Another Curry Kid: Warning - this a a looong one!

It certainly has been an eventful few days. I will try to describe in the order of events. When I last wrote, we were planning our trip to Kherson (pronounced hearson) in order to visit Viktor at camp. We left Kyiv Saturday night at 8:30 on the train for an 11 hour ride. The train station was so busy - like an airport. We had our own cupla which consisted of four bunks, a small table, and had a door for privacy. The bathrooms were indeed gross, but not unusable as long as you didn't breathe through your nose. John, Zhenia and I shared the cupla. We ate dinner we had packed, watched a DVD then went to bed. I was quite comfortable if a little warm. The train had air conditioning but the conductor refused to turn it on because another family was worried their kids might get cold (there were extra blankets available). Sleeping all the way was a little difficult as the train stopped often and was very loud. John was not quite as comfy as the bunks were really not made for someone 6'5", he gave up trying to sleep around 5:00 a.m. We arrived in Kherson around 7:30. I had waited until we were at the train station to use the restrooms again so I wouldn't have to use the one on the train. If only I had known the lovliness of the train bathroom!! The "restroom" (i use this term very loosely) was located in a seperate building away from the train station. I won't go into detail over the internet so everyone won't be subject to the grossness, but when I talk in person I'll try not to spare details. I'll just say there was some gagging involved and I wouldn't expect a dog to use these facilities. I would have rather gone behind the building, but there were too many people. Keep in mind this was a very busy station, I don't understand a country that would treat their people so. Well after that traumatic experience (did I mention I'm battleing a UTI - so I had to go frequently) we headed off to the McDonalds for breakfast as promised - wait a minute there was no McDonalds. We could tell Zhenia felt bad about this so we just ate leftover potatoe chips and cookies from the night before. I mentioned in the earlier blog that we were unsure about how we were going to get back to Kiev. When we arrived in Kherson Zhenia went to the ticket booth to ask about returning that evening. There were no tickets for the 5,6,7.8.9.10, or 11 o'clock trains. They told him to come back later as sometimes tickets became available right before departure. We found a taxi to take us to camp, supposedly about a 40 minute drive. We were tired and still a little hungry but our excitement about finally seeing Viktor gave us extra energy. Well the drive turned out to be about and hour and a half. We arrived at camp, met the director, and proceeded to Viktors building. He did not know we were coming but word spread rapidly as soon as we got to camp. Many of the kids knew Zhenia from his work at different orphanages. We heard "Zhenia, Zhenia" all over - they were so excited to see him. We finally see Viktor and it was a great reunion - hugs all around - alot of excited talking (that we couldn't understand). We headed up to his room with a full entourage of boys. Viktor ran up first and told Zhenia to wait becuase he had not made his bed and his room was messy - he will fit into our family just fine! Viktor had no idea we were in Ukraine (although we had tried to pass the message) but he had our family picture taped to his bed - sweet. We hung out in his room for about an hour - passed out candy, met many of the kids from Orphanage 21 and tried to catch up on what had been happening in his life since we were last in Ukraine. We were never alone with Viktor - always a group around. Zhenia certainly had his work cut out translating all day as everyone wanted to talk - some to try out their english and some just wanting someone to be interested in them. The boys showed us around camp which is located on the black sea. I asked if they swam alot, but they pointed to the people out in the water and said no matter how far out, the water was only up to their knees and they had all been stung by jellyfish. The beach looked nice though and there were plenty of people enjoying the water. The boys then put on a soccer match for us - they are all so good - then it was time for lunch. Viktor said that the food was very good and Zhenia confirmed that when he was an orphan they ate very well at summer camp. During lunch we got to see most of the kids - some were so young - it was just heartbreaking and it hit us pretty hard. It was not summer camp by U.S. standards for sure (conditions were very poor) and very loosely run - for the older kids at least. Besides lunch and rest time, they were pretty much left to wander during the day. During the soccer match we saw a few climb the fence and come back with cigarettes from the local store. We spent the rest of the day just hanging out with Viktor and the others - we had a great time. It was so sad to leave him there with promises that he will come join us in a few days. That concludes the good part of our trip - it kinda goes downhill from there. We decide to take a shuttle bus back to the train station in Kherson. Continuing with my bathroom theme - the "restroom" at the bus station was barely a step up from the train station one. Our first clue should have been when the bus driver had everyone get in their seats to see if the bus was filled. He did not turn on the a/c during this time and it was 100+ outside. When we finally got under way he stopped about 6 times during the first 20 min. Blared his music SO loud and stopped a couple of times to buy watermelons and canteloupe. After an hour with him we couldn't take it any longer so jumped out at a store and took a taxi to the train station. The hour and a half trip to camp turned into a 3 hour trip back to the station - so it was 8:30 by the time we arrived. There were no seats left for the remaining 4 trains that night and no buses leaving for Kyiv. It was quite to helpless feeling - so we started to pray - fervently!- just get us on a train by to Kyiv. I have to say God blessed us with Zhenia who remained positive during this whole process. Finally Zhenia said sometimes the conductors will let you on to their cars if they know they have empty bunks. we ran to the 9:00 train and the conductor said we could ride. We literally jumped on the train as it was starting to leave- not knowing what we would find. Now, before we had a cupla to ourselves. There is ,on these trains, coach class, pretty much a train car filled with bunks - that's where we were. It was agreed we could ride if I would sleep with the conductor - John said anything was worth it to get back to Kyiv. I know, sounds racy - but the story is not THAT entertaining. There were only 2 bunks in the main compartment and the conductor said I could sleep in the extra bunk in HER room (the only private room on the train). We were very grateful to be on our way back and Zhenia was so proud he could do this for us. I'm hoping Zhenia does not read this blog because it was possibly the most miserable 12 hours of my life. The train was so hot - I mean sweat dripping off of me and hardley being able to breathe hot. In addition I didn't have a seat just a bunk and it was about 5 inches too short for me with a wide shelf above me - think coffin. Well, knowing how I was faring I knew John was having a hard time too. I think his bunk was about a foot and a half too short and just as hot with all of those people around. The Ukrainians on board didn't seem fazed by the heat and were sleeping just fine - the soft, weenie Americans seemed to be the only ones suffering. My heart goes out to all of the families who travel so far and don't find a child. As much as I want to be home - we were so happy to just be back in Kyiv - seemed like 5 star accomodations compared to what we had just gone through. Again, so happy Phillp and Cassie were not with us - God is so, so, good - ALL THE TIME! We Americans have is SO good - i'm giving more money to foreign missions - what they must go through! Thank you to all who were praying for us - we were blissfully unaware of the situation in Georgia while we were gone - apparently about 400 miles from where we were. We were supposed to find out today of our court date - now we are supposed to find out tomorrow. I have finally figured out when you are given a date - add a day or two realistically. Lisa and Bart took the kids for the weekend and they had a great time - thanks! XOXOXOXO - Cassie & Phillip

Ready for departure from Kiev to Kherson. Full of anticipation about seeing Viktor and blissfully unaware of the trials and tribulations to soon follow. By the way, Sharon says it the choice of shirt that makes her look pudgy in the picture.