Back in Kiev

4/13/2009
This is a new day... the 12th and 13th have both run together for me. I missed Easter Sunday with the kiddos back home.

The trip has progressed a little differently from the first trip. Our flight into JFK was delayed so I had to dash through the airport to a different terminal whiling "breezing" through security again! (Hint: as most of you may know, there's no "breezing through" security!) I made it with about ten minutes to spare, stopping only for more water and a snack. (I was headed into an 8.5 hour flight... snacks required!)

Our plane to Kiev was delayed by an hour. Upon my arrival in Kiev, there was no one to pick me up. Plus, the polite Texan that I am, I was the last to go through customs because everyone kept cutting in front of me. Clearly, my fellow travelers did not go through school learning how to line up and take turns. So, I leave the security thanking God for no problems there. They never even looked at me! As I exited the doors, there was no one with a sign. I contacted Natalia (our attorney) and she was on her way. I approached an airport bank to get money. The lady refused my money. She made a hand motion that told me it was too wrinkled or something. I tried to argue, then handed her another. I purchased water and had to haggle with the lady behind the counter because she tried to overcharge me... the price was printed on the door! She was clearly annoyed by me.

I left the airport and all previous events were harmless, really. Natalia and her husband Kostas picked me up and took me to the SDA (State Department for Adoption). Then, we went to change money again without any problems. We went to the train station to buy tickets. Finally, I arrived at a local apartment for a shower. Now, I'm sitting in a local coffee shop, because they all seem to have free WIFI and coffee! It's disturbing how we manipulate our bodies into adjusting to the differing time zones. I must consume coffee to keep myself awake throughout the day so that I will sleep tonight on the train. Ultimately, my body conforms.

I discussed the weeks' procedures with Natalia, and it sounds like I may be a little longer than April 22nd. However, I'm still praying for an earlier return! I will leave on the overnight train tonight at 9:30. In the meantime, I may shop!!! What else is a girl to do alone in a big city??!??!! We have more paperwork in Krivoy Rog, then I get to see Nina. We will load her up in a car and drive an hour and a half to a local passport office. From there, the plan is to return to Krivoy Rog and spend the night. Hopefully, Nina and I will return to Kiev ("civilization" as Natalia refers to it) on Wednesday night (on the overnight train--that should be a story to tell!) More to come...


4/12/2009
Well, I’m off to the Ukraine to get Nina and to bring her home. My return home with Jordan was undoubtedly a blessing and a treat! I enjoyed every moment of it, including the Easter egg hunt and visits with friends. Leaving the house and kids and Jordan this morning was tough, but I feel refreshed and strengthened by family and friends who contacted us and lifted our spirits. Please continue to pray for Jordan and the kids at home. We cherish your prayers.

This morning, I began my day with a sweet note from a friend. The note started with three definitions of the word “marathon,” appropriate considering my passion for running. The narrowed version of the third definition went something like this: “an event of great length or duration requiring exceptional endurance.” This adventure may seem of great length and requiring exceptional endurance, except that I have my eye on the prize, using Paul’s words from Philipians 3.

My friend directed me to Philipians 3:14, so that’s where I spent the first part of my travel this morning, reflecting on all of Philipians 3. Paul is clearly reaching out to Jesus who reached out to him. He so humbly claims to be focused on the goal—where God is calling us, beckoning us toward Jesus.

I know that if I will look to Him during this leg of our adventure—all of the details, changes in plans, potential document mishaps, timing issues (don’t for a moment that I haven’t manufactured my own set of potential problems)—will become merely opportunities for me (and our family) to develop exceptional endurance with our eyes set on Him and focused on our goal. Thank you for you prayers. More to come…