Dear friends and family,
Today John and I wait for an expected appointment we will have this afternoon sometime. We have enjoyed receiving encouraging e-mails from some of you and certainly felt the power of your prayers extended our way over the last 24 hours. Yesterday was a very difficult day for both of us. Several times we had breakdowns, not exactly of despair, but of exhaustion and frustration. There is much we are dealing with that we can not disclose in this format right now. Soon we will have conclusions to questions and decisions and will be able to share more with you. Please know that when we asked that you join us in prayer, we know and see God's answers all around us. His will has been made evident and we are so thankful for His presence and guidance.
To pass some time, I have gone back to the blog I have attached to ours - "Step of Faith: Ukraine Adoption." This is some very good reading and we have enjoyed sharing this trip with them. The husband is a Pastor and the wife is a Teacher. She spent some of their "down time" writing about Ukraine's history and I highly recommend you reading it. Her two blog entries can be found in June called 1) Ukrainian History and 2) More Ukrainian History. She is very thorough and does such a good job, I wouldn't think of trying to put it any differently. It is some very insightful reading into understanding our new daughters and their history. It is important to understand their background and the kind of people they were made of. Thanks so much Dawn for sharing with us!
Last night we had dinner with Sergiy. It gave us a chance to sit down and discuss our options, the game plan before and after today's meeting, and above all, we splurged by eating American hamburgers! Yum! In the capitol of Kiev there is an American TGIFridays. It is just like the ones back in the States (including the high prices). John and I were longing for a juicy hamburger and fries. We eat at McDonanlds from time to time, but it's just not the same. Sergiy's wife and children were left back in Donetsk with his in-laws, so he welcomed the opportunity to share a meal with someone.
As we went to order, we found out Sergiy had never had an American style hamburger. He is willing to try new things, but had not ventured farther than the "chicken fingers" he had eaten once before. We ordered a big juicy bacon cheeseburger for each of us, along with a sample appetizer tray to share. We washed it down with Cokes, no ice (still made from the local water supply). It wasn't quite the same without the ice, but still so refreshing. Ukrainians drink juice or carbonated water (called water with gas) instead of sodas.
Sergiy tried all the items on the sampler, we explained each one. Potato skins, mozzarella sticks, wings and celery. He had never had any of them. It was very funny to watch him bite into the celery stalk and see how he was unsure how to bite the "strings" of celery politely off. He smiled and said he thinks he likes the mozzarella sticks instead. :o)
The burgers were huge with lettuce (something they rarely eat here), tomato and onion slices, pickles and of course the big juicy hamburger, bacon (slightly undercooked, yuk!) and processed cheese. We told him when they are this big (the buns here are larger and puffed up), it's best to cut it in half, smoosh it down and just take a bite. He loved it! He was so full by the end of the meal, but wanted so much to finish his entire burger and fries. I'm sure he must have had a bellyache before he got home! It was an expensive treat, but such a nice break from Ukrainian food.
I should be getting ready for our meeting. We have no idea what time it will be, but we could be called any time to walk down to the SDA offices. Thank you again for all who have been in contact. Jeremy W. - it was fun to talk to you. Thanks for downloading Skype. It's a very easy way for us to "talk".
Until next time, be encouraged, He is in control.
Jenn
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Ukrainian driving
John and I put many, many miles on our vehicles each year. Both of us drive and because we have our own business, we have vehicles we drive for work and ones we have to drive personally. Each year we put 30,000 miles on our vehicles - each! Because our older teenage children drive their own vehicles as well (partially to save us from driving back and forth to the school and their other functions), we could quite easily chalk up another 10,000 miles or more in driving miles for our family.
While being here in Ukraine (we are on day 14), John and I have not been allowed to drive. This is a very different experience for both of us. We are used to being in control of our days and being in the hands of other people is challenging at times. Especially the way they drive here!
We are not world travellers. This is our first time being off the North American continent. So although I have heard stories about driving on the Audubon and seen movies with high speed chases in Paris and the like, I have yet to have lived them until now.
Most who know me (okay kids, you can tell all), know driving fast does not bother me. Honestly, I like it. I grew up under the wing of my father, who being a Marine, calculated every move and strategically swerved in and out of traffic in the Portland area where I grew up. At the end of the day, he was one that was not tired from the experience, but invigorated and quite satisfied at the challenges. I tend to be like him.
But this driving is completely out of my realm. Straight from the airport in Kiev, I was aghast at the way drivers stack up three or four across in a two lane road. They cut each other out and are constantly swerving back and forth, narrowly missing each other! Even my thrill seeking side was a little more than frightened!
