On behalf of Brian and Tami, this is the Garrett's submitting a "saved" update from "Word" and also informing all that Brian and Tami left by train for Kiev on Monday evening for arrival in Kiev on Tuesday morning. They will be flying home on Thursday for the 10 day waiting period as their children, other family members and their work is making this the best course for them to take. Court went well on Monday, they attended a going away party for our Anya and then they were off to Donetsk. Below, you will find their last post. Internet access has been down for almost two days and came up this morning. We may see them in Kiev on Wednesday or Thursday and will try to let them use our computer to E-mail and "blog" as needed and as time will allow.
Brian and Tami's last entry:
Saturday in the Park
The girls (Nastiya and Anya’s) choice of activities of the day was an excursion to the Mariupol Park! After an interesting drive through another section of Mariupol, we arrived at the park which was not the typical park to our enjoyment. The first section was a pathway through various Ukrainian houses decorated with the typical painting on the outside of all of the structures. After spending a little time more time on the playground…off to bowling. Expecting a run-down bowling alley, we entered into one of the most modern building we’ve seen in Ukraine. Everyone had a great time and of course, Anya won!!! But the American’s gave it their best!
For lunch-you guessed it, McChicken Pizza at the request of Nastiya and Anya. If we never see a McChicken Pizza in this lifetime it will be too soon. We had to depart earlier than expected and take Nastiya back to the orphanage for some “parent-child discussion”. Fortunately, the remainder of the visit turned out well and another promise to come on Sunday.
Americans vs. Italians
Sunday was an early visit to the orphanage. Greeted with a big smile and big hugs by Nastiya, today promises to be a better day for all. After many conversations that neither of us fully understood, it was time for a good game of Soccer! After a brief warm-up, the Italian family that arrived a few days back joined us with their Nastiya. The “friendly” game quickly turned into which Country is better at soccer: America or Italy? Of course, the American’s (The Fields) gave it our all but as history has shown, Italy had some surprises up their sleeves…another Italian family. The game ended with a score of Italy: 3 and the US: 2. We promised to play again when either Tami or I return in two weeks as that family will still be in Mariupol awaiting their Court date.
As for COURT…we’re still being told that tomorrow is our Court date at 11:00!!! We’ll believe it when we see it but we’re counting on it as Tami and I purchased train tickets for tomorrow night (Monday) at 7:00 out of Donetsk with an arrival in Kiev around 7:00 am, Tuesday morning. Tami and I have both decided to come back to America as the delay in Court has prolonged the waiting time here in Ukraine. We attempted (at length) to arrange our change in flights on Saturday. After increasingly intense frustration ensued with Delta, and constant dropped calls after almost concluding a return flight, Tami called Valentin in Kiev and he reassured us that he’ll take us on Tuesday and arrange our return flights. With our complete trust in Valentin, we’re hoping we’ll have a flight home by this coming Wednesday.
Now…the return back to Ukraine to finally bring OUR NASTIYA HOME…Tami and I are still debating on who will be returning on November 1st for a final Ukrainian Adventure. We’ll decide once we’re back on US soil (and after a good night sleep in our own beds!!!).
To Tate, Reaghan and Kenzie…there is an end in sight to this Adventure that all three of you have been so understanding. Mommy and Daddy know this has been very hard on you and that is the main reason we’re working so hard to come home to you. Hopefully, we’ll be hugging all of you this Wednesday. We’ll call home tomorrow after Court to let you know what is going on. Just know that Mommy and Daddy love you so much and we want to be home with you more than you know.
We’ll try to blog tomorrow after Court if we have time as we have to travel to Donesk to catch our train to Kiev.
The girls (Nastiya and Anya’s) choice of activities of the day was an excursion to the Mariupol Park! After an interesting drive through another section of Mariupol, we arrived at the park which was not the typical park to our enjoyment. The first section was a pathway through various Ukrainian houses decorated with the typical painting on the outside of all of the structures. After spending a little time more time on the playground…off to bowling. Expecting a run-down bowling alley, we entered into one of the most modern building we’ve seen in Ukraine. Everyone had a great time and of course, Anya won!!! But the American’s gave it their best!
For lunch-you guessed it, McChicken Pizza at the request of Nastiya and Anya. If we never see a McChicken Pizza in this lifetime it will be too soon. We had to depart earlier than expected and take Nastiya back to the orphanage for some “parent-child discussion”. Fortunately, the remainder of the visit turned out well and another promise to come on Sunday.
Americans vs. Italians
Sunday was an early visit to the orphanage. Greeted with a big smile and big hugs by Nastiya, today promises to be a better day for all. After many conversations that neither of us fully understood, it was time for a good game of Soccer! After a brief warm-up, the Italian family that arrived a few days back joined us with their Nastiya. The “friendly” game quickly turned into which Country is better at soccer: America or Italy? Of course, the American’s (The Fields) gave it our all but as history has shown, Italy had some surprises up their sleeves…another Italian family. The game ended with a score of Italy: 3 and the US: 2. We promised to play again when either Tami or I return in two weeks as that family will still be in Mariupol awaiting their Court date.
As for COURT…we’re still being told that tomorrow is our Court date at 11:00!!! We’ll believe it when we see it but we’re counting on it as Tami and I purchased train tickets for tomorrow night (Monday) at 7:00 out of Donetsk with an arrival in Kiev around 7:00 am, Tuesday morning. Tami and I have both decided to come back to America as the delay in Court has prolonged the waiting time here in Ukraine. We attempted (at length) to arrange our change in flights on Saturday. After increasingly intense frustration ensued with Delta, and constant dropped calls after almost concluding a return flight, Tami called Valentin in Kiev and he reassured us that he’ll take us on Tuesday and arrange our return flights. With our complete trust in Valentin, we’re hoping we’ll have a flight home by this coming Wednesday.
Now…the return back to Ukraine to finally bring OUR NASTIYA HOME…Tami and I are still debating on who will be returning on November 1st for a final Ukrainian Adventure. We’ll decide once we’re back on US soil (and after a good night sleep in our own beds!!!).
To Tate, Reaghan and Kenzie…there is an end in sight to this Adventure that all three of you have been so understanding. Mommy and Daddy know this has been very hard on you and that is the main reason we’re working so hard to come home to you. Hopefully, we’ll be hugging all of you this Wednesday. We’ll call home tomorrow after Court to let you know what is going on. Just know that Mommy and Daddy love you so much and we want to be home with you more than you know.
We’ll try to blog tomorrow after Court if we have time as we have to travel to Donesk to catch our train to Kiev.
1 comment:
Dear Tami and Brian,
We hope that your court hearing was successful and that you are winging your way home as I write this!
Looking forward to getting to know Nastiya better!
Twyla, John, Duncan, Mari and Misha
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