All is Well in Berdyansk

First of all, sorry that we haven't blogged in a while but the server was down when we tried. Our train was due to leave Kiev in the middle of a soccer match- Ukraine versus Scotland. Traffic was at a stand still everywhere so our angel roomates helped us carry our suitcases the mad dash to the train station with our facilitator- Victor. We couldn't have made it with out these new friends who shared our apartment our last night in Kiev. The train was everything and more that our friends said it would be just like going back in time- oriental carpets on the floor. Narrow compartments. Great chia (tea) and snacks. The bathroom- well imagine going while riding a horse! We arrived to Zaporezia (sp) around 7am where we took a fun taxi ride for 2-1/2 hours to Hotel Berdyansk. We saw lots of sunflower fields, wheat fields, cows, goats and geese along the way. The landscape is beautiful. The hotel is nice with an internet cafe in the lobby. Our room- well we splurged for a few days and took a suite with a large tiled bath/ draped surrounded bed and sofa area. The view of the water and sunset as well as a lighthouse are worth the $ for now. On Thursday we immediately went to work with Victor processing paper work. The down side to Irina being in Kiev is that some work will be delayed until Monday which sets us back a few days to get our paperwork back to the SDA in Kiev on Wednesday.( they only accept it on MWF) We stood in several lines and signed several documents. We made arrangements to visit the orphange with the inspector on Monday. Irina will have her physical on Monday as well. Well we thought that our Friday would be a restful one. We started out
shopping in the market for a few items and we bought some DVDs to watch with Victor. (American with Russian subtitles) We were able to go with Terri and Nataliya's group here with CBN to the orphanage. It was interesting meeting the group traveling with them as they film. We were invited to lunch and were able to see the newly purchased transitional house on the way back to the orphange. It was exciting to see the dream coming true for the aging out children to have this opportunity to study and become equipped after leaving the orphange. They are busy with remodeling it. We watched as Terri did a short film segment on it. We latter met Nataliya's cousins for a big dinner at their house. Great food and fellowship! (Nancy- Galina was there with Tonya- she's beautiful. Bev showed her your picture.)
Our sad part of the day was seeing Vica. She is confused about her choices after seeing us about what to do. She wants us to adopt her but she doesn't want to upset her grandmother. The Lord will work it out if it is meant to be. We may be back in a year if things change.
To those who had sent along cards to their kids- all are safely delivered and many smiles were seen! Terri and Stan, you should recieve a letter. Olga promises to write to you- Jean and Jim.
She gives Bev a big hug everytime she sees her! She would love for you to come visit after Christmas. We saw Roman and he smiled real big and called Gary "Superman"- see previous blog for explanation. Roman has a good memory!
TO OUR Family and those watching our kids, WE LOVE YOU> WE MISS YOU WE HOPE AND PRAY ALL IS WELL> Irina and Vica say hello to all.