tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post4972036404724286335..comments2023-10-25T07:56:15.756-07:00Comments on The Ukraine Train: The other 10%junglemamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09176730853175967320noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-24674532674241453962008-06-30T11:32:00.000-07:002008-06-30T11:32:00.000-07:00I love the honesty. I have been to Ukraine and I k...I love the honesty. I have been to Ukraine and I know exactly what you are talking about. I also understand how you feel when you have to follow all of their rules. Even though I was only there for a visit with Grisha, it was still hard not to be his mama and do things with him the way I wanted to. Like getting him a haircut... He wanted me to take him to get a haircut. Even though he was with me both weekends, they said I couldn't go somewhere to get his hair cut. They had someone come to the orphanage every few months to cut hair so he had to wait until she came. I felt bad because it was bothering him so bad the hair in his eyes.<BR/><BR/>It is simple things that they make a big deal about. It will be wonderful when you have Dennis and can make the decisions solely on how you want to raise him. I will be happy to have that day, too for us. :) Yours is VERY SOON! <BR/><BR/>Congratulations on the courtdate! Very exciting!Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07158435911486266847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-33416296173342844082008-06-30T09:31:00.000-07:002008-06-30T09:31:00.000-07:00They never let us through the door into Maggie's r...They never let us through the door into Maggie's room at Antoshka, in fact they only opened the door a small crack to see who was ringing the bell & they shut the door when they went to get her.Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01189022289978252039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-4519180783702505282008-06-30T08:04:00.000-07:002008-06-30T08:04:00.000-07:00Christine-Thank you for being so honest. We under...Christine-<BR/>Thank you for being so honest. We understand that it is not all roses. It's nice to know what we will need to get prepared for. I might take some 'pink stuff' with me just in case.<BR/><BR/>Enjoy the 'little' things :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-63791946435354872732008-06-29T23:36:00.000-07:002008-06-29T23:36:00.000-07:00I just appreciate your honesty so very much!Thank ...I just appreciate your honesty so very much!<BR/>Thank you!debi9kidshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16312119503894888955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-7070116404693243012008-06-29T20:02:00.000-07:002008-06-29T20:02:00.000-07:00Just a few more days until court date! Yaye!We wer...Just a few more days until court date! Yaye!<BR/><BR/>We were advised not to drink the water (except from bottles that you're sure were not simply refilled--check the seal) nor to eat anything that might have been washed in water (veggies, etc.) We were also advised not to eat/drink milk products that might not have been "processed" in the way they are in the states. Brushing out teeth w/bottled water and being careful during my daughter's bathtime got old, I'll admit. And you thought YOU were spoiled by America. <BR/><BR/>I don't know if you have access to acidophilus, but a friend of ours who is a missionary in Ukraine gave us some. You take it throughout the day, and it's supposed to help w/dealing w/different kinds of food. We were only in Ukraine a week, so we're not experts, though.<BR/><BR/>You're in my prayers. I hope the 10-day wait is waived!<BR/><BR/>GinaDavehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02950820033713970635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-44818034774777458132008-06-29T19:51:00.000-07:002008-06-29T19:51:00.000-07:00Yes, it is all coming back to me now... Sometime...Yes, it is all coming back to me now... Sometimes eating out is not always safe according to the local missionaires. I think I got bad borscht that affected me for a week! I hate to remember that Z and I had our first bonding moment when I got sick on the train going back to Kyiv...It is his favorite to retell still to this day! May you never have that kind of bonding moment!ArtworkByRuthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03792826892385070109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-42235471168130319272008-06-29T19:11:00.000-07:002008-06-29T19:11:00.000-07:00My sense of smell can be quite strong at times. Ev...My sense of smell can be quite strong at times. Even smells here can bother me. I would have to get tough if I were to visit smelly places.Marthahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15293816902877287168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-89811857812032828312008-06-29T15:59:00.000-07:002008-06-29T15:59:00.000-07:00Oh Yea, I forgot....I know that smell you are talk...Oh Yea, I forgot....