Wednesday, April 25, 2007

4/25/07 - Arrived in Donetsk

We are here after 4.5 to 5 hours driving. We weren't too excited with the first flat we were shown and went to another. Better, but not as good as the one we had in Kharkiv. We will be moving to a better one Friday. Heard from the Henry's and they met with their new daughter yesterday and are praying that they can get to court by next Friday (5/3) or risk waiting another week due to holidays (5/10).

Ira and I are now on our own as Sergey is off working with another family while we are here. Ira is not as comfortable without him around and somewhat hesitant trying much English as she tends to feel uneasy with the language and doesn't like to make mistakes pronouncing words. I don't get too embarrassed trying words and phrases in Russian even though no one seems to know what the heck I am saying. We don't have much in the way of kitchen facilities so will have to eat out most times. I am using the business center at a 5 star hotel for Internet stuff. The place is called Donbass Palace. Great place, but more than my budget could think of dealing with. Debbie is in Kyiv and finished with the Embassy and will fly home tomorrow. One out of three isn't bad... This has been more of an adventure than I could have ever envisioned...

5 comments:

Passanita Family said...

I'm sure Ira will get used to things in no time. This will be a priceless time that you two will have together. Enjoy!
Laura and Rob

Jodi said...

Patience one more time daddy! During the course of your day, point at things and name them in English. After a couple of days of repeating yourself, she will know a little more. Time, time and more time. Isn't there an electronic translator? They have them for Spanish, etc... Enjoy your time with her and try to keep busy. You'll see by the end of the 10 days how much you two will be able to communicate. Good luck.
Love, Jodi

Anonymous said...

Hey Dale and Ira,

Many, many prayers going up!! You have gotten this far, so God won't drop you now. Enjoy this time with Ira and things will develop slowly but surely. Could you have ever imagined that God had this adventure in mind for you?? It is indeed a "God thing." I am sure you have learned alot about patience along the way! You?? In need of patience???????

I will pick up Debbie at the airport, no matter when she arrives. Glad to hear that all went well with Lisa at the orthopod office. Things are fine on the homefront and can't wait ot welcome you home.

Love, Becky

P.S. Don't know how, but my house is still standing!!!

Gary and Beverly said...

Congratulations on the successful court date!! We are so happy for you. But we've got to say that thinking of Dale working with Ira with no translator got a little bit of a chuckle here ;-)

We're in Scotland with the Quiram's on vacation now. Heading back tomorrow. We can't wait to see Debbie and will keep the prayers going that Dale and Ira will be home soon.

Gary

Anonymous said...

Dale and Debbie,

We finally got on from the hotel lobby in Scotland and are very excited to hear about your court date being the other day. Congratulations! We are so excited to meet Iryna when y'all make it back to the US.
We'll keep praying for a quick end to your adventure.
Love,
Tim and Charlene