Wednesday, April 07, 2010

The Adventure of a Lifetime

We woke up this morning and can see clearly that we have been dropped right in the middle of Kiev :).

We arrived in the dark late last night. After a good rest, I can finally see straight enough to post here:)!

I can say already that this is (by far) the craziest thing I have ever done. I am feeling very much out of my element and comfort zone, but I'm excited. I very much like having a plan, and an idea of where I am and what to expect. Chris, on the other hand, loves all the unknowns and flying by the seat of his pants. He is having the time of his life.

I will try to post a couple of times each day with some interesting details of our trip. For the other families on their way over here--this part of the process is exhilarating and exhausting, fascinating and humbling. All I can say is: be prepared for an adventure :).

Details from yesterday:

After being in transit for over 24 hours (including a 1 1/2 hour flight from Columbus to Chicago; an 8 hour flight from Chicago to Munich--with 2 extra hours on the runway due to a weather delay--which caused us to miss our connection in Munich, hence the ensuing 6 hour wait in the Munich airport; and a 2 hour flight to Kiev), we landed at 11 pm Kiev time. Getting through customs was fairly quick and easy.

Our driver, who was waiting for us at the airport, gave us a cell phone with pre-loaded numbers for our contacts here in Ukraine. He took us to the market (a story in itself!--where we bought a little bit of fruit, cheese, lunchmeat, yogurt, Coke light, juice, bottled water and beer), then brought us to our apartment(s). (He actually brought us to the apartment we were supposed to have...and there was someone already in it...which we discovered at 1 am, after climbing 5 flights of stairs with all of our bags. After some calling around--and waking our facilitator--we found another place to stay. The great news is that Plan B has an internet connection...the other unit did not)...and we were able to connect via Skype with Jennie, Sara and Bridget before bed. We hope to have a video call with the rest of the group today.

Here is the view out of our top-floor window:

We are waiting for a call from our facilitator with our plan for today and tomorrow. We are hoping to take a walk down the street and check out some of the shops and restaurants nearby.

Nancy--we have the same cell phone and apartment that you used :). Nikolai says hi to you and Sveta!

Kristin, Jen and others traveling soon--I have written a list of essential items for the flight and important details to know for the beginning of your stay here. I will try to get that to you today or tomorrow.

We miss everyone! We are feeling good overall, though, and are ready to get this show on the road. I'll post again later today...

19 comments:

  1. Lisa- So glad to know that you made it ... can you post that list of 'essential items' on the yahoo group - put it on your blog or whatever...We are in the 'waiting for 171h' stage but want to be prepared when we go! We are adopting Aaron!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, it sounds like an adventure already! Congratulations and good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lisa-thank you for documenting so nicely for the rest of us. Feeling this stage around the corner I am reading every word :-) Wishing and praying the very best for you!!
    Blessings--and enjoy the adventure!
    Gretchen (Ross'waiting mom)

    ReplyDelete
  4. What an adventure. So excited for you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. So glad to wake up to this post this morning. You're there!!! Can you believe it??? I think it's great that Chris will keep the adventurous spirit for you while you're there! Thanks for the list-looking forward to it! Have a great day exploring!

    Kristin

    ReplyDelete
  6. I agree with Julia! We'd love to see your list! Looking forward to following your journey :).

    ReplyDelete
  7. Please post the essentials on your blog I am waiting only on one form before I send my dossier in and I am very interested on what I need. I am very nervous and excited, I have only flown once in my life and I didn't like it and so I know I am going to be a nervous wreck and I will also be out of my element. But I am determined to do what I have to to get my little one.

    ReplyDelete
  8. hurry, hurry, be safe, but hurry! i can't wait for another update!
    sending much love and prayers for y'all...so much love (and maybe a couple shed tears too).

    hugs,
    amy

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you Lisa!!! I would LOVE the essentials list and if you don't want to post it on your blog, I would be happy to post it to Reece's Rainbow Yahoo Group. Looking forward to hearing your inside scoop! THANKS!!!
    Enjoy the next few days...and then ALINA!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. SO excited for you! Have the time of your life! I can't imagine how you're feeling, knowing you are going to meet your new daughter soon!! Keep us all posted!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lisa I am sitting here in 80 degree weather and when I pulled up this post and saw the pictures....that you were actually there...I got chills!!! Wow.....I can't wait to hear all the details and can't wait to hear of when you get to meet precious little Alina for the first time...I can already feel the tears welling up!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sooo exciting! How long until you get to see your princess?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Woo-hoo! Youre there! I am excited for you and little Alina!!!!! Can't wAit to hear more about her!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Don't forget to slow down and take it all in....it's a treasure you will always keep close to your heart, it's where your little girl came from!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm so excited for you guys, Lisa!

    ReplyDelete
  16. so happy you made it safe and sound!!
    I really liked that apartment.
    right across the street to the right is a really little store. Right after you walk in on the right is bread and stuff. Look for small foccacio bread. It is yummy warmed up in the micro!!
    If you walk out the front by the library take a right and walk straignt down the street and ahead you will see TGIfridays. Right next door to the right is a really good italian restaurant. hugs :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. My gosh, this is more exciting and riveting than any show on television... LOST included! I'm all anxiously excited to hear some great news!

    ReplyDelete
  18. So excited for you, brings tears of happiness to my eyes!

    ReplyDelete