Day 1...getting here was an adventure!

We made it to Kiev! Carrie and I can hardly believe this is actually happening.

We met up at the SLC airport with the Soderberg family and had a great time chatting with them while we waited to board the plane. We flew on the same flight, and our connectors separated in Chicago. They are such a neat couple, and Julia needs them so much. They are an easy-going, fun-loving family.

Here we are at our gate:
We got to Chicago, where we both had layovers. As soon as we landed, the skies unleashed a fury of rain and lightning the likes I have never seen before. I was sure they were going to have to hire an ark to get us to Kiev. The Soderbergs were stuck on the tarmac, not allowed to depart, and we weren't allowed to board our plane. After 4 hours of waiting at the gate, and 1 hour on the tarmac, we were off. Because of the long delays in Chicago, we got in to Kiev late, and luckily Vladimir and Natasha were both there waiting. However, our luggage did not make it, and is somewhere between Dussledorf and Kiev -- hopefully on a plane. They said it will take 4 days to get it here, so Natasha made them deliver it to us in Romny, as that is where we will be.

Then Vladimirs drove us all to our apartment. Driving is not a good description of what happened in that car. Indy 500, Daytona International and Formula 1 paint a much better picture of what it was like. He juiced that little car Chevy Aveo for every ounce of horse power and breaking power it had, and it held up well. Wish I could say the same things about me afterwards. Here is a picture of us driving in Kiev. You're probably asking the same thing we were -- what lane is he and everyone else driving in? Maybe the stripes wore off the road? Who knows - but as you can see, everyone does it. Everyone seems to drive where ever!

We stopped by Wendy's apartment and visited her and Alex. Amy Rast and her friend Mary were there. Jim Soderberg showed up with his laptop. He's having some internet problems, but assured us that he will have his blog updated tomorrow. Wendy brought out a huge plate of yummy, freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies. I was impressed since the ovens in these apartments resemble those in a camper trailers. Here she is with the other gals showing off her excellent cooking skills. We finished up the evening with her and Amy talking about their all-women coffee spa adventure. Hearing that story in person had us all laughing to tears! At the next lunch, make sure she tells this story. Her blog does not do it justice. Suffice it so say, Amy and Wendy left the spa feeling a little more violated than when they got there.

There's so much more, but we'll share more tomorrow after our SDA appointment. It is at 9:00 AM. Right now, we're totally exhausted and I am falling asleep as I type. Carrie already found a pillow and blanet and is sawing logs next to me.

To our kids -- we miss you so much already!XOXOXOXOX! To everyone who has us in their thoughts and prayers - thank you. We would not be here without your help.