<BR/><BR/>I know that smell you are talking about. I couldn't wait to get Erika in a tub, wash her precious little body, and her hair and make her smell like a little girl...<BR/>Her undies were burnable...., she balked at me trying to clean her ears.. how could she hear??<BR/>They wouldn't let us help her down a treacherous ledge where she might fall and we had to watch her weep as they made her walk in new braces that didn't fit, with sores all over her feet. We could do nothing but cry for her inside....<BR/><BR/>As soon as she was all ours, we let loose with mothering and fathering and cleaning and babying and those eyes... those huge eyes of, "are you sure this is ok?" melted to love and hope and pleasure and relief.Christie Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09738612207150868577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-15855005549188776412008-06-29T15:56:00.000-07:002008-06-29T15:56:00.000-07:00Christine,I think you are being accurate. However,...Christine,<BR/>I think you are being accurate. However, I don't think we ever paid that much for a meal. INLATION??<BR/><BR/>I would like the UTUBE video of the horror movie moth scene! :)Christie Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09738612207150868577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-6662532916856944352008-06-29T14:34:00.000-07:002008-06-29T14:34:00.000-07:00Hi Christine, your stories remind me so much of my...Hi Christine, your stories remind me so much of my time in Brasil. I hope you're feeling better soon!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-63262685633840696292008-06-29T11:54:00.000-07:002008-06-29T11:54:00.000-07:00We didn't have a foul smell to deal with at our ap...We didn't have a foul smell to deal with at our apartment, but we had disco music until at least midnight each night, from two different sides of our apartment. One was from a restaurant and the other from a disco. Then, we would start hearing bumping, door banging and footsteps starting at about 6:30 in the morning! It was hard to get any sleep. I guess that's why we would take naps after visiting the orphanage and before supper. lol<BR/><BR/>Our town wasn't as organized with garbage as Donetsk. Right where our apartment was, there were lots of babushkas working to keep everything tidy for the restaurant, disco, markets and maybe even other businesses, but down the street where the 'natives' lived, garbage was overflowing. <BR/><BR/>You are right about the smells in the orphanage also. When we first walked into the orphanage the smell of the 'restroom' was overwhelming. I don't think I really ever got used to it. <BR/><BR/>But I have to add, even with all these experiences and more, we would go back in a heartbeat! :)<BR/><BR/>Juneadopting2fromUkrainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12112913922911428088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-67032981957726742812008-06-29T11:47:00.000-07:002008-06-29T11:47:00.000-07:00Hey sis, can you ask your facilitator to call a ph...Hey sis, can you ask your facilitator to call a pharmacy for you? As you noted, all you have to do is call, no prescription, and if it is like Cairo, a good pharmacist will know what to do for you. I would suggest finding a drinkable yogurt, it may be horrid, but the cultures really help get you balanced! <BR/><BR/>It is good to pass on information, good and bad, that helps people deal with the culture shock. No place is ever perfect, and if you can be prepared in advance for some of the negatives, you will be better able to appreciate the positives. <BR/><BR/>btw - while you may be feeling left out by the rules of the orphanage, from my 'outside perspective', I actually LIKE hearing of how protective they are of Dennis. These people do not know you and what kind of parents you are - they must meet so many people, good and bad, so it is good that they are so tough about defending him with all they can. Better than being lax! Soon enough! :-)Conniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03667481504650498976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-41019365789763832692008-06-29T11:02:00.000-07:002008-06-29T11:02:00.000-07:00Christine!Don't be surprised if you ride the "Ukra...Christine!<BR/>Don't be surprised if you ride the "Ukraine Train" back to Kyiv that you may be charged to used the restroom at the train station! The main train station in Kyiv had the holes in the floor bathroom... it was really yucky! Nothing quite like about 20 stalls with holes in the floor - getting LOTS of use!<BR/>I can totally relate about the orphanage "policies"... We had a hard time doing much with our daughter - we wanted to take her outside alot, and after about 3 or 4 no's... we just did it... after that - they left us alone!