Missing Ukraine?

When we left Ukraine with Maia, I said I would never go back. Travelling to a foreign country and staying in a city where no one except our wonderful Olga spoke English was extremely difficult. We met 2-3 individuals who knew a few words of English, but that was it. I remember how isolated and vulnerable I felt. I was so happy to be going home. Arriving back in the States, I seriously think I could have kissed people who spoke in my language.
Six months later, we were back in Ukraine and it was so much easier the second time around. We knew the routine, what to expect, where to go. Plus we had the added benefit of the Allens and Mikschls sharing our adoption journey. Seeing Vitaly, Alex, Olga and others we had met during Maia's adoption again was a little like coming home. Although the weather was warmer than I would choose, I actually enjoyed our second trip to Ukraine. And leaving Sevastopol after Matthew's adoption was bittersweet. Again, I was looking forward to being in familiar surroundings and seeing family/friends. But, saying good-bye to our dear friends was sad - knowing that the likelihood of us seeing them again here on earth is unlikely.
Over the past six months, there have been moments when I have truly longed for the Ukraine. Some of that is related to the different pace that we were able to lead there. Our life was a lot simpler. While there was stress, it was not the same stress we have here at home. I've longed to see the friends that we met during our trips. Right now, I am in contact with two families that are in the process of bringing home their little ones from Ukraine and I have to say that I am a bit envious. So since I can't go back (at least not any time soon), come with me on a walk down memory lane. I'll share some pictures you've seen before as well as some ones that are new to the blog. I can't wait to reminsce about a few of those wonderful days.

Our third night in Kyiv - having dinner with the Birschbaughs and Hannons. How cool is it that we all returned to Ukraine on a second trip to bring home more kiddos? I just love how God works!

The cathedral next door to the SDA

Shops outside the SDA

Our first official visit with Maia

Sevastopol

Khersonnes - Greek ruins

The Khan's palace in Bakhchisarai

Russian Orthodox church on Christmas Eve day 2010

Olga looking out at the Black Sea - Christmas Eve Day 2010

Black Sea - Christmas Eve Day 2010

Detsky Dom Christmas Day 2010

Celebrating Gotcha Day with Olga and Vitaly

Farewell to Ukraine (well, that's what we thought at the time)

And back again, finally that sweet boy is in my arms!!

Lunch on the deck of our apartment in Sevastopol

The Allens, Mickschls, and us - enjoying dinner before the Allens head home with their Annie.

Maia, Matthew, Dasha (a cute little girl who was adopted by a Ukrainian couple about two years ago - they were adopting a little boy and visited him every day at about the same time we were there. She loved Matthew - can't say I blame her!)

Maia - NOT enjoying the ride at an indoor amusement park

Beautiful tree at Alupinsky castle and park

Vitaly and me at the Botanical Gardens

 Pool at the Botanical Gardens

Matthew's Gotcha Day!!



Absence does make the heart grow fonder. But yes, there are definitely things I don't miss about Ukraine. Crazy driving, lack of air conditioning, and most of all - toilet facilities (or lack thereof)!

Thanks for coming along for the ride.