Site Map 
  
  
 

THE JOURNEY TO UKRAINE..

03-12-05 JOURNEY COMPLETE!

Well, we have been home two days now.  Sorry for the delay in uploading this entry.  We still have our days and nights a little mixed up - but we are all doing fine other than being a little tired.  Zachary, Daniel, Kim and I all woke up at about 3am this morning.  Daniel got back to sleep around 4am,  I think, but the rest of us were wide awake - we couldn't sleep anymore but just laid in the bed until about 6am. 

It is so good to be home!  Thank you Lord!

03-10-05 Back in Alabama today!

We arrived at the Huntsville airport early, if you can believe it, at about 8pm. We were greeted by several families from our church, other friends and Kim's parents were also there - it was very special.  Special thank yous to the Carpenters and Carrs for watching over the house and taking care of things while we were gone.  God has truly blessed us all the way.  Daniel did very well on the flights home.  He took a couple of short naps on the international flight from Amsterdam and he only cried one time - which we thought was great considering all he has been through.  Getting through immigration and customs in Memphis was not a fun experience (took 2.5 hours) except for when Daniel became a US Citizen at about 5:30pm CST when his passport was stamped.  He now has dual citizenship in both Ukraine and America until he is 18 years of age.

We arrived home about 9:30pm (the kitchen was completely stocked with food and there were balloons and goodies on the table to greet us - thank you NLBC family and other friends and family) and got Daniel ready for bed.  He slept until about 6:30am the next morning (he's already on Alabama time! ).  Please continue to pray for Daniel as he has a lot of adjustments ahead of him - and we do too.

03-09-05 Heading home today!

Yesterday (03-08) we had a great time souvenir shopping onn St. Andrews street and sightseeing.  Many businesses were closed due to the Woman's day holiday.  Everywhere you looked there were ladies young and old with flowers in their hand or men with flowers on their way to give them to that special girl or woman in their life.  That night we went to the square and then down main street.  They had the whole street blocked off for the celebration and people were everywhere.  We had a great time listening to the musicians (we heard a lady playing some sort of pan-pipes and also a man who was very good on the trumpet) and walking down the street.  It was snowing (of course) and there were lots of lights and sights to see.  Daniel really enjoyed it all as well.

Today our schedule is packing and then leaving for the airport at 1pm local time.  Sasha is going to drive us to the airport in his van.  We plan to say goodbye to Ben, Tanya and family shortly before we depart.  We said our goodbyes to Galya last night - we will really miss her.

Our flight schedule: Leave Kyiv at 3:50pm and arrive Amsterdam at 6:00pm (one hour time difference there), spend the night, depart Amsterdam at 2pm Thursday the 10th and arrive in Memphis 5pm (KLM 6057, NW 57), leave Memphis on flight (5712, Northwest) at 7:25pm and arrive Huntsville at 8:30pm.

This may be our last Web update depending on what we can do in the hotel in Amsterdam and time, etc.  We are looking forward to a little sight-seeing in Amsterdam where it will be much warmer than here.

Thank you for following along our journey to find Daniel and most of all for your prayers.  We are all ready to be home!  Praise our Lord Jesus Christ for His provision and blessing all the way.  We know He will bring us safely home.

Kirk and family

03-07-05 US Embassy Day

We started our day at about 6:30am when Daniel woke up (no more sleeping in around here).  We headed out to the doctor for Daniel's travel check-up (required for his visa into the US) at about 8:45am with Galya.  Daniel did so well during his checkup.  He did not cry at all and let the doctor do everything she needed to.  Other than his strabismus and a vitamin D deficiency, the doctor declared him basically healthy.  She spent some time with us talking over his history and the things written up on him.  We left the doctor around 10:30 and had to make copies of things prior to our 11:30 appointment at the US Embassy.  We arrived there just in time and Kim and I, along with Daniel went in (Zachary, Lauren, and Hannah stayed with Mr. Robinson - Ben - and had a great time at the mall just down the street from our apartment.).  We turned in all the required paperwork and documents, then came back at 3pm to pick up Daniel's visa.  ALL DONE!!  Yeah!

Ben and Tanya invited us out to eat Mexican food tonight and we had a great time - the food was great (even Zachary thought so).  The snow is piling up again around here.  It has snowed several inches over the past couple of days here in Kyiv.  The snow blows in your face and it really feels cold.  Temps stay in the 20s and low 30s.

Tomorrow (8 March) is Woman's day here in Ukraine and it seems to be a very big holiday.  All government offices are closed and many businesses are closed Monday - Wednesday (including the KLM office here in Kyiv - which means I have to deal with the airport KLM office).  We plan to do some sightseeing and souvenir shopping.

Our flights are reserved now for getting us Huntsville airport on Thursday at 8:30pm (flight 5712 - Northwest/Pinnacle airlines from Memphis to Huntsville).  We are leaving Kyiv Wednesday at 3:50pm with an over-night in Amsterdam.  Our flight from Amsterdam to Memphis departs at 2:10pm on Thursday and arrives in Memphis at 5:05pm.  We will be turning on our US cell-phones at that point and calling many of you to let you know we are back in America!  Can't wait to get back!

Please pray that all goes well with the travel back.  This will be especially hard on little Daniel.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone.  Thanks for following along with us on our journey.  God has really shown Himself strong!

Kirk and family

03-06-05 Update from Kyiv

It was wonderful waking up to our little boy's cry this morning (not that I wanted him to cry), but he is finally ours!  He settled down and went to sleep about 9 PM and woke up at 7:05 AM.  He slept all night, but wasn't sure where he was when he woke up.  He quickly got over it and ate a big breakfast of eggs, toast, a whole banana, juice, and hot cocoa.  He loves cocoa.  He had it at the orphanage amost every afternoon for a snack.  We were relaxing, had some family worship time, then got ready to go to lunch with Ben Robinson.  He walked us down to the mall where we went last night, but this time we didn't have to wonder what we were ordering (unless we were at McDonald's - :0).  Ben translated for us.  Yeah!!! 

After lunch, Ben took us to his home by way of the metro (underground train - subway).  We saw his wife, Tanya, again and met his two children, Emma and Yasha.  They made cookies for us with the chocolate chips we  brought them from Alabama.  They have a nice apartment on the fourth floor with a beautiful view.  Thanks for your hospitality, Ben and Tanya!

