Thanksgiving

Costya and Sasha, Andrew had been studying with Costya (the guy) He was booted from the Jehovah witness church for dating Sasha. So we have been trying to fire up a Bible Study with them again.




Eugene

We had a great time. I think the food tasted better, because we made it ourselves. Adrian also came over, but he was actually the photographer, which is why he isn't in any of the pictures

confused

It's not a girl that we named Esther, If anybody else got confused.

It's a boy!

This is what we call a baby bump Esther!

This is all a geuss as to just exactly what this is a picture of, I mean we are pretty sure it is a baby, (not a bicycle Carrie!)I guess Ultra sound equipment is probably a little older here, then it is in the States. Or maybe it is just me.
We didn't really want to know if it is a boy or a girl but I guess I was asking to many questions, the doctor was feeling especially ornery that day too. I haven't actually been seen by a doctor, we just managed to get the ultrasound and blood work done. The Obgyn (different doctor from the one that did the ultra sound) is way over worked. The government as I understand has started to offer people money to encourage them to have more kids. They get a certain amount for the first and then a little more for the second and more for the third. It must be working because I went to the hospital twice and called the doctor 4 times before she could find time to write on a peice of paper, what I needed, and send me off to get the blood work and the ultrasound done. Even when I was there, I waited for about a half hour and there were about 5 women waiting and I could tell at least one of them was in labor. She doesn't sound