The morning began with the task of packing up everything. To my surprise we did get everything into the bags! I think the key was Jerry’s helpful mumbling and fussing that did the trick. I did have to lay down the law once. In my very nice and polite wifely voice I just reminded him that we were not traveling 9000 miles from home to return with NO souvenirs. It is not my fault that they take up a lot of space. Besides he made a mistake when we came an only allowed me ONE bag per person – we can actually have TWO bags per person. So that means that total we can have 8 checked bags, 4 carry-on bags and 4 backpacks. I can get A WHOLE LOTTA STUFF in that many bags!! He promptly pointed out that WE have to carry those bags through the airport, to which I rebutted, in Ukraine WOMEN are NEVER allowed to carry heavy bags. It is VERY rude for a woman to have to carry a heavy bag so I am off the hook! Well at least until we get to the US. All is packed up, we have splurged at TGI Friday’s, during the lunch menu, and are full and ready to go. We met another American couple today that had completed the adoption of their son. Its their 3rd child and 2nd adoption from Ukraine. Please lift them up in prayer as they hope to travel back to the states on Thursday or Friday. We had a wonderful visit and then a man from the table next to us came over to talk. He was from England and we all just sat a visited and talked for some time. It was so nice and we all agreed that it was wonderful to meet home folks. The only disagreement that we had was with the guy from England; he thinks Americans drive on the wrong side of the road:) We are back at the apartment waiting for our ride to the train station. We will take a “night train” to our destination which at this time is Zaporhezhye Ukraine. There may be several days of blog silence as we get accustomed to our new surroundings. All the documentation has been completed here and we are still in awe of all that God has done – I can’t wait to tell the entire story. Our love and prayers are with you today as big decisions will be made in our country. The US embassy will be notifying American citizens of the results, but we won’t have computer so we will rely on my mom. My dad would be soooooo into this – he LOVED elections! We thank you so very much for the prayers for our family. If we may be so selfish, please pray for Petya. I cannot imagine what must be going through his mind; it must be very bittersweet. When we spoke yesterday afternoon, he said “It is really getting close now isn’t it?”. What a brave son! Please pray for English skills, pray for peace, pray for closure, pray for excitement, pray for connection, pray for joy, pray for openness, pray for love, pray for all aspects emotionally, spiritually and physically that he may need as God lays them on your heart. Well, I am going to see if I can find an inch or two more to pack a few more things. Jerry is going to start huffing and puffing until I tell him that its his TOILET PAPER that still needs to be packed! By the way, this package is lilac scented – we branched out. Love to all…
