Sheeeesh! It’s only been 24 hours and I’m already feeling stretched. Some of that has to do with a terrible case of jet lag, so I’m doing my best to keep all judgments on hold. Speaking of jet lag, I want to sleep for three days straight, but that is not a possibility. For those of you who know me, I am NOT a morning person. This morning my roommates attempted to wake me up and it was a huuuge mistake on their part. I told them in no uncertain terms that I did not need to wake up just then and that I would get out of bed when I was ready. Poor girls.

Kiev is great! I am still grasping the fact that I’m in Europe and that this is something most people would find fascinating and exhilarating. It’s not that I’m not excited to be here, but it’s familiar. The smells, the sights, the food, the sounds are all what I’ve been around before. So it’s not brand new, but it’s like returning to an old home. I’m happy to be here, and I’m sure there will be some surprises here and there, but so far nothing has shocked me. The hallways of the apartment buildings are still sketchily dark and still smell like cooked cabbage and old garbage. The people still smell like BO. There are still stray dogs running around everywhere. And you know what? I love it! I’m in Eastern Europe and I know that this is where I belong for this time in my life.

Registration for the DTS starts tonight at 6:00 so I haven’t met everyone yet. There are 15 people all together, 9 girls and 6 guys. I am in an apartment with 4 (yes, f-o-u-r) other girls. Oy. Right now it’s just me and 2 of the girls, the other 2 arrive some time today. And so far, I’m the oldest girl, the other 2 are 17 and 18, so I have instantly become the ‘responsible’ one. Also since I speak English and a choppy Russian I have already acted as the occasional translator between Marta (the 17 year old Ukrainian who speaks broken English) and Arielle (the 18 year old American from Ohio who doesn’t speak a word of Russian). This could be interesting.

And you all were right, my Russian is coming back VERY quickly. Marta especially appreciates it. I hope I keep remembering more words; I would really like to be able to communicate especially since there are students who don’t speak any English. I can see our conversations being a jumbled mix of the languages we know in order to get to know each other. Oh, good times are ahead!

Prayer requests:

1) They have yet to find apartments for the boys. They are looking for 2 places but have only had possibly found one so far. Pray that find places for them to live soon!

2) For good sleep for me to help me get over jet lag.

3) Grace!!! Again, part of it the jet lag, but I want to love my roommates and have grace for our cramped living quarters. Pray that they have grace for me as well, I know that I can be pretty difficult. ;)

Thanks, love and miss you all!!!