Ukraine - Going to Kiev!

[Up2Early]

My family and I are traveling in Ukraine these next two weeks. We're hoping to adopt a brother and sister from here, the girl is 14 and the boy is 11. We would appreciate your prayers!

We left Jackson Friday afternoon and arrived in Kiev at what would be 4pm Saturday for all of you. We missed our connection in Amsterdam due to a thunderstorm in Atlanta. With a 10 hour layover in Amsterdam, we put the bags in a locker and took the train into the city. Very neat to see the canal system at city center. I've never thought of Amsterdam as a canal city, but it certainly is in that area. We even saw a bunch of ducks! We toured the Anne Frank house, which gave a us whole new perspective on 'The Diary'.

After a whole lot of sleep today, we went into downtown Kiev and walked around. Then, we had dinner at a TGIF we found. The kids we were thankful for some American style food.

The appointment with the government is tomorrow. We have to get permission to travel to the orphanage in Odessa and meet the children.

[Jelly]

That's good stuff David. Y'all be careful and best of luck on the adoption!

[matador1]

Going to pray for you guys tonight. Adoption is something God has put on my heart and I love the fact that he has done the same for others. I hope all goes well.

[champcaller]

Good luck brother! Y'all be safe and our prayers are with you.

And your boat will be taken care of

[Duck$$$]

Our preacher just returned from there Last Sat on a mission trip. Lots to be thankful for in the good old USA !!!

[eSJay]

wonderful thing you're doing david!
good luck & safe travels!
keep us posted.

[landscaper]

Prayers sent.

[rjohnson]

Awesome brother just awesome! We actually have some friends that just finalized their adoption of two girls and a boy this morning. This is the fourth family we know that has been over there. If you need anything or want to talk to any of them or their contacts in Ukraine please let me know. I will be glad to get you in touch with them. Keep your Bible handy, read and pray daily because there are a lot of forces that will try to make it difficult for you over there. God has a plan so just seek it and let whatever happens there roll off your back because you know it has a purpose. Again get in touch with me if you need to call on any of our friends that have been there and through the process.

Ronnie

[teul2]

Sent bud. Hope it works out.

[Up2Early]

Quick update...

We were approved for travel to the orphanage yesterday and leave for Odessa tomorrow (Wednesday, we're 8 hours ahead of Jackson time). Our Ukrainian facilitator is fantastic. Our travelling companion from Madison was a missionary in Kiev for several years and knows many people here. They have been very helpful and we are so thankful for them. There have been some encouraging reports from a missionary in Odessa who knows the children.

My Russian completely stinks. I've gotten us lost in Kiev once and we had to be rescued by a very nice young couple who led us to our destination. Most of the young people here speak at least a little English and most of the public transportation has an English alphabet translation on the sign. You still have to be able to translate that, though.

I have figured out how to order coffee (very important), Coke, pizza, bottled water, etc. Google Translator is a great help in that we can type in a phrase on our phone, translate it, and let the other person read it when we get stuck.

Thanks for your prayers, guys.

[LawDawg]

good stuff, David. We are praying for you.

[2dogs]

I visted my son in Ukraine a few years ago when he was in the Peace Corp. He work with an orphanage in the eastern part of Ukraine as well as teaching English in the schools, he married a Ukrainian girl while he was there who is just delightful. Kiev was great, but once you get out of the main cities you better have a russian speaker with you. Your train ride out of Kiev will be a memorable experience. Good luck and have a great trip.

[Up2Early]

The children said yes! We are a family of seven. Many steps to complete and several weeks required to do so.

[champcaller]

That is awesome buddy! I know y'all have prayed long and hard and it takes a strong family to take on something like this, but can't think of anyone else better suited for the job. Y'all get back safe.

[rjohnson]

Awesome news!