And when someone didn't want to wait 7 cars back from the light, they will drive into oncoming traffic (2 or 3 lanes coming right at them), dodging the cars and buses and turn right through the busy intersection ahead that has right-away! It is incredible to see!
And one amazing, incredible lesson that Americans could learn is that no one gets mad! There is no "road rage" here. I asked our driver about it, politely translated by Sergiy, if anyone gets mad and yells at them? He was confused by the question and said, "No. I guess they need to get somewhere worse than I do." They assume the best instead of the worst! They do not get uptight and feel they've been cut off, or that the other driver hasn't waited their turn like we did. They just assume that they needed to get ahead for a reason. We ourselves have done lots of passing into oncoming traffic, around buses, cars, electric run Metros, pedestrians (who cross anytime and anywhere). Because of this phenomenon, they, like my father, are not stressed at the end of the day. It's just life to them.
We pray as you "drive" through life today, dodging life's roadblocks, obstacles and unexpected "pedestrians" that you remember to remain calm and relaxed. God is in control of today. He does not want one of us to suffer needlessly. He sees what's happening in your life and mine. He is compassionate and (Praise God) slow to anger when we do wrong. Keep it in gear, keep your focus on the road ahead (full of God), sit back and enjoy the ride.
Much love to you all.
God bless you dear friends and family!
Jenn
While being here in Ukraine (we are on day 14), John and I have not been allowed to drive. This is a very different experience for both of us. We are used to being in control of our days and being in the hands of other people is challenging at times. Especially the way they drive here!
We are not world travellers. This is our first time being off the North American continent. So although I have heard stories about driving on the Audubon and seen movies with high speed chases in Paris and the like, I have yet to have lived them until now.
Most who know me (okay kids, you can tell all), know driving fast does not bother me. Honestly, I like it. I grew up under the wing of my father, who being a Marine, calculated every move and strategically swerved in and out of traffic in the Portland area where I grew up. At the end of the day, he was one that was not tired from the experience, but invigorated and quite satisfied at the challenges. I tend to be like him.
But this driving is completely out of my realm. Straight from the airport in Kiev, I was aghast at the way drivers stack up three or four across in a two lane road. They cut each other out and are constantly swerving back and forth, narrowly missing each other! Even my thrill seeking side was a little more than frightened!
And when someone didn't want to wait 7 cars back from the light, they will drive into oncoming traffic (2 or 3 lanes coming right at them), dodging the cars and buses and turn right through the busy intersection ahead that has right-away! It is incredible to see!
And one amazing, incredible lesson that Americans could learn is that no one gets mad! There is no "road rage" here. I asked our driver about it, politely translated by Sergiy, if anyone gets mad and yells at them? He was confused by the question and said, "No. I guess they need to get somewhere worse than I do." They assume the best instead of the worst! They do not get uptight and feel they've been cut off, or that the other driver hasn't waited their turn like we did. They just assume that they needed to get ahead for a reason. We ourselves have done lots of passing into oncoming traffic, around buses, cars, electric run Metros, pedestrians (who cross anytime and anywhere). Because of this phenomenon, they, like my father, are not stressed at the end of the day. It's just life to them.
We pray as you "drive" through life today, dodging life's roadblocks, obstacles and unexpected "pedestrians" that you remember to remain calm and relaxed. God is in control of today. He does not want one of us to suffer needlessly. He sees what's happening in your life and mine. He is compassionate and (Praise God) slow to anger when we do wrong. Keep it in gear, keep your focus on the road ahead (full of God), sit back and enjoy the ride.
Much love to you all.
God bless you dear friends and family!
Jenn
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Food and Language
Good Afternoon dear friends and family!
As we sit down with a cup of tea, we are thinking of the dietary changes our bodies have endured over the past 11 days. Only a couple of times have I ever gotten John to drink tea - he's a coffee man. But in a world without drip coffee, his choices are very few.
Most of this side of the world enjoys the extra heavy cappuccino and latte drinks. For us to order a "cappuccino americano" means it's only a 6 shot drink instead of the normal 10. You would think this high dose of caffeine would keep us up and keep us regular, but that would not be the case. So much has changed for our poor bodies (the time, the climate, the diet) that we have struggled to adjust.
