Home Stretch

We made it to Kyiv, but not before a bad cold and car sickness set in. (I with the cold, and Sasha with evacuating the entire contents of his tummy.) 12 hours on terrible roads, a really smoke stricken first apartment (I'm pretty sure I breathed in the equivalent of 5 packs in my sleep, it was that bad) and now into our new little place. Clean and cozy and missing Dave and two poopers.

We stayed close to home today as we rolled into Kyiv at around 1 am. Then went out for supper and bought groceries for the next couple of days to cook here. I only have two burners so dinners will be fried or boiled. Sasha was fed soup every day and today he refused it at the restaurant, so I think soup will not be on the menu for awhile. He is not a fussy eater and was overjoyed that we bought bananas for tomorrow. They are pretty expensive here, but since Dave and I bought them all the time in Izmail, I thought it would be nice for the kid. He eats everything. Today he found out he didn't like the smell of salmon, and therefore wouldn't eat it, but instead he consumed two large sausages, a huge shishbob, Ukrainian style fries (not deep fried) some sort of salad (everything here is mayo based) bread and two apple crepes for dessert. I think we will have to remortgage our home to cover the cost of a growing (and previously borderline starved) boy. 

The last day at the orphanage was bittersweet. It was difficult for all of us including the kids we were leaving behind. There was sadness in their eyes and there were a couple of kids that I wished we could bring home with us. The director spoke with me and said that she had been observing us the entire time we were visiting the orphanage and saw a really great connection with us three.

Although this process has been a speedy one for us, it has not been smooth sailing in the least. There have been many obstacles for all parties including Sasha. Thankfully we have had an amazing team to support and carry the brunt of the weight regarding politics and procedures. Please continue to pray for us as we have a long road of uncertainty ahead.

But for now, we are discovering the wonderful world of englisky:) I am ready to come home, and asked Sasha if he was ready to start a new chapter, and he said yes:) My heart smiles. What a brave kid!