We Made It

After travelling for what seemed like forever and taking an Indy car ride from the airport, we are here.  We are staying with a family that is so very nice and we are thankful that we have a place to stay.  I am however struggling right now with being out of my comfort zone.  Where we are staying is nowhere near the Kiev square and the only way to get there is the subway and we have to get a ride to the station.  Plus knowing where to get on and off  is going to be difficult.  Not what I was expecting and so not convenient. 

Our facilitator was not able to get us an apartment near the square because of Euro 2012 and that is why we are staying where we are.  He told me to contact Karen Springs to see if her apartment was available.  She is a wonderful American woman living here in Kiev who works with orphans.  Check out her blog if you are not familiar with her work.  http://karensprings.blogspot.com/ .   She already had 2 families staying at her place and so she gave us the name of the family we are staying with.  They really are such a nice family.  It is just nowhere near the convenience we had when we were here in 2010.  Gary and I like taking pictures, sight- seeing, and eating out if we want.  Can't really do that where we are.  I also have to eat on a schedule and I really don’t want to inconvenience this family with 5 children.  It is summer after all and they are busy with activities.  Let me say, though, that they have been wonderful and happy to help us.

So I am asking if anyone knows of an apartment near the Kiev square or within walking distance that is available.  We will be in Kiev until probably Wednesday as our appointment with the SDA is Monday.  You can reach me by email at tbell@ucmo.edu.    

Tina

  

We Have a Date!

     Praise God!  We received the date for our appointment with the SDA.  It is July 2.  So exciting to think that I will be seeing my daughter soon.  I can't wait to see this happy face.
     Over the years as we were foster parents, I could not figure out why we only got boy placements.  Well, ok, once we did get a sibling placement with a girl but that in the end was not meant to be.  It was hard to let her go not knowing if/when we would get another girl.
     Two months later, I saw this face and I knew why.  Why I had to wait so long; why all the disappointment and heartache was necessary; why His timing is so perfect.  God was drawing me close to Him and needed me to be obedient. 
     Waiting all those years (my son is 19) has been so hard.  But this girl is going to be worth it all.  I know this is going to be difficult and there are going to be things we aren't prepared for.  But we serve an awesome God who has put us exactly where we need to be.  We rely fully on Him and know that this is His will. 
    So sweet girl we are one step closer to you.  Praying that today God will somehow let you know that your family is coming soon.  You are cherished.

Tina