Sundays are fundays
Trip Start
Dec 01, 2007
1
7
24
Trip End
Ongoing
Lugansk, Ukraine
Monday, December 10, 2007
Our facilitator, Luba, left last night to go back to Kiev for a meeting with a US agency and some diplomats regarding adoption of older children. So, Arno and I are on our own for a few days. It's OK- we know our way around. We know how to get to the hotel, restaurant, food stores, and the orphanage. That's all we need, other than that we,ve explored a little, but there's not a whole lot to do in this city. It's spread out, but mostly with apartments, dotted with a few little food shops. There is no paperwork to be done until Wednesday, when our paperwork from the orphanage is to be complete. By then Luba will have returned and will initiate the process of getting a court date. This takes at least 10 days, as the judge is required to review the paperwork for at least 10 days before the court date.
We continue to visit Anastasia 21/2-3 hours daily. We're getting into a routine of mixing teaching and playing. She is progressing daily. We get big greetings and big long hugs, even kissesfrom her now, as she is getting very comfortable with us.We are talking with our kids back home on the phone, but still miss them. We love you Jonathan and Cameron.
Arno writing- For those of you planning a trip to Ukraine I have a few tips.
Before we left we bought some Enzymatic Pearls which are probiotic pills from Wal-Mart. They help prevent "Montazuma's revenge". We buy water in 2 liter bottles of water since you're not supposed to drink the tap water here. Alot of people are friendly and honest. They like it if you speak some of their language. I only began studying Russian on the internet around 8 months before we left, but it is enough. Some people here speak a little English as they teach it in the schools. A salad in a restaurant does not always mean a lettuce and tomato salad as they have many different kinds of salad. Three things some Ukrainian people find interesting about Lancie:
She doesn't drink any alcohol.
She doesn't eat bread with her meal.
She only eats salad for a meal.
We showed Anastasia pictures of different foods and she seems to like the vegies and fruits- not so much meat.
Comments
Waiting
Dear Lancie & Arno ~ Monday couldn't come soon enough to read the latest. I am so glad to hear the visits are going well. The personality you describe sound so fitting for your family. We continue to pray for a swift hearing and loving visits. Curt and I think and talk of you often. ~ Karen
HI, from Cameron
We just got finished reading the latest blog and we thought we would say hi. It sounds like everything is going well.
Well over here at Jack's house is cool. I like the four wheeler and green machine. It sounds really cool that we are getting a new sister!!! You should send pictures of Anastasia.
These are Cameron's words to you. Write soon Love, Eve
Excited!!
We cannot wait to meet Anastasia. It sounds like she really fits in! I saw Molly at Publix and told her all about her. Her computer isn't working. She is so excited that you have a little girl now, just what you needed! She was also glad to see that I now have blood in my face(ha-ha). Last time at Hall-mark I almost passed out. What a night-mare. I got something for the kids. It is HILARIOUS!! I can't tell you what it is, cause they'll read it,surprise.I guess you can't post pics or would have already.Lancie, I don't write to chat much because I know that you are NOT bored. I love you all and can't wait for you to get home.Tell Anastasia that we love her, too. And next year we'll have another Quon to make cookies with! We all want to bring her something, I guess a fruit basket will work, ha-ha!! Love,Me
Hi Renee
Got your message, good to hear from home. Yes, another cookie baker! At last I will have a little shopper like you do. So far she's a mama's girl, but warming up to daddy. We will try to post pictures today.
Re: HI, from Cameron
Hi Cameron. We're glad you are able to read our blog. We've posted some pictures of your new soon-to-be sister. We love you.
Goofy!
You know me,right? I didn't know there were already pictures attached to your blogs. Anastasia is so cute!! I wanted to get some girly things for her, but didn't know what you wanted to get. Since, she just had a birthday and missed our Christmas we wanted to get something special. Maybe something for her room and an outfit? Do you know what size clothes or shoes she wears, and what is her favorite color? Let me know. We love you and miss you and can't wait for your safe return! Love,Renee