Clare Wayne and Billy traveled into Ukraine at beginning of March to start their journey of growing their family. They spent several days in Kiev dealing with paperwork. They then travelled south along highway 95 and then along a crazy side road for about an hour and half to arrive in Balta. They met Oleg and Olya at the orphanage in the Directors office. A little daunting to say the least for everyone concerned.
Thursday April 2nd
Colleen and Brian picked me up just before 7 to begin our trek. We headed up to Carrie and Quinn's to pick up Wayne where he was leaving his truck and Billy.
Snowy drive to Regina but didn't really slow us down.
There in time to have coffee with Colleen and Brian before we left.
On our way to Toronto, and then on to Vienna, Austria before heading to Kiev.
Spotted this in Vienna airport.
picked up my suitcase which we hadn't seen since Regina. Victor was waiting for us outside gate.
Loaded into his 7 seater van and started our drive to Balta. Through some of city I assume and then out onto highway.
Some snow on the way. Stopped once for gas/drink. About 5 hour drive total. Last hour and half is on incredibly pot holed road/track. I will always think of this when I am on our Saskatchewan highways and they seem rough!
Arrived about 6 pm I think having dozed off for part of the initial journey (not during extreme sport as Victor described it)
Met Oleg and Olya and had time for a quick bite to eat with Mark before he headed to start his journey home.
Saturday April 4th.
We walked downtown to Market.
The children had school in the morning but Oleg was involved in a mini concert in the afternoon which we were allowed to go and watch. He di not want us to take pictures of him, however we did take a few while there.
David sat behind Clare and I and translated some of what was being said. It was something about a career fair or deciding what job you should have.
bridge across river in Balta. Painted in blue and yellow the colours of Ukrainian flag.
Stopped in restaurant for bowl of soup. They were set up for some kind of reception.
Sunday April 5th
Today Olya was in a concert. She did allow us to take pictures. Olya was quite proud that she had make up on and she did look beautiful.
Wayne wrestling or sitting on Oleg.
Supper and drinks next door at the Garage.
Monday April 6th
We started the day with our usual walk through the market and downtown. Wayne had to check out what they were doing here in some rentos. They were converting a window to a door.
Sergey has been sick and in the "sick bay" since I got here. He must be feeling a little better as here he is peeking out the window.
Lessons on the computer/iPad
Tuesday April 7th
Court day'
Wayne, Clare, Oleg, Olya and Natasha their facilitator/translator right before court.
The children sat with the orphanage Director on far bench, Clare Natasha and Wayne on closest bench. No one had to sit in "penalty box" behind the bars!
Judge was in middle chair with a juror on each side.
Celebratory drink - chocolate Miami beach.
Wednesday April 8th
Victor came to pick Wayne up - they left about 8pm
Thursday April 9th
Friday April 10th
Saturday April 11th
Sunday April 12th
Monday April 13 th
Tuesday April 14th
Sun shining but cooler today. Walked to Market with mission to find tin foil, paring knife, bread and cookies. Successful on all counts. Also had our coffee at Market.
Wednesday April 15th
Another cool day. Bundled up to walk down to the market.it was trying to rain. Clare bought a sweatsuit for Oleg as if it stays this cool he will be cold. Looked for more embroidery kits/beading kits no luck today. Stopped at store to pick up more oranges, and other snacks for children (and us)
Thursday April 16th
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