Monday, October 09, 2006

We Made It!!!

We are here!!! We got in right on time at 1:20 pm Ukraine time. We flew from Dulles to Vienna to Kiev on Austrian Airlines. It was a very nice flight and they fed us a ton of food. We actually ran into work friends in the Dulles airport. It was Joe Rodriguez and Susan Finley. Joe and I have worked together in the USCG and Susan is a contractor for UNITECH and we have worked together in the past. They flew to Vienna on the same flight and then were off to Odessa. It was a nice surprise.

Upon arrival, here's a great tip, USE THE VIP SERVICE!! It was absolutely amazing. As soon as we stepped into the main terminal among the hundreds of people, a man came up and produced a big sign with our name on it. We raised our hand and off we went like a whirl wind. We had to be out of the airport and into the car in about 15 minutes luggage and all. Wow!!

As we exited the airport customs area, we were met by Yulia and the driver. Yulia is a lovely young lady that speaks wonderful english. On the race down the freeway to the apartment we talked about the next few days and she helped us understand what should happen.

We got to our apartment at around 2:30 pm. It is...hmmmm...different. Accomodating though. The only scary thing is the ride in the very old elevator to the 12th floor but it was better then walking the stairs. The apartment has 2 bedrooms, living room, bathroom, kitchen and balconies all around.

Yuri picked us up at around 4:40 pm with his girl friend. He shocked us in that he is so young. 28 years old. He's a nice guy that speaks suberb english. We went out and exchanged money at the grocery store. We then picked up a few items at the store which pretty much had anything you would need...including a cell phone. We bought a basic one that we will give to the next family going after we get home.

After a tour of the city, Yuri took us home. We tried our best to stay awake but Bev was out by 0730 and I went shortly thereafter. We slept 13 hours straight.

Our appointment is at 2:00 pm on Tuesday. For those that are up at 7:00 am EST, please remeber us in prayer.

Anyway, we are off to shop a little and buy me some shoes. They broke at the Dulles airport and it was like wearing flip-flops the rest of the time. Then we have plans on eating dinner with the Funero's who just arrived today.

To our friends and family; We miss you all very much already and think of you often.

Brittany, Zach and Abby, If you're reading this just know we love you and we are doing fine.

Tim Q., Stop eating my peanuts....;-)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

We're glad you are there! We had lunch Sunday with Charlene, Tim, the boys, Abby, Zach, Beth, Terri & Stan. Have a good day today, enjoy the city. You may hear from Max -- I sent you his phone number via email. Are you checking that too? Praying you through it! Jean, Jim, T & K

Anonymous said...

So happy to read your luggage made it,too! :) We're enormously excited for you! What a wonderful idea this site is! Can't wait to read about the girls' reactions to your surprise visit! Love, Dale and Russ

Anonymous said...

Hey - great news that you made it!

All is well here. We continue to keep you in our prayers.

Tim & Char

(I've started a tab (in your name) at the Peanut Shop.)

Anonymous said...

Couldn't wait to read about your trip and so happy to hear you made it safely and "uneventfully"! Praying for you each step of every day.... God bless, Debbie & Dale

Anonymous said...

Beverly and Gary, glad you had a safe trip. I woke up thinking about you this morning. Keeping you in our prayers. Love,
Iryna

Anonymous said...

If your appointment time is as planned, you should be at the SDA now. Continued prayers for a smooth meeting and a quick referral. Jim & Jean