From there, we left in a taxi for our apartment so Daniel could get a nap.  It was really past his naptime, but he laid down with Daddy, like a good boy, and took a 1 1/2 hour nap. I finished our read-aloud book with Zachary, Lauren and Hannah (Alone, Yet Not Alone). then they watched a video when Daniel woke up.  Kirk went to the market  in the blowing snow to buy supper and bring it back to the apartment.  It has snowed all afternoon - about 4 inches in just a few hours.  You know the story you always hear about your grandfather walking uphill in the snow... to get to school.... well, this was reality for Kirk.  It was a "fer piece" to walk with a load of groceries in the snow.  But we enjoyed staying inside tonight.  We had hoped to go to church with Ben, but the weather was just too bad. 

Daniel discoverd how to play hide and seek tonight and you've never heard a little guy giggle so much.  He was the cutest thing.  After his bath - which he absolutely loved - he ran into the kids' bedroom and waited for us to find him.  He'd squeal and laugh, then do it all over again.  It reminds me of Zachary, Lauren, and Hannah. We had so much fun playing with him. We can't wait for everyone to meet him. 

Tomorrow is our appointment at the US Embassy and our appointment for Daniel's medical exam to get his visa.  Some doctor that Galya knows is doing us a favor and seeing us tomorrow, because tomorrow is really a holiday here.  Once again, we are so grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ for meeting our needs in order for us to leave on Wednesday.  Please pray that all goes well. 

Thanks to all who've prayed us through this journey and kept up with all our "blogging".  I'm sure it is getting to be old news.  We are so ready to come home.  We love you.

Kim and Family

03-05-05 Daniel is ours today!

Sasha arrived this morning at about 9:15 to pick us up and take us (baggage, party stuff and all) to the orphanage.  We got there and went to see the director.  She explained the reason for the delay being that we were the first couple to have to follow a new procedure and sign an additional piece of paper in order to get Daniel out of the orphanage.  This new document is now required as of March 1st and, of course, we were the first couple to have to do it and she needed to be here in person to insure it got done right.

We said our good-byes to all the great staff of workers there and piled into Sasha's van (he just got the interior redone and it looks sharp!) for the trip back to Kyiv.  Daniel did great on the trip.  He took a nap in Kim's arms - something I'm sure she will not forget.  We arrived in Kyiv at about 4pm and went to our apartment (which was very nice... even better than the one we had our first time in Kyiv - Thank you Ben and Sasha).  Our apartment is very near Independence square.  We unpacked a little and then went to the mall food court for supper (we were famished).  Then back to the apartment.  Daniel had his first bath (with us anyway - they did get baths at this orphanage).  He loved it and had a great time!  He did so well today with all the changes.  We finally got him down to sleep at about his usual bedtime.  He will probably be our new alarm clock since he gets up about 6-7am each morning according to the orphanage staff we talked with.  The orphanage doctor gave us his whole schedule so we can try and minimize any unnecessary changes.  We were very glad to get this.

As for our return home.  Right now we have reserved flights leaving on Wednesday, 9 March, with an over-night in Amsterdam and getting into Huntsville at 8:30PM on Thursday, 10 March.  We should be done with everything on Monday but there were no flights available on Tuesday.

We can hear the church bells at St. Michael's cathedral from our apartment - it is very nearby.  We plan to enjoy our last few days in Kyiv and then make the trip home.  There was a lot of snow today - piled up on the roads, the sidewalks and blowing around everywhere.  I think I am tired of the snow and ready for some North Alabama weather.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Thank you for your continued prayers and e-mails.  I have some great pictures that I'll post later.

Kirk and family (all 6 of us now!)

03-04-05 Leaving Vinnyts'ya tomorrow!

We had a busy day today preparing to leave Vinnyts'ya.  We have enjoyed our stay here but are definitiely looking forward to leaving AND most of all taking Daniel with us.  During the evening visit with Daniel tonight Galya, Kim and the kids played with Daniel and his whole group (10 children in all - 2 are severely handicapped).  They had a great time.  I stayed in the hotel trying to get our flights changed - but still nothing certain on that.  I will go and take care of it in person at the airport tomorrow after we arrive in Kyiv.  Right now it looks like Wednesday will be the earliest we can depart but I am still going to try for a Tuesday (8 March) departure.  By Sunday we should know for sure what the flights are. 

Tomorrow we will pick up a couple of cakes to take to the orphanage along with all the other goodies we purchased for the party tomorrow.  We are looking forward to celebrating Daniel's departure from the orphanage.  The workers there have all been so kind to us - we look forward to treating them to a party as well.

Sasha is to arrive in the morning and take us all (including baggage) to the orphanage.  We will have the party at the orphanage and say our good-byes then meet with the director, take Daniel with us and leave for Kyiv.  Right now we have Daniel's medical exam for his visa set up for Monday morning and US Embassy appointment Monday afternoon.  Then we should be done!!!

We will try to make contact as soon as possible in Kyiv - hopefully the apartment we have will include a phone line.  We will confirm our travel plans and let you all know.

We are so grateful to have friends and family that have prayed so diligently for us.  We have seen God do wonderful things to bring us to Daniel and we know that He will carry us safely home.

P.S. Brother Andy... you could survive over here since they do have Honey Nut Cheerios.

03-03-05 Update

Good visits today with Daniel as usual.  We made contact with the orphanage director in Kyiv but she was not cooperative at all and said we would have to wait until Saturday.  Another twist in everything now is that the 8 March holiday (Woman's Day) is actually stretched into a three-day holiday (Mon-Wed).  Additionally, since we cannot leave Vinnyts'ya until Saturday we will likely not be able to get a government doctor to examine Daniel for his visa - which mean we can't keep the Monday appointment at US Embassy.  This probably means we are not going to be able to travel home until Thursday or Friday of next week (10th or 11th of March).

Everyone has done everything they can to help us and Sasha and Galya have definitely gone the extra mile to try and get us home before the 3-day holiday.  If we can get a doctor visit on Saturday, there may still be a chance to leave Tuesday - but this is remote at this point.  Something to pray about.

Having said all this - God is still in control.  We have much to be thankful for - and we are!  Nothing has taken Him by surprise.  Although we may not understand why this delay is happening right now, we know that God is working His plan without fail.  Pray that we will resist the temptation to get mired up in frustration about the delay.  Pray that we will be able to get back home with Daniel as soon as possible.  

