Ukraine Trip so Far!

We are off from DFW! In great spirits and excited about the adventures that lie ahead. We made it and actually in the past 3 days I've learned more than I can imagine!


From one plane to the other---we were in 4 different airports 3 different planes, lots of delays and hours later, we made it to Ukraine (without our luggage! Lesson 1, always carry the address and phone number of the person you are visiting. I wasn't able to tell them airlines where I was going...it was in another part of the country!The good thing about no luggage, is that we didn't have "go through customs" Since our plane was delayed 3 hours from JFK, my sister was waiting at the Kiew airport for hours, at the exit with camera in hand In Ukraine, they don't let you know when the plane is coming. So she stood there taking pictures of every 'mother and son type" until we came! It didn't take AS long because no one had to check our bags. It was a delight to see her! I actually cried!After landing in Kiev, we directly went another airport to take a plane to Simperofol. I was a little spacey at this point....ok, I still am :)

Thank God for the red bomb!  Matt picked us up at the Simperfol airport and we went home and literally crashed!  It was so good to be in Tammy's home.  Lesson 2...the roads ARE really bumpy here.  Lesson 3  I learned how to go on a squatty potty...you have to have really strong quad muscles.

The next day Tammy had a "women's tea" set up at her church.  The theme was Women of Strength, and I was the main speaker!  (I'm international now ha)  Lesson 4...I'm not really good when I actually have to pause to think about what to say.  I'm better when I can just have a my mouth run.  I had a translator, the people were great.  Lesson 5...I'm a VERY social person, and I DO NOT like the language barrier.  I Want to get to know these people.

Isaac really hadn't had any culture shock at all.  He fits right in and actually can say 2 Russian words.  He participated in the women's tea craft.  He has been so patient, and so sweet.  Doing everything we ask.  

At church Tammy and I sang a special. They had the words in Russian on the screen. Lesson 5...you can worship in any language.

Isaac made some friends with another missionaries daughters.  They REALLY liked him and wanted to be RIGHT beside him the entire time.  It made him feel like home, with his two sisters...which he misses by the way!

This is Tammy's front porch area where they live.  It cracks me up because on the outside of the gate is dusty, old, rundown roads with giant potholes, no greenery or landscape, then you walk in a big iron/brick gate to an oasis.  Cherry trees, roses, veggies, plums.  It's beautiful.  Lesson 6 Ukrainians utilize every space they have.

Our trips to the market have been few, but VERY interesting to Isaac.  He hates walking but loves the fish, meat, and random things all over the place.  LEsson 7... I take Walmart for granted!

This is what we're doing today.....Planning trips to the beach, visiting friends and on the road all next week.  Just wanted to keep you up to speed on the amazing journey so far!  God is so good.  Lesson 7...I love being with my sister!  Lesson 8... I miss my husband and girls with all my body!   More pictures and blog to come!