Dnepr

We are at an internet club in a brand new, state of the art 4 story mall in downtown Dnepropetrovsk waiting for a friend, Vasia to meet us for dinner. We've had a busy, wonderful day. We arrived last night at about 10:00 p.m. to the Jaggi's apartment. They are a senior couple currently serving here. They were kind enough to let us spend a couple of nights with them. They live on the 5th floor and there is no elevator. We rode by taxi here, after the bus ride the day before, we wanted more room and faster. Well we got there faster, but less room. Cort ordered a big taxi for 3 people and 2 large bags and the taxi came and our smallest carry on would only fit in the trunk, so we were pretty smooshed in the back seat. Steve and I were pretty molded by the time we got there. The driver smoked (even though Cort asked him not to) and his window was part way down, so it was cold in the back seat. So as every one says to us, "Welcome to Ukraine."
This morning we had one of the highlights of the trip. Cort took us to a members home, a little old lady and her daughter and her husband live there. This woman is incredible, I wish everyone could have been with us. She makes these amazing Ukrainian costumes and linens. Cort ordered one for Laina (he had previously ordered one for him). The missionaries keep her pretty busy. We will go back to pick it up tomorrow morning, she wasn't quite done with the blouse. Olya was stricken with a disease and her hands are crippled, only about 1/2 of her fingers remain. She does this intricate embroidery, hand work and makes these outfits before all the detail without a sewing machine. Her daughter also helps her.
The added bonus was having them speak with such love for Cort. They love him so much. They were touched with his humility and love of the Gospel. They were so appreciative that we allowed him to serve a mission. Cort was embarrassed as he had to translate this to us. We were there for a couple of hours, and could have stayed the whole day. Such a nice spirit. It is such a blessing to meet these wonderful members, and people of Ukraine.
After we have dinner, we are going to the Branch to watch conference. We will see the Saturday morning session live tonight at 7:00 p.m. What a blessing, and experience. Tomorrow we will take a bus to Donetsk and arrive in time to hear Sunday mornings conference there. These are the only two cities that get conference here.
This afternoon we took buses and walked, shopped in the Reenok's (got a few souvenirs and just really experienced downtown Dnper. It's so crowded and busy, we just can hardly stop to take pictures. I turn my camera on and just push the button as I'm walking around. Who knows if any pictures will turn out. I don't even know where I'm aiming.
I will try to post some pictures tonight when we are back at the apartment with Jaggi's computer.
If anyone is interested in serving a mission or adopting a child in Ukraine, we highly recommend both. There is definitely an urgent need for both. Let us know if you are interested.