Hello from Kiev.
I made it. I’m tired and feeling very tender and emotionally fragile, but doing okay.
Sunday was TOUGH. I honestly felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest. Saying goodbye to the ones I love the most in this life was so darn hard. Oh my goodness, what a tearful day. I got on the airplane and bawled my eyes out…for hours. I know, I’m such a wimp. Tears flowed until I was completely out of water. I’m sure everyone must have been wondering what on earth was up with this strange woman. Every emotion I had been feeling for the last few days all of a sudden caught up with me.
I got on the flight to Germany and was so incredibly tired. Funny thing was that even as tired as I was, I could NOT sleep. I have never been one to sleep on long flights. I thought this time may be different as I was just so ridiculously tired. But nope…could not do it. I could not turn my brain off, no matter how many sheep I tried to count (does that really even work?). I was totally wired. I needed a distraction-anything to keep me from thinking about my sweet little children all cozy in their beds, and my precious hubby at home. So I got out a book and read it from cover to cover. Karen Kingsbury to my rescue.
I arrived in Kiev about three hours ago-oh my goodness did I realized something FAST! It’s going to be sink or swim for me here. I arrived at the airport and was greeted by a very nice young man holding a sign that said “Salim”. Oh so close, but not quite right. I chuckled. He drove me to my apartment, where I was greeted by another man waiting. An older man. He carried my suitcase up to my home away from home, gave me a cell phone (which doesn’t work), took me out to the balcony and pointed to the grocery store, the bank, and the internet cafe.
That was it.
Um, okey dokey then. One little probelm-everything he pointed to was on the other side of the blooming road! I’m talking insanely busy road with cars driving at ten thousand miles an hour. Think China in rush hour traffic for those of you who have been there. How in the world do I even get to the other side alive?
“No problem”, he says and points to the underground walk-through thingy. Okay then.
Next thing I know…he leaves. Just like that. I kid you not. For just a minute I fought back the tears and wondered why in the world I am doing this all alone. Then HE whispered gently into my ear that I’m NOT alone, and that everything is going to be just fine. The quiet reassurance that I so desperately needed at that moment.
So I got myself together and navigated my way to the internet cafe to come and let my family know that I made it safely and am okay. I have asked the nice man to please get me a modem so that I can have internet access in the place I’m staying. He said he’ll take care of it tomorrow. I hope so. Until that happens, I’ll have to come to the wi-fi place.
Yep-I can tell I’m on the fast track to learning how to nagivate life here in the Ukraine. Nothing like being thrown in at the deep end, hey? Thank goodness I’m a good swimmer-I’ll get through this. I have the King of Kings taking each step with me, and that’s enough for me.
The reality of what life will look like for the next few weeks has not hit me yet. I know it will soon. I have been so blessed to be able to travel with my husband so many times. He handles everything. The money, the internet, the food. He just does it. Now it’s just me, and I have to learn to navigate the system here. Some of it intimidates me, I’ll be honest. The Lord has been so gracious and kind to me in the last 24 hours-I sense His arms around me, holding me tight. I know that I am NOT alone in this place. His sweet presence surrounds me.
Thank you for all the sweet words of encouragement I got when I logged onto my blog tonight. Please know that I appreciate it so very much. It means the absolute world to me to know that so many of you are praying and journeying with me from afar.
Love you all.
PS Please excuse the spelling mistakes, I am rushing to get this done so that I don’t have to find my way home in the dark.
So glad you made it!!!Not sure where you are in Kiev, but if you want company we are on Baseina St. staying in one of the apartments RR recomended. Hope you are doing well!
Welcome to Europe !
You may want to count shepherds instead of sheep
Psalm 23 works wonders for me.
May this part of your journey be as smooth as possible. Bee
Thinking and Praying for you! So happy to see an update that you made it there safely!
I’m so glad you’re there safe and sound and that you took the bold step of venturing out of your apartment right away. You go girl! Go God, right? Soak it all in. You’ll have so much to tell your daughters some day about your journey to them!!!
Still praying!
Kristin
I am so happy to see you have made it!I am sorry it was so hard.
I was up all night with a feverish, sick, child, and thought of you, probably flying at the time, and said a prayer that you would feel strong and that the time away for you would go fast.
I can’t wait to read more.
I can’t wait to see your little girls safe and sound.
Adeye,
I am so happy that you arrived safe and sound. Made me chuckle..when my husband and I arrived in our daughter’s country, I had forgotten ALL of our contact information. No one to meet us at the airport, didn’t have a clue to where we were staying. At a split second my hubby and I freaked (and I know you were alone in person and I had my hubby)but it was a weird feeling..I prayed and right away I had a HUGE peace! We met a taxi driver that was delivered to us by God!! We had everything work out, it just took a few hours! God is so awesome! It is a journey that you are on..and so many people are praying for you..that you really are not alone. You just don’t see us!
