We arrived in Sevastopol and went directly to our first apartment. We were so hoping to stay where the Hansen's stayed during their trips to Ukraine, but that place was full. Still this apartment wasn't bad. There were 2 bedrooms, one for us, one for Olga and a pull out for the kids. The one thing about this apartment that I was not too crazy about was the kitchen. I was hoping to be able to prepare some meals for the family. There was a stove top which was perfectly fine and one broken pot. That was it. I remember the Hansen's mentioning to us that the cookware was not up to garage sale quality here in the states. This one pot was certainly on it's last leg.
But this was our apartment and it had an air conditioner. We could make the pot work!
After our first day of busy paperwork running and a hot, stuffy day in a car, we came back to our apartment. Our air conditioning had been turned off and our lights would not turn on. Olga called the owners and was told we were not to use the air conditioning and the lights were off due to construction on a building next door. No telling when they would be turned on again and if they would stay on. Also, the hot water heater only appeared to work in the evening - something about water pressure. Olga was not happy.
Olga had set up an appointment to see another apartment before any of these events occurred and left it up to us wether we wanted to go see the apartment or not. We had decided against the new apartment even before seeing it because the price was just too high for 20 days of rent. But we were now interested!
We went to the new apartment and the land lady greeted us in English. She is from Lithuania but resides in Ukraine and California, USA. She immediately started to show us the apartment. Full kitchen, more cookware than I have in my kitchen, water purifier, television, washer, nice bathroom, 2 bedrooms and another pull out for the kids. When she found out that we were adopting, she lowered her price to what we were paying at the other place. Sold!
Oh, and she found a book in english of Ukrainian stories to read to the kids and she had the cable guys come the very next morning to install english channels on the television so that we could watch the olympics in english. Can you believe it?
Simply amazing. We were so grateful and thankful to God for watching over us and directing our steps on this journey. This apartment goes a long, long way in making our days here bearable and comfortable. God is good.
Entry
Kitchen
Dining room
1st bedroom
2nd bedroom and office
Living room
Happy Gillis family
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wow, I have thoroughy enjoyed reading your adventures. My heart continues to pray, as many are.. and it is evident that the Lord is in control! Eager to have you ALL back safe in our world. Tell Lydia and Peter I am very proud of them, eager to hear from their perspectives the big world they are experiencing.
ReplyDeleteLove to all,
Sara
Hi guys! your apt is beautiful!! You should have taken pictures of the other one for us to see the difference!! I am sure the kids are enjoying the "camping" aspect of being in the apartment. Have you guys been playing any card games like hand and foot? Better get practicing!! Pat and chelsey's kids stayed the night last night, except blythe and they were pretty bummed lydia and peter weren't here to play. don't worry they put everything back so you guys could find find it when you came back. Winnie stayed in Lydia's room I didn't even have to ask where she wanted to sleep and there she was waiting for me to tuck her in, covered with all your horse pillows, play horses, and anything else that resembled a horse!!! I am sure she was dreaming about them too. Love you guys!! - Jessie and wilmer
ReplyDeleteGood evening all,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pictures and you all look good, not starving, healthy and wise. It is always good to read your posts. Linda and I enjoy reading them and look forward to them with great anticipation. Lydia and Peter - you guys look like you are growing with great speed.
We saw Batman today and loved it. Edmund, will need to see it upon your return. You too Erica.
Well cheery O! (Watching too many events in Britain I guess.)and keep up the great work.
Dad and Linda
WOW That is much nicer than anything we had. Tell olga to keep this lady in her apartment file. Hope all is well. Tell Olga Maia is getting better and is almost walking by herself.
ReplyDeleteMark and Melanie
Just getting caught up on your amazing journey! What wonderful entries! It sounds like things are going well. Take care and please greet Lydia and Peter for us! Love, Erin, Jo, and Meg
ReplyDeleteI look forward to checking your blog and hearing about your journey! What an experience for everyone! Continue to enjoy making these memories! Mrs. Kujath
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful apartment...love the woodwork! I am so enjoying your blog...I didn't have the address at home and was so bummed I had to wait until today to catch up! Take care-lmc
ReplyDeleteI am glad that things work out with the apartment. God is good.
ReplyDeleteThe apartment looks very nice and yes the wood work catches the eye! Glad that that all worked out for you all!!! kyle, paula, and boys:}
ReplyDelete