June 29, 2010

Today was a really wonderful second day in Kiev. (To the left is a renactment of our first family photo in Ukraine. Compare it to the photo at the top of the blog from 2005!) The kids both insisted on wearing some of their Ukrainian clothes we had from our last visit so Thomas wore his Dynamo soccer jersey (the Ukrainian National soccer team) and Vika got a traditional girls blouse and skirt. We visited the Kyvio-Pecheska Lavra to begin our day with Alla as our guide and Boris once again our driver. This is where we did visit with the kids just after we adopted them and while we were waiting for final paperwork in Kiev before we head back to the states almost 5 years ago. The kids remembered each place we visited within this compound which has 5 churches, including underground caves where monks lived in solitude for prayer and fasting (and to escape regimes that did not allow religion.) The main cathedral was blown up by the Nazi’s during their occupation and then rebuilt in the 1970’s. Inside one of the naves of this church is a replica on the church dedicated to John the Baptist in the Holy Land. It is quite remarkable to see and a very holy place. (In the photos below you will see me and kids in 2005 and us today, and then further below is Tami and the kids in 2005 and today.)

They have a wonderful large museum in this complex that enables you to see archeological artifacts from cultures as far back as 20,000 years ago and allows you to see the progression of culture in this land. While we were in this complex Alla our translator bought each of the kids a small wooden folding picture of their guardian angels, Saint Thomas and Saint Viktoria. It was a touching moment and the kids say they are keeping them in their pockets and will even keep them when they sleep. Alla is a deeply spiritual and faithful woman and that is rubbing off on the kids some which is great. Thomas even said today, “I have two faiths that can give me strength and help me now.”

Our tour took us through the caves and catacombs where you can see the mummified remains of priests who spent their lives praying the caves. The soil in this area is just right to keep their remains in good condition and it was discovered that there also are healing properties to the spring located under the caves. People pilgrimage from all over the world to come to these caves and pray in the holy caves and experience and holy water. You can now drink from this water and splash some on your face as you leave, which was really cool (pun intended) as it was VERY hot and humid today. The flowers and gardens in this complex are also very stunning because of the great soil conditions.

Our time of guided tour ended at the War Memorial adjacent to this complex of caves and cathedrals. Once again, this is a place we came with the kids when we first adopted them and were in Kiev and we even found the spot and reenacted our first family photo! We also were able to see the monuments to those who died in different wars. It is especially powerful to see the large statues depicting the men, women, older women and children who tried to defend Kiev from the Nazi invasion as they crossed the Dnieper River. They even formed resistance after the Nazi’s occupied Kiev but many people died and much of their culture was lost during this time.

This monument is at the base of the “Lady Liberty” who protects Kiev. It is a stainless steel monument in the shape of a woman holding a shield and a sword. The word liberty is feminine in Ukrainian and so she is seen as the protector of the city and nation. The kids got to sit in real Ukrainian helicopters and WWII aircraft which are on display in this area.

Alla and Boris then dropped us off along the river front at the base of the city so we could go for a boat ride. As Alla departed (this was the end of her time with us as tomorrow we have a new translator to accompany us to Cherkassy) it was one of the most wonderful moments we had with the kids. She hugged them both and then hugged us and said with tears in her eyes, “Thank you for taking such good care of our children.” This was a healing moment for both of us in a way because we always had been worried that some Ukrainians would be upset that we had “taken” their children from their homeland and culture. It was a blessing to have this blessing bestowed on us and our family.

We actually did not get to ride a boat but we did get McDonald’s and there was air conditioning! We then made our way back to our hotel and did some shopping along the way. We stopped at a market by St. Andrew’s cathedral where Thomas got another replica soccer jersey and Vika got a beautiful Ukrainian doll. It was another great day and tomorrow we look forward to heading towards the kid’s village from childhood and visiting their orphanages. Not sure what kind of internet access we’ll have their so it may be a few days before I can write again.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers. We can sure feel them and know we are being lifted up.