Friday, December 08, 2006

Waiting to travel

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the sporadic posting, but internet access is primitive at best here. Not sure what it will be like when we hit Yalta.

We are very, very excited about meeting the girls Monday- but we want to caution everyone, we are many, many steps away from completing this adoption. For those of you have done this, you know exactly what I mean- for those who haven't- I'll elaborate more in person :)

Anyway, we spent yesterday getting a power of attorney completed and picking up our referral from the SDA. These two things took all day to accomplish- 'nuff said.....

We stopped at the FAO Schwarz of Kyiv to buy a couple of small toys for the girls. Matt got yelled at for trying to take a picture of me in the store. Ooops- first cultural faux pas.

Had dinner at the most awesome restaurant last night. Those of you who got the phone call know exactly what we're talking about. We had caviar, smoked sturgeon and just the absolute BEST vodka ever. Those of you who know Lisa know this is not an overstatement.... We even sent a bottle of champagne over to a group of girls who were having a get together- dinner for the 4 of us, including everything, was 100 US $$$$ The same dinner in NY would easily have been well over 500.00 We are having a lot of fun in Kyiv. You just have to roll with the cultural differences. They really are not that bad. I've found it really, really helps if you know how to read Ukrainian and/or Russian a little bit- at least you can read signs while you're walking around, killing time. TV is the absolute worst here- but it's a sort of train wreck type of thing. YOu know you shouldn't be watching, but you can't seem to tear yourself away.....

Going to purchase train tickets today. Trip should take about 10 hours. Not sure what will happen or where we will be after that, but will try to post again ASAP.

To everyone leaving comments, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. You can't imagine how much it means to us that you are as excited as we are about this great adventure we are on. We apologize for not answering e-mails. Sometimes you can open the e-mail to respond, and sometimes you just can't and it throws you off the internet completely...

We send our love to you all, please keep the prayers, good wishes, thoughts and especially comments coming!

Next post from the Crimea!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ah, yes, the fantastic Ukrainian food! Brings back happy memories of the delightful cuisine! That's funny about the picture in the store. We pray blessings for you guys and know that you are on the adventure of a lifetime. Max and I send up our prayers for y'all! --Laurel S.

Anonymous said...

Lee! You write so colorfully - I love being able to picture EXACTLY what the four of you are doing. Keep it comin - we're all waiting and constantly checking to see what's next, where you are, what's going on ... Thanks for thinking of everyone here and sharing it all even though it's not so easy for you to do so. We love being a part of your journey too. MUCH LOVE XOXOXOXOXOXOXO Miss you! Karen Girgenti :)

Cho Cha Helen & Vyouko Gary said...

Hi Family,
We are Sooooo Xcited for all of you.Hopefully in a few short hours you will finally meet your "Daughters" Victoria and Natalia.We pray all goes well.Much Love,and Happiness to all.
Safe Journey
Na Konya!
Love Cho Cha Helen & Vyouko Gary

Maggie143 said...

MR SICILIANN! (and mrs.sicilian!) we are all SOOOO happy for you! were all being reeli good 4 mr.braitcsh (or however u spell it).. well at least your period 4 is being good =]. good luck with the girls, and have a safe trip bak!
your FAVORITE student,
Maggie