Lost and Found

We've had some sleep and are almost starting to feel human again. When we went through customs they were really only unsure about one item. We bought a converter that will handle 500 watts. It has been worth the extra hassle. It runs the blow dryer and is the only converter that works with our little printer. (Um yes we are traveling light, yea right)

As I mentioned we got in early and waited a little for our driver. His name was Sergei and he had a sign with our name on it. As soon as we got settled in and had lunch I got the password for our secure wireless internet and logged on. Only to find that our facilitator said his driver was still waiting for us at the airport. Luckily our internet Skype phone worked and I was able to talk with him. It seems that our Pastor's friend here at the office decided that we needed a ride from the airport. Both driver's name is Sergei and both had signs with our name on it. I guess two rides are better than none. We owe Sergei big time for waiting around the airport for about three hours and talking the airline into confirming that we were on the flight.

Then we went shopping. Tried my Russian to purchase some banana's. Evidently I wasn't getting the numbers right. Finally both sides gave up trying and we left with a kilo for 10 Hyrvna. I think I ran the hot water out this morning and Teresa got a cold shower. Not a good way to start off to make a happy Mama. I also suggested that rather than bring her curling iron we just buy one here. One of the ladies from the office went with us looking for one and we were unsuccessful. Luckily this afternoon when we were walking I saw a store that looked like it might have one, it did and for only about $13. So I am now at least back to even in the score and a good husband again.

Here's a picture of our bathroom. As you can see it's tough and it has heated floors. Now Teresa has a new idea for when we get home. argh.

Safely in Kyiv

Just a quick note. We had an uneventful trip and are safe in Kyiv. The biggest surprise was our flight was about an hour early thanks to strong tail winds and we even cleared customs before our driver arrived.

We have been given a very warm welcome at the Union Conference office. Thank you very much Pastor Udo, it's great to have friends with connections. They fixed a great lunch of borsch, salad and mashed potatoes. The new rooms that we are staying in our less than a month old. We are the second people to have used them.

More later when I can think straight.

Packed and Dangerous

It's just a matter of hours now until we board our flight. About ten hours to be more precise. We are most dangerous to my poor arm muscles that haven't had a workout carrying this much weight in years. We had to take a few items out of two bags as they were each at 50 pounds. We are taking enough cords for cameras, computers and dvd players that I'm sure TSA will search us thoroughly.

Thank you to everyone for your well wishing and prayers.

63 Hours

Okay I'm really an accountant so we have now switched to hours rather than days. We have set up two phone numbers and a voice mail box on Skype. If you are in Denver or the Baltimore/Washington area these are local calls for you. We believe that when we get our Ukrainian cell phones that we can forward the calls from Skype to the cell phone.

Denver Area: 720-324-7950
Baltimore/Washington Area: 301-476-0927

Please notice the Kiev time gadget on this page.

Also our email address is now available in my profile.

Test Video

Test Video of Teresa's Office. Takes a little while to load but I think we will be able to show some videos. They won't be of the kids until after the 10 day waiting period after court.

If anyone has problems let us know and we will try to work out the details. If you are using dial up internet you probably won't be able to get the video. Sorry!

Countdown at 5

We've been really busy trying to wrap up all the loose ends of our jobs. Even our weekend was busy. Teresa is in charge of Children's church this happens once each month. We appreciate the team being willing to take this on while we are gone.

We very much appreciate all the encouragement from all our friends and family.

We also bought a new little HD video camera. I'll try posting a little video clip before we go. We have been playing with lots of toys and have decided to put more of our information here this weekend. We have added local phone numbers in both Denver and Maryland that will go to our Skype account and hopefully be forwarded to our Ukrainian cell phone.

I'll try to be a little more regular at posting. And hopefully Teresa will add a female perspective soon.

In the countdown 12 (Minor news America elected a President)

Well we are trying to wrap things up at all of our jobs and the pressure is probably starting to get to us a little. We are thankful for each item we can check off our list. About two years ago we got a new associate Pastor at church. He and his wife met and married in Ukraine. We are thankful for all the extra help he has been able to provide. They have been in the states for about 6 years now.

Yes, America elected a new President tonight. We are still more excited about our trip to Ukraine and meeting our kids. Okay, my candidate did not win. I'm sure my sister is happy about the results.

Also I've put a new picture in our profile. Needed a better picture of my beautiful wife.

Picture here just for a day or two.