In the home stretch...

We’re feeling as if we’re in the home stretch, and it feels good!  Charlie and I are more than ready to get home.  Lena is excited as well, but she is sharing some concerns.  She understands her whole life is about to totally change.  She has expressed her nervousness about meeting those that will suddenly become a part of her new world.  She is also wondering if English is going to come easily once there… 

In Lena’s past life she is a leader, the go to girl for her friends.  It was fun to watch her interact with the adults in her life, she was confident and comfortable.  We are amazed at how much English she knows; in her world she spoke English better than any.  She has been a huge help working as our translator, although at this particular point she is pretty unhappy with the whole “past, present, future tenses” of the English language.  We will continue to encourage.  We have no doubt that in her new environment she will thrive, just as she’s been doing here while overcoming some overwhelming obstacles.

She and Charlie are enjoying each others quick wit, as she masters the English language it will be fun to see and hear the banter excel.  Lena also has a competitive spirit like her new Papa.  She is ready to take him up on any challenge claiming herself, “Nika the Best” (bestowed nickname) and Charlie claiming himself, “Chawock (Dude in Ukrainian) the Great”!  I can’t lose, I’m betting on them both!  :]

As for me, I love that Lena loves to invade our personal space.  My love language is touch.  Seems hers is too.  Hugging and hanging comes naturally.  I come from a family of huggers and hangers, as for Charlie over the past 20 years he has done his best to understand, and even conform to the value I see in it… he is surely outnumbered now, and it’s wonderful to see him losing this battle, while enjoying every minute of it.  :]

Last night Charlie was in working on the computer, Lena was taking a shower, and I was in lying on our bed reading.  It wasn’t too long before Lena came in, climbed on the bed with me and had her arms and legs entwined in mine.  Girl talk ensued.

Amazing, ALL THIS AND JESUS TOO!!!!

Thank you Lord for the incredible gift of Lena.  Charlie and I are overwhelmed by the abundant blessings in our lives...

Exploration of Kiev has been fun, it's a beautiful city, Lena say's she likes it, but most definitely prefers a small village... she'll get no argument from Charlie and I.

So as of now, passport received and Lena’s exit medical will be done on Monday.  We had hoped for a Embassy appointment on Monday as well, but they are closed due to MLK day.  Suppose it shouldn’t have come as a surprise, it just sounded strange when you feel so far away from everything American.  Hopefully we can complete everything on Tuesday and head for home on Wednesday.  As of yesterday we’re wondering if Thursday might be better should we run into any hiccups, will have to make that decision at some point, but so thankful that home is as close as next week…

let the exploration of Kiev begin!

Lena finds a horse, what a surprise!  :]

taking it all in...

statue fun!

Christmas lights at the square...





in the mall.  :]