Day 12

Difficulties of the nomadic lifestyle.

We slept in. A leisurely day at Eunice’s. We needed to do just a little shopping and pack for the hopeful departure to Slavyansk once we got our referral in the late afternoon. I boiled some eggs and went though some of our emergency provisions to make sure nothing old or spoiled was being dragged needlessly around the country. Take stock. Restock.

Eunice (queen of hostesses) helped us do two loads of laundry, while praying it would all be dry in time to pack. She lent me a pair of socks while I washed the only (oops) pair I brought from Slavyansk. Then the four ladies of the house (Ashley, the fifth lady, was with Papa Jim), went shopping for groceries and some unmentionables for my new teenage daughter. Eunice, good friend and native Luba, Tanya and I stuffed ourselves into a small shop and started helping Tanya who was sequestered behind a curtain. It is a very good thing to have someone along who can communicate in the native tongue, especially during these moments when one must purchase supportive undergarments for one who isn’t savvy in these matters. “What size do you wear?” Luba asked. “Normal size,” Tanya said. We quickly found what we needed at a reasonable price and entered the supermarket in the same complex.

Supermarkets are a kick. I’m sure I could spend hours ohhing and ahhhing over every can and jar. Not to mention the baked goods and chocolate! I don’t take the instruction I receive lightly. If you don’t get the right colored water bottle top, for example, you could end up with seltzer water. Or mustard with horseradish. The markets have quite a good selection, really. I was surprised to see BBQ sauce!

Tanya continues to be grateful for our care for her. I think my biggest heartache now is the lack of communication. She has the most delightful giggle. She loves to chat with those who can understand and I know she as is curious about us as we are about her but we continue to be somewhat removed because of the language barrier. It’s hard to have a heart to heart conversation with an interpreter in the middle. I’m praying for further bonding opportunities in spite of the language wall.

Provisions secured, everything packed (even wet clothes), we hailed a taxi for town and the SDA. We had been riding to and from Eunice’s underground so it was good to see what was on the surface. We arrived at the SDA much earlier than we thought so I sat on the couch in the hall while Rolan and Tanya went in search of money changers and souvenirs. They were back soon enough, successful in their perspective hunts. Tanya attracted attention. I’m sure 17 year old adoptees are unusual. Other facilitators (of adoptions) and the security guard on duty were asking her questions. Olga arrived and we went in for our precious referral. The worker met with us, delivered the goods, and then asked to see Tanya. She asked Tanya, “You really want to leave Ukraine?” Then the worker told her other older teens haven’t been so happy to leave and want to come back to Ukraine. Our Tanya is sure of her decision.

Referral in hand, we dashed to the train station. Things got ugly after that. It got messy. It got downright lugubrious (so awful, it is funny). Bear in mind that for the necessary paperwork, Tanya must get the approval of the trade school psychologist, who is there only on Thursdays. If we didn’t get Tanya back by morning, then we would have to wait a week to move forward. We asked to buy tickets. Only room for 2, and only in first class. Okay, Olga and Tanya can go. Rolan and I can bunk in Kiev and come tomorrow night. Checked back with clerk. Now only one bed available on the whole train. First class. It went that quickly. No room on the Thursday night train to Slavyansk. Ro and I would have to wait until Friday. Note to adopters going to Donestk: Tickets are hard to buy at the last minute. Be prepared to take the gamble and buy train tickets early, or fly.

Yes, we did. Another painful expense but after doing all the calculating, we knew this was the best option. When we got to the airport, however, things looked like pea soup. The fog here is really nasty. How could we fly in this? Thank goodness, the blessing of technology and our good Father got us into the air and safely to Donestk. Olga had another problem. Our hotel in Slavyansk was full! Ugh. However, in the spirit of our hotel that tries hard to take care of us, they said they would find us a room in the city somewhere. Our facilitator told us there were only 2 hotels in the city. Is there a third? Yes, the ‘Cesar.’ We could get paid for this kind of stuff. Write a tour book. It’s an hour and a half drive from Donestk to Slavyansk by cab. The three of us in the back seat started sawing wood. (Ro said he was awake but didn’t look like it to me). We arrived at our new hotel at midnight with the usual help needed from locals to steer us in the right direction. This hotel is quite east of the rest of the city and we hadn’t seen this part before. It has a pretty good view of much of Slavyansk. More in the morning.