Autumn Day

Just hangin' out in beautiful historic Romny.  The day started off a little shaky - woke up early, discouraged, etc.  We had delayed washing clothes, thinking we would be in Kiev this weekend, but the clothes situation had grown desperate.  We had too many to do in one day ( my rope in the room can only hold so much).  So I took an arm load over to where the Foxes live and pled with the laundry lady there to wash a load for me.  She was willing to do them (thank goodness!), which left us with just underwear and socks, a manageable load for our tin tub and rope.  Beside being discouraged, Libby also didn't sleep well, so she was pretty down.  Sean came by and prayed with us, and he and I went downtown to see if he could figure out an ATM machine.  While we were there, some group had set up signs (political?) and were looking for trouble.  Another group of men were willing to oblige them.  We watched two scuffles the police had to separate.  With the number of people loitering, it looked like there would be more scuffling to come.  It seemed confined to just the "pro" group and the "con" group, though.  Everyone else just walked by, going about their business.  Back home and ate lunch.  The sun only popped out for about an hour today, so we went strolling through the leaves and went to the store.  I don't remember if I told you that Misha took us to a place that had fresh bread.  So now two "wows" for Romny - truffles and fresh bread.  This was just ordinary white bread, but don't think Wonder Bread or you totally miss the picture.  This has the perfect chewy crust, with soft, moist substantive inside.  Yum yum.  Then we had Julia for about 1-1/2 hours.  We will not get to see her tomorrow.  It is apparently her class's day to sweep and clean the grounds.  Sean is getting to preach at the Baptist church, so we will go there again tomorrow.  Sean ended our day by bringing our laundry and claiming it was "free Perry Laundry Day".  We have been playing this game all along, but now it is official!  He has thrown down the gauntlet of good deeds.  We will find a way to pay him back.  After all, he has kids here.  How hard can this be?

Libby's yellow tunnel

(Libby)

Yesterday was a fun day despite our sadness over another delay. I got to spend most of the day with Cosette and the kids.  They are so much fun and have been a real blessing.  Through knowing the Fox family we have met a few Ukrainians,too. While walking to the store yesterday, Andy and I met Misha on the street!  It was so fun to see a familiar face.  He offered to accompany us to the store and helped us buy things that require more language skills than we have.  He also showed us some Ukrainian foods to try.  We invited him to have lunch with us and he accepted.  It was so nice to be able to offer hospitality.  The Foxes have been so hospitable and we have benefited greatly from it.  We are handicapped here because we have no way to cook in our room.  We have a fridge, but no microwave or stove, so all we can serve are cookies and tea and sandwiches and fruit.  We also have only two plates, and three plastic knives, forks and spoons, so we are limited in ability.  It was very fun to serve a sandwich to Misha with the food he helped us buy.  The bread Andy mentioned is wonderful! After  our visit with Julia i walked with Cosette and the kids to a playground.  Moriah made two friends with some kind and friendly girls who were there.  One of them said hello in perfect English. She could not say much more, but it was enough for the girls to play together.  While the boys watched football at Andrew's house Cosette and I fellowshipped and played with the kids.  They entertained us by performing commercials for all the products they could find in their mom's purse.  We had to end that game after a few items when Elijah (2) came out with lipstick.

Today started off with a bout of homesickness.  The gloomy skies matched my gloomy mood.  When Sean came and prayed for us it was such a blessing.  We also got some emails from home and that always helps.  The sun came out and the day ended up being pleasant, although I really missed Cosette and the kids.  When we took Julia home she told us she loved us (as usual, in English!) and as we were walking away we heard a noise behind us.  It was Julia's roommate, Kristina, who was running to give us a big hug and kisses.

Flower vendors near the stores