Monday, September 27^th, 2010

DAY TWO - SDA APPOINTMENT

Today we took an early morning 2-mile walk in the brisk air. Many people were already up and off to work. A line of buses set up at the sidewalk to pick up passengers. Although, it seemed like everyone wanted to get on the same bus. Some bus lines were empty and others swollen with people. Women were on the curb selling milk, and other foods. We saw a few young girls with backpacks off to school as well.

Our morning passed slowly as we waited to be taken to our appointment with the SDA at noon. We waited in a stairwell for about 15 min. until we were taken into a small office. We met with a kind woman who asked a few questions and then congratulated us and said we could travel to Krivyi Rig to visit Inna. It was a quick meeting. They had Inna’s file with a few pictures of Inna. One was when she was 8 years old. It was very cute face shot. She was wearing a grey sweatshirt with a pageboy haircut. The other was more recent and very formal. The paperwork is being completed today and we can pick it up tomorrow afternoon before we take the overnight train to Krivyi Rig.

Following our appointment, we took some pictures by the St. Andrew’s Church that was next door to the Ministry Offices. The church was built in the 1750’s. Along the cobblestone road to the side of the church were numerous street vendors. We enjoyed seeing their Ukrainian souvenirs, dolls, linens and things. Many of the shops had a replica of an old club with spikes. It is considered a Ukrainian symbol of power. We thought of getting one for Tanner, but paused when we thought of how the spikes might feel on Bradley and Matthew’s back. J It would be an interesting Ukrainian Lego sword with much greater consequences. (LOL- Kaitlin and Josh!!)

Our driver returned us to the apartment to change clothes and then took us to the 3 story, “Dream Mall”. It was a high-end fashion center with high-end price tags. We saw everything from camping tents and Nike shoes to stiletto heals and leather jackets. We ate at the food court on the third floor and then had some chocolate, strawberry and caramel gelato as we left. We walked home and crashed. Did you know that Brad snores, a lot!! I have had fun teasing him. We are still adjusting to the time change.

We talked to Sister Robinson (a sister missionary in Kiev) and we will be attending a temple session tomorrow morning. Afterwards we may hang out with a member of the church that we met on Sunday. Oxsana speaks very good English and we would like to learn more about the people and culture of the Ukraine. I hope it works out!

Tonight we are going to cook the last of our Ukrainian dumplings and enjoy some grape juice. We may go walking again too! We send hugs and kisses to Tanner, Bradley, Matthew and Kaitlin (plus Josh). We miss you all!