We have arrived!!

After a long day of traveling on three flights from Rochester, NY to Kiev, Ukraine we have finally got some rest.  It was an adventure for us being non-world travelers and knowing no Russian to begin with, but we also had some mishaps on the way.  Altogether we are just thrilled to be here safely and appreciate all of the support and prayers.  We wouldn't have made it without God's help through answered prayer.

Thursday, September 22 was a joyful good-bye at a successful fundraising dinner for the adoption.  Holly also went to the doctors to begin antibiotics for double ear infection/ear/nose/throat/chest congestion.  It has proven to be the worst part of the trip for her with pain/pressure etc.  Bob was doing well until we found that the first flight at Rochester was delayed two hours (just the amount of time we had to switch planes in Dulles, Washington, D.C.).  Sit and wait.  Sit and wait.  When it finally arrived, the passengers "carry-on" bags were hastily taken from us since there wasn't enough room overhead or under seats.  Holly was concerned because all of our personal belongings were snatched from us without warning.  Bob knew this would only hold us up longer at the next stop.   He was right!  When we got to Dulles we waited for about 50 carry-on bags to be rolled over to us outside.  People were pushing and shoving.  Bob had his glasses pushed off his face by a lady's handbag.  Then we had less than ten minutes to run at full speed, dragging our bags up and down stairs through a crowded Dulles airport, onto a train, back through more escalators and people.

We were three minutes past departure time. Our lungs and legs were burning - no time to drink or rest.  After a little debating, they rushed us onto the plane, past hundreds of staring people and gave us two seats together (yeah!) but in the very back of the plane. Hot, thirsty, no fresh air, seats don't recline, no foot room, bags are where we can't get to them, Holly's experiencing ear pain and pressure, seated next to a very large snoring man and a young foreign exchange student asks if she can sit by us on the other side so she can run to the bathroom (she "has the runs" she explains).  Holly has had enough running for one day and graciously gives up Bob's aisle seat!  Day turns to night and then when we arrive in Germany it is light again!

The last flight goes smoothly but we know that our baggage is not with us.  When we arrived at Kiev, we filled out paper work for lost luggage, but wonder if it will ever arrive.

Vicktor, our facilitator is terrific, gracious and helpful at the airport, taxi, apartment, dinner, and store.  We were finally settled in for the night when an 11pm call comes.  Someone says to come downstairs (5 flights) to receive our "found" luggage.  Bob is very hesitant and decides to wake Vicktor to make sure this is legitimate.  Hurray!  It is and we have all our belongings back!  The children at the orphanage will be so happy to get presents!
Sunday, September 24 we sleep in, organize paperwork, and wait to meet Vicktor and new U.S. adopting couple.  Please pray for Holly's ear - it is still completely plugged/blocked (can't hear through it) and hurts too!  We will keep you posted - thanks for praying for us!  Here are some pictures in Kiev from and of our apartment.