After the museum, we went to the pilgrimage sight that I mentioned yesterday. Much of this area was destroyed in World War II and has been rebuilt. It is a working monastery of the Russian Orthodox Church and people come from all over to worship here. There is a whole complex of caves with tombs and living quarters and churches underground. The caves are lined with the remains of old monks. Yikes! The kids so wanted to go into the caves, but I really had no desire. The bones are visible, the pathways tight and packed with tourists. We enjoyed the sights above ground instead.
While we were walking around, Olga ran into someone she knew. She had helped this lady adopt her son. She and her 2 children, little girl she adopted from Ukraine also, were in Kiev on holiday. Her name is Cass and she is from Ireland. When we introduced ourselves, she recognized our name. She follows Mark and Melanie Hansen's blog (friend's from church) and remembered reading our name on their blog. We were blown away. What a small world! It felt so wonderful to have this connection right out from nowhere. In the middle of all this commotion and this impersonal city, God provided a way to warm our hearts. Perfect.
We'll leave you now with some pictures of our favorite things from the day.
Olga with Ed and the kids.
Don't tell Thunder and Junior!
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hello from your palace here in Rock dell! I hope your telling everyone you're from an enchanting place far away called rock dell where there lives a very rare species of cats only a couple of miles away! Seriously I think I need to call the discovery channel and let them know that they missed these rare creatures while filming their documentary "Planet earth". LOL!!! speaking of cats yesterday when I was heading out to work I was surprised to see you have a family of 5 kittens and their mom walking around. They saw me and took off to the shed I am guessing thats where they reside. They must have been on a hunt, they all looked very healthy and obiviously not from the "rare species" gene pool. It looks so beautiful there!! Lots of history i am sure the kids just loving it. well I better go feed the "livestock". Oh and let the kids know I am finding there homemade bow and arrows all around the house, I am guessing they got inspired from watching the movie Brave. Don't worry I will stick them back under the couches!! love you all - jessie & Wilmer
ReplyDeletelooks like you had a wonderful adventure here. thanks for sending the pics-almost like we're there with you! Had the O'Brien picnic today and had a good time visiting-your Mom was there with her four charges! Praying for you! Love Kathy and Lenny
ReplyDeleteI say neat things you are getting to do and what an experience for the kids! Lots to do and see there so that makes it easier, maybe?
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