We are in Kyiv!!!!

(To the right: Everyone on the train, finally!)

Hello Everyone!

Well, we are finally on the train back to Kyiv. It has been a long road and there are still things to do before the finish line, but we are thankful to God our prayers continue to be answered. We started the day with Dan and Luda, translator #2, going to the train station to purchase tickets. We were able to get them originating in a city called Melitopal. It is slightly bigger than Berdyansk and is about 1 ½ hours away. This train will take us to Kyiv, leaving at about 8pm and arriving at 8am.

The next part of the day was spent gathering some small gifts to give to the orphanage staff for the tremendous help that they have been to us. After that, we proceeded to the orphanage to meet with Galina, the director. She showed us a large 3-ring binder with photos from all of the children that have been adopted under her tenure. Many times while flipping through the pages and reminiscing about the kids, Galina was moved to tears. It is so refreshing to see an orphanage director with such a wonderful heart for her children. After finishing the photo album, we asked to be taken on a tour of the orphanage to places where there might be some needed things to pass on to others led to help. We were shown many of the outstanding discrepancies that need to be fixed, but cannot for lack of funding. There are many broken windows with tape over them or two panes pieced together, windows which are nailed in place which are too old to open and close, a leak and warping in the gym ceiling, and a room with broken and torn gym equipment unable to be repaired without funding. The children’s restroom is in great need of re-tiling. Then there are the more simple things like children trying to sew Christmas costumes, but they are in need more material and thread.

(Below: Window panes and tiles that need repair at orphanage.)




While we were taking the tour, the girls were packing their things and saying goodbye to all of their friends/family. Luda and her friends paced the halls crying and holding each other. It was very moving and difficult to watch them go through this and especially difficult watching their friends cry and wonder, “Why not me?” Two of Luda’s friends asked her to have her mama and papa help find them families. They are beautiful girls the director said are very sweet and good. After the goodbyes were, we piled into Grisha’s taxi and proceeded to the hotel to get showers and pack.

(Below: The girls and some of their friends from the orphanage.)



We checked out at 5pm and went to our dear friends’ home, Misha and Luda. What a sweet God-filled couple they are. Unfortunately, due to our departure time, we were unable to spend more than ten minutes with them. They will be sorely missed. Praise God for a couple of Christians like them to act as role models for the children leaving the orphanage!

After yesterday’s travels, today’s taxi ride to Melitopal was quick (1 ½ hr). We said our goodbyes to Grisha and his father. The girls gave Grisha a big hug each and said that he was their personal driver. We had a snack in the train station while waiting on the train to arrive. Once it did, we had less than ten minutes to get 6 bags, 5 backpacks, 3 food bags, and 6 people onto the train. Needless to say, we made it happen after trying to get on the wrong car once. Julie and I just finished discussing how it feels like time actually flew by in Berdyansk, even though it didn’t feel that way while we were there.

We are so very excited to be heading back to Kyiv to finish up the process of American medicals on Monday and the embassy for visas Tuesday. We will visit our dear friends, Anya and her family. We are going to try to attend the Hillsong Kyiv Church service tomorrow, in addition to meeting with Steve Weber, the head of CBN Kyiv. Steve is actually the guy who helped get us started on this wonderful path of adoption.

Thank you all once again for all of your thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray for a speedy and early return for us.

Today we claim Psalm 20: 4, 5, 7 -- May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Blessings,
Dan and Julie