Not to mention, there are no beds like ours in the entire country, we're pretty sure. Imagine sleeping on the box spring and you've got a Ukrainian bed. Okay, you can add a woolen blanket as some of them do for padding - now you've got a deluxe Ukrainian bed. Sometimes we can't help but whine a little. We are thankful Ibuprofen is pronounced the same in Russian as in English. :o)
Here is a snapshot of our breakfast the day before we left for Kiev. We are blessed to have insight on which restaurants have English menus. This one, called Cherry Pizza, is one of them. In fact I've blogged to you all from there as they have WIFI and are open 24/7 as well.
John ordered the Salt Pancakes.
These are a blintz pancake with a side of sour cream. This is a typical pancake that can either be served as a "salt" or "sweet" dish. A salt pancake has cheese, meat, vegetables, sour cream, etc. A sweet pancake usually has fruit, chocolate syrup, nuts, honey or the like.
I ordered one called something like Sweet Toast.
It ended up being a french bread prepared like french toast, but with chopped almonds on both sides and drizzled carmel sauce on top. It was almost too sweet for breakfast, but we endured through it! :o)
At some restaurants we are able to point and make hand motions. John is very well versed in this kind of communication. It seems many of the guys he works with talk a lot with their hands, make noises, facial expressions to communicate. It's kind of like primitive talking. Needless to say, I have him order for us. It usually works pretty well when they do not speak English. Hunger is a great motivating factor.
In fact, John has been trying to learn Russian while he's here to communicate with everyone. He has a English to Russian translation book that he started studying before we left the States. But the funny thing is that after 11 days, I think he knows 2 words. In reality, since they don't know much English, he's actually responding to them in Spanish, the only other language he does know. He'll say, "Buenos dais" and the like. Now our attorney/interpreter is speaking Spanish to John instead of English! Actually Sergiy doesn't know Spanish - what he's speaking now is what John's taught him! I believe we're in trouble.
As we sit down with a cup of tea, we are thinking of the dietary changes our bodies have endured over the past 11 days. Only a couple of times have I ever gotten John to drink tea - he's a coffee man. But in a world without drip coffee, his choices are very few.
Most of this side of the world enjoys the extra heavy cappuccino and latte drinks. For us to order a "cappuccino americano" means it's only a 6 shot drink instead of the normal 10. You would think this high dose of caffeine would keep us up and keep us regular, but that would not be the case. So much has changed for our poor bodies (the time, the climate, the diet) that we have struggled to adjust.
Not to mention, there are no beds like ours in the entire country, we're pretty sure. Imagine sleeping on the box spring and you've got a Ukrainian bed. Okay, you can add a woolen blanket as some of them do for padding - now you've got a deluxe Ukrainian bed. Sometimes we can't help but whine a little. We are thankful Ibuprofen is pronounced the same in Russian as in English. :o)
Here is a snapshot of our breakfast the day before we left for Kiev. We are blessed to have insight on which restaurants have English menus. This one, called Cherry Pizza, is one of them. In fact I've blogged to you all from there as they have WIFI and are open 24/7 as well.
John ordered the Salt Pancakes.
These are a blintz pancake with a side of sour cream. This is a typical pancake that can either be served as a "salt" or "sweet" dish. A salt pancake has cheese, meat, vegetables, sour cream, etc. A sweet pancake usually has fruit, chocolate syrup, nuts, honey or the like.
I ordered one called something like Sweet Toast.
It ended up being a french bread prepared like french toast, but with chopped almonds on both sides and drizzled carmel sauce on top. It was almost too sweet for breakfast, but we endured through it! :o)
At some restaurants we are able to point and make hand motions. John is very well versed in this kind of communication. It seems many of the guys he works with talk a lot with their hands, make noises, facial expressions to communicate. It's kind of like primitive talking. Needless to say, I have him order for us. It usually works pretty well when they do not speak English. Hunger is a great motivating factor.
In fact, John has been trying to learn Russian while he's here to communicate with everyone. He has a English to Russian translation book that he started studying before we left the States. But the funny thing is that after 11 days, I think he knows 2 words. In reality, since they don't know much English, he's actually responding to them in Spanish, the only other language he does know. He'll say, "Buenos dais" and the like. Now our attorney/interpreter is speaking Spanish to John instead of English! Actually Sergiy doesn't know Spanish - what he's speaking now is what John's taught him! I believe we're in trouble.
We have struggled constantly with internet services. There is so much to tell and I am trying diligently to get on-line to communicate, but we are constantly be kicked off or can not get on at all. John's Netbook will only get on-line at certain places that have WIFI, like McDonalds. Mine (thankfully) will usually get on anywhere, including with the high speed cable hookup we have in the apartment. But all of this is very unstable. Sergiy says this is how it is in all Ukraine. And it doesn't bother them. They expect no different - it's the kind of services they are use to.
