We met Steve and Shirley last night at TGIFriday for dinner. We felt like we already knew them from the many e-mails we had sent each other and through information from Wendy (their new BFF). The food was American and so was the conversation and three hours flew by. It was so nice to talk to someone who has/is had/having our same experiences. At one point we tried to talk about something other that what is going on but very quickly the conversation turned back to our Ukraine experiences. There is a little community of folks here who have connected on the steps of the SDA or while waiting in line. Steve and Shriley have the bonus of having internet access at their apartment and have been keeping up with several of these other folks. Here is the link to Steve and Shirley's blog http://zimnesfamily.blogspot.com/ so those interested can keep up with them as well. It is always good to meet nice folks, it is just a shame they live in Ohio! We posted a picture of the four of us below (notice the TGIFriday sign in cyrillic behind us).
We were "celebrating", not sure that is the word I want to use, day 21 here and Steve and Shirley day 28. We have two more days in Kiev before heading back to no-name city and Rachel will take over our posting duties again. Our main goal is to eat as much as we can. We are going to make a grocery store run either today or tomorrow to stock up on some goodies before heading out.
We are hopeful that some paperwork will begin in earnest on Tuesday. The orphanage has ten days to do their part, then all that comes back to Kiev to the SDA for five more days, then back to no-name for a court hearing and then another ten-day waiting period for the adoption to become "official." Then the fun is just beginning as we have to bring the children to Kiev and they all have to have medical checkups, then a trip to the SDA and then a trip home. Still feels like forever away and I have been ready for my bed for two weeks already. Not to mention food that we recognize. As Shirley said last night sometimes it sems like our time here has flown by and sometimes it feels like it creeps. When I type in what still has to be done it feels like creeping.
Just an FYI to everyone - Daylight Saving's Time kicked in here in the Ukraine last night so we are back to seven hours ahead of you guys.
So excited to hear about our Tar Heels and very bummed that we are missing the tournament and NASCAR races.
Love to all -
Tonya & Joe
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
.jpg)
1 comment:
I will definitely keep Steve and Shirley in my prayers! The child(ren) they adopt will be lucky to have them as parents!
I know what you mean about finding an American restaurant. When I found an Applebee's in New Dehli, I was so happy I almost cried.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help out! I will be glad to use my resources and contacts in the education community. One question I thought about was could the children take Ukranian on-line to fulfill NC's requirement for a second language so that they can maintain their native language? I was concerned about Oksana at age 12 trying to learn English and then in a couple years being required to learn another language. Also, it is possible that the boys could forget their native language due to their young age.
I am close to NC DPI and will gladly pester them to get answers to any questions you may have! :)
Keep your faith and try to maintain patience in navigating the post-Soviet bureaucracy!
Love to both of you,
Drinda
Post a Comment