Kirk and family

03-02-05 Passport done!  Sledding with Flemings

We had a great morning visit with Daniel at our usual time (10:00 - 11:30).  While we were there Larinda called us and asked if we would like to come sledding with them that afternoon.  She also invited us to lunch (hot dogs and baked beans - sounded great to us since we are getting a little tired of Ukrainian restaurant food).  We got there at about 12:45, had lunch and then went sledding.  We had a wonderful time (took lots of pictures too!) and stayed until time to leave for our 4pm visit with Daniel.  Right after we arrived to see Daniel, Galya got a call that his passport was ready to be picked up!  Yeah!  I went with Galya to sign for it and showed it to Daniel when we got back to the orphanage.  Now we have everything but Daniel out of the orphanage and then we can leave for Kyiv to get his Visa paperwork done (requires a doctor visit) and the Apostille of documents.  Unfortunately, it appears that we will have to wait until Saturday to take Daniel since the orphanage director must officially release Daniel to us via some additional document and as stated in earlier updates she is out of town in Kyiv until Friday.  Galya and Sasha have tried everything possible to speed this process up but there appears to be no getting around waiting for the orphanage director.  It is all in God's hands.  We look forward to celebrating Daniel's departure from the orphanage - whenever it happens.  The workers there are very kind and have really made us feel welcome and have reinforced our relationship with Daniel everytime we are there.  Daniel is really looking forward to getting back in a car - he is always looking for taxis and saying "brrrum, brrrum".  One day soon he'll be taking a one-way trip in a "brrrum-brrrum" out of that orphanage to be with his family for good!  It won't be too soon for me!

Right now we have an appointment with the US Embassy in Kyiv on Monday (7 March)and Galya thinks we should be able to finish up on Monday and travel on Tuesday (March 8th) - assuming I can get flights worked out.  If that works out to leave on 8 March then it would put us home on 9 or 10 March depending on our connection in Amsterdam.  I will be changing our flights tomorrow and should know more then.

03-01-05 - WOW!

Our day started at 9:30am when we heard from Galya that she had the approval document from Kyiv!!!  Praise the LORD!  Thank you Sasha for all your work!  We then piled into the van and headed to Le'neenskeey Sood ("Lenin's court" - the court house) for our 10:00am appointment.  It was a formal court setting with the Inspector, court clerk, "prosecuting" attorney, official translator, Galya and us.  The judge enters and we all stand (similar to a US courtroom).  He asked us some questions.  One question was: "Why do you choose to adopt from Ukraine?" - my answer was that we were led by the Lord to come here for our son and we know we have found him.  There were other questions - nothing hard or inappropriate.  I was very pleased with how things went.  Best of all were the wonderful words from the judge granting an  "Immediate execution" of our petition to adopt - which means NO 30-day waiting period!!!!  Hallelujah!  Thank you LORD!  The "prosecuting" attorney was actually in favor of our adoption.

After receiving the court decree and Daniel's original birth certificate we were off and back into the Ukrianian paperchase to get his new birth certificate and passport paperwork in and then sending the birth certificate to Kyiv.  We spent just about the entire day in the van.  Kim and the kids went to visit with Daniel at 3:30pm while I stayed with Galya as we went around getting things notarized, went to the ZAGS office (office of vital records and passports) and OBLAST (regional approval - similar to our county/state level) etc.  By God's grace we were able to get all this done in one day and documents sent to Sasha in Kyiv for Apostille.

The only thing left now before we can leave Vinnyts'ya is to get the passport and have the orphanage director approval to release Daniel to us.  The court decree makes him officially ours but we cannot take him until the orphanage director releases him - it is just the way it is.  That could be as late as Saturday unless we can somehow connect Sasha with the orphanage director in Kyiv....something to pray about....we sure do want to take him with us as soon as possible.  Also, pray that we can get his passport early - i.e. before Friday.

Thanks again for your e-mails and prayers.  Some have asked questions about other things (i.e. what are we eating, etc.) and hopefully we will get to that in the next update or so. 

I would like to close this update with special thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our God is able to do abundantly above all that we can ask or think!

Psalm 5:12 "For Thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt Thou compass him as with a shield."

This verse has become real to us many times over.  Not because we have any righteousness of our own.  The only righteousness we have is in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Psalm 37:4-5 "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thy heart.  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass."

2-28-05 - Big Day Tomorrow!

We heard from Sasha tonight that our document is on the way from Kyiv over-night that we need for court tomorrow.  Yes!  We have a 10:00am appointment with the judge tomorrow - March 1st!  Pray that all goes well.  If the approval from NAC on our petition arrives a little late we may have to delay the meeting with the judge an hour or so.  Tomorrow we will know for sure whether the 30-day  waiting period has been waived or not.  All indications are good that we will not have to wait the 30 days - but it is not certain until the judge makes the decree.  We will likely be asked some questions - pray for us to have quick, brief answers and to be a light for Christ in all we do.

The orphanage director is gone to Kyiv this week and not back in the office until Saturday.  This means we will not be able to take Daniel with us until Saturday.  That will be just enough time to get his birth certificate and passport done if all goes well.  Pray about all this as well.  If all goes according to plan we could be on our way back to Kyiv Saturday.  This means that we will almost certainly not make our original planned departure date of 6 March (Sunday) since we will have to get Daniel's Visa in Kyiv - approximately two business days.  There is a government holiday March 8th as well that may complicate or extend things - we are not sure.

Thank you for your prayers.  We will let you all know how things go tomorrow.  Right now, it is just one day at a time.

Kirk and family

2-27-05 Update (Shopping at Open Market and going to church)

It has been a few days since the last update.  We have been having fun this weekend. 

On Sunday(2-27 - today) we visited the local Baptist church here in Vinnyts'ya - yes, they DO have one.  This church looks more like a castle than a church.  It is absolutely beautiful on this inside and out.  We drive by it everyday on the way to the orphanage.  Galya interpreted some for us so that we at least knew the basic scripture passages.  All the songs were in Ukrainian so we did not know them....except for one song, which we at least recognized the tune for - "Count your Blessings".  How appropriate!!  We have so many blessings I can't number them all!  The service was different from ours as you might expect.  As we entered the sanctuary about 15 minutes before the service would start, some of the people were singing hymns, the first one we heard had the tune for Count Your Blessings.  Galya confirmed that this was what they were singing.  The first person I saw as I entered was standing and eyes closed in prayer.  An older lady near the front said "We should not come to talk right now, we should sing praises to our Lord." (Galya interpreted for us)  She was the one leading in the singing before the service.  The service was about an hour and a half in duration and there was special children's music and the adult choir sang several times.  The music was beautiful although I did not understand the words.  Right after the Pastor finished the message everyone in the sanctuary went to their knees in prayer and there was spontaneous prayer from 3-4 individuals.  This was not the first time during the service that we went to our knees in prayer.