<BR/>I have to agree with the records! If they won't let you take them - take pictures of ALL of them! Any pictures that they have - if they won't GIVE them to you - take a picture of them.<BR/>Don't forget to make sure that you take care of the pension/account for Dennis as soon as you are able!<BR/>Thanks for keeping it real for those folks who have never been to Ukraine! It is truly an eye-opener!<BR/>Take care!<BR/>AmyAmyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08140747599532143155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-13552898724994107032008-06-29T10:31:00.000-07:002008-06-29T10:31:00.000-07:00Michelle, I hope you feel better soon. What a swe...Michelle, I hope you feel better soon. What a sweet offer to pray for us at the time of court. Unfortunately that would be 2am for you. God Bless.junglemamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09176730853175967320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-34844050680421281972008-06-29T10:21:00.000-07:002008-06-29T10:21:00.000-07:00While we were traveling last winter I vaguely reme...While we were traveling last winter I vaguely remember somebody (you!) telling me I needed to keep the blog honest! I did. You need to too. It's the only way the families behind us can be truly prepared. Keep it up! :)<BR/>Hope you're feeling soon. We were able to find some Immodium at an apteka (pharmacy). (The name is the same - I'm looking at the box right now. BTW - It cost us 21.5 grivna. HA!) While the doctors here in the U.S. always told us it was better to let it run its course so we could get rid of the bug faster, I was more interested in feeling better. Praying you feel better soon.Tamihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06381915866366125201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-13947497997933587242008-06-29T10:18:00.000-07:002008-06-29T10:18:00.000-07:00you know, your comment about the bathrooms being f...you know, your comment about the bathrooms being free reminded me of when i was england.<BR/><BR/>we were at a large food court next to one of the train stations in downtown london and the bathrooms were for general use, not in each individual restaurant. so i'm happily eating my mcdonald's (it was day 2 and i didn't fall in love with england until day 3, i needed something from home!) and my family goes off to use the restroom before our train to windsor. <BR/><BR/>suddenly my little sister comes running out. "give me your wallet! give me some british money!" to which i replied "umm... you have your own money... why do you want mine? did you run out already?" and she informed me that they couldn't get INTO the bathroom because they didn't have pounds (english money) with them. apparently to get through the door you had to put money in the machine. no money, no bathroom.<BR/><BR/>praying for you, dennis, your entire family, and court on tuesday. <BR/><BR/>WHAT TIME is court for us in the U.S.? i'm from DC so eastern time zone, and would like to know when court is so i can be praying. i've been in treatment for a brain tumor-like thing this weekend and between painkillers and exhaustion from the procedures and the adjustments my body is making, i'm up at odd hours. much like a toddler, i sleep a few hours, wake up, sleep a few more... so even though it'll be the middle of the night, i WILL stay up and be praying.<BR/><BR/>can't wait to see pictures of dennis SMILING!!!!!! :-D<BR/><BR/>- michelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-38904026157726077982008-06-29T09:55:00.000-07:002008-06-29T09:55:00.000-07:00Just wanted to say I can not wait for you to be ho...Just wanted to say I can not wait for you to be home with little Dennis. I know it has to be tough being so far from home! God bless and keep your chin up. I'd also be asking for abt's for the diarhhea! Wish I could send you some Cipro over there.Sheahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04946129852495881105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-71188183506099846562008-06-29T09:14:00.000-07:002008-06-29T09:14:00.000-07:00Thanks for the other 10% - it's real. I have live...Thanks for the other 10% - it's real. I have lived in foreign countries for 6 years...none of them are the same. Some things will amaze you and you will think, "now why don't we do that in our country" and other thoughts are "I am so glad America is home" - but it is what makes us all unique. Just embrace the country, the people, and learn what you can from them. You will have wonderful stories to tell your son. <BR/><BR/>Love,<BR/>Lisa<BR/>http://payne-familyadventures.blogspot.com/...https://www.blogger.com/profile/01527981955442464814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-31488994625665534342008-06-29T09:12:00.000-07:002008-06-29T09:12:00.000-07:00Christine, you continue to be a testimony of Gods ...Christine, you continue to be a testimony