[Note: I wrote this after we finally got to our apartment in Kiev, the night before our SDA appointment, but didn’t get a chance to post it until now.]
When David and I reached our apartment around 8:30 pm, we were worried. The outside of the building is really run down and there is graffiti sprayed everywhere. There were also several rough looking men with no shirts on sitting by the door to the apartment building drinking and smoking. They were talking rather loud until we walked by. They all stopped talking and watched us as Niko opened the building door so we could go inside.
Once we were inside, our worry grew. The inside of the building is very old and rundown. There is a very musty smell. The water pipes and electricity wires are out in the open. The lights that work are light bulbs swinging from their sockets attached to bare wires. They do not provide much lighting at all. The building reminded me of the pictures I have seen of old Russian buildings pre-WWII. The walls are painted in old hospital green.
For a split second, I questioned myself as to why we were here. Immediately, though, I got that out of my head. I focused on our children and the conditions that they have always lived in and what their future living conditions will be if we did not come for them. They would be sent to a mental institution that is probably a hundred times worse. I know for a fact that if my sweet Maclayne was transferred, she would not last six months. I am ashamed that I even had that split second thought. Who am I to complain about something as little as this when this is a necessary step to bringing our precious children home?
Teague, Trenton, and Maclayne: please forgive your mother for doubting. I love each of you more than words can express and I promise that I would do anything and endure anything for my sweet children. We will all be together soon.
Strange as it may sound...our apartment building looked just like this (I wonder if it's the same buiding??) & seeing it makes me miss Ukraine. The first few days were uncomfortable as we got aquainted with this new country, language & even it's milk :) By the time it was time to go home our son's country grew on us. You'll find the people friendly (in region), even if they don't smile :), You'll start to enjoy the food (it's a learning process), and I think there's this charm that comes from knowing this is your children's home. :) Prayers for your awesome days ahead as you get to know your beautiful blessings!!! So excited for you guys~so excited for them! ♥
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