Praying!

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  4. I am so happy you posted! I've been checking :). So good to see you with Niko--please tell him (and Olena! and Yulia!) Hello for us. Enjoy your time in Kiev! p.s. those chips in the above pic are YUMMY...try the red pepper kind in that same brand...they're addictive :).

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  5. what an exciting blog entry to open this morning. I hope your luggage gets there sooner rather than later. When do you get to meet you sweet pea?

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  6. yay!!! you are so close! have fun!

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  7. Hope you packed your stilettos in your carry on, or whatever will you do with out them?? So thankful you are there safely and enjoying yourselves! We are truly enjoying Josi and Marin is absolutely thrilled to be spending time with her cousin! Making Mom a Red Velvet Cake for her Birthday tomorrow--knowing yours would be WAY yummier--I'll freeze a piece for you ! :)

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  8. Just think of your missing bag as an opportunity to SHOP!! I hear you can buy a lot more for your money in the Ukraine!! Saying Prayers for ALL of your family! And, really looking forward to seeing your girl! Hugz ~ Jo

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  9. So happy to know you're finally there! We're right behind you in 12 days! :) Looking forward to pictures of you and your beautiful new daughter!!

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  10. Praise God that you've all made it safely. I drove by to check on your home in Raleigh today :) Sounds like you are having quite an adventure so far. I am praying for your appointment to go well tomorrow. Keep us posted! I hope you get your stuff soon too, if not, roll with the punches.Thinking of you all! Lots of love,
    Kristen

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  11. Awwww, so glad you're there safe and sound.

    I am SO excited to follow your journey, but I must say, I am totally green with envy!!! Really. Man, I wish I was there.
    Soak it all in....

    Jodi

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  12. oh, and that's the cereal we ate every day! With the milk in a bag...really bad invention.

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  13. I'm so excited for your journey! Praise God for a safe trip!

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  14. Noooooooo----not the internet!!!!!!! Oh my word, I DO pray you get it all sorted out really fast.

    Post soon, friend, don't keep me sitting at the edge of my seat too long.

    Love you.

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  15. I'm so glad you were able to let us know that you're there safe and sound. What a haven American restaurants can be in foreign countries. I wonder if they get most of their business from locals or foreigners! Your apartment looks nice and spacious especially for a European former eastern block country. We're praying for your appointment tomorrow and look forward to hearing/seeing more soon.

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  16. Praying for you in Raleigh. Glad you are safe. AJ is great.

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  17. Actually it was Shelley who said that, acting under John's account!

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  18. Yay!!! Your there!! HALLELJAH!! I hope you find your bag...... WOW!! I've never seen Allen not-liking something!!! THat's very surprising- especially if its pizza!! Have fun!

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  19. Sorry to hear about your luggage, but so excited to hear all about the beginning of your new adventure. I'm taking notes for when we get to go and bring Alyona home.

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  20. Oops, I must be having the same problem as JennyH.

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