As I attempt to post another blog (such as this one) it "auto saves" while I'm typing - which is great! But because of the unstable internet, it is sometimes days old before I get the chance to finish it and send it on to you. I feel so behind! but I know you don't mind. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I wish you a wonderful day filled with good food and lots of rest.
Until next time, all our love to you and yours,
Jenn
Friday, October 23, 2009
Can you find John?
Here is something fun.....
This is a normal stairway to an apartment we stayed in. This is actually for the "white apartment" where there is no other choice but the stairs. Ukrainians do not replace the lightbulbs in the halls or outside of a door when it burns out. Occasionally you'll find a very small bulb that brings about the same light as the cell phone.
Can you find John on the stairs? No joke - this is what it looks like!
I blinded him by turning on the flash so you could actually see him (and so could I!). It is still light outside, by the way. Because all the buildings are made of very thick, solid concrete or brick, light only gets in through the occasional dirty windows that are placed on some floors.
The spot behind him is the front door and there is no side window and no lightbulb. You can see what we walk down to to try and head out of the building. On this one, the outside light is broken out too. But have no fear, this is a nice neighborhood. We understand the governor of the area has his office in one of the first floor spaces in this building. There is a police presence everywhere.
Thanking God for every lightbulb in Ukraine! - Jenn
This is a normal stairway to an apartment we stayed in. This is actually for the "white apartment" where there is no other choice but the stairs. Ukrainians do not replace the lightbulbs in the halls or outside of a door when it burns out. Occasionally you'll find a very small bulb that brings about the same light as the cell phone.
Can you find John on the stairs? No joke - this is what it looks like!
I blinded him by turning on the flash so you could actually see him (and so could I!). It is still light outside, by the way. Because all the buildings are made of very thick, solid concrete or brick, light only gets in through the occasional dirty windows that are placed on some floors.
The spot behind him is the front door and there is no side window and no lightbulb. You can see what we walk down to to try and head out of the building. On this one, the outside light is broken out too. But have no fear, this is a nice neighborhood. We understand the governor of the area has his office in one of the first floor spaces in this building. There is a police presence everywhere.
Thanking God for every lightbulb in Ukraine! - Jenn
Playgrounds and Hairdos
On Thurday, we had the opportunity to hang out once again with many children at the orphanage. When we come to visit, it's not only to see Vala, but everyone else as well.
John and I were challenged to a game of football (soccer) on their small playing field. My teammate and I were at a serious disadvantage. First, John played soccer as a kid and Vala, his teammate, is obviously very experienced and shows no mercy. Second, I've not played at all except maybe in P.E. in Elementary, and my teammate, who is much less competative, was wearing 3 inch high heels! Thankfully we were saved from major embarrasement when two young men (probably 8 years old) came in on the game and helped us out! Thanks guys!
Here is a photo of John and some of the kids looking at photo albums outside. It was a beautiful day! NOTICE John's Russian to English dictionary sticking out of his back pocket??!!??
The children have chores everyday to teach them the ethics of hard work. Here are two youngsters raking up leaves. Everyone uses the old style twig hand-made brooms. They are very effective!
While we were resting on the benches, watching the boys play soccer, one of the older gals got a hold of my hair and french braided it - pretty nice, huh! She did a really good job!
Hope you enjoy following along as much as I enjoy writing it! Jenn
John and I were challenged to a game of football (soccer) on their small playing field. My teammate and I were at a serious disadvantage. First, John played soccer as a kid and Vala, his teammate, is obviously very experienced and shows no mercy. Second, I've not played at all except maybe in P.E. in Elementary, and my teammate, who is much less competative, was wearing 3 inch high heels! Thankfully we were saved from major embarrasement when two young men (probably 8 years old) came in on the game and helped us out! Thanks guys!
Here is a photo of John and some of the kids looking at photo albums outside. It was a beautiful day! NOTICE John's Russian to English dictionary sticking out of his back pocket??!!??
The children have chores everyday to teach them the ethics of hard work. Here are two youngsters raking up leaves. Everyone uses the old style twig hand-made brooms. They are very effective!
While we were resting on the benches, watching the boys play soccer, one of the older gals got a hold of my hair and french braided it - pretty nice, huh! She did a really good job!
Hope you enjoy following along as much as I enjoy writing it! Jenn
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