I’m so glad you found your way to the cafe so you can let us all know you are there, safely! Praying for you as you adjust and praying for your family while you are away! Love & Hugs to you!
Glad to hear you have made it safely there. Hang in there. You are not alone there are so many prayers being made on your behalf, your new daughters, and you family at home.
I’m sure things will look a whole lot better in the morning.
I know just where you are. We stayed there too. And dont worry you wont be all alone. and soon you will hold your new babies and forget all of this. make your posts in word or some other computer program and then copy and paste when you can get to internet. saves time and money!and you can still feel like you are “in touch” with everyone far away as you write them in your apartment even if you wont get a chance to post it for awhile. Hang in there Mama, its scary at first but it gets easier! enjoy the city! enjoy the country! this is the trip of a lifetime! and when you come home you will be mama to two beautiful babies! so worth it!
Oh, Adeye! You’re so brave! God has called you in big ways and I am in awe! I have been and will continue to pray for you!
Our friends, Joe and LeaAnn Norman just arrived there yesterday too! They’re staying in an apartment and waiting to meet their sweet Olga. If you want their cellphone number, please email me at tonyandrett{at]aol[dot]com
Love you friend! You CAN do this!
praying, praying praying, for you.
I am He, I am He who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4
Dawn
Prayers flowing from West MI. I’ll be anxiously reading your journey. Sleep well.
OH Adeye!! I am so thrilled that you are THERE…on the very soil of the country where the Lord has your next daughters WAITING to be scooped up and loved!
I am praying my friend. I wish I was with you. I so identify with all the emotions…and exhaustion just feeds the emotions more!
Praying that you will see the hand of the Lord in tangible ways EVERY single day you are there and that the time for Anthony to come seems to come quickly!!
Love you,
Holly
Are you kidding? Your spelling and grammar is perfect, as usual!
I’m so glad you made it safely! I am praying, friend! I know you will find much strength, wisdom, and encouragement in the Lord at each moment that you need it.
You are so precious, sweet friend!!
So glad you made it.. tears and all. Praying that the sustainer of all of Creation will wrap His tender arms of love around you and allow you to rest tonight. Following God’s lead is taking a whole bunch of baby steps… one step at a time.. no more.. no less… He’s going to catch us when we fall!! PRAYING - PRAYING - PRAYING!!
Oh my goodness. Sounds scary… but you’re right. You learn to swim really fast when you’re thrown into the deep end!!
Good thing we have that life jacket named Jesus! You have such an awesome spirit. I wish I knew you in person. I prayed for you through out the night while I was up and down. I am glad to know you made it safe and can NOT wait to see pics of the sweet Hailee and Harper! I know you are ready to meet them!! It’ll ALL be worth it! 
Still praying…
Forget reading books my friend. You need to be writing one. I am so glad that you are safe, but it comes as no surprise. God is so with you. He is so good and no place on this earth is unknown to Him. In our weakness He is strong!
Shauna
Hooray! You made it! I couldn’t sleep at all on th way either, but I slept like a baby on the way home! ;). Of course, no kids were with me
.
You are doing great! Step one, getting there is out of the way! Hang tight, as you said “you are not alone!”
My dearest friend - I so feel your emotions at the moment. I thank our Father in heaven that He ALWAYS comes to the rescue… You have travelled this far to rescue two of the most precious girls in the world, just like Jesus came to rescue all of us. I know it is hard and frightening - but like He said to you - everything IS going to be okay. You are backed up by millions of prayers and lots and lots and lots of love to keep you going forever and beyond. Your family will be ok - they’re in the best hands ever and so are you. I know it is not easy but keep your eyes on the prize my friend - I know you do but sometimes we just need reminding. I love you and miss you very much Remember one thing my friend - we are walking this road with you EVERY step of the way. You are NOT alone, you may be the one that is physically there but we are right there with you. Sending you a HUGE hug and lots of Jesuslove xxxM
Adeye, praying for you!!!!
Hugs,
tara
For some reason, my last comment never showed up…so I’ll try again.
Last night, as I was up with a sick and feverish child, I was thinking of you, probably mid-flight.
I prayed that your heart would have peace, that your flight would be safe, and your path back home, with your baby girls, swift and compassionate. I’ll be checking everyday! I can’t wait to see the end-result!
please be careful! don’t navigate the streets in the dark just because you needed to correct your spelling!
Prayers for you!! and yours at home.
“I can do ALL things through God who strengthens me.” You go, girlfriend!!!!
Adeye, I am SO glad to hear you made it safely to Kiev. Don’t worry, not only do you have all of us praying for you, but you have Him right there beside you as well.
Can’t wait to see you with the girls.
How long do you have to wait to get them????
