Thursday, March 19, 2009

Flying Fast

We haven’t written in a few days because first there was a whirlwind of activity: Tuesday we left the hotel at 10:00am after breakfast and didn’t eat a meal again until 7:30 pm (I bought diet cokes and chocolate knowing that it was going to be a busy day!). This is a little misleading, because Oles is really the busy one. Katya and I are only along for the ride, some signatures, and her photograph. It’s really mostly waiting patiently in the car or walking around the car in town. But we were able to pick get the new birth certificate in Shorc, get the name change on the SS card in Gorodnya, and
even apply for the passport in Chernigov. Yeeehah!
This church in Shorc is being
renovated and looks out of place
with the poverty of the village.
We’ve been promised that the passport (for those who understand ;-)) should be ready by Tuesday morning, which means, God-willing that the medical, and visa go as planned, we may be able to come home a week from Friday! Yahooo!
Wednesday, we just rested in our new room—we moved because this one is much nicer. Also, we walked to the library in Chernigov where I returned our “Moo-Moo” since I really have no intention of reading it and looking up every other word. When Oles suggested I read it to improve my Russian and I heard that it was called, “Moo-Moo”, I thought it was a children’s story with simple words that I could understand. Nope. My Russian is still too basic for this book. Besides, I’m half-way into Dr. Zhivago and loving it. Which reminds me…when we were in the “public” library in Gorodnya, the librarian said that they don’t lend books to the children from the orphanage. Katya said it was because they have their own library at the orphanage (much smaller). I wonder, though, if it is just another small way these children are discriminated against—since they have no parent to charge for
an overdue or missing book?
Now that the snow is mostly melted, I am struck by the garbage,
mud, and grayness of everything. Yet, amidst the dullness, there is beauty.
This window is the only beautiful thing in the public library in Chernigov.

Today, I thought I’d include a section for those folks planning to come to Ukraine for the first time with a few tips that has helped us be more comfortable in this foreign country.
1) Try to incorporate the simple things that you love at home here in Ukraine. We love to watch birds feeding at our home so we buy sunflower seeds (at any market or food store) and put them on the ledge outside the window.
2) We miss our pets so we also buy some cat food to feed stray dogs and cats that we come into contact with here. (Dogs eat anything/cats are more particular) Try not to get too attached even if they are as cute as Sabachka.
3) If you’re staying in a hotel (or even an apartment) don’t be afraid to ask for a nicer room (at the same price, of course). Unlike in America, the rooms in the same price range can be substantially different. We waited a few days until the weekend crowd left, and were able to upgrade.
4) Go for a walk every day if you can. This really helps even when the weather is dismal.
Well that’s all for now! Please know that we read each of your comments with anticipation and gratitude! Thanks for staying in touch and thanks, especially, for your prayers.
SDG Charlene and Katya

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Girls,
I guess the hurry up and wait has started. I remember sitting in the car with Erin videoing an interview Erin gave our driver.
The sun is shinning today after we had 4 days earlier in the week with rain and cold, it's nice to warm up a bit. The rain and cold return tonight just to remind us that even though Spring begins tomorrow, the calendar doesn't determine the weather- God does.
We miss you lots. Be safe.
Love,
Beverly
PS The Thrift's got their house!Pray for the NC one to sale.

Rahn's Journey said...

Charlene, thanks for the tips, you have some great ideas, especially the birds. I think Yana would be on the windowsill,she wouldn't want the birds to eat her seeds. She is my big-bird. I am so happy to hear that things are moving fast. We will be praying for a smooth path for the rest of your journey. It would be great to make it home by the end of March. God bless you two,
Fran

Anonymous said...

We're still praying for you. I am amazed by what God is doing through you, Charlene. I am grateful for your and Tim's faithfulness and all the blessings that have resulted!

I can't wait to see you and Katya.
God bless you.
love, molly

Anonymous said...

Hello Char & Katya!

I love the photos and your writing. Katya, the boots look very chic, and will go well with your white and green hoodie.

Kate's back from Colorado--did lots of hiking and reports that JM is good. I'm on Spring break next week...no travels, just lots of garden plans.

Here's lots of love,

Barb/Aunt Barb

Anonymous said...

Great post - thanks for the update. Everyone seems to be hanging in here, but I miss you. Tell Katya that I miss her too.
Love, Tim

Anonymous said...

i'm praying for u!!!
miss u very much.
i cant weight to seeu girl's
love u ,soph

Unknown said...

Charlene and Katya,
So good to hear all is moving along well. We will continue to pray for a return trip home by the end of March! A very nice birthday present for Sophie! You're missed by all, thanks for the great detail and pictures in your blog. Patience and perseverance is tested at every turn with the prayers you'll be home soon!

Charlene, a quick note about Providence, they just announced their new location off Greensprings Rd, where the old Chapel annex was. They bought 3 buildings and have a field for sports. What a short commute we'll have next year!! :-)
Love & Blessings,
Debbie, Dale & girls

Anonymous said...

Your husband has been trying to call. Skype says you're not available, direct dial just rings and rings. I think he wants you to know that he loves you and misses you.

//s// Your Husband ;-)

Kathie said...

Good Evening Charlene and Katya,
We anxiously await the news that you are on your way back to the Burg! I wish our trip was after yours...you are so helpful and encouraging!

Sorry you were green from the beach trip (cute)...guess we'll just to do one this summer! Are you up for it?

We do miss you and are praying for God's continued favor on you girls...Oles too!

Anonymous said...

Hoping and praying that you are getting through all of the end-of-journey tasks. We know it can be an emotional time, especially with all of the ties Katya has. God bless you, and travel safely.
Love, Jim, Jean & co.