So its been awhile....
I’m truly sorry about that.
We’ve been swept up into a whirlwind of life for the past month or so.
It is a bit intimidating to try to put this last month unto paper (or pixels, I guess). What words do you use to describe the bustling energy of a new country, new family, and new everything? What words do you use to describe getting to know the boys? I think this week that’s why I’d rather do more of a recap of events rather than try to get a little deeper into how Morgan and I are feeling. However, before I begin, I can assuredly tell you that Morgan and I are doing great. We feel beyond blessed to be here, we feel like this is definitely where we are supposed to be, and we are excited for what is to come.
LANDING
After 30+ hours of Pandemic ridden international travel, Morgan and I touched down on Ukrainian soil with the Johnson’s traveling party (It takes some pros to travel internationally with 7 kids). Our first couple weeks we spent living in the Johnson’s spare room. Although futons aren’t usually my preferred sleeping surface, I couldn’t have asked for a better space to start our time. The Johnson’s welcomed us with open arms, Kim cooked beautiful meals for us, we got to bond with possibly the most hilarious kids in Europe, and most importantly, we helped each other to slay the dragon that is international jet lag. Our weapon of choice were nightly episodes of survivor through glazed eyes. We also got to spend our days shadowing the team as they spent time with boys (Ruslan, Anton, and B-mo). It felt prophetic that our time here, aimed at the cause of bringing the boys into a loving a family, would start with us being welcomed in by one.
We also got to see our new home for the first time. It was very emotional for me walking through the new duplex. Not just because of its immense physical beauty, but also the beauty of everything that it stands for. It is the opposite of the institutions in every way. It is intentional dignity and thoughtful love. It was so humbling to come straight into the fruit of a long and highly prayed for journey. Morgan and I get to come and be a part of something that’s the result of years of the faithfulness, sacrifice, and love of so many. We also got to break in the new place with Ruslan’s big birthday party, the perfect way to begin the legacy of invitation, community, healing, and joy that we hope the duplex continues to bring.
CARPATE
In the beginning of February, we embarked for the team’s annual trip to the Carpathian Mountains. They served as a beautiful setting to really get to know the boys and team. It was edifying to just get to see the boys live life! To take part in fun and tradition, with people
who love them. Sledding down mountains, riding on ATVs, and my favorite of all, intensely dancing to the equivalent of Ukrainian Mariachi. We stayed in the tiny, cabin style resort right near the base of the ski run. The staff were the most entertaining characters, and the food was authentic and delicious. It was the perfect capstone to our time living with the Johnsons.
L’VIV
On the way back from Carpate Morgan and I were dropped off in the spectacular city of L’viv to do something we had been highly anticipating......... taking our honeymoon! Better 10 months late than never! I don’t know what else to say other than it literally was the best. After summiting the never-ending Victorian spiral staircase to get to our apartment, you were rewarded with a balcony overlooking the very European styled cobblestone city. We lived it up! It was all the attractions of a Western European city with Ukrainian prices, the best combination ever. There were more restaurants, pubs, markets, museums, shops, cafes, and cathedrals within walking distance than anyone could visit in one trip.
My highlight of the trip was this beautiful cathedral outside the of the city square, which was attached to this underground monastery-turned-restaurant. The menu was full of supposedly old monastic recipes that had been passed down and there was a free art gallery to explore after your meal.
Morgan’s highlight was this giant coffee roaster in the town square. They housed a beautiful Art Deco atrium, that was the perfect spot to relax the morning after some fun night life. In the corner of the atrium was a stair case that led into a legitimate cave with a bar inside of it! Morgan had some coffee a la flamethrower! I also can’t forget to mention Morgan’s other highlight, L’viv’s handmade chocolate.
Our honeymoon also served as a sacred space to pray about what life would like during our time here, and our marriage. We will carry this special time with us forever.
DUP’ CIM’Я
The day we drove back to Zhytomyr was our moving in day at the duplex. We unpacked and went on a big shopping trip with Jed to stock up on all the essentials for the house. We had the whole duplex all to ourselves for a couple days, but it didn’t really feel like a home until our friends Lisya and Masha, and our first boy Anton moved in a few days later. Our Duplex family!
We’ve just now began our second week with them. Everyday we know more about our new friends and Anton. Lisya and Masha are wonderful and its not hard to get along with them at all. They are teaching us so much about working with the boys and Ukrainian life and language. In complete honesty Anton was the boy who it took longest for me to connect with, but I am getting to learn what a sweet heart he has. It is a special privilege that he gets to be part of our lives in this way. It is an indescribable experience to really start a relationship with Anton. He is complex, beautiful, unmistakably human, and full of joy. His happy-screaming floods through the hallways and doors and fills you up with hope for the day.
SASHA
Right now Jed is finishing all the formalities in place so that he can gain custody of Sasha. We are beyond excited and can’t wait to meet our sweet boy (kinda again). Please be praying that these next couple weeks go smoothly and that we might get to go see him before he moves in!
Thank you so much for all of you who made this amazing first month possible for us. It is such an encouragement to see how our journey is being shaped by your kindness. Look forward to more updates soon. Please don’t hesitate to contact us, we would love to talk to some more of our people!