The night at Eunice's was great. Very comfortable bed. No heat during the night, so the climate was awesome. I woke up at 3am, and could not go back to sleep, because I was thinking about what I could have done to stop the pickpocket. Nothing.
We took a very eager Tanya shopping. Luba, who spent the night at Eunice's,a native English speaking Ukrianian, went with us. We bought a pair of boots, a pair of jeans, a sweater, and a purse that zips up. Tanya is floating on air. She gave us each a kiss of thanks.
We went back to Eunice's. After lunch, Jim wanted to take Josh and Ashley ice skating. Ashley did not want to go, but Tanya did. So Eileen and I walked with them to the rink. At this point, we had to rush to get to the SDA. We walked 30 minutes to get to the metro station, 20 minutes to get to our stop, and 20 minutes to get through the mall and up to the SDA. 3:03. 8 minutes later than we wanted. We waited for 20 minutes, got in to see our case worker. We were officially read the report on Tanya, and asked if we wanted her. Da. I showed the case worker a picture of Tanya, and she smiled and smiled. Olga and Sasha dropped us off at a metro station we had not yet attempted. The escalators down were in their own building. Very classy. Uneventful trip backto Eunice's. Turns out, Tanya is a quick learner on ice. Jim couldn't believe she had never been on ice before. Sounds like she played soccer with a traveling team. I'd love to see her play in the states. It would be good for her.
We found out this evening that Jim's passports had arrived on the train from Kherson. He gets to go home. Finally. In a few weeks, we will see them at home in good old Colorado.
Us
6 comments:
Won't that be a celebration! Can't wait for all of you to be home! Tell Sasha and Nastia hello from us, and tell Tanya I can't wait to meet her!
Great family photos! Eileen looked a bit depressed so I left some cute comments on your latest photos to cheer her up.
BTW...if you want to experience a true long escalator, go to the WWII museum located at Arsenal stop. Wow, it's double the other ones. You get off and take the second one to finish up!
Leena, looks like you got your prayers answered with three girls! God does have a sense of humor, doesn't He! He went the other direction in age. They all look perfect for you and I especially loved the photo with Rollie and Nastia that you posted.
God Bless you all,
Felix
You guys seem to be taking things in stride, and I'm so happy things are working out with Tanya. Keep laughing at as much as you can. Richard entertained us by pointing out all of the OSHA violations he could find.
Dearest Rolland and Eileen!
My goodness! You are communicating loads of info here! I'm behind. I haven't read up yet, but know that I have been praying for you every day, first thing when I wake up and then again when I goat walk. I am here on your blog for the first time because I'm posting your link on the Crestview web site. Bless you friends! I will catch up on all of your communications soon. Just know that I will faithfully pray for you until you return with 3 beautiful children AND leaving much light and trust and friendship back in the Ukraine. Hang onto that heart rock :)
Much love,
Cat
Eileen and Rolan,
Jim and kids arrived home safely this afternoon. We loved meeting Ashley and Josh! Jim said he would like to sleep for a week - good thing that Kari looked like she was full of energy - so they can tag team!
I did some research tonight, in case you don't have any English resources there. Just ignore if you already know! Loved seeing the picture of you all together - now we just need to add the boys and the family will be complete!
Hugs for both of you,
The Barretts
PS - Rolan needs to keep the hat - it is great!
PPS - The girls look so cute in their knit hats - perfect colors for each of them!
INFORMATION:
Slavyansk (a "Resort City" apparently - you lucky ducks!)
Slavyansk is located within the province of Donetsk, which is stiuated in the eastern parts of Ukraine. When Slavyansk, also spelled Slovyansk, was first founded in 1676, it was a fortress called Tor. The military building was built near where two rivers, the Sukhyy Torets and Kazenyy Torets, joined together. These two rivers then merged together and became the Torets River, which eventually become a tributary of the Donets River.
