Thursday, February 26, 2009

Staying Put - Thursday, Feb. 26th

Believe me, it was not any easy decision, but we have decided to stick it out. Ben is okay with it, thinks we should save the money for better vacation this summer. It is easy for him to say, he’s still sleeping in his own bed!

To celebrate our decision to forgo our vacation to the wonderful United States, we did the next best thing – we had lunch at McDonald’s. Sorry, Renee, but this is only the second time since we arrived in the Sevastopol.

To help pass the time, we are hoping we can make some arrangement to take some day trips around the area. There are Greek ruins and beautiful scenery not that far out of town. If it would just warm up, the trips to the orphanage would be a lot more pleasant.

Another thing I am looking forward to is trying some good Ukrainian food. We will have to get some American’s or Galya and Kostya to go with us. We have looked at some of the menus and we haven’t got a clue, not like Spanish or French, when you can at least figure out if it is fish or chicken.

Well that is all for now, hopefully I will have something interesting to write about soon. The photo is of a church just up the hill from us.

Kelley and Roger

9 comments:

  1. Here's your adventure for the week - try going to the church on Sunday. You won't understand a word, but I'm betting it's kind of interesting.

    Ben and I will take some snap shots this weekend, maybe him practicing his sax for 2 hours. I can't wait for that.

    I promise I won't paint Elona's room pink - but I bet when she asked you to paint it pink - it will be a different story

    Stay warm - we're thining about you

    Robbin

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  2. It's not easy, I know, but at least you have a positive attitude. When all else fails, eat, drink and well, try to be merry! At least you have each other and that sweet little one to brighten your days.... take a walk towards the huge world war II statue that sits afar on the horizon - it's beyond impressive - and if you include lunch you could spend an entire day just trying to find it! Head towards the potato house and then wind your way through the neighborhoods - that alone leaves a lasting impression. Leave your American cash at home - remember our story. I'm glad you decided to stay - I can't imagine getting back on the plane to head back after being home for 10 days. The second time around you would know what you're getting into. Find humor in the little things and remember, soon this will be a memory and you will be back on American soil! Thinking of you...... Pam

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  3. Since I'm never sure if I do this right will try again. I know you were torn as to whether to come home or not but I think you've made the right decision. It will be the right choice as it will give Elona more time to get acquainted with you and feel more comfortable when it comes time to leave for good. I loved the fact that she is now Elona "Holliday". That was so cute. She sure sounds adorable and can't wait to meet her.
    Take care and wishing you warmer weather and that time will fly and you'll all be home soon.

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  4. Hello, Hello! I am glad you decided to stay. I think Ben has a fantastic idea to save the money and go on a nice vacation once you are all together. The thought of you scheduling a trip home and then gettng back is daunting to me. I am sure actually doing it would be daunting for you. So glad you got your court date, that is a huge illumination in your dreary world I am sure.
    I think you are on to something to plan day trips, visit the ruins, get out a bit, take it slow and relax. Enjoy your slow time. In a month or so...you will be settling here and things will fly.
    It seems like not long ago I was reading original posts from Pam and Len, time has gone so quickly since Angella got here.
    I am glad I finally figured this blog out...Pam talked me through it tonight. I will be reading and writing again soon.
    Hmmm, dried fruit. Enjoy that. perhaps I will eat some beef jerky in your honor.
    Love you both and wishing you warmer weather.

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  5. Hi Guys,
    "Post a Comment" wasn't working for me last night, so I'm back at it today. Dreary and cool here... you're not missing anything. Sounds like you will find many things to explore there and will fill your time until the court date. Hoping it goes by fast. Just remember it's for Elona and she deserves a new family - so commited & loving.
    I sure enjoy reading about your adventure so keep on writing.
    You're in my thoughts, Tammy

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  6. By all means - now that you've sampled a little bit of the culture, now's your chance to really dive in and get to know Elona better through a more thorough exploration of the region. Find out where the locals go when they want to get away. Eat some Ukrainian food! Not sure if it's anything like what I grew up with (DEElicious!) but if it isn't, you'll feel really good about saving Elona from a future of culinary monotony... Hopefully you will find some dishes you actually enjoy!

    You made the right decision in staying. Enjoy it and make it really worth your while.

    Irene

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  7. Hang in there! If it makes you feel any better it's cold and gloomy here... you are not missing a thing.
    thinking of you-
    maggie

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  8. By the way, I think Dorothy would have sold Toto and Scarecrow for a McDonald's fish sandwich and fries after her first dance with the wizard. There is a great parralell between the "golden arches" and the "Yellow Brick Road" ya know. When you leave your ruby slippers at home there is nothing like dining in a restaurant that is in virtually every US city to bring comfort to your weary selves. Now go conquertheflyingmonkeys,killthewickedwitch,get herbroom,bypasstheballoonrideandcomebacktothelandofKansas. Bring Toto, Scarecrow and Elona with you!

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  9. Just wanted to say "hello" and to let you know you sure aren't missing nice weather here either.
    Hope you have a good week-end and that Elona gets to spend some of it with you.
    Thinking of you every day.
    Jim and Sandy

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