After the service ended Galya introduced us to the  Pastor (Vladimir - probably don't have the spelling right) and he greeted us in English.  Galya had found out that the Pastor knew Vasyl Vatsyk (who now lives in Huntsville and is a good new friend of ours...the connections are incredible!  Only God could bring all of this together!)  Then, to add to that, when we exited the sanctuary, I heard a lady speaking English to her children and it turned out to be a missionary family from Calvary Bible Church in Huntsville Alabama!!  Their names are Larinda and Thomas Flemming.  She invited us all over to their house for lunch.  We had a great time.  It turns out that Thomas knew Vasyl quite well also.  Thomas said that Vasyl had been a translator here for a couple of years at the Bible Insititute that this Baptist Church has.  We had a great time of fellowship and enjoyed the quesadillas that Larinda cooked up for us (nice to have a break from Ukrainian food - no offense Vasyl). 

We topped off the day with a visit with our soon to be newest member of the family - Daniel.  He was a little quiet tonight, but we snuggled and played and had a great time as usual.

This week holds a lot in store.  We are praying that we will get our petition approval back from NAC tomorrow and for a court date by Tuesday.  If we don't make Tuesday then Galya says it will be Friday before we can see the judge.  Everything is in God's hands.  Pray that we will get this process in Vinnyts'ya completed as soon as possible.  More importantly, pray that the judge will waive the 30-day waiting period.  That's all for now.  Thank you for praying for us and also for the e-mails!

Kirk and family

Saturday (2-26) we visited with Daniel in the morning and then went to the open market which is across the river (the river is frozen over on top and people are ice-fishing on it).  It was snowing and everywhere we walked there was either ice or slush - but this place was packed with people!  We were looking for Daniel some boots and a few other things (like hats - couldn't find one to fit my big head - I always have that problem...guess I should do something about it... oh well).  They had a place where the the raw meat was just laying out for sale - tables and tables full of raw meat (I guess its so cold you don't have to worry too much about spoilage.)  We kept thinking to ourselves, while the snow kept falling harder, how the the entire city of Huntsville would be completely shut down in this kind of weather.  The accordian (harmonica) player in the picture was also at the open market.  He played and sang as he walked along.  This place was huge - row after row of booths with people selling stuff.  We found some boots for Daniel and a few other things then left.

We had a good visit with Daniel that afternoon.  Hannah had him dancing around with her while Aunt Galya continued giving Lauren her Russian lessons - she is doing quite well, according to Galya.

2-25-05 Update (also corrected some errors on 24 Feb update)

Two great visits with Daniel today (of course...any visit is a great visit!!).  Every day it gets a little harder to leave him there.  He seems to be getting a little better (his cold/sniffles) and Kim has been doctoring him up and treating the little rashes on his face.  The orphanage doctor checks on him daily and they also give him medicine.  We have been bringing bananas and apples the last 3 days for all the children in his group and they really enjoy that.  Daniel would try to swallow a banana whole if you let him. 

During our morning visit, while Zachary, Lauren and Hannah went out to play in the new snow, one of the workers brought in Daniel's little friend to show us how he sings and dances.  They would not sing for us, but as she sang they held hands and danced - it was cute (see picture).

Kim had Daniel singing with her tonight.  We left the orphanage and went to McDonald's for supper (I think I've had about everything on the menu at least once... they even have fish nuggets here).  Then we walked back to the hotel with Galya on the slippery sidewalk.  We stopped in a store to pick up some diapers and things then went up to our room at the hotel.  Kim and the kids went to visit Galya for a while and had a great time.

I'll close for now.  Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Kirk and family 

2-24-05 (Passport photo and shopping day)

We had a great morning visit with Daniel today and we were allowed to take him with us to get his picture taken for his passport.  Daniel was amazed as we got into the van (taxi) and drove away.  He looked and looked out the window as everything whizzed by.  Daniel sat very still, holding mamma's hand while he got his photo taken for his passport - mala deitz ("Good boy" in Russian - at least close to what it sounds like).  After the picture, we took Daniel shopping for clothes and shoes.  Kim and Galya found a nice warm outfit for him in one store and a pair of shoes in another.  Daniel enjoyed carrying his bag with new clothes in it.  He knew they were going to be his clothes.  The outfit was an 18 month size and the shoes a Ukrainian 21 (size 5 US).  We look forward to him wearing these clothes and taking him out of that orphanage.  It is getting harder and harder to leave him there.

On the paperwork front, Galya had a reqest for court date document prepared by a very experienced person in the judge's office (this lady was once a judge and has since retired and now works as an advisor/consultant of some sort to the judges offices).  We met her when we signed the document and she was a very nice lady.  She seemed to think it would be possible to have the judge waive the 30-day waiting period - but we still need to pray about this.  Some of you have asked about this 30-day period.  If it is not waived, that would mean that we would come home without Daniel and have to come back to get him after the 30-day period had ended.  Of course, we are praying that we won't have to go through this - and it sounds like we have a good chance of getting a judge to waive this 30-day period.

Our court date could be as soon as Tuesday (1 March) or it could be next Friday (4 March).  Pray that it will work out to be a soon as possible.

Thank you all for the many e-mails and your prayers.  I'll post some pictures soon.

Kirk and family

2-23-05 (Second update today)

While at supper tonight we heard from Sasha that he has the petition paperwork back in Kyiv.  Please pray for Sasha as he works with the NAC to get our petition to adopt accepted by the NAC.  This is typtically a 4-7 day process to get NAC to approve the petition and get it back here for reservation of a court date. 

I would like to say that we are working with some of the best professionals you could ever ask for.  Sasha, Ben and Tanya, and Galya have all worked very long hours and we are very impressed with everything that they do (and I don't think we know half of what they really have to go through).

We had a great afternoon visit with Daniel and Kim was allowed to feed Daniel his supper.  We also found out one food he doesn't like - raisins!  Out they came, and then he handed them, one at a time, to Daddy (Mommy wouldn't take them...I just got popped in the arm...). 

Tomorrow, Galya says that we will be taking Daniel for his passport photo and that we will also be able to shop for him some clothes.  We are really looking forward to that time with him.  Pray that he will not be scared because I am sure he will be overwhelmed at all the people, noise, etc. 

