Sorry it has taken us so long to update our blog. We moved out of our first apartment on Sunday morning and the new apartment does not have a hard wire internet connection. The aircard we brought as a back up is not connecting to the network yet, but we have our hopes that we will be back up and running soon. In the meantime, we are writing from an internet cafe in the center of Kiev. $2/hour for intrnet time - not bad.
As we mentioned we are in a new apartment. Very nice. We hope to post pictures soon. On Sunday we learned that our appointment for Monday was cancelled. Without getting into too much detail, we learned that we needed to wait to make sure that all went well the first time around. Our team took us around and taught us how to exchange money, use the washing machine, use the internet cafe, cross the street, etc. Everything has been a real learning experience. Kiev is very nice. very clean. Many - many people. We have lots of pictures to share.
Today we went sightseeing. We visited an Orthodox church that was more than 1,000 years old and walked through a war memorial. We also did a bit of grocery shopping. No malls for karen today. A lot of walking. Michael found a very nice park to run in each morning and there is a coffee shop righ down the street from our apartment. After sightseeing we wnet back to our apaprtment and got a call from our team to let us know we have an appointment for Wednesday!!!! We are very excited. We will spend tomorrow seeing more of Kiev and getting ready for the big day.
We cannot tell you how much we look forward to reading your comments. Very few people speak English so we almost feel as though we are talking to all of you when you write. Keeps us going when we get frustrated or sick of talking to each other (never happens). We hope to send back some pictures soon. We are well. Our team is very nice and very helpful. We are finding everything we need and looking forward to Wednesday.
Please keep us in your thoughts/prayers and pray that things go well on Wednesday. Bye for now from Kiev! K&M
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
34 comments:
Mike & Karen,
WOW! I am so happy and excited for you all. Sounds like the "surprises, spurts, stops are like a baby on the way."
Enjoy the time in Kiev, the sights,aounds and each other in this sacred season of your life together.This is a real god moment in life.
Dave Grover
Karen and Mike,
We're happy to hear you're still "on track." Looking forward to the news on Wednesday...
So your new apartment is even nicer than the first one? Wow! Glad you found the Internet cafe... How do you say "Venti mocha java half-caf latte" in Ukrainian?
It's still Summer over -- though there are early hints of Fall, like the Eagles losing 27-13 to the Steelers, and the kids draining our bank account with back-to-school shopping...
Hurry home so you can begin back-to-school shopping too!
Love,
The Lancaster Sheerins
Hi guys...it's Danielle! I am so very excited that your journey in Kiev has finally begun! I love this blog and love being able to stay in the "Adventures of Michael and Karen" loop! Please be sure to send pictures soon! Karen...hope the hair and nails are holding up! :o)
My daughter sightseeing will wonders never cease.
Now it's me..(Nancy)
What a great update..
Sounds like everything is moving forward.
How nice to be able to take in the sights in Kiev. It'll be so special for the baby to have all those pictures of her birthplace.
Must seem odd for Michael to run without the dogs.
Karen, how are the products holding up?? We all miss you-I'm keeping a log of "stories" for your return..got some doozies..
Love,
Nancy
sounds like karen is slowly being converted into an international traveler. maybe michael will be able to get her back to ireland. good luck!! hope everything goes as planned this week. love, cath
Dear Karen and Michael,
It is so good to hear from you and to know that things are moving forward.
Let's see, you have a park to run in and a place to grab a cup of coffee near by, and each other - and oh my gosh you're there to adopt your little girl! sounds like heaven!
I can't even begin to describe people's joy when I tell them where the two of you are. Karen, I saw Denise Poole yesterday and she literally looked like she was going to explode, she was so happy for you. She asked me to tell you that you are both in her prayers. I also sent the link to your blog to Debbie, Ileene and Marla.
Take lots of pictures and blog as much as you can. We can't get enough! Good luck on Wednesday!
love, love and more love...
An
Hola this is Sharon! I just cracked up at the pixs of the first apartment. Can you bring home the lovely artwork! I am glad things are going well! Miss you like crazy! I am so excited that you have your appointment on Weds. I hope everything goes well and can't wait to hear about it! Love ya!
Wink, Blink, Shake!!!
Hola this is carmen!!!
I'm doing the money dance for you and michael..LOL..LOL
Just want to let you know that you and michael are in my prayers.
Miss ya
Can't wait for the next blog
Steph
Hello Mike & Karen!
So glad that Katie gave me your blog info. So excited for you both and to know things are moving forward.
Mike, how are you enjoying that Ukranian beer and have you seen any golf courses yet?
FYI, the Phillies are 4 back in the wild card race. 6 back against the Mets.
Best of luck in the days ahead and look forward to your next update!
Dave Woolley
My heart stopped when I read your appointment was cancelled, but am so happy to hear you're back on for Wednesday! YAY! Sounds like the team is doing their job and I'm most happy to hear you're in good hands. As frustrating as the changes may be, it sounds like good decisions are being made for your best interest.
Lots of thoughts, lots of prayers are sent to you both! Can't wait for the next blog....
Tracy & John
(fellow Ukrainian adoption family)
Karen and Mike,
Just wishing you well and keeping you in my prayers.
Crisida Smith
Oh! Thank Heaven for your most recent posting!! Monica has something else to walk around the house and report on (other than... "It's 10:05 am in the Ukraine right now, so they are probably...." "Now, it's 10:55am in the Ukraine and they are probably..." "It's 12:00 in the Ukraine, do you think they are...."
We have such fun signing on and checking in on you!!! However, it's 4:45pm here, which means dinner, soccer, etc... so, hugs, kisses and continued prayers!!!
