truly blessed

We are truly blessed to have wonderful friends in our lives.  Tonight, Bev, Allison, Joan, Patty, Kristin and Marc took us to dinner to wish us well on our journey.  They also gave us gifts to "protect" us while traveling.  St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers, and is often pictured with the Christ Child on his back.  Now, with heartfelt thanks, he will be with each of us throughout our journey. (He joins the St. Anthony my Kleine Oma gave me about 25 years ago, who travels with me on every trip.)

St. Christopher's feast day is May 9th, according to the Eastern Orthodox Church, also known as the Catholic Orthodox Church.  If we are in Ukraine, I hope we can make it to church on that day. 80% of Ukrainians are Eastern Orthodox, and I have been told that most children in the orphanages are baptized according to this faith.  I am glad for that, but will have the kid(s) baptized again once we are home.  

I also have to mention my wonderful teaching partner, Marilyn.  I am continually amazed with her gift of words.  She writes the most beautiful cards, and has the most true, genuine heart.  I look forward to seeing her each and every day.

travel conference

Today we had our travel conference by phone with our caseworker.  She gave us a general idea of what to expect while in-country, at the SDA, a timeline (approximate), and travel tips.  All good news, and no surprises.  I think we are almost as prepared as we are going to get.

The kids at school are so cute.  They are very excited, and are always asking questions.  Today they were asking me if we have chosen any names.  They all had advice when I told them we hadn't.  In fact, one of my boys wrote an alphabetical list of names.  On one side of the piece of paper was the list of names he liked, the other side had the list of names he didn't like. He thought this would be very helpful in our decision-making process!

I actually just came home from work.  I worked on finishing-up report cards and other things. It was therapeutic to be at school... a break from the adoption preparation, and the "tornado" that has hit the spare bedroom and the rest of the house.  Bill and I look at each other sometimes and have to stop ourselves from talking.  We have talked about everything that could possibly happen while in Ukraine dozens of times.  We have come up with numerous scenarios we may find ourselves in at the SDA or elsewhere.  Since last Tuesday, we have explained the adoption process more times that we can keep track of.  Family, friends, co-workers, the women who work at the Veterinarian's office....... We feel as though we cannot explain and talk about the next two months one more time.  We are emotionally drained. We just want to get there.  We are ready.

question about skype

We do not want to travel with a laptop if we don't have to, but would like to stay connected with family back home via Skype.  For those of you who have been to Ukraine and used the internet cafes, do they have Skype downloaded, and if they do, would we need to bring a camera or headset?  I know that each region may be different, and we don't know where we will be staying, but I would just like an idea.

Thanks in advance for your help!