God bless you all and many thanks for the e-mails and especially your prayers.

Kirk and family

2-23-05 (Great News!)

Great news!  The Director of the Inspector's signed our petition to adopt and it is on its way to Kyiv!  Praise the Lord!  We had been praying that this would happen today because if not, we would have to wait until possibly next Wednesday.  Galya has been doing a super job here in Vinnytsya.  The Inspector did her part as well - she reviewed and summarized our dossier at home last night and we are very grateful.   Thank you for all the prayers and e-mails.

Now we wait to hear back from Kyiv about our petition, which hopefully will be by Monday.  If that goes well, then we could get a court date for Tuesday.  Pray that God's will be done.  He is in total control of everything and we just watch as He brings it all together.

I posted a few new pictures for you to enjoy.

We had a great morning visit with Daniel today and were able to bring bananas and apples for all the children in Daniel's group today.  Daniel inhaled his - he loved it!

Well, it is time to go for our afternoon visit with Daniel.

Kirk and family

2-22-05 Adoption Petition signed by Inspector!

We had a great visit with Daniel this morning and he laughed and played with us.  We tried on his blanket sleeper that Kim brought from Alabama for him and it was a perfect fit (12 months size sleeper fits him well)!  Daniel was trotting back and forth between me, Kim, and his brother and sisters.  Every time he went to Kim or me he would smile and giggle a little.

After our morning time with Daniel, we had our usual lunch at the restaurant (we would call it a cafeteria in the USA - very reasonable prices - you can feed a family of five whatever they want for around $10 (about 53 hyrvnia?) - of course it is all Ukrainian food - but most of it is good).  Galya came as we finished lunch and we went to get our petition to adopt notarized prior to taking it to the Inspector.  That went fairly well.

It was getting close to 4pm (our pm visit time with Daniel) so I got our first taxi by myself (Galya had provided a written address to the orphanage - and by now I could get there in my sleep) to go to the orphanage.  On the way I called Galya and she said "Get him to turn around, I need you..".  The Inspector would not take the documents from that notary (nothing wrong with the documents) - so we went and re-notarized and went in to meet the Inspector.  She was very nice and could speak English quite well.  After asking us a few questions she signed our petition to adopt!!  A significant hurdle - PTL!  We celebrated with supper at McDonalds.

PLEASE PRAY concerning the Inspector having time this evening to finish the summary of our dossier and get everything out to the NAC tomorrow (Inspectors only meet to do these things on Wednesdays so if not done tomorrow this could add significant delay to the process).  Pray that all goes well with this.  If all goes according to best case we could be in court with the judge by next Tuesday.  PRAY also that the judge we have will waive the 30 day waiting period required by Ukrainian law.  This 30-day period is often waived but depends on the particular area you are in.  Galya was told that some judges do and some do not waive this 30-day waiting period in this area that Vinnytsya is in.  One of the judges that would waive the waiting period is currently sick in the hospital.  Much to pray about here - but first the Inspector's part in getting out the petition to NAC tomorrow.

On the lighter side... You should have seen us crammed into a taxi at times today!  Five of us in the back seat of a Sedan sized car - fortunately no seat belt laws here (and don't worry, it was only for short trips).  Also had a funny moment buying some cookies today in a bakery/market.  I told the lady "1" with my finger and she thought I meant 1kg (as in kilogram!).  She started filling up this bag with cookies, piling it high.  I stopped her and we had a good laugh.  The Ukrainian people are very friendly and easy to get along with.  By the way, the cookies were great!  The kids finished the day with "Aunt" Galya playing balloon volleyball in our hotel room across the clothesline!

Thank you all for the e-mails and most of all your prayers.  Kim is 100% better, many of you have asked about her, today she really felt well and did not have to take any medicine - PTL!!  Please keep praying as there are many hurdles left in this process.  God bless you all.  (I'll post pictures next time).

Kirk and family

2-21-05 Update

We had two great visits with Daniel today.  During our morning visit we were allowed to take him outside to play in the snow! Fun!  The orphanage had a little locker with his own boots, coat, hat, and gloves (we already had everything but boots for him - the little blue ones Kim had purchased were too small!).  As we left after the afternoon visit, we went down to catch our taxi.  The taxi was a little delayed and as we looked up to the second floor window where Daniel is, the care-giver had brought Daniel to the window and he was smiling and waving to us and blowing us kisses!  He really does seem to know that something is going on between us. 

On the Ukrainian paperchase front, Galya had to work through some snags getting a POA here - but that was resolved today.  She had a great visit (or visits) with the Inspector today and everything seems to be on track.  We had lunch at the downstairs restaurant and dinner in our very nice hotel room (Hotel Zhovtnevyi -pronounced sort of like "Shovtz-navy") where we have a living area with a large 6-place table.  Good Ukrainian take-out pizza - yes, pizza again - ochin hoorah show ("very good" in Russian). 

Remind me to tell the funny story about Sasha trying to order pepperoni pizza.... well, I may as well tell, or rather just show you the result (see picture) now.  We all had a great laugh and made a great memory - AND the pizza with "pepper-oni" was great!  We ate it all.  That was Friday night (2-18) with Sasha - something we won't soon forget.  

Thanks again for all the e-mails.  It sure is good to hear from home.  God bless you all!

Kirk and family

2-20-05 (First Two-visit Day, Galya comes)

Well, today started off kind of shaky for us.  Kim was not feeling well and was potentially not going to be able to go to the orphanage.  The kids and I prayed and that is when we sent out a "flare" e-mail to many of you to pray especially for her.  I have great news!!  Kim was able to go for the visits today!  Thank you for your prayers and praise the Lord for His mercy and kindness to us.  Please continue praying for her, and all of us, concerning our health.  The Lord is sustaining us and we are very grateful. 

We had some changes today.  Sasha, our main facilitator, had to leave for Kyiv today and our "friend-of-a-friend" Galya came to take his place as our interpreter and facilitator with the local paperwork and court process here in Vinnytsya (VEE-nee-tcha).  She is very sweet and was able to get us in for TWO visits with Daniel today!  Yeah!  (10:00-11:00am and 4:00-5:00pm Ukraine time)  We were not supposed to start with two visits per day until Monday, so this was a real treat.  Everytime we see him the bond gets closer.  The care-givers there said that Daniel was looking for us through the window alot today.  When our last visit time was up, Daniel did not put out his hands for the orphanage care-giver, instead he held on to Kim - snuggled up in the Pooh blanket that Kim made for him.  The care-giver finally had to just take him - but he did not cry, he is such a good little boy.

