Monday, September 24, 2012

Last Full Day in Donetsk

We went ice skating one last time today, then Anya and Den came over to be with us on our last night. As a reminder, Anya has been our adoption facilitator/translator and Den has been our driver. Just so happens, Anya and Den are dating. They met in Christian Seminary in Kiev. They have been so great to us. Anya has really helped me with so much...more than she gets paid to do, I am sure. She has been a great listener to me as we have walked in and out of buildings, eaten meals, driven hundreds of miles, and signed countless documents.

She is the total opposite of me. She is care-free, free-spirited.  She recently said to my dad, in her Russian accent, "your daughter thinks too much...about nothing".  We cracked up. Didn't take her long to figure me out.

Den is awesome too. He told us the first day we met him that he knows 10 words in English. Tonight he told us that we helped him become fluent! He has been a great male role model for Valera....not that my dad and Ted haven't been..but Den can speak his language. All Den has needed to do is drive us from point a to point b.  But he has taken the extra steps to teach Valera what it means to have "good character", what it means to honor your parents. Den also likes rap music. He downloaded Christian rap music (in Russian) on our laptop and tonight helped me buy some songs on iTunes - Russian rap music (with no bad words).

Den and Anya have become quite special. It will be easy to say goodbye to Donetsk, but hard to say goodbye to them.

Tomorrow we have some more paperwork to do. We will pick up Valera's passport then will get on a high speed train to Kiev at 4:50 p.m. We should get to Kiev at midnight.

Please pray for Valera. He told Anya tonight that he is a little nervous about going to America, but is mostly excited. I think he is one brave kid. We have spent over 40 days in this apartment, and have gotten into somewhat of a routine. I am sure it will be hard for him to leave Anya and Den. I appreciate all the prayers you could say for him, and for all of us as we travel to Kiev, then home.

Love, Lisa

4 comments:

  1. I'm praying a lot for you mom and it is all going to be ok and look on the bright side your comin he your comin home!!!!

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  2. Lisa,
    I read your journals and find myself smiling the biggest ear to ear smiles, girl, I think I am getting wrinkles ( more wrinkles ) (:
    We continue to pray for the three of you and your travels back to Americ (I really hope your eye gets better, do you have antibiotic drops ? )
    Jesus is so real in your writings and its humbling to know that He works all over the world, not just in my little world - I am so happy for you to have this experience with your Heavenly father and your earthly family.
    Love you Lisa,
    K

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  3. Praying for a safe jourey home and the wrap up of an experience you will never forget as the next chapter in your life unfolds and Valera becomes fully immersed and integrated into your family. May God place a hedge of protection around you all and bring you back home safely and in good health and good spirits.
    May Valera come to know that the God of the universe chose him for such a time as this and that he has opportunities he has never dreamed of all because God planted a seed in your heart and you acted in faith to fulfill His calling!
    Blessings,
    Laura

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  4. Some people say that Donetsk became a second capital of Ukraine. At least, business capital. That is why more and more people come here and hotel prices became very expensive. But smart people rent apartments there, like these http://ukraine-vacation-guide.com/dir/apartments/donetsk/137 It is not only cheaper, but more comfortable as well, you can choose the area of your residence and pick a flat you like and can afford. Rent apartments is much better accommodation in Ukraine then hotel rooms.

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