Monday, April 30, 2007

5/1/07 - May Day (5 days of it so you don't forget!)

We had quite and interesting day yesterday. We were invited to a picnic with Sergey and his wife daughter, in-laws and friends today. Well, since the weather prediction said clear yesterday and rain today, they switched and we went yesterday. Well, nature had fun raining on us the entire time (by the way, today is sunny!!!) and it was cold, but that didn't stop us. When there is determination, stuff happens. Sergey's family and friends were unbelievably warm caring, good natured and very welcoming. They have a very loving way when they are all together and seem to cherish and celebrate the time they have together. Even though Ira had a bit of an accident on the way (driving in the car gets her sick and you guessed it, she vomited all over herself and the car). I felt so bad for her. Here we were in Misha's car with him only knowing Russian and me English. I called Sergey and we met up with him, headed to a large store, got Ira new clothes, got her cleaned up and we were off. She was fine the rest of the day. What is a little different for me is that it is a Ukraine tradition for the men to drink a shot of Vodka (+ some beer) and the women some champagne in between each little plate of food when they are together eating like this. Well, I was good for three half shots and that was it. I let the rest of the guys enjoy the rest. I didn't want to have Ira re-experience any bad memories.

After getting up this morning I found we had no water! Oh well, no breakfast, shower and all the rest. I don't know who to call or what to do about it much other than wait it out. If there is one thing you learn here... patience, which has not been one of my best known qualities! We plan to do some more sight seeing today primarily for Ira's experience. I think it is important that she knows as much about her country as possible. But first, we will do some more English lessons. I am also doing some math with her to get a sense of how far along she is since that is supposed to be her best subject according to her teachers. Two more days and then off to Kharkiv, God willing...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dale,
It is good to hear that you are doing well on your own. (Debbie, when you get caught up, we have to get together)
Erin has trouble in the car too. We always make sure she sits by a window and not in the third row. She also is very vocal about her dislike of drinking of any kind. With our children, there is much to teach and much to learn.
We continue to lift you up and look forward to the day we get to welcome you home.
Blessings,
The Bruce's

Unknown said...

Dale, it was great hearing your voice this morning! I miss you and Irina terribly, Lisa and I can't wait to welcome you home! I am lining up whatever English speaking software to help Irina transition to English. Hope you weren't without water for too long..luckily I missed that experience! At least you had electricity! Hope your days are sunny, seems we had too many cloudy, chilly days. You'll love the warm, sunny weather when you get home.
Love,
Debbie & Lisa

Passanita Family said...

Dale,
Glad you are enjoying your time even with the little bumps in the road. I had a geat lunch with Debbie yesterday and we got a chance to catch up a little. Safe travels and our prayers are with you for a speedy process the rest of the way.