Maggie & Bob
Hello Mike and Karen,
Glad to hear you guys are settled. I really don't know how someone in Ukraine got photos of me to put in your apartment!?
Did you call ahead to make sure Ukraine had beer?
Time will fly by so take it all in as it will be something to remember forever!!
Brent
Karen and Michael I went to church yesterday and praryed for you all. Yes I do go to church believe it or not. I hope all goes well on Wednesday, I look forward to see you and your new family. Dana has also been asking questions on a daily basis. Can't wait for more,
Love Jackie
Hi there!!! I am so glad for you both (and that lucky child). I can't even imagine how you know how to get around, or go into a store, or anything. You are wonderful......and I really admire you. Know that we are here crossing our fingers, toes and anything else. Good luck wed.
Love,
ileene
You found a mall and marguerita's at Fridays. I don't have to worry about you. Hope and pray all goes well on Wednesday.
I am so glad I finally got back on!Blogging from the Jersey Shore-We check the site(Mom-Mom) and I everytime we come up from the beach- eventually we realized, you must sleep sometimes!! Hope tomorrow arrives fast, and goes smoothly, and you guys can move on to the next part of the process. Hugs and Kisses,from EVERYONE! (There are bodies sleeping everywhere!!) Eileen
Hi Karen and Michael:
Thank God I can write to you I have been trying for 2 days and could not do it. Your Mom finally got me in to be able to write to both of you.
Karen I laughed so hard when Michael told us you were shopping in a mall. What did you buy and what are the clothes like there.
I am so HAPPY that the two of you are finally there safe and sound.
The best part will be coming next.
I am so excited for both of you for Wednesday to arrive. You know what I wish for both of you.
This is so great that we can follow both of you in the things you are doing and planning.
I will certainly write again and All THE LUCK IN THE WORLD ON WEDNESDAY.
lOVE,
mARLENE
Mike and Karen-
We were so excited to see that you are in Kiev. Maya wants to know in what part of the city your apartment is. Are you near Kreschatik ( close spelling??) Street? Have you used the subway system yet? How are you doing with the Russian-English dictionary?
Know that we are thinking of you each day. We will check the blog so post any questions there that Maya can help with.
Pat and Maya
Karen/Michael: I am so happy you are finally there! Enjoy the experience living in another part of the world and know how fortunate we are in the States. Miss your smiling face in the office already! Be safe---- Mary Ann Rinaldi
Michael, Have you seen any good soccer games? How about Ruslana, have you seen her yet? Have you been to Independence Square to see your namesake Archangel Michael?
Hi Karen.
Best of Luck
Frank Gallo
Oh my! I have to second your mom's comment, Karen! YOU are actually sightseeing?? Amazing! We can't wait to hear how it all goes on Wednesday and know that David and I are thinking of you and praying for you. (I was worried that I had missed something because I didn't get a chance to check the blog on Monday so my first thought this morning when I got up was 'gotta check the blog when I get in the office'.) Thank you both for keeping us informed along the way. We are dying for the news.
By the way, who has custody of the pups in your absence? If you tell me my Aunt Sis has those dogs living with her, I'll be shocked : )
Love you,
Lori & David
I'm totally bumed about the cancellation! But I know there's a reason. Still though, I'm soooooo excited for Wednesday! And most importantly, I can't wait to see you as parents!! Good luck, and you're in my prayers!!!!
Love,
Monica
Glad I can finally keep in touch. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. Look forward to the next blog. Love Yas! Aunt Margie
HI!!! we love you and excited about your your apartment and appointment. Life is an adventure so as you wait and sightsee and shop, know that these days are ones you will remember forever. these are good days, and good memories. Can't wait to create the memories in nj...... miss you both.
It is so wonderful to read these updates, what an adventure ! I am thinking of you and so excited for your big day tomorrow! We miss you terribly here at the center Karen,I'm keeping a notebook of all of the "exciting" events that have happened! Good Luck on wednesday, you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Jane
Hi Karen,
It is so exciting to know that you and Michael are so close to seeing the baby
(or babies)
Glenn,Lizzie and I continue to pray for you and Michael.
I miss you. I know it sounds corny but it is true. It is not the same without you at work:)
Hurry home:)
Mercia
Hi Mike & Karen,
AS you see, Denise & I are very hard at work!!! We miss you. Today is the big day, we hope to hear good news from Mommie & Daddy!!!
xoxoxox
Terri & Denise
Mike & Karen,
Today is the big day!!! Can't wait to hear the good news. I know the two of you have to be excited. You will be in my prayers today and the weeks ahead
Beth
Hi Michael and Karen
Glad to hear things are going well. I'm sure you are bursting with anticipation. Kiev sounds great. You'll be happy to hear heart rescue is moving along. The skies are clear and the helicopters are flying. Stay well. denise
Karen & Michael
Today is your day! Can't wait to hear the news. You are in our thoughts and prays. Keep everyone posted!
Love,
The Andes
Karen and Mike,
How thilling !! A little boy! Grt your brother to get going with the blue paint. As a proud and happy mother of a girl; there's always a longing for a boy........I 've seen and am aware of that special intangible bond between a boy and his mother. He is naturally very close his Dad. "Male bonding". You are both atheletically inclined; so that'll be great. And the dogds will have a new buddy. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers and pray this all pans out.
This is one time you have to "leave the driving" to God.
My thoughts and hope is with you!
Cris
Sounds like you had quite a week! Will be great to see you all.
You'll be getting home just in time to see the Phillies playoff run as they just took over first. One game up with two to play.
Post a Comment