of Gods grace in your life. I know that you are being stretched and there is nothing more powerful than seeing other countries to see how much we have and how fortunate we are.crispyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14614782132011418603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-18018995348705653832008-06-29T08:54:00.000-07:002008-06-29T08:54:00.000-07:00Bottled water in a restaurant like DaVinci's is an...Bottled water in a restaurant like DaVinci's is an expensive brand. Drink water at home. Buy soda in a restaurant. Yes nothing is free except the bathroom, and sometimes some places charge a few kopeks. <BR/><BR/>It seems they've 'copied' many things, like the supermarkets are smaller but near copies of what our shelves look like, but parts are just weirdly off. Like paying for your grocery bags, or that very revealing outfits and fishnet stockings are considered ok for work uniforms.<BR/><BR/>- RobbAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-60933768833618112602008-06-29T08:53:00.000-07:002008-06-29T08:53:00.000-07:00I'm not going to Ukraine, but I agree that you sho...I'm not going to Ukraine, but I agree that you should post the whole story. And it is your blog after all. It is part of what you experienced and I would like to know those things if I were going to be going to Ukraine. Excited for gotcha day!Bethanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09481397897364739480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-81692780402423173592008-06-29T08:29:00.000-07:002008-06-29T08:29:00.000-07:00So maybe the intestinal problem is a symptom of......So maybe the intestinal problem is a symptom of.....sickness in the bones!!? haha <BR/><BR/>In all seriousness....maybe an Immodium type product may help? Or maybe you have to just let it flush out of your system. At any rate, your bad tummy is absolutely NOT reflected in the awesome narration of your trip! You sound very upbeat yet giving a real look at Ukraine. Thank you for letting this stranger have a glimpse at this time in your family's life!<BR/><BR/>Nicole in NYNicole (SummersComing)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07669279894672231527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-67157438007881174622008-06-29T08:24:00.000-07:002008-06-29T08:24:00.000-07:00We also had the foul smelling stairwell - I honest...We also had the foul smelling stairwell - I honestly believe something was dead in the basement as the smell was unbearable. And we were there in winter (it gets dark at 3:45pm) and we made a point of being home before dark as the stairwell was so poorly lit and it really scared me walking up to the apartment.<BR/><BR/>But - now - as I read your blog to my hubby we started reliving our similar experiences and got to laughing so hard and making so many jokes about the smells we endured and the kefir we bought. You will look back even on the hard 10% and laugh and believe it or not - find them as 'fond' memories! :o)Mike & Tarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09219261904898486114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-8520684825434541572008-06-29T07:47:00.001-07:002008-06-29T07:47:00.001-07:00Oh my goodness, Christine, you wrote this entry be...Oh my goodness, Christine, you wrote this entry beautifully. I pictured everything as you explained Ukraine so well.<BR/><BR/>I had to laugh about the moths in the bathroom, what I wouldn't give to see a picture of that! These are the things you will talk about for years! <BR/><BR/>Hang in there and God Bless!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044548886466850388.post-43562685638935196912008-06-29T07:47:00.000-07:002008-06-29T07:47:00.000-07:00I have loved reading your blog (it's the first thi...I have loved reading your blog (it's the first thing I do in the am) I relates to alot of things in your last post, Ukraine is a very different place and takes some getting used to. We too had the foul smelling stairwell to our appartment, bought what we thought was milk:), were sick, and had some nonsense rules. My husband and I took alot of notes while we were there for the next family to travel. I think it's important to let people know what they are in for, not to discourage them, but to prepare them. You and I both know that a month of being "uncomfortable" is worth the lifetime we will be able to give our sons:) but it helps to be prepared. I was so excited you hear that you have a court date, it is the same day that our 10 day waiting period will be up. We will be traveling back to Ukraine on the 5th of July, we have been blessed with a financial donation that will allow us to be able to bring our girls this time. God KNOWS the desires of our hearts. We will continue to pray for you.<BR/>das v donyaBringing Home Sashahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05286497283826085203noreply@blogger.com