Home.

Ukraine trip 2011 has come and gone.  It was beautiful, and so many other things.  It was a wonderful two weeks, it felt really long and really short at the same time.  My heart is heavy.  I am thankful.  I am glad to be home and want to go back.

There were tears and laughs, and ups and downs.  I loved it.  I have a Ukrainian "family," and I tried to embrace my time there, definitely more so than I did last year, including eating a tongue and mushroom salad, better known as "meat salad" and my fair share of lard in various forms.  I have been deemed a "Ukrainian Girl," so it's official.  

My new motto: when given the chance, eat the fat sandwich.  

We loved on kids, served families, and strengthened relationships.  I got to see parents meet their child for the first time.  I got to hold and love kids.  I am so thankful to know that He created each of them and I am thankful to know they are His children, every single one of them.  

I was reminded of what is important, and what isn't.  

I got into the states and had a message to report to jury duty first thing Monday morning at 8:45.  I did a weird laughing and crying thing when i listened to the message sunday at the chicago airport.  I drug myself to jury duty monday morning, still carrying my ukrainian adventure fanny pack.  just a fun tidbit.  and come to find out, it was a murder trial.  When they said murder trial, I immediately teared up...I have been reminded so many times these past two weeks of the value of a life.  Every life.   And thankfully, it turns out, I was dismissed for "knowing of" one of the attorney's on the case.  Thank God from whom all blessings flow!!  I ran out of the washington county courthouse, by Mama Carmen's for an almond latte (which tasted very different after 2 weeks of delicious ukraine cappuccino's) and headed to work.  I was thankful to go to work and see MY kids at TEAM.

I have so much to share, so i just loaded some pictures that caught my eye today...from week #1.  I plan on adding some every couple of days while things are fresh in my mind.  

i saw some beautiful views....

i got to spend time with wonderful people...especially my dear Abby.  and she has the best facial expressions ever, and it makes me love her even more. 

one of the sweetest moments i have ever had the privilege to see in my life....so appreciative i got to spend time with them and their sweet girl.

 it was a perfect fall in Ukraine.  It's my favorite season and I got to enjoy it in two different countries. you can't beat that.

 i got to snuggle sweet, sweet babies.  my desire to snuggle often made doing my job of speech therapy a little more difficult.  i am glad.

 i got to teach and be taught.  i learned SO much this trip.  i love that.  

i have so many beautiful pictures.  my ukrainian friend Alex took some great pictures with my camera.
i am forever grateful!

 i saw stuff that made my heart ache.

 i got to watch things come to life and my heart was full.

 i ate wonderful food.

 as mentioned earlier, i ate unusual things, and loved them!
exhibit A.  fruit/crab/mayo salad on the left....

 we got to enjoy the company of the people around us, and slow down enough to get to know them better...mainly over hot tea and food.

an ukrainian accordion player made me very happy....

Can't wait to post more later.