Hello precious friends and family,
How can I ever thank you all enough for your outpouring of love yesterday? Thank you for all the enouraging comments, scripture, and words of advice. It was truly such a blessing to read them all.
Today is a new day-and I have been feeling so much better, I’m happy to report. When I got home last night I decided that if I’m going to make the most of my time here, I had better just put on my big girl undies, trust God with my heart and my family, and deal with it. And so I did.
A lot of sleep certainly helped too. I woke up feeling rested, and ready for whatever God has in store for me here. A surprise chat with my family on the phone was good medicine for the heart too.
As my first full day in Kiev winds down, I feel like I’m getting the hang of things. My new BFF, Nickolai, came by late last night and gave me a phone (that works!) and paperwork to fill out so that I could get an internet modem. Now he was talking my love language.
Oh life is just so much better with internet. How in the world did we ever get by without it? I have no idea.
Being in Kiev feels somewhat familiar in many ways for me. Before getting married, I traveled a lot. I did manage to see some countries in Eastern Europe-Hungary, Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania. Kiev feels quite similar to some of those places, maybe just busier. The busyness feels like being in China. There are people and cars everwhere. And they sure do drive like the Chinese too (and the SA taxi’s, Dad). It’s crazy.
I’m learning how to grocery shop by looking at the pictures on the boxes. Some things I’ve been spot on with, others not so much. It’s hit and miss. Today I felt like something yummy to drink, so I looked in the juice isle of the grocery store. Right at the end of the line I found a bottle of something reddish that looked just lovely. Yayee, it even had three English words on it (bonus!), Cherry Fashion Mix. Sounded wonderfully interesting and I felt adventurous enough to try something different. I paid and headed out the store. Couldn’t open my juice fast enough. With the security person watching me intently, I opened my bottle and took a ginormous swig. No sooner had the sweet liquid hit my stomach, when all of a sudden I felt this very warm sensation in my tummy. A feeling I knew all too well twenty years ago. This was NOT juice at all. My guess was vodka with a bit of cherry flavoring somewhere in there. Fashion Mix-now I know what that is! Lesson learned-you just never know what you’re gonna find in the juice section.
No, of course I didn’t drink it all. I knew you were wondering. Most definitely not my thing. Yuck!
My little apartment has been a blessing. I walked into the bedroom for the first time yesterday and totally laughed. I imagined my Honey standing next to me and saying, “There you go, wife, it’s just your style.”
Ummm, no, not quite my style at all.
I love standing on the teeny little balcony and watching the people go by. Everyone seems to always be in a rush. It is so busy. That is some kind of victory monument from WW2 I’m told.
The view from the sofa-I know, I know…who cares, right?
.JPG)
As in China, cars are a major problem here. The roads are poorly designed and just cannot cope with all the traffic. They park anywhere and everywhere. See a spot on the sidewalk-grab it as a parking place. No problem at all. Anything goes. Just hope and pray the guy behind you leaves before you need to.
Most people live in these ancient apartment buildings. When we were in China the first time we adopted, we visited a few of these types of buildings. Here in the Ukraine they are the same as the Chinese apartments. Run down and old looking from the outside, nasty stairways on the inside, but when you get into the actual homes they are really nice and modernized.
A funky mailbox. How in the world do they even know who’s is who’s with the numbers all missing? Beats me.
I loved watching these two lovers enjoying their meal together. So sweet. That little strip of grass runs down the center of a crazy busy road. See the cars backed up behind them? They didn’t seem to even notice. Nothing like having your lunch for all to see.
My view.
Today the weather has been glorious. When Nickolai came to pick me up, it must have been close to 70 degrees. I have not had a day even near that for months and months living in the mountains. I was so tempted to wear capri’s, but thought I’d play it safe and wear jeans and a light long-sleeved shirt. When I got to the car, Nickolai was horrified. “Where are your warm clothes?” he asked me. I was like you must be crazy, dude, the sun is shining and it is beautiful out here.
Then it hit me as we drove along…these people totally bundle up. Almost 70 and they are still in hats and coats. Kids are bundled up to their eyeballs. I’m talking the kind of stuff I put on my kids when we go sledding. So crazy.