With so many people occupying the fortress, proper living conditions and facilities were needed. Later the town of Tor was established near to the fortress and close to the Torets River. Also located near the vicinity of the town were a number of salt lakes. The town of Tor decided to use these natural resources to their benefit and produce large amounts of salt, which could then be sold. This proved to be a successful enterprise and soon the production of salt was the main industry of the town. However, by December 1782 the production of salt was not making enough money to sustain Tor and came to a grinding halt. Two years later, the town was given its new name Slavyansk.
Today the city of Slaviansk has grown into a bustling city with over 129 600 inhabitants. The city is also one of the main centers in the Donetsk region. Slaviansk is now recognized as a prestigious health resort with hot spring facilities and is visited by hundreds of people every year. The success of the health resort is mainly because of the mud springs, saline waters, coal and rock salt, which naturally occur in Slaviansk. Other industries in Slovyansk include soda works, the production of machinery, pencils and ceramics.
Slavyansk is a beautiful city and with the main attraction being a health resort, it is a must see. Here you will not only be able to enjoy the picturesque views of the city, but you will be able to take time out to enjoy the natural resources that promise to rejuvenate you and make you feel like a new person. There are also many other sights and attractions to see and take part in while you are here in Slaviansk
ARTEM Statue Info:
Donetsk forms the center of a vast coalfield that extends into the Rostov region of Russia. In honor of its founder, Welsh entrepreneur John Hughes, the city was known as Yuzovka until 1924. Then it became Stalino, after the new Soviet leader, and only in 1961, after Nikita Khrushchev denounced Joseph Stalin, did it acquire its present appellation. Its main street is called Artem, after a professional revolutionary, Fedor Andreyevich Artem (1883-1921) though Artem was actually born in the Kursk region and only in 1917 did he become linked to Donetsk as the chairman of the Bolshevik party organization. See http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A110579b.htm
Monastery Complex - Slavnogorsk
On the Bank of the Seversky Donets
This is not just a place for a tourist visit. It is a place where you can be inspired with the spirit of God, with a sense of harmony with nature and and the joy of peace. You have to come into contact with this sacred place with all your heart and absorb its blessings.
These hills have rich history and the caves inside the chalk cliff are ancient. The caves that are open for public are about one kilometer long. They are almost identical to those of Kiev Cave Monastery.
The first reference of this place dates back to 1526 when a German ambassador visited the vicinity and described the awe with which the locals treated this place.
The hills were and are called Holy Mountains and a monastery was founded here in 1844. The monks discovered the ancient caves, continued them and built cave churches there.
Many Orthodox Christians have made a pilgrimage to this sacred place, the spiritual center of the southeastern Ukraine. This place deteriorated in Soviet times. It was used as a coalminers’ sanatorium for 70 years. In 1992 all the buildings were returned to the church and the monastery was opened again. It became a Lavra (merited monastery) in 2003.
The central cathedral here is called Holy Assumption Cathedral. It was founded in 1698. It was fit into a chalk rock. This is where the wonder working icon of Mother of God is kept. It is called Svyatogorsk-root Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God.
The remains of St.John the Hermit of Svyatogorsk are another sacred place inside the cathedral. St.John the Hermit (1795 - 1867) was a monk who came to the new monastery in 1850 and then became a hermit and lived in a small cell for 17 years praying and serving God.
The cathedral is open for public for the morning service and for the evening one that begins at 4.30 p.m.
September 24, 2004 is the day when Holy Assumption Monastery was sanctified after it had been awarded with the status of Lavra – merited monastery – in the spring of 2004.
There are only three monasteries in Ukraine having that honorary status: Cave Monastery in Kiev, Pochayiv Monastery in Ternopil region and since recently - Holy Assumption Monastery in Svyatogorsk. All of them are called Lavra (merited monastery) instead of monastery.
Hi Eileen and Ro--I just caught up on your blog. Thanks for keeping us informed. You are in my prayers, and it has been exciting to hear what is happening! I'll keep reading! --Brenda R
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