Our Adoption: 31, 60 Boyarka!; 48, 60, Kyiv!!

As I write this, we are all sitting comfortably in our apartment after a fun filled day at Dream Island (more, I think, on that later). We are so blessed to have OUR Zhenya with us as well! We were saddened to have to get Zhenya back to the orphanage in Boyarka on Monday, but understood that was what we were asked. We were also disappointed that Zhenya did not want to return to Kyiv with us on Monday, but understood his reasoning - "It's only for one day!," he said. Having ridden the bus for one hour already, a return to Kyiv meant another three hours on the marshootka in about one day!

On Tuesday, we were headed to lunch with John Eide, a missionary serving God's church and children, when we received a call that we could keep Zhenya with us in Kyiv until Friday! We were floored as we did not expect this and had resolved that we'd see him again on Thursday. Apparently, the camera for the movie broke and they would not be able to film on Wednesday.

John, through God's providence, spent a week with Zhenya just prior to us hosting Zhenya for the month of July. Zhenya brightens up when we talk about John, who took the time to make a Godly impact on Zhenya and other orphan boys and girls. John shared that, while he has not spent much time with orphans, he knows Zhenya is quite different - he is always smiling and happy! For those of you who have met him, you know there is tremendous truth to that statement. We pray that John's comment will ring true - Zhenya will easily get acclimated in the States. Further, we pray that Zhenya will have a love for the Lord that others will see something different in him and want that (Christ) for themselves.

After we had lunch, we got on the 720 bus (marshootka) to Boyarka. I counted 31 stops and 60 minutes! Wow! The marshootka has 22 seats, but there were no less than 38 people on it at one time! After 60 minutes, or thereabouts, we were able to stretch our legs and walk the 15 minutes to the orphanage. At last, we were in Boyarka! Zhenya was excited to see us, but there was an intense game of soccer going on. Mandy and I watched for a bit before we departed for our return to Kyiv.

Zhenya (with the ball) and others playing soccer at the orphanage.

Zhenya is a confident young man, willing to jump in and talk, not shy of adults. This is a great trait and one that will take him far in life. We let him handle the return marshootka ride where I counted 48 stops. Mind you, not all stops were at a designated stop - men and women walking along the road would simply hold out their hand and the marshootka driver would stop! After about 60 minutes, we were safely in Kyiv where we had a quick bite to eat and an early night.

On Wednesday, we took a walking tour around Kyiv, stopping at St. Michael's, St. Andrews and St. Sophia churches. We lost our group by the Golden Gate and found a restaurant where we could relax. It was good to have a relaxing day without too much adventure! And, better yet, we had some more quality time with Zhenya!