Our Trip to Kiev

Well, I realized I haven't written yet about our trip to Kiev. It was a few weeks ago, but I'll give you a short update.

Dougle and I left early Sunday morning on the train and arrived in Kiev around 1pm. We were picked up by the apartment rental agency we used. It is the same company we used to procure these temporary apartments here in Kharkov. You can stay in an apartment for 1-2 nights, or for months, and it is cheaper than the hotels. Plus, it has a fridge/kitchen so you can bring food home to make/eat. Anyway, they took us to where we were staying, which was about a 5-7 minute walk from the center, which was nice. We rested for a bit, since the train wasn't very good for sleeping on, and then went out to get a city map and look around the area. We had a nice time walking around that night, even in the foggy mist that hovered over the city.

The next day we went to find the German clinic we'd been recommended. We walked in and it was the most American looking place that we've seen since coming to Eastern Europe. There was a desk and a waiting room, just like you would expect to see! And, one of the receptionists spoke English! Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding somewhere, and this clinic was like all the rest we seem to find: they only do pre-natal and not delivery. They recommend places for delivery, but they are Ukrainian places, just like we have in Kharkov. We then contacted the American clinic in Kieve too, and they had the same deal. So, we decided Kiev was not the place to deliver! It just wasn't much different from what we have in Kharkov, as far as delivery is concerned. If we have other needs they can't fullfill here in Kharkov, I think Kiev has some better options. Just not for baby delivery!

That night Dougle and I were able to find and eat at TGI Fridays! It was a nice treat for us! We had tried a "Tex-Mex" Ukrainian place earlier, but it was nothing like Tex-Mex. The first hint: they put shredded carrots in our burritoes and their guacomole sause had dill in it! So, eating some fajitas with all the "right" trimmings was wonderful! We also had some fried mozzarella sticks...which I love!!

The next morning, bright and early, we hopped back on the train to Kharkov. There we were re-united with our sweet boy! He had stayed with his Uncle David and Aunt Livia, for his first night away from us! But he did great, and they did a great job taking care of him! We were also blessed with being able to talk on the phone to him a couple times while we were gone, as well as Skype. And when we arrived home, Canaan was truly happy to see us, which made our hearts happy too!!

So, we were praying for an answer, and it seemed pretty clear. We will continue with our plans to deliver in Kharkov. I have been very happy with my ob-gyn, and we will be able to register to deliver at the hospital of our choice when I am 36 weeks along. Thank you for all your prayer concerning this adventure of ours. We continue to pray for a continued healthy pregnancy, as well as a healthy birth, with no complications! Thank you for lifting us up before the Father in this! We love you!