I guess I’m going to be getting many a finger shook at me when I dress my girls in the summery things I brought with me for them to wear. Happened to us in China too. Oh well.
You go, ladies, make sure you bundle up now. Oops, two are missing their winter hats. Darn.
My home sweet home apartment building.
The view from the back of my apartment….more apartments. Actually, I think they call them ‘flats’ here like we do in Africa.
Tomorrow morning I have my appointment at the adoption office to receive Hailee and Harper’s referral letters. Once I have those letters, it gives me permission to travel to their region and visit them in the orphanage. I’m told that I may get those letters tomorrow, or I may have to wait until Thursday. I’m trusting for tomorrow. That way I can leave on the train tomorrow night and head to my daughter’s city. I’m so ready!
My heart is anxiously awaiting the moment I meet my angels. I can hardly wait. As today comes to a close here in Kiev, it brings me another day closer to two little girls who’s lives are about to change so radically.
And they have absolutely no idea!
Hanging onto the ONE who holds my everything in the palm of His hands.
Love all the photos and the view from your living room does matter. It gives us a visual on your life right now where we can imagine sitting receiving all our prayers!! You are surely covered in them that is for sure!!!
Wow!!
So exciting!!
Well not the Vodka part!!
Praying you to your girls!!
Delighting in Him
Donna
So excited for you!!! I hope that tomorrow gos quickly! and you get your referrals and get this bus moving
good luck!
I LOVE seeing where you are at and hearing about what you are experiencing. Thank you for sharing. Praying for tomorrow!
No wonder the security guard was watching you closely!!! That’s hilarious! Praying you get your letters tomorrow.
Yay!! I am super glad that you have had a better day!!!!
It seems like it anyway. The sunshine makes you feel better for sure! Praying that everything goes smoothly and quickly in Kiev and your daughter’s region!!!! Can’t wait to see pics!
WHOO HOO….One day closer!
I’m so glad you’re settling in! And you’re right, what’d we do without the Internet?
God is so good!
I love all the similarities you are drawing between China and the Ukraine. It brings back such all those scary and wonderful memories. You are ONE brave Momma. Please know that I’m praying for you.
I feel SO much better!! Girlfriend, I’ve been Praying up a storm! And, HE answered them! Yeah and “Thank You, Jesus!”. I know you’re feeling better, ‘cuz you’ve got your sense of humor back. I enjoy the running commentary that goes with all of your photos!! Speaking of photos, you took some really great photos of your surroundings. I smiled when I saw you “blankie” on the end of your bed. Gotta have something to hold onto at night! The smell of home!
Say, could you post both the time there AND the U.S. time on your posts? I am so confused. I have to tell you that the red “juice” story was hysterical! Wonder what the security person thought “after” you took that big swig? I bet he was telling that story to his buddies at
work! And, I noticed a sign in the photo of the couple having lunch on the bench. It said KISS FM…maybe they thought it meant to Kiss!
I’m so glad that the weather is so warm there. Hey, it’s gonna be up in the 70’s here in MN. today. But, it’s also very windy!!
Well, Dear Friend, I will continue to Pray for you..that you get your travel papers/referral letters and you’ll be able to travel SOON!! Take care of YOU…eat and sleep well.
Looking forward to your next update.
God Bless You! Love ~ Jo
Thanks for sharing all the pics. I’m glad things are going better.
Have you met Jo and LeaAnn? I didn’t know if they are near you or not.
Oh you sound in good spirits today! Know we are praying for you. Can’t wait to hear about the moment you meet your girls!
Oh, Adeye, no doubt you will make the most of this time! I’m praying you get to meet your girls sooner than later! What a blessing to watch your journey!
Love you, Friend!
I love following along! Can’t wait to see you with your girls! So, they really have no idea they are being adopted?
xoxo,
Lynn
The pics are so similar to Sofia! Makes my heart ache.
I am so proud of you! I knew you were going to be fine, just had to wait for you to know it too!
Praying for you and your sweet girls!