Hugs,
Mandi
HIIIII!!!
You made it!!!! We’re praying you to and through, Adeye! Cannot wait to “see” the sights with you. Praying that you get your modem tomorrow.
Lisa
So glad you made it their safely! We will be continuing to pray as you are united with your precious girls!
I am so glad that you are there safe and sound. I have learned in my many travels away from Steve that
A)I sure do appreciate how he takes care of me.
and
B)I always get to see how the LORD takes care of me on these alone trips. He really will sweet friend. We are praying for you.
So glad to know that you are there, Adeye! Praying that you are able to get some rest & that you continue hearing those sweet whispers from your “travelling partner” (or life preserver, as you may still feel like you’re in the deep end).
Hugs ~ Dardi
You a wimp? I don’t think so my friend!
You will do fine and very, very soon you will have those girls in your arms!
Wow! You’re there! I’ve been watching your journey for your babies for quite some time. I’m not usually one who comments. I imagine this trip must be terribly intimidating. Just remember, you are on the homestretch. You’ve make it through so much already. YOU can do this! I am so excited for you, your babies, and your family at home. Congratulations!
KathB
I am happy to hear that you made it safe and sound. I flew to Siberia twice last year alone both times, to adopt my little guy with Ds. I know how you feel!:) But God let me know that he was there with me the entire time. I felt peace knowing that He was with me everywhere I went. You have so many people praying for you so please know that we may not be with you in person but we are praying for you and you are in our thoughts. It is so exciting to be at the point that you are in your adoption, just so close to meeting your precious little girls for the first time! I’m so excited for you!
Amy
RR
Dear Adeye,
You are so much closer to the Netherlands now! I can imagine how lost you are right now, all alone in this strange country. Thank God that we have HIM! Keep swimming, God will guide you all the way…
Can’t wait to see a picture of you and your two daughters!
Praying for you,
Much love,
Annerieke
The Netherlands
please please know that so many people are praying for you…..and please please don’t be anxious for your family here. they will be fine. every time your thoughts stray, have several Scripture that you go to to turn your thinking around.
one of my greatest challenges is to see His faithfulness in the midst of being far, far away from my kids….not after it is over
turning my thoughts to Scripture verses i have memorized helps alot.
we are all behind you!!!!!!!!
Hey, I just found your blog a few days ago and I have already been touched by your family.
I just wanted to let you know that you will be in my prayers. Also, I know that being in a new city by yourself can be scary - I recently travelled internationally as well and had to learn my way around by myself. It was scary - but I was okay in the end. I also had the benifit that everyone still spoke english.
Anyways I would like to leave you with a bible verse that I often find helpful when I don’t know what do to.
Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through the Lord who gives me strength.
Don’t you worry, you will be fine my friend! You have an angel on your shoulder to look after you. You just keep your chin up and concentrate on getting those babies home, and it will happen!
BIG HUGS!
What a difficult flight over. You are so close to your babies being placed in your arms. I have been following your blog for some time, but had to comment today. Please know their are many people thinking and praying for you and your family.
Kelly Selkirk-OH
Praying for you sweet friend! You scared me with all that information. Praying God’s protection and love over you!
Love and prayers for you and the girls,dear friend!You will do just fine.HE is always with you!!-The Bignells
Hooray! You made it! I couldn’t sleep at all on th way either, but I slept like a baby on the way home! ;). Of course, no kids were with me
.
You are doing great! Step one, getting there is out of the way! Hang tight, as you said “you are not alone!”
So good to hear from you! YOU CAN DO THIS! God always equips those who obey him!:) Praying that your every need will be met quickly. Know that you are not alone. GOD is always by your side and MANY bloggy friends are here praying and waiting to hear from you.
I’m happy to hear you are safe and sound and ready for the next step in your journey! Waiting for the post of pictures of mommy and sweet girls together at last!
Nance
Praying for complete peace from God over the next few weeks. God bless and we are so excited to follow your journey. Tamara Flippen
So happy you arrived safely. God will be with you the entire time and you will continue to feel His grace. I am so excited about following your journey. God bless, Tamara Flippen
God bless on you on this journey. It is going to be amazing. God is going to bless you beyond your imagination. Tamara Flippen
God bless you. Not sure if you will get this. I seem to be having trouble posting. You will probably get 4 posts because that is how many times I have tried. haha I know Gods grace will be with you the entire time and you are going to be so incredibly blessed.
This too shall pass and when it does you have two beautiful daughters that you have given life to!!! It really can’t get any better than that.
Loving you friend!!!
So so so glad you made it safely. You are so brave!! I will be praying that you are able to adjust to life there and that you will soon be familiar with everything. Keep your eyes on the prize!
Yes, you have GOD, and your family, friends and bloggy friends cheering you on and praying from over here. : ) Glad you are doing pretty good so far. You figured out how to get the computer going, and that’s a great start! We will be lifting you up in prayer. Can’t wait til you get those girls!
