2nd Appointment

All,

We are in downtown Kyiv right now, at a mall, sitting in an internet cafe. We've ventured out of our apartment farther than yesterday, as we are becoming more comfortable with being here. We had our second appointment today, and have received a referral for two brothers, ages 6 & 4.

If you are one to believe in signs, here's one for you...we were planning on honoring my (Kelly's) father by using his first name as one of the children's first or middle names. Mom, the oldest boy's birthday is the same as Dad's :) My dad's birthday is September 1st.

In other news, we've found some surprises overall with our visit so far. The food has been very good, despite some of the information we've heard beforehand. Yesterday we ate at an "expensive" restaurant, and Bill was somewhat disappointed when his "collection of hunter sausages" turned out to be a plate of smokey links and ketchup (although it was probably "fancy" kethcup)--there was even a fancy squiggle of ketchup on the side of the plate for artistic effect. We have both found borsch (beet soup) to be very good, and have enjoyed it several times.

Phones are another interesting matter. We've been slow to get up to speed. At first we had to ask a police officer to help us dial locally, after which we learned that you don't have to dial the first listed digit (huh?). Then we had trouble dialing locally using our cell phones. We have just learned today that you have to match the brand of the calling card with the brand of the SIM card...who knew? We are finally up and functioning with the phones, however.

Driving is extremely chaotic here. The driving laws are approximate to those of the US, but seem to be followed on a voluntary basis. A parking spot is anywhere you can fit a car, including up on sidewalks, in the decorative planting areas around sidewalk trees, or in driving lanes! When you are driving, you have to dodge parked cars, and when you are window shopping, you've got to dodge traffic! Cars certainly have the right of way, so you've got to be on your toes.

We have a very brave taxi driver that is acting as our driver, and we've seen some amazing feats of driving. He's not shy about pulling a U-turn regardless of the number of lanes of traffic, or the number of cars that have to come to a stop in the oncoming lane as a result, or if it involves venturing up onto a curb. I think he learned how to be brave when he was a mechanic for tanks during the Soviet Union's war in Afghanistan (no joke).

Anyway, thanks to everyone who is keeping in their thoughts and prayers!! We hope and pray that these are our little angels and all will go well in Donetsk!

Peace & love,

Bill & Kelly