So glad you got some rest last night and that you’ve got your big girl undies on.:) Loved that!
Thanks for all of the pictures-makes me feel like we’re almost there with you and hope to be if God allows!!!
I’ll have to remember to stay away from the red juice (or maybe it will come in handy at times? hmmm…) tee hee.
I’ll be praying that your SDA appt. goes well and that you get your referrals asap!
Love, Kristin
Hi, I’ve been lurking on your blog for a couple of months now. We adopted from Kazakhstan 3 years ago - one adoption in the summer (July) and one in the winter. It’s amazing how similar former soviet countries look. I also had a good chuckle at the people all bundled up when it’s 70 degrees. During the time we visited our son at the orphanage we had to keep him suitably dress - 3 layers of clothes under the fleece sweatsuit and then when he got heat rash they told us he had an allergy to sugar and sun. What sun??? He was bundled up from head to toe! To this day, he breaks out in a rash if he gets too warm. But, it was clear they were just doing what they thought was best and had learned from childhood and they really did take good care of him so we just went with it. I hope you get to see your girls soon. I know how anxious and interminable the waiting can be.
OH SWEETIE! You are so brave! Praying for you as I fall asleep each night! HUGS!
Your pics remind me of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Praying for you!
Laurel
Oh Adeye, I just love that uplifting post! Your words reflect your light and joyful heart. I’m so glad you are feeling comfortable with your surroundings now (all bundled up in that frigid weather. Ha!!) and INTERNET! What a blessing!
Love the pictures…yes, even the view from your sofa! Keep ‘em coming!!
Love you, friend! I’m praying each and every time the Lord brings you to mind!
Praying for you, your family back home, and those sweet girls who will soon meet you. God bless, Jennifer
Oh my gosh! I am right there with ya - what great pictures. Praying for your appointment tomorrow. So exciting!!
Will say some prayers for tomorrow!! I just cannot wait to see those precious ones in your arms!! Oh, and don’t forget to bundle up! Too funny!! in 70 degree weather, my kids would be in bathing suits!! hehe!!
Adeye,
I am so glad that you had a great day in Kiev. I hadn’t really thought about you being in Kiev for awhile, our daughter, Lenna, is named after a dear Ukrainian missionary friend- she and her husband are missionaries there in Kiev with the Ukraine arm of IVCF! Email me at [email protected] if you ned up needing another smiling face (or a few) and I’ll see if they can catch up with you. They are an awesome family with 2 little girls themselves!
Praying for you friend- what a great adventure you are on. Praying for your family here as well. And of course, praying for the girls’ little hearts- that they will be ready to meet their sweet mama very soon! So glad you are there but sad as I’m heading out your way to see my friend Marsha and for Nate’s appointments at Children’s, hope we get to meet up before you head east!
Blessings,
Gayly
Adeye,
You are so cosmopolitan!!! Glad you packed your big girl undies. You look as at home as possible under the circumstances. Hope you get a great night’s sleep and awaken to good news tomorrow! Thank you for showing us the sights. Praying for God to uphold you and the girls with His mighty right hand!!!
Lisa
oh my goodness!!!! Isn’t it amazing to be there so close to your daughters? I am praying that the Lord totally blesses you in your quiet time…I’m guessing this is about the last of the quiet time for you for..well…a long time
Praying and trusting with you girl!
love,
Holly
Following your journey!!! So happy that things are feeling better today. You are NOT alone. We are all there with you in spirit! Can’t wait until you meet your girls!!!
So close! So close!
Shauna
PS- It was close to 60 here today, so I donned my flip-flops. Visited a friend in Divide where there was snow on the ground. Whoops! I feel you, us WP girls cannot wait to wear our summer attire.
Love to ‘hear’ your tone today. Sounds like a great time so far. Glad you found your ‘big girl undies’ :o)
Praying for your paperwork to come through tomorrow!
Blessings
Andrea
Oh, THANK YOU for continuing your posts while travelling. I would be going crazy not knowing what’s going on the whole time you’re gone. I feel like I totally know you after reading your blog, but I’m a complete stranger to you! Ha!
