Friday, August 19, 2005

Greetings to all from Lviv, Ukraine! I made it here safely without any terrible catastrophes. The most exciting part of my journey was from Lubbock to Dallas. It took us 4 hours to get from Lubbock to Dallas, which is normally an hour flight. We had to dodge weather problems, and then ended up refueling in Abilene, and finally made it to Dallas 3 hours late.

I got off of the plane and had ten minutes to get to the international terminal to catch my flight to London. I made it with a few minutes to spare.

For those of you that saw me before I left, you know I was feeling pretty miserable. I went to the doctor Monday morning, the day before I was supposed to leave, and was diagnosed with strep throat! Yuck! I got some medicine and I am feeling much better. So, for my grandmother; I am healthy!

When I got off of the plane in Kiev, I was so excited to finally be here! I think everyone has a place that you have visited, but never lived there.

But, when say you are going to that place, you say, "I am going home."

Well, for me, I arrived in Kiev and felt like I was "home." It is a place where I feel so alive and refreshed. Even though everyone around me is speaking a language I hardly understand, I am at home. It's awesome!

I was greeted at the train station by Yura, Amanda, Yura, and Olya K. They all had smiles on and were excited to see me. I am currently sitting at Fred's desk looking out the window of the beautiful city of Lviv, and I just don't know how to convey all of my joy and excitement to you!!

Well, I guess I will close for now. At the bottom of my email I put my address and phone number. I do have my own phone, so please call anytime.

Also, as far as mail, I wouldn't suggest sending any packages, but letters are always welcome. MAKE SURE YOU SEND THEM BY AIR MAIL. I am just afraid that it would take too long for a package to get here, and I will not be here long enough.

May God's blessings be on you,