I can’t begin to tell you how different our trip is compared to last time. First off, we’ve had more downtime, so we’ve been able to get adjusted to the time change. And since we were in Kiev last time in the dead of winter, we never had the chance to go out to explore the city. But since we arrived yesterday morning, we’ve been able to walk about the city and explore. Even at night, the weather has been pleasant for walking around, and the shops tend to stay open until 10 p.m.

Our apartment is only a few blocks away from the SDA, where we’ll have our appointment tomorrow morning. Being centrally located is fanastic, and we’re just a short stroll down to Independence Square, which is beautifully lit at night. I hope to have some pictures so I can post them as well.

The apartment itself is wonderful—containing more amenities than I ever dreamed we’d have on this trip: a washer, hot water—heck, even air conditioning. Can you imagine? Not me! The rooms here are spacious. My only complaint is the bed—which, in all fairness, I’ve had bad beds in nice hotels, too…so I’m not complaining too loudly.

As I suspected, it’s easier for me to Tweet than to post on our blog, so look forward to my random updates in the Twitter column of this blog. I have Pa’s Blackberry, so I’m able to check mail, and use Twitter. (My Twitter handle is LaFemmeMonkita).

I feel much more at peace than I did back home. It’s just no use stressing out over something which I can’t control—namely, what sort of referrals we’ll get during tomorrow’s appointment. I’ll admit I’m nervous, but not stressed.

Mt. Na likes Kiev so far. We bought him a Donetsk Schacter Soccer scarf from a street vendor at Independence Square last night and the woman gave him a Ukrainian Flag which he waved around triumphantly for the rest of the evening. I love having him with us because as Pa and I fumble through broken Russian, pointing and grunting and sounding completely idiotic, people tend to dote over Mr. Na. It’s a nice balance.

Reuniting with Klas, our facilitator, has been a wonderful experience. He’s like an old friend. He’s been giving us some insight as to our appointment—managing our expectations. I won’t say too much but he has cautioned us that Mr. Na’s adoption was, indeed, something short of a miracle. We cannot, he stressed, plan on having a repeat performance. I knew this, of course, but Klas pretty much sealed it for me.

So today, we’re off sightseeing. Pa’s looking at the Bradt guide to plan our day, but he’s just informed me that if we want to go see the Monastery and Caves, I’ll need to wear a skirt that covers my knees; a scarf for my head; and no makeup.

Well, that just about kills that idea, doesn’t it?

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