The Lord brings you to my mind at all hours of the night….must be wanting me to pray for you with the time difference in mind! I can’t wait to “travel with you” as you go get your daughters.
How are you going to travel home with them by yourself? I’ve been praying that the court will waive the requirement for your husband to appear in court, but I don’t know how you’re going to bring two infant daughters home by yourself. Are you growing another arm while you’re in Russia?
Hang in there, sister! So many are praying for you. And you are on a mission from the Lord that cannot be thwarted!
Love,
Marsha
http://www.onefullquiver.blogspot.com
Glad you are feeling better, and praying you get those referrals sooner rather than later! Can’t wait to see those two beauties!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures!! we stayed there our first night in town too. careful opening the bedroom windows. they sort of “fall out”. I called that apartment “my personal theigh master” because we had to climb those stairs so many times!! how are you getting internet? We will have dossier ready in a week or two! Last time we were there we just went to cafe across the street or wherever we could for internet. and in region used Kievstar minutes and Yulia’s wifi thingy. so tell us what we will need to do to get net! dont be surprised if you papers arent done until LATE in the day. like they lock the door behind you when you leave late lol. I cant wait to see your girls! I cant wait to see MY girls! post lots!!!
Adeye…thank you so much for posting all those photos! It’s so awesome to be able to see your surroundings. One thing I noticed about Kiev that is not like China…BLUE SKIES! So glad you have warm weather and sunshine. Too funny about the bundled up people! And the vodka! ewww…. I love watching how God is taking care of you and can’t wait to see Hailee and Harper in your arms.
Oh wow! That was our apartment, too. It makes me so sad to see it all over again- I still haven’t downloaded pictures from our trip.
Please know that I am praying for you, for safe travels, smooth paperwork process and mostly for your girls!! They have no idea how blessed they are!
In Him,
E
Great pictures and post descriptions! I’ve never been to Europe, so I’m soaking in all you have to share…had a good laugh about the experimental drink…hehe.
About your room…I could see you having that wallpaper down and fresh new coat of paint {or two or three} up in no time!!
Praying you get the okay to see you girls very quickly!!
{hugs} Cari
I love Ukraine! I was there on a missions trip back in ’93, and I fell in love with the country. I hope God calls us to adopt from there someday. That would be so special to me. We spent most of our time in Zaporozhye, but we did visit Kiev. Your description and pictures bring back memories. : ) Glad that you are doing so well today! We are all praying. Can’t wait til you get those babies…
I am smiling SO big right now, to see how obviously more at peace you are feeling.
I can picture you now exploring and taking pictures, and swigging down that red juice (????).
Praying you get out of there tomorrow.
I sure am enjoying your posts! And love the pictures. Praying that you get your needed papers and can get those sweet babies in your arms soon
Adeye, I am so excited that you are there safe and sound and getting prepared to meet your baby girls whose lives are about to change so drastically as they are filled with the love that the Lord has given you for them. I can not wait to see pictures of them and watch them become a part of your family. I am praying God’s grace upon you as you venture into the next phase of this process.
It is so wonderful that you have internet access. I have no idea how people used to exist without it, especially doing what you are doing. It is a very good thing.
Ha ha, I just love the Vodka story and the decor is just tooooo gorgeous!!!. I am so happy you are feeling better. Praying that you get the referrals sooner than later. Luv Janelle
So glad to hear that you are feeling happier and more rested. I laughed at the Cherry Fashion Mix story…go easy on those
Kiev looks a lot tidier and less chaotic that where I am living at the moment..Lagos, Nigeria! This morning I was reading Ps 119 and this verse stood out to me for you…”Oh, love me-and right now!-hold me tight! just the way you promised.” (v76-The Message).
Thanks for the tip on fashion juice! Look for Sandora brand juices - they were our favorites when we were there. We actually have been able to find them at European grocers here in the US, and that’s always a huge treat for our son!
Jenn
Oh Adeye, this is so exciting… I cant wait to read your next post…
Where are the girls located? I can’t wait to see them in your arms!