Settling In

We've been home a week now and are finally back on the current time zone! that took a few days longer than we anticipated.

The kids are enjoying all the new sights and sounds. Several people gave us bags of clothing to go through, but most of it was way to big so last week we made a trip to Old Navy. Each of the children have a new pair of jeans and a couple of long sleeve shirts. It's a nice start and they were thrilled to shop.

A lot of our time this week was spent visiting with family and friends and just hanging out. Over the weekend our close friends the Clinebelle's invited us out for a cookout complete with S'mores. On Sunday we went to church and introduced them to a lot of people. The attention was a little overwhelming, but they were all troopers. The Pastor's daughters made each of the kids a blanket. That was such a special surprise for the kids. They were a little shy to receive the gift, but have sure enjoyed them these last few chilly mornings.


Monday we started school lessons, with lots of English practice and math drills. We attended "PE in the park" too. The boys were particularly excited to meet some kids and have a chance to play soccer. Each of them are so positive about their schoolwork and all the English practice. They all have sweet spirits and a quick wit. We've had a lot of fun learning and laughing.

We all miss Odessa and our friends there, but for this time, we are thankful to be home. Below are some photos of the kids here at home.

Thank You all for your prayers and support. We couldn't have made it this far without you. Hope you have a wonderful week.

Praising Him,
Steve and Carol

BACK YARD COOKOUT AT THE CLINEBELLE'S HOUSE



MATTHEW AND PASHA IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH

NEW BLANKETS

MEETING UNCLE DOUG

LYONYA ON THE STAIRS

SCHOOL WORK

GALIA LIKES WORD PUZZLES

PLAYING WITH JOSIAH AND SAMUEL

ANDREI ON THE TRICYCLE

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

We are home. We are home with 4 more blessings around the table.
Our flights went well and we are so thankful. (just a little motion sickness for Andrei)Our final flight was slightly delayed, but we still had a crowd waiting for us at the airport. Samuel(4) and Josiah(1.5) came running toward us screaming Papa, Papa, Papa.

The kids had a great day meeting their new siblings and family members. We are exhausted and going to bed now. We will try to update with photos and comments tomorrow.

Good night!

FINAL DAYS IN KIEV

Yesterday was like coming full circle as far as divine appointments go. You may remember one of our very first post mentioned a dear lady named Esther. We had hoped we could see her again while we were here in Kiev, but we weren't sure how to contact her now that we are staying a a different place and she is probably not working at the church on the weekend. God knew our desire and that was where we left it.

Friday, our close friend, Cameron, emailed us that a mutual friend, Chad Smith,who lives near Columbia with his family, was in Kiev for a conference this week. We emailed him and asked if he would be available to connect for lunch on Saturday. He was.

Chad and his friend Rustam came to our apartment and visited for most of the afternoon. We caught up on where we all are in life now and some of what the Lord is doing in this region. As the conversation continued we told them where we had stayed when we first came to Kiev back in August. Rustam grew up in that church and, even though he no longer attends there, is friends with Esther. We now had a contact to send a goodbye note to her. We were so excited. Rustam said he had asked the Lord that morning to use him in some way....He did.

Today is Sunday. Andrei was packed and ready to go by 10am. We don't leave until 3:30 am tomorrow morning. He wanted to be ready! We are going for a short walk around the city and then catching up with Natalia to say goodbye to her. May God bless her beyond her belief for her ministry to us. Our next post should be in Columbia. See you all there.

Blessings,
Carol and Steve