Kris’ Ukraine Adventure

Hi all,

It has been a whirlwind of a trip so far. I have not had a lot of time to send email updates but I have been talking to Clarke about every other day. I do have a cell phone (Ukraine one) so if you want to call me, Clarke can give you the number!

I wanted to do a run down of my last few days:

Day One: October 13th – arrived at the airport at 4:30 and Julia met me. We drove to her sisters flat in the Emmanual van. They keep saying how cold the weather is, its not that bad at all. We freshened up and then took a taxi into the city and had dinner at this wonderful “Soviet” diner. We ate dinner with Matt and Stephanie Hooker (on their adoption trip and they are from Longmont) as well as George. After dinner I had to get my other suitcase from Matt and Steph their very swanky hotel (Five Star Hotel) I was soooooo tired as I did not sleep very much on the airplane ride over. I got to bed at around midnight.

Day Two – spent the morning at the CNB Emmanual building with Julia. She toured me around to all the departments. It was very impressive and a very nice building. I met with Steve Weber who is Karens Uncle for about 45 minutes. He wanted to know all about UOO, Grace Place and the reason for my trip! He was wondering if we would be interested in brining the “Russian Shoemake” to Colorado in November of 2011. (this was the program that really helped UOO start their roots). Clay and Selene, he is very excited to hear your adopting and looks forward to meeting you when you come! At around noon we left to drive about 1 1/2 hours to the orphanage where the 2010 camp kids are from. On the way, we picked up a singer “Natasha” who we met back in 2005 when the Shoemaker came to Colorado. It was nice to see her again. She came with us to practice singing with the 5 children who get to go to Germany next month (including our Anna). I was glad to get out of the city into the country. The drive was scenic as well as bumpy! Natasha asked the driver to stop so she could buy some apples for cooking. She offered me one and it was delicous! (certainly organic as there was only 2 worms in it!) We went through many villages and curvy roads. Then we pulled up to what I thought was a house and it was the orphanage! The girls were up in their 2nd story room waving as I got out of the van! The kids knew that only an “Amerikonsky” was coming, but they were so glad when they knew this “Amerikonsky!” I was welcomed with huge hugs and smiles! We talked and I met Nickoliv, the orphanage director. A very nice man who wants to see these children be adopted. The 4 pack of kids were so excited that THEY were going to be adopted and wanted to know if I knew about this. I acted dumb because I did not want to tell any information that was not to be told. Natasha showed me the picture of her new momma and pappa. (Vicki and Paul). I smiled and gave them all a big hug! It was lunch time and we were offered borscht and bread. It was very good! After lunch I got the tour from little Aloyna and Natasha. Our Anna was in the music room practicing but she later joined us with smiles! I felt bad for Masha because when she returned from school she had to go into the directors office. There was a family there that wanted to take the 4 children into Foster Care (which means they can not be adopted). She did not want to do this as she is holding onto the dream that she will be adopted. I finally did get some smiles from her at the end of the day, but she has a heavy heart. I handed out the presents and the kids were excited. The presents are really NOT the highlite, they are just excited to have a guest! We toured the outside grounds and then spent time together in the main family room. We soon left (staying about 2 hours) for the long trek back to Kiev. We dropped off Julia at her flat and I countinued on with the driver to Tatiana’s and Kolya’s house in Novi Petrocy. I did not arrive there until after 8:00….feeling the calling of the pillow. Tatiana is very energetic and outgoing and I was as good as a listener as possible. I think she could tell I was glazed over……

(to be continued, I just got the 5 minute notice we have to leave)

Thanks for your prayers, emails, facebooks. When your in a place so far away, I really do appreciate them!

Love,

Kris

Facebook Posts :

Friday, 10/15/10

Heavy heart tonight as I head for bed. Thinking about the beautiful kids and how they ask Kolya (the director) to please find them a family. I was glad to spend a day with the kids and play games, tour their orphanage and eat a meal with them! Check out the pictures in the photo album. Tomorrow I head for Zhytomir to stay at a shelter for aged out orphans.

Saturday, 10/16/10

Time for bed in the shelter….wow what a humble experience sharing a bedroom with aged out orphans. Really no words that I can think of….. Yana is GREAT and truly has the joy of God in her heart. I am so proud of her! The shelter celebrated 3 years tonight, what an honor to be part of the celebration. Church to…morrow at the shelter too! Thank you for all your prayers and support during my stay in Ukraine!

Sunday, 10/17/10

Enjoyed a dinner with George and his lovely wife Natasha at their flat in Kiev. Heading out soon for a 12 hour train ride followed by a 2 hour car ride to Berdyansk! It was hard saying goodbye to Yana today, she is a very special girl. I hope to post pictures tomorrow!

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Its past midnight here, what a day. After 15 hours of travel to get to Berdansk, I am here! I spent the afternoon with the kids and house parents and we hung out. We shared testimonies as well as dinner together. I am exhausted but can’t sleep yet, too much to think about! See the pictures I posted of Yana! I miss you all, thank you for your prayers!