Please pray for Daniel as he has a runny nose and watery eyes (he seems to have a little cold - not unusual for a 2-year-old anywhere).  Pray that he will stay well so that we will continue to be able to see him (we think he may have shared with Mommy).  He really likes the Cheerios and other snacks we bring him.  He saw a dog out the window and got excited and started pointing and speaking.  Kim had him almost giggling today when she used the little duckie wash puppet to grab his bubble blower (he loves bubble blowing).  Daniel likes to push buttons and he likes music (will fit in good at the Wright house!).  The care-givers said that they have a sort of song time every now and then with the children and one of the ladies said that Daniel likes to sing.  We look forward to hearing him sing one day.

On Monday, Galya will initially meet with the Inspector at 10:40am (while we are visiting with Daniel).  We are praying that all goes well as we start the Ukrainian paperchase phase of this adoption.

God bless you all and thank you so much for all the e-mails!  What a great encouragement your e-mails are!  Your care and prayers for us bring us great joy every time we read of them - it is hard to express these feelings in words.  Thank you and we love you all very much!

Kirk and family

02-19-05 (Second Visit with Daniel)

We officially told the orphanage doctor today that we wanted little Ivan (which which is John, in English) to be our son.  We were able to visit with him for an hour-and-a-half today.  The orphanage director and doctor have been more than generous!  God has given us favor with them.  By the way, Daniel Ivan was two on January 26th.  Another January birthday in our family!!!  Now we have 4 family January birthdays!  Hooray!!!!  We had a great visit with him.  He loved the bubbles we brought and especially loved the animal crackers!  he even said "Cook,cook?"  We'd let him try to blow the bubbles and he'd say something like,"Doot!"  Sasha said that meant "blow".  We let him look out the window and when he saw Sasha's van in the snow, he made "vroom vroom" noises with his lips.  He'd point and say it over and over. We understood that in any language. That must be born into little boys to be able to make those noises.  He is so precious.  Zachary, Lauren, and Hannah enjoyed holding him for a short time today for the first time.  Mama and Papa have to be the main attraction for a while - especially Mama, and I'm loving it!  We sang "Jesus Love Me" and our favorite lullaby songs to him as we snuggled.  We'll be able to visit him tomorrow also - Sunday.  On Monday, we should be able to visit with him twice a day until we leave.We will be in Vinnytsya for  at least another week.  Pray that all goes well with the paperchase here and court date.  After that, we'll head back to Kyiv - WITH DANIEL- to get Daniel's passport and visa to leave.  Thank you so much for all your e-mails and prayers.  We weren't able to get connections yeterday, so when we read the e-mails today, we were overwhelmed by your love and prayers.  God bless you so very much!

Kim and family 

02-18-05 (THE BIG DAY!!)

We started out for the orphanage at 9:00 am today and Sasha told us that unfortunately, the inspector for this orphanage was gone to Kyiv and would not be back in the office until next Monday.  This was a problem since you can only get persmission to visit the orphanage through the inspector.  Sasha still wanted to see if the director of the orphanage would allow us to see the boy anyway today, since our paperwork and referral are all in order.  We prayed as Sasha went in - our same prayer - that God would give us favor.  Sasha had arranged for an English-speaking Doctor from Kyiv to meet us at 10:00 and he was already there.  The director had court appearances (for other adoptions) that morning so we would have to come back later.  We went to McDonald's (popular place here..) for an early lunch and then drove back to the orphanage.  Sasha called on the way, and the director was in - and she said we could see him!!  We went in and at first (since there is a flu epidemic here) they were not going to allow Lauren, Zachary, and Hannah to come in with us to see Daniel - but the orphanage doctor was so impressed that she said "Why don't we all go in to see him.  The children have a big part in this too."  God provides again!  All the staff and director at the orphanage were very receptive of our children being with us.  This orphanage seemed to be very well organized and staffed with caring professionals. 

Then, we saw him for the first time!  He cried initially, being a little scared of strangers (which is actually a good thing for him to have done).  Kim, then reached out to him with the little blue teddy bear and that broke the ice and we were playing with him from then on.  The Doctor (Uri) did several developmental things with Daniel as we all watched.  Daniel did quite well on most of them and the Doctor said he was basically healthy, though delayed in development as most orphans are.  He has a slight Strabismus in his left eye which is not a major problem at all and can be easily corrected.  We took lots of pictures and video (no problem doing that at all in this orphanage).  Now Daniel has a face!!  Praise the Lord - He is able to do abundantly above all that we could ask or think.  Jeremiah 33:3, a verse that Mrs. Caryll Tibetts shared with us came to mind.  Oh, what a powerful God we serve!

We will not be able to start the formal paperwork process for the adoption until Monday when the Inspector gets back in town.  Until that time we have been authorized short daily visits with Daniel at the orphanage.  Sasha says that we will likely be in Vinnytsya for at least a week or more to finish out the adoption paperwork and court proceedings.  Then we will take Daniel with us to the US Embassy in Kyiv to get his passport and visa, then prepare for the flight back home.

Kirk and family

02-17-05 (continued)

We met with Vasyl and Olga's friend Galya today and were able to give her the things that Vasyl sent by us to her.  She was very sweet.  Galya stayed with us to meet Sasha (she knew him as well).  Tanya and Sasha arrived about the same time (1100am) and we loaded all of our bags into Sasha's mini-van.  Then Sasha went to work with NAC to get all our referral paperwork so that we could leave for Vinnytsya at 2:30pm.  Tanya took us through the city (it was snowing all day today but kind of slushy - just barely at freezing).  We had a great time and saw the statue of Lenin and then we had lunch at McDonalds and were introduced to "pay-as-you-go" restrooms - or I should say, if you don't buy a Big Mac - you can't use the restroom.  We asked a worker there (or Tanya did, I should say) and he basically said "No, I cannot give you the code - it is secret, confidential!"  We had a big laugh about it all.  [One of the remaining vestiges of the former Soviet Union - you have to pay to go to the bathroom!]  We visited Independence Square (site of the Revolution - i.e. Yushenko revolution in recent months). 

Arrived at Vinnytsya (pronounced VEE-nee-cha) around 7:30pm and went to look at a possible apartment to stay in.  The lady there was very sweet but it would not work out there so we found a nice hotel in town.  Vinnytysa is a medium-sized city with about 400,000 population.  We saw a lot of snowy countryside on the car ride over here (Sasha's mini-van).  

