First Day in Kyiv

We have had a most wonderful day today in Kiev. We made it to our apartment last night (probably around 9:00) Our plane landed around 7:00 p.m. I think. It has been difficult to keep up with the time changes landing 3 different times. We made it through immigration and customs with no problems. The airport was not crowded at all. We were second in line at immigration. Natasha (she met us at the airport) was very surprised how fast we were out. All of our luggage made it too in very good shape. We slept hard and it was just nice to be horizontal.

When we arrived there was a very slight rain. Today has been partly cloudy and quite pleasant, except for some wind. We were able to go to church with the Moody's. They had been asked to speak in Sacrament meeting by the Director of CES over here, he is in a bishopric of one of the wards here. He came and picked us up at 10:00 and we had a 40 minute ride to the ward house. He had 3 of his children with him, so Janice, Steve and I sat in the back, each with a child on our laps. Cute, friendly children. I took a picture of their primary, they have 47 children in their primary. We only have about 20 that come at home. The chapel was completely full and a very nice meeting. The people we classy and sharp. Many families, very quiet and reverent. It was hard to stay awake during the first speaker who spoke in Ukrainian for at least 30 minutes. We still have some jet lag. After church we came home and had a nice dinner that Janice had prepared yesterday. Oh the 'lift' was broken today to the apartment, so it's 5 stories up. I'm glad it was working last night when we had all of our luggage.

The ward house we went to was just completed a few months ago. It actually has not been dedicated yet. An apostle is coming in April to dedicate it. This is the ward house that was built on the temple site. It is beautiful and wonderful to see and be right there. One day soon, a temple will be here and will bless the lives of Ukrainians.

After lunch, Natasha came and we went walking around downtown Kyiv. What a beautiful city. We went to Independene Square, the underground mall and walked and walked and saw many beautiful sites. It was fun to have Moody's with us and they enjoyed also having Natasha show them and tell them about things in Kyiv.

We got back and Natasha 'briefed' us for our appointment tomorrow that is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. All should be good. Then we should receive our referral letter on Tuesday, then we can go to Sumy. We are hoping to request the letter early in the day so we can go to Sumy in the day, otherwise we may have to leave after 5:00.

We have been so blessed! It has been a treat to be here with the Moody's and their wonderful hospitality.

I will try to download some pictures and post. Need to figure out how to do that. I hope the girls will call us soon. Girls - if you read this first, call Moody's house number first, then try the cell. We haven't gotten a number yet.

We love you all and miss you. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Tomorrow is Step 1 of the adoption process here in Ukraine. Pray all will go well.

more later...