Holding Pattern in Kiev

Things are moving a bit slower than we would like and we're still holding steady here in Kiev. As we mentioned previously, the older of the two siblings we hope to adopt is 7, but our current homestudy is only approved up to age 6. So we're currently awaiting an addendum to arrive from the U.S., via Fed Ex, approving us for an older child. Of course, we'd much rather be at the orphanage visiting with the children, but regulations are regulations, and without the official notarized, apostilled home study addendum in hand, the SDA will not provide the referral needed for permission to actually visit with the children. Currently we expect the document to arrive on Wednesday or Thursday. (It left the states on Saturday, but unfortunately, there is no such thing as an "overnight" letter from the U.S. to the Ukraine). When the document arrives, we anticipate being able to immediately travel to begin visiting with the children. From what we understand, there orphanage is located about 5 hours away by car.

We're all itching to be moving forward, but realize that the situation is out of our hands. We're therefore trying to make the best of things while waiting. Fortunately, our flat is well situated near the center of Kiev. A large plaza and a couple of nice parks are located nearby which, with the recent nice weather we've been having, we've been able to visit daily. On weekends especially, there always seem to be special events and concerts going on, which we've been able to take advantage of. This weekend there was a big sports/olympics event in downtown Kiev, with the main street closed off, and exhibitions by a variety of athletes. Ben, and 25 or so other kids, enjoyed playing in this giant inflatable soccer field. Last night they had a big concert celebrating (we think) the 15th anniversary of some aspect of the nation's recent history with fireworks and crowds of people. The nice weather has also given us ample opportunity to get exercise by walking around exploring different areas of the city.

Ben managed to make friends with a Ukrainian boy about his age this past weekend while at the playground. The whole thing was a riot to watch because the boy knew very little English and Ben has forgotten most all of his Russian/Ukrainian, but they somehow managed to bond over slide stunts and making hunting apparatus with sticks and string--no words necessary! (Speaks volumes about how males communicate...)

Our coordinator Zhenia stopped by our flat over the weekend with his little three year old son, and we headed off to the local toy store to look for a gift or two for the new potential members of our family.

This morning we treated ourselves to breakfast at McDonald's. You might be surprised to know that even though our flat is located only two minutes away, this is only our third time eating there since arriving in the Ukraine. By Ukrainian standards, the food is somewhat expensive and considered a bit of luxury. Many of the menu items are the same as in the U.S. and taste identical --burgers, fries, Egg-McMuffin, Happy Meal, for example. There are a number of differences, though. For example, pancakes, as we know them, don't really exist here. On the McDonald's menu they are replaced by bliny (similar to crepes). The salads are also completely different, without any lettuce, but having instead tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. The coffee is MUCH stronger than the watery stuff served back home, and has a distinctive European taste--definitely not for those with weak stomachs.

The weather looks nice again today, so we may try to take a walk across the Dnieper River (on a bridge of course) to check out the park/beach located on a big island in the middle.

That's it for now!