Getting Ready

Getting ready for another trip To Russia. What does that mean exactly? Packing, shopping, taking care of details, travel arrangements, emails, skypes, all of this work for what? What about me? Is my heart ready? Is my mind ready? Have I slowed down enough to think about it?

I will admit that Russia for me is a sort of pilgrimage. I find that when I go all the pettiness of my daily life seems to fall away, and I become much more focused. I am able to take a step back, and think without the noise, put away the trivial stuff, and really dig into what is real, lasting, important, both in others and myself. When it has been a while since I have taken a trip, I will get a moment when I take a look around and say to myself......yep, it is time to go. Because I know that when I return, I will be all the more thankful for what I have, and I will not take it for granted....
Now, more packing!

at the end of the road.....

Sitting in Kiev drinking tea, realizing I have four days left on this trip. I truly meant to blog more, but sometimes at the end of the day I was too tired to even keep my eyes open, let alone be coherent. Oh well.
Three countries, 19 foster care families, numerous orphanages, and way too many meetings to remember, we are almost finished!
So many people ask me WHY do I do this? I have been thinking about it over the last few days, while asking myself the same question (fatigue sets in, it is normal). Is it because I feel a social and spiritual responsibility? Absolutely.  Is it because I want to help others in need have a chance at a better life? Sure. Do I love to travel? YES!!!! BUT it is also something a bit selfish. It is a secret I would like to share with you. I like the way it makes me feel. I like the way that I get this big rush of peace when I connect with a child, or a young mother, and I share a moment because we have both been in that same place.....she knows that I get it, and that I get her.......and then she also gets me, and through that connection we end up helping each other in some strange way. I get as much back as I am giving. It is a reciprocal interaction. There is nothing else like it, seriously.

Last night we went to an Irish pub here in Kiev, and then I let my partners in crime drag me to a disco.
Let's just say the Pub was great, and the other two had a great time dancing:) I really do not like dance music. ever. period.

Kiev is amazing, spring is not quite here but that is okay......today I have a day off! I am going to The National Art Museum, and then just wander around ALL day!
 Carpe Diem!

aahhh belarus!

Good bye Belarus, it has been fast and furious, up until the end, where I was so happy to hang out in Minsk! Great City!! Lovely cafes!
17 inspiring families, four different regions, so many great kids and I really feel like I got a taste this time (quite literally).
Lots of home cooking, and LOTS OF CHAI (tea)......did I say LOTS? Have had an amazing experience and wish I could have blogged more, but the internet connections here do not lean towards blogging.....they cut out so often you end up losing it all, repeatedly, so I am rushing this one out:) fingers crossed.
Thanks to the lady who beat the hell out of me during my belo-rus massage,  I guess I deserved it) and thanks to the little ladies on my floor who shared tea with me every nite in Minsk:) We had no idea what we were saying to each other, but it was a blast.
Last but not least, today while walking back to the hotel all the traffic was halted for four full blocks, including foot traffic, by the national police. I  kept wondering what the heck was going on, and then a motorcade turned right in front of me, all tinted SUV's and the like, you know with flags on the cars, and  the man next to me said" The President".....kind of felt like Forest Gump....
Off to Russia!!!!

on the road again....

Well, been here in Belarus for six days, and have covered quite a bit! Lots of driving..... We have visited ten families so far, and I am so amazed by all of them. These parents have opened up their homes to as many as twelve kids who were abandoned, all ages.....so impressive.. Alot of sacrifice, but none of them complain in the least, and they all say that they are getting more from it than they give. They all LOVE kids, and it is so obviously clear that these foster families work! These kids feel safe and loved for the first time in their lives.......I could go on and on, but I think the pics speak for themselves! Enjoy!!!! My internet connection could go at any moment.....so that is all for now:0)