Dear Adeye,
I don´t normally leave comments on blogs but I just wanted to let you know that people around the world are praying for you and your family, people you´ve never met, but we are united in God´s love. I am a catholic nun working in an orphanage in eastern Bolivia (I´m from the US originally) and have really been touched by Reece´s Rainbow (how I got to your blog). I have started praying for adoptive families, especially when they´re in those most intense stages of meeting their children and taking them home. Since our children (two boys, 110 girls, ages 0-18+) cannot be adopted by families from the US (but can be adopted locally or by families from a few European countries, which happens occasionally, thanks be to God) I am so invested in seeing positive adoptions happen, even if they can´t happen to most of my kids. You and your family, by God´s grace, are giving your new daughters a new start in life, and this is so utterly important for kids who don´t have anyone-I know, I work with 112 of these kids, and though I love them with all my heart and feel that they are truly “my children”, I know that what they really need is a loving, forever-family. God bless you and your family and may Jesus fill your heart with strength and peace.
In His Heart,
Sr. Anna
Lifting you in prayer!! The Lord is right there with you all the time keeping you safe and sound.
God bless,
Amy <><
Praying for you Adeye and thinking about you throughout the day.
God Bless your journey!
You are not alone!
Can’t wait until you meet your girls!!
So glad you are there!! Stay strong and faithful!!! Will certainly keep you in my prayers, Adeye!!! You ARE strong and faithful and you WILL be ok!! He will make it so!
So wonderful to hear from you! You were on my mind throughout the day. I know what you mean, my husband takes care of it all during our travels too, so I’ll be sure to pray specifically for you with that.
When I first clicked on your blog, I notice your chip-in button goal showed 100%…Praise God!! That is proof right there to all who visit your blog that God is Our Provider!
Stay safe and uplifted…maybe you can find some “comfort food”…hehe!
wow. what a journey that is ahead of you !! You can do it , your babies are waiting on you
looking forward to following your journey. I would be freakin out if i were in your shoes , you are brave !!
Glad you made it safely. We’re praying or you!
I can only imagine how hard it must be to be there alone. But I am thankful that you realize that you are not really alone, and that it is now that He is holding you in the palm of your hand. I’m sure that each day will become easier, and you will soon feel at ease and semi-comfortable. Bound to become much, much better when you finally meet your daughters!
Prayers being said for you, Adeye!
Lori
My precious friend, may God wrap you up is His amazing, wonderful and gracious love, peace and security. He is walking with you every step you take. Love you Janelle xxx
You can do this,
You are a strong woman and you strenghts will amaze you in a short while. He is there with you, you are never alone. On our side of the world we will continue to pray for you. Think of the end result, you are so close!
Marie-Claude
hold tight know you can DO tihs!
It does get better - I promise!! So happy you made it safely.
once you have minutes on your phone, give me call!!
try to sleep and you will feel better
Adeye, sending big hugs! Oh how I know what it feels like to be thrown into the deep end “alone”. The beauty is you have already realized you are never alone and He is right there with you ready to walk you through this amazing faith journey to the end! Praying for your Momma heart while you are away from your family and theirs while missing you too! Praying for your court hearings, meeting the girls and all the details to bring them home. I’m so sorry you could not sleep on the flight. That is tough and praying you finally got some much needed rest!
Praying over you now!
Lots of love, Jill
Hang in there! You are NOT alone! I spent a week in Kiev feeling the exact same way you do right now.. but honestly, it isn’t as bad as you think. While you are totally out of your comfort zone, remember your comfort isn’t in the things ‘around’ you, its HIM that is ‘in’ you. Praying for you now!
Oh, Adeye, it is just like being there with you. You are in my prayers every time I breathe, it seems. What an adventure for my stout-hearted friend. Praising God that you are there, and doors are opening in the heavenlies for you. Remember, I am in your pocket, smiling!
My first post didn’t go through, so I’m trying again.
How wonderful to hear that you have arrived safely. My heart ached for you reading your post. You are an amazing women my dear friend, and God is holding you tightly.
I have been thinking about you constantly and praying - I love you.
When we adopted from Ghana, we had a 12 hour flight … got a taxi to our “Guest House” … got a taxi to the orphanage … were handed 3 children … and were ON OUR OWN … for the next 6 weeks. Absolutley ON OUR OWN to figure out what to do … how to complete the adoption … who to talk to … how to find a grocery store … what to buy … Yes, it was OVERWHELMING!!!
I went back a year later, with a friend, to help her navigate her way through the maze of international adoption. I was away from my family for almost 3 weeks that time. Yes, it was very difficult on all of us, but we knew it was the RIGHT THING to do.
Big Hugs!
Laurel