Reflecting back on my recent trip to the Ukraine in support of our son Scott, while meeting our new grandchildren, I am very grateful to have had such a special privilege. Cheryl was additionally sweet to have let me head east eight time zones away on our 40th anniversary. Who would have thought?
My flight to Amsterdam was delayed so connections into Kiev were 11 hours late, costing additionally for the taxi that awaited my arrival. KLM tried to get me through Paris, only to let me see DeGaulle and the British Concorde but having to reconnect back through Amsterdam after all; imagine being in Paris without the woman of my dreams on our anniversary! Oh well, I am convinced that God loves humor! The same passengers from my earlier Houston flight were still awaiting here and applauded my reuniting with them. One even volunteered to drive me the 6 hours to Zaparozhya but, of course, I had to realize my beloved taxi that was to whisk me to my destination.
Not knowing a language and unable to read signage is more overwhelming than I thought possible. I figured that with Google Translate in my iphone, I was all prepared. Niyet!! It serves as a nice patch but makes for some very patient slow conversations. The only words that I seemed to do well with, even in my sleep, was “spasibo” (thank you) that goes far in any language. The Cyrillic (Greek looking) letters add to the confusion such that even standard signage is foreign to the eyes. Tanya’s name, for example, is spelled “TAHR” where the “R” is flipped in its axis like you would see in a mirror!
Seeing Tanya and Viktor in their own environment gave me a special understanding for who they are and the challenges that they will be now missing. I trust that their mild understanding of English will serve them well in gaining a quick fluency in this “new” language. Having Natashia translating for us was very helpful and encouraging. Tanya and I headed out one day across the Dneiper River by taxi to see a Cossack museum and reenactment, while the others were chasing down document details. I enjoyed this very much but not being able to speak with my now-oldest granddaughter was again a unique challenge. She loved it when “dadushka” managed to throw three war axes and a battle axe successfully into a log target; the Cossack’s are still scratching their heads.
Other blogs describe fun experiences like the museum visit, walking adventures, the Orphanage goodbye party, grocery shopping and visiting McDonald’s together. Being able to provide the first true Lawry meal with Natashia on the very night that the 10 day court administered waiting period was over, was a lifetime highlight for me. The taxi then took me back to Kiev through the night for my 6:30AM return through Amsterdam. I had to smile when the pilot apologized for taking off 5 minutes late.
A note to all grandparents out there: Whenever your nuclear family makes a similar expansion, make sure you take similar efforts to be affirming; you won’t ever regret it! Let’s welcome Tanya and Viktor home to the good ol’ U S of A on the Fourth-of-July. How great is that. To God be the Glory!!
My flight to Amsterdam was delayed so connections into Kiev were 11 hours late, costing additionally for the taxi that awaited my arrival. KLM tried to get me through Paris, only to let me see DeGaulle and the British Concorde but having to reconnect back through Amsterdam after all; imagine being in Paris without the woman of my dreams on our anniversary! Oh well, I am convinced that God loves humor! The same passengers from my earlier Houston flight were still awaiting here and applauded my reuniting with them. One even volunteered to drive me the 6 hours to Zaparozhya but, of course, I had to realize my beloved taxi that was to whisk me to my destination.
Not knowing a language and unable to read signage is more overwhelming than I thought possible. I figured that with Google Translate in my iphone, I was all prepared. Niyet!! It serves as a nice patch but makes for some very patient slow conversations. The only words that I seemed to do well with, even in my sleep, was “spasibo” (thank you) that goes far in any language. The Cyrillic (Greek looking) letters add to the confusion such that even standard signage is foreign to the eyes. Tanya’s name, for example, is spelled “TAHR” where the “R” is flipped in its axis like you would see in a mirror!
Seeing Tanya and Viktor in their own environment gave me a special understanding for who they are and the challenges that they will be now missing. I trust that their mild understanding of English will serve them well in gaining a quick fluency in this “new” language. Having Natashia translating for us was very helpful and encouraging. Tanya and I headed out one day across the Dneiper River by taxi to see a Cossack museum and reenactment, while the others were chasing down document details. I enjoyed this very much but not being able to speak with my now-oldest granddaughter was again a unique challenge. She loved it when “dadushka” managed to throw three war axes and a battle axe successfully into a log target; the Cossack’s are still scratching their heads.
Other blogs describe fun experiences like the museum visit, walking adventures, the Orphanage goodbye party, grocery shopping and visiting McDonald’s together. Being able to provide the first true Lawry meal with Natashia on the very night that the 10 day court administered waiting period was over, was a lifetime highlight for me. The taxi then took me back to Kiev through the night for my 6:30AM return through Amsterdam. I had to smile when the pilot apologized for taking off 5 minutes late.
A note to all grandparents out there: Whenever your nuclear family makes a similar expansion, make sure you take similar efforts to be affirming; you won’t ever regret it! Let’s welcome Tanya and Viktor home to the good ol’ U S of A on the Fourth-of-July. How great is that. To God be the Glory!!