Latest happenings

We finally had a low-key day yesterday, which was much needed.  Zhenya actually woke up before me, so he and Mike had a fun time waking me up.  Zhenya jumped on the bed, scaring me to death, yelling “Mama, Mama, get up, get up!”  After more jumping, he finally stopped, hugged me and said, “Good morning, Sunshine”.  (That’s what I always say to him in the mornings.)  Even though I hate to be woken up, this was a good start to our day!

We spent some time doing schoolwork – no need to wait until we’re back home!  Z completed a math worksheet and the first lesson of Rosetta Stone.  He did really well on both, but did get frustrated with the English.  He said it was crazy.  I just laughed. 

We went to a really nice park here in Kyiv to help get rid of some energy.  They have 4-wheel bikes you can rent to ride around in the park.  So, Mike and Z had a fun time with that.  We also paid a visit to the Roshen candy store to stock up on goodies to bring home.  Candy and chocolates are really big here.  In America, we gift people with clothes, purses, gift cards, etc.  Here, you gift with candy, chocolates and fresh flowers.

Our day ended by having dinner with a very special young man that we met this week.  Alexey is another adoption facilitator / translator that helped us earlier this week with several appointments.  He is 24, very handsome and very kind.  But that’s not why he’s special.  He received his very first Bible from another adoptive family that we met in Kyiv earlier in September.  The Bible was in English, but he is so interested in learning more, that he bought a Bible in Russian.  This family was able to share the Gospel with Alexey and now he is seeking to know more.  He was raised with no religion in his life (former Soviet Union), so the Bible is very foreign to him.  He desires to know so much more, so Mike and I were able to talk to him last night and help answer some of his questions.  Standing in the middle of Khreschatyk Street (the main street in Kyiv), with hustle and bustle everywhere around us, talking about having a relationship with Jesus, is priceless!  What an awesome privilege that was!  How amazing is our God!  

Clemson in Ukraine - Go Tigers!!

We look forward to visiting the WWII museum today with Becky and Nadia.  We understand it is one of the best such museums in the world.  Tomorrow we will attend The Church of the Big City again – there are several folks that want to say goodbye to Z.  Monday we expect to get Zhenya’s Passport and make our first visit to the Embassy.  Tuesday should be our second Embassy appointment and medical visit and then we should be cleared for take off!!  What a good feeling….

Mandy