Sasha is becoming a very good friend and he has the ability to make everyone his friend.  What a blessing from God he is!   Well, tomorrow morning we go to the orphanage.  We have been praying that God would give us favor with the director and Inspector at the orphanage (Psalm 5:12).  All for now...

Kirk and family

02-17-05

We are leaving Kyiv today.  Sasha plans to have the referral paperwork by around 2:30pm today and this afternoon we will travel west to Vinnytysa (the town where the orphanage is - approx. 300km to the southwest of Kyiv).  Thank you all for the e-mails!  The encouraging words and most of all prayers are really great!  You can e-mail us now at kirknkim@arilion.com .  I am uncertain of Internet/phone access while in the city near the orphanage.  Sasha has not been to this area so there will likely be some unknowns.  Please pray for direction and wisdom.  It will be Friday before we get to see little Ivan.  Bye for now.

Kirk and Family

02-16-05

Wow!  A lot has happened in the last 24-hours+!  We got into Kiev Borispol Airport around 3:15pm yesterday (2-15) and were whisked through the airport security (which was quite an experience and a little scary at times).  Then we met Ben and Sasha our facilitators here in Ukraine.  They were so gracious and kind in their reception of us.  We were treated like royalty!  God DEFINITELY prepared our way - just as we have been praying for so long.  PTL!!

Now, for today...(2-16)..

Sasha (Alexander Yakubenko) came to pick Kim and I up at about 11:00am for our 11:30am appointment at the National Adoption Center (NAC).  Tanya Robinson (Ben's Wife) came and stayed with Lauren, Zachary, and Hannah while we went to the NAC.  We didn't have to wait long (maybe 45 minutes and we were at a table with an elderly gentleman and Sasha doing his thing (Sasha is really a pro at this).  We looked at several pictures of children and came across a little 2- year-old boy who had just become available and was recommended by the NAC worker.  (His Ukrainian name is Ivan - pronounced "Eee-von" in Ukrainian - a common name).  His birthday was 26 Jan 2003 so he just turned two (another January birthday!!!).  We looked at each other and wondered if this could be Daniel.  All that was available was an infant picture.  Ivan was selected and now we wait for the NAC to complete the referal (sometime tomorrow).  Kim and I had an unusual calmness during the whole time we were there.  There were two other couples from Italy or Spain and they were very nervous and had not brought their invitation letter.  We know that many are praying for us back home and we KNOW that because of the peace that God gave today!  We have some picutures at the right.  One is of Sasha and Kirk waiting at NAC.

Ivan is in an orphanage 200-300km west of Kiev (about 2-3 hour drive).  Sasha has not been to this orphanage yet so there are some unknowns there.  Sasha has also lined up an English speaking doctor to travel with us and examine Ivan - pray for wisdom on that.  Please continue to pray as we may leave tomorrow (02-17) or Friday depending on when the completed referral comes through.  We know we are in God's hands!

On the lighter side... we have had Ukrainian food the last two days and it has been quite good - different, but good.  Zachary probably would not agree with that.  The kids are having a blast playing in the snow in back of our 2-bedroom apartment (quite spacious - but on the fourth floor -stairs only...and BIG suitcases).

Well, Kim and the kids are out playing in the snow again...I'm going to go join them!!

Kirk and family

02-15-05

As I write this it is approaching 6:00am Amsterdam time and we have just flown over Ireland and the United Kingdom on our final approach into Amsterdam.  God has blessed our way.  Our flight out of Huntsville to Detroit was delayed about 20 minutes so we got to Detroit a little late and as we approached our gate for the flight to Amsterdam we heard "Final call, for Flight 68...Final call...".  We kicked it into high gear and made it with no problems.  As we were getting seated we met a Godly Christian man who has lived in Huntsville and Decatur area.  What an encouragement that was talking with him!  God takes care of every detail!

Well, this is going to be interesting since somehow we lost a day - at least, it seems that way right now.  For takeoff/landings we have been chewing gum (or for Zachary - Starburst candies) to try and help us with the pressure changes.  On the landing into Detroit, Zachary said "That was a 3-starburst landing..".  We all had a good laugh.  I must go now, we are about to land.

Kirk and family 

01-18-2004
Praise the LORD!!  Friday, 14 January 05 we received a call stating that we had been granted an appointment date in Kiev, Ukraine on the 16th of February!  Our travel date is 14 February.  Needless to say, it was hard to concentrate on anything else the rest of the day.  Plane tickets, packing, baby clothes, packing, list making, phone calls, packing....lots to think about.  One reply we received from a friend in Georgia said since it was Valentine's day that we were going on a "love trip".  We all thought that was great.  God is really good to us. 

Many have asked what they can do to help and there are many ways to help - but the most important thing we would ask is that you pray for us, for Daniel and any siblings he may have, for the NAC Director and workers there, for our facilitators (Ben and Sasha), for the orphanage director where Daniel will be, for the Judge we will have to go through to adopt Daniel, for his general health (and ours while traveling) for wisdom and discernment to follow the path that our Lord Jesus has put before us.

We plan to keep this site updated even while in Ukraine, so check for updates while we are over there (pictures too - hopefully).  We will probably make one or two more updates before we leave and plan to continue updates to this site while we are in Ukraine.  You can contact us at kirknkim@arilion.com. 

Back

* * * Some Final shots, 10-11 March 05 - Home at last!  * * *

"Hey, they even have a window my size!"  - Daniel's first morning at home.  Finally Home!  Thank you Lord for bringing us home!  - 03-11-05

"Take a nap..??...are you kidding?" - flight from Amsterdam to Memphis - 03-10-05

Here we are in Amsterdam, just outside Central Station (building in the background). - 03-10-05

* * * 07-08 March Pictures * * *

Lauren with bird on her arm - main street - 08 March

Hannah and Zachary holding an owl and hawk on their arms - main street - 08 March

Kim and children walking with Aunt Galya down main street on Woman's day - 08 March

Here we are on our last night in Kyiv - Indepence square, by the statue of Kievan-Rus, founder of this city more than 1500 years ago - 08 March

View of St. Michael's church.  Take a right turn here and our apartment was down the hill a short way on the left. - 08 March

Night-night - Daniel fast asleep with big-brother after a big day going to the doctor and US Embassy - 07 March

Check-up at the doctor prior to getting Daniel's visa at the Embassy - 07 March

* * *  05 March pictures * * *

Daniel's group at the orphanage.  There are eleven in all - one is in a crib to the right not in the picture.

