Wednesday June 20th

Hi all,
Monday was very hot in Kiev, we went to Metro (like a Sam’s Club) to buy some clothing for the kids. It was hard trying to go buy using our measurements and converting those numbers into centimeters and European clothing sizes (like shoe size 29) . Luckily we had our facilitator with us to help out. We had some success getting 2 outfits for each of them and 3 pairs of sneakers.
After a little rest we walked through Independence square and visited the vendors and ended up eating ribs at the Potato House (excellent ribs by the way).
On Tuesday we had our driver take us to try and find the British Airways office in Kiev to try and arrange for our trip home next week, but we had no luck and decided to go up by the SDA to visit the vendors there. After about two hours we ended with several small bags of goodies and a soccer outfit for Michael and Alex and a porcelain native doll for Stephanie. We did manage to bargain down the prices at a few of the standsJ
We then headed to the smaller regional airport to buy two tickets to Donetsk for Wednesday. We had decided that we would head back to Donestsk ahead of our facilitator so that we could see the kids a few more times before we picked them up on Friday. It was a good thing that we had our driver (who speaks good English) with us because the lady at the ticket counter spoke no English). It took awhile for the driver to explain that we understood that we cannot get a flight to Donetsk from this airport and that we only wanted to buy tickets for a flight.
Two tired people got back to the apartment for a rest and to repack and to look over our bargains. We had decided to go back to the region light (only three nights) and our facilitator kindly agreed to store our suitcases at her apartment. She also arranged for an apartment in Donetsk and for a driver to pick us up Wednesday at 3:10 when we arrive.
With all that done, we went out and visited the department store across the main street and decided to have McDonald’s for dinner. It was like a little bit of home & really tasted good for a change!

We arrived at Boryspol airport at about 11:30 am with our facilitator to check in and find British Airways. We were told that we could only check in one hour before the flight took off (1:55) so we headed out to find British Airways to no available. They have a new location in Kiev and we will try to contact them while in Donetsk. We checked in and went through security with no problems. We had to wait for the bus that takes you to the airplane in a tent attached to the airport building. There we met the other American couple (who we met at the Elton John concert in Kiev) who were going to Kramatorsk for their referral. And, they were in the same row as us on the plane--fate brought us together again! Once on board and waiting to take off we waited for almost 50 minutes (with no announcements) before we started to taxi to the runway. All we could figure was that the pilot decided to wait out the passing storm that we had.
We landed in Donetsk at 3:50 pm to late to see Alex. So we headed for the supermarket and our apartment. This was a VERY OLD apartment. Laura will describe the apartment accommodations we’ve had in the future (so far, we’ve been in 6 different ones since we arrived). We contacted our facilitator to have us moved to another apartment the next day.
We visited Alex on a rainy Thursday morning from 9:30 to 11 am. There was an Italian couple visiting their little boy in the playroom with us. Alex gave us a hug (after instructions from the teacher) and we settled down to play. The time went by too fast.
We then headed out for lunch at a place that was recommended and the food was good once they brought the correct order but the service was very slow. After that we headed for our new apartment (which was our apartment the last time we stayed in Donetsk). Then headed back to see Alex. The playroom was very hot so we asked to go outside with him which we did. Alex seems to like playing outside a lot. He especially likes blowing bubbles and chasing after them. We left at 4:30 and got ready for our “Gotcha Day” on Friday, when the verdict paperwork from the court will be ready-so 6hat‘s really day 11 of waiting.
Friday, we will have a lot of paperwork to get ( 3 birth certificates in Donetsk and their passports), and a lot of hurry up & waiting. Not sure if we’ll get Alex Fri. or wait till Saturday when we drive to Kramatorsk to pick up Michael & Stephanie. We will write more on Saturday or Sunday & also hope to be able to post some pictures.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
Ed & Laura