Our days are numbered

Today was the day we went to apply for Julia's passport.  Once again, with the exception of a computer locking up and rebooting, there were no problems.  Julia had her picture taken a few times, paperwork was reviewed and entered into the computer, I signed a few pieces of paper and we were done.  My only mistake was walking out of the room before the official.  It turns out you must be escorted through the entire building.  Waiting outside in the hall was not permitted.  Now I know and I'll be sure to park my bum unless told otherwise when we're in the US embassy in Kiev...

Post passport we went to the orphanage and handed over some sports equipment we had picked up a few days ago.  Things cost about a third of what they do in the states but you would think a few soccer balls, a basketball and a hoop were solid gold.  Hopefully the new gear will keep the boys busy.   Julia had chorus practice with her friend so I was on my own for about an hour.  The time gave me a chance to do some exploring.  The property is a good size but you can walk it in under ten minutes.  Having seen pictures in the past I thought it was a good bit larger than it actually is.  I blame the terrain.  You can walk a few hundred yards and it looks like you're in a completely different place.  Today was a clear day so I had a chance to get a shot of the country side from the hilltop above the orphanage.

I know this still looks barren but after spending weeks staring at concrete everything in the city even an early spring grassy hillside with a view is a welcome sight.  Anything green is a welcome sight (unless it's in the fridge and fuzzy).  Can you imagine this shot at the peak of fall color?

Believe or not I'm actually surrounded by flowers in this shot.  They're so low to the ground that you can't see them unless you're looking down at them.  I tried to get a wide shot but the sun washed out the shot just like it did above.  This is what the flowers look like.  You never realize you miss something as simple as greenery until you live without it for a while.  The second thing I want to do when I get home is haul the family out camping.  Why the second thing?  Because the first thing of course will be to hug my better half!

The idea of traveling to America is becoming real now.  Today Julia and her friend were asking questions related to going to America, staying in touch, and when she would be leaving.  Communication will be challenge.  Julia thought that her cell phone would continue to work in the states.  When she found out it wouldn't you could see the shock on her face.  Quick to offer a solution, I suggested that we setup a skype account in place of her phone.  The idea would have worked save for one problem.  Skype does not offer Ukrainian phone numbers.  Net result is that Julia will be able to call out but her friends won't be able to call in without getting hit with international calling charges.  That may work for a little while but we'll need something a bit more permanent for the long term.  Maintaining those positive friendships will be critical in my opinion.  Especially during these first few months when she'll miss all of the good people from her past.  If someone has a possible solution that would allow 2 way call initiation I'm all ears.

      A mission team will be here on Sunday.  I was hoping to get a chance to meet and greet but I'm glad that they'll be there to comfort Julia's friends in her absence, especially A and N.  While leaving with Julia will be a wonderful day, at the same time I know who I'm leaving behind and it breaks my heart to not take them too.  If it's hard for me I can only imagine how hard it will be for Julia.  That will be a mixed day for sure.  We're hoping that travel day will be Friday or Saturday!