Daniel leaving the orphanage - not very many dry eyes in here today.  The workers gave him a special book that they signed. - 05 March

First nap in Mommy's lap on the way to Kyiv - sound asleep, still hanging on to his snack - 05 March

* * *  04 March pictures * * *  

"Hey, how do you like my bed at the orphanage? (Last night in this bed!) - 04 March

* * * 02 March pictures * * *

The Fleming family:  Thomas and Larinda, children from left to right: Olivia, Jonathan, and Danielle.  Thanks for your hospitality! - 02 March

Sled train in order from the front: Lauren, Zachary, Olivia, Hannah, Danielle, and Jonathan.  Fun!  03-02

The big kids had fun sledding too! - 03-02

Are these three having a great time, or what!  Sledding at the Flemings - 03-02

* * *  01 March picture * * *

"How about an Adoption day kiss Mama!" - Thanks for adopting me today!! - 1 March 2005

* * * 27 Feb pictures * * *

The whole family! - 27 Feb

Baptist Church we attended in Vinnyts'ya - 27 Feb

The church was beautifully architected and painted on the inside - 27 Feb

* * *  26 Feb Pictures * * * (Day at open market)

Man playing accordian and singing at the open air market in Vinnyts'ya - 26 Feb

Kirk trying on a fur hat (real mink fur!)...too bad it didn't fit. - 26 Feb

* * * 25 Feb pictures * * *

What a cute little guy!! - 25 Feb

Daniel and a friend dancing while a worker sings a little song.  Daniel likes to sing. - 25 Feb

Zachary, Lauren, and Hannah playing in 4 inches of new snow at Malyatko orphanage. ("Hannah, put your hat on!")- 25 Feb

* * *  24 Feb Pictures * * *

Daniel enjoyed carrying his new clothes around the shopping center in Vinnytsya - 24 Feb.

Lauren with Daniel getting ready to try on some new shoes (I still have my bag of new clothes with me!) - 24 Feb

Daniel was all eyes looking around as we rode in the van to go shopping. - 24 Feb

Our taxi van for shopping and picture day - good shot Zachary! - 24 Feb (picture taken from our 2nd floor room where we meet with Daniel)

* * * More 23 Feb pictures * * *

Daniel really loves to look outside for taxis, or dogs, or whatever.  Here he is with Hannah standing on the wide window sill looking out. - 23 Feb

Daniel loved playing with this bag full of socks - dumping and picking them up.... who needs toys? - 23 Feb.

"Let's see what's in these bags!  Something fun!" - 23 Feb

Reaching up for Daddy - I love it! - 23 Feb

* * * 23 Feb Pictures * * *

Ukrainian baked potatoes for lunch today - a little flattened but good! - 23 Feb

WWII Memorial in Vinnytsya - 23 Feb

Clock tower in Vinnytsya - 23 Feb

Balloon volleyball in our hotel room with Aunt Galya - 22 Feb

* * *  21 Feb Pictures * * * (some from 2-18)

"I can't move Mom!" - getting ready to go in the snow - 21 Feb

Daniel in the snow with Mommy for the first time - 21 Feb

Kim had Daniel giggling and smiling playing Peek-a-boo - 21 Feb

Three of the best snow angels ever!! (Soon to be four!) - 21 Feb (at Malyatko orphange with Daniel)

Big sisters doing what they do best - giving a helping hand - 02-21

Big table for a hotel room! - Pizza night continues at the Wright house... even in Ukraine! (Z, L, and H say "Hooray!") - 02-18

Ukrainian "Pepper - oni" pizza!  What a memory! - 02-18

* * * A few 20 Feb Visit pictures * * *

Snuggle time with Mommy - 20 Feb.

Daniel loved the "Find the Duck" book - which was always a favorite for Lauren, Zachary, and Hannah growing up. - 20 Feb

Nice picture Hannah! (Who's that goofy guy in the back?) - 20 Feb

* *  Second Visit Pictures * * - 19 Feb 05

Perfect fit!! - Daniel in his new coat we brought - 19 Feb

Mommy giving Daniel a big hug! - 19 Feb

Big brother already giving Daniel a few "pointers" - 19 Feb

Hannah holding Daniel for the first time! - 19 Feb

Family togetherness!! - In the visiting room at orphanage - 19 Feb

Daniel and Lauren - First Hug from Sis! - 19 Feb

Mommy and Daniel blowing bubbles - "Hey, let me try." - 19 Feb

Daddy and Daniel blowing bubbles - 19 Feb

* * Seeing Daniel for the first time!! - 18 Feb **

Daddy and Daniel on day one! - 18 Feb

Daniel says "I love my sucker!!" - 18 Feb first visit

Daniel with Mommy for the first time! (the lollipop was courtesy of Dr. Uri for Daniel doing so well on his checkup) - 18 Feb

Daniel Ivan Wright! Still working with the doctor - 18 Feb (what a handsome boy!!)

Daniel working with Dr. Uri - Doing great!! (ochin hoorah show = "Very good!")

First sight of the orphanage in Vinnytsya (this is a large place with many buildings - 0-3yrs separate from 4-7yr-olds) - 18 Feb

Playing in the snow at Vinnytsya (Lauren sliding) - 18 Feb

Meeting with Galya, just before leaving Kyiv - 17 Feb (This one's for you Vasyl and Olga!)

Monument at Indepence Square, Kyiv - 17 Feb (lots of snow that day.. as you can tell!)

Street in Kyiv - Feb 17

A very nice babushka at the market (she is showing "V" for victory of Yushenko during the recent revolution).  She gave us a complimentary bag of dried cranberries - 17 Feb

View from Independence Square - 17 Feb

* * * NAC Day Pictures * * * 16 Feb

Sasha with Kirk waiting at the NAC - 16 Feb.

Tanya Robinson with Kirk and kids outside street entrance to our apartment stairway - 16 Feb - On our way to Lunch!  Yum!

Kyiv - Anything goes in traffic around here...

* * * FIRST NIGHT IN KYIV * * *  15 Feb

First night in Kyiv - Zachary, Lauren, and Hannah enjoying Ukrainian Pizza at a local Market restaurant

* * * TRAVEL  PICS   - 14 Feb * * *

Kim on the HSV to DTW flight - 14 Feb (Happy Valentines Day Sweetheart!)

  In air shot on the way to Detroit from Huntsville.