Visitors

Uncles are great. Everyone should have one. Seriously. One of mine is named Uncle Jim. He was our very first visitor in Ukraine. Daniel's Dad came over with us when we moved here, but since we came here together I don't think that fits the technical definition of visiting. But, back to the story, Uncle Jim went on a mission trip to Russia and decided to stop by Ukraine on his way back. It was so exciting having family here!     To honor his arrival, I decided to slice my knee open in the morning right before we were leaving to go take our teammate Lexi to the airport (she just happened to be going to Prague that day), as well as pick up Uncle Jim. Daniel and I were moving the van seats back into the van, and I stumbled, dropping my half of the seat on my knee. Oops. Note to kids: do not try this at home.
And now, a quick glimpse into Janiel dynamics.
Daniel "I'm going to get some bandages and stuff, you need to hold the cut together."
"No, I can't!" wailed Janna (what if there's blood? Ewww).
Daniel "You have to!!! That was not a question!"
Janna "Ok," (still not looking at it...what if it's gross?) but can you get my purse?"

Daniel wrapped up the knee, loaded Janna into the van, and took off. We arrived at Boris, a private hospital in  Kiev located an hour away from Smile House, and then checked into the emergency room.  Here's where miracles happen, or where Ukrainian ERs outshine American ones. We arrived, checked in, got stitches (Janna), talked with the doctor, did paperwork, paid, and checked out in 50 minutes FLAT. Amazing, huh?

Only 3 stitches for what looked like a small canyon! Oh well, it was my first wound. I'll take it.

We had Lexi meet us at Boris, and the short time it took to get stitches meant that we arrived at the airport EARLY.

Round  Two: the Saga Continues.

I was waiting in the arrival area for Uncle Jim, talking to Lexi and feeling ridiculous in Daniel-sized shoes, the ones I happened to be wearing when my little mishap happened. Daniel was off buying some water, and when he came back, it was not two minutes later when Lexi said "I'm going to faint. I can't see anything." I said, "Daniel! Grab her!" He did, and then led her to sit down. She was as white as a sheet, and later said that she didn't remember walking with Daniel and couldn't see anything.

Poor Daniel had to run around all morning, taking care of us crazy girlies! Note to self: keep him.

Uncle Jim finally arrived, and it was such a happy reunion! I can't remember the last time I'd seen him, at least 7 or 8 years, I think.

I led him over to where Lexi and Daniel were sitting (Lexi was feeling much better by this point), and all of a sudden Uncle Jim's arm fell off! "Quick! Daniel! Grab his arm!" I exclaimed! I didn't want anything to happen to it before the doctors could sew it on. We went to the airport emergency room, and they fixed Uncle Jim right up. And thus ended the adventure we call Monday July 18th.

Silly shoes

Two days after Uncle Jim arrived, our friend Rob showed up. His flight ended up coming at around 2:00 in the morning, and while we were waiting we took some pictures. Yeah, we were kinda tired. You know how I know this? As soon as Rob showed up, we left. We didn't even take pictures, which was the whole point of bringing the camera.

I made a sign so Rob could find us, and brought him a welcome gift. Wicked squid chips.

It was such a pleasure having visitors. Granted I couldn't work with them (stupid knee; who does that?), but they accomplished a lot and were a huge encouragement to us. Pretty soon it was time to say goodbye to Uncle Jim (Rob was staying 2 more weeks). I think Uncle Jim had a pretty well-rounded trip: he worked on Smile House, got to visit the kids at their camp, toured Kiev, visited Safe Haven, went to prison, and told Janna lots of stories about her mom when she was a little girl. Apparently when they were little, Uncle Jim chased my mom around the house with a pair of scissors. He got into big trouble for that.

However, moving on, we said our fair wells to Uncle Jim! Thanks for your work and interest in our ministry here! We love you! Please come back!

Rob found a new little friend. This little friend is very endearing.

The boys looking stern and stoic, just like good communists ought to look.

Uncle Jim left on the 24th of July, but it was much harder getting rid of Rob. Granted, Janna kept making him homemade pie. That didn't help. Luckily, Rob is a man of many talents, and got a serious amount of work done. He tinted windows to his heart's content, taught a computer class for some boys at Safe Haven, helped with English Club, tested some printers that were donated, and did many other odd jobs around Smile House. We wanted to keep him, but he decided to leave on the 6th of July. Bye Rob! Sank you for your help! Don't fall into a vat of Tang.

A lot of Ukrainians thought that Daniel and Rob were brothers. 

It's a lot of fun having visitors. Who's next? (please say yes, Brad)! We promise to take care of you and give you the best taste of Ukraine as possible. Traveling to a foreign country puts a whole new perspective on things, and God can use that time to grow you and show you all kinds of opportunities. You'll be better for it. Please come. Squid chips are waiting for you.