One thing you MUST know before coming to Ukraine.......pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way.....not even on the sidewalk! LOL  The good thing about that is that if you are being dropped off somewhere (as in the notary office or the internet cafe) you are dropped off right AT the door!! LOL LOL  The bad thing is you have to watch out for vehicles - even on the sidewalk.

 

We have had a great couple of days with the boys.  BUBBLES are a bit hit here - as are balloons.  We have a definate athlete in Charles.  He and Daddy played a little soccer yesterday and we did balloon vollyball.  He's got the moves!  I see a lot of running back and for to sport practice for us.

 

James is a smiling loving sweety!  He has some "orphanage" behaviors....doesn't want to let go of ANYTHING we give him and will eat what we give him immediately and quickly - but he is a cutie let me tell you! 

 

I am also so proud of John and Jennifer at home.  They are doing so well and being responsible for themselves while we are half a world away.  Thank you guys.  I love you SO much - and I can't wait to get home to you guys.

 

We have a definate court date next Friday.  Not Tuesday as we had hoped - but there has been a lot of changes in the government already since the election and it's taking a while to get it all running smoothly.  We are still doing MUCH better than some of the couples that have been in Sumy for several weeks waiting for signatures.  We have a wonderful Facilitator team and particularly Sinya who is working with us in Sumy.  She was born and raised here and either she or her father know EVERYONE - it has definately been helpful to us.  She is also just a pleasant person to be around - so that is helpful since she is with us almost the whole day.

 

We were able to take the boys shopping today....and to McDonalds, YUK - but they enjoyed it.  I will be very happy when we can unerstand one another.  It seems that we are begining to see personalities......James will throw a tantrum if he doesn't get his way - but usually if we can make him understand WHY we want him to do something he is fine.  Charles will sulk if he doesn't get his own way ---- and I haven't figured out YET how to get him out of it....but I think that will take communication.  He is 10 and I think he is thinking about the fact that he will soon leave his friends and travel far away with a Mommy and Daddy who he can't talk to.....maybe I'd be a little moody too hmmm?    Anyway - Charles (big Charles) is doing great at being a Daddy.  The boys wore him out yesterday morning! LOL  We get to see the boys in the morning from about 10:00 till 12:30 and then in the afternoon from about 4:00 to 6:00.  Tomorrow we will take them to church with us.  There is a small branch here in Sumy.  We took the elders to dinner last night and they gave us a Russian Book of Mormon for Charles.  Daddy wrote a little inscription in it in Russian and English last night.

 

So the schedule looks like this we think.

Friday (Feb 11) --- 9:30 am = court --- then run all over trying to get birth certificates / passports / etc.

Saturday - back to Kiev

Sunday - church in Keiv

Monday - physicals by the US doctor

Tuesday - Embassy meetings

Wednesday - Fly home

Thursday - Arrive home.......and collapse!! LOL

OH - Johnny.....James - the small one - LOVES cars and Charles - the older one - would LOVE to play with your playstation!   See you have something in common with your little brothers!! ROFL

I just wanted to tell you congratulations! I am excited for you! The boys are adorable!

JB

This is so exciting! I love reading whats happening Penny! Please give our love to your boys - I am moved beyond words - especially the courage that it takes to leave what is known behind and step into a world of the unknown (and not being able to communicate as fully as youd LIKE!)...and that goes for each of you - including your kids at HOME.....our love is with you ! Your courage, love, and committment are inspiring !:)

Hi Charles and Penny,
I was so glad to get this through the e-mail. Congratulations! Charles and James look so cute. Tell them hello! Look forward to you being home and we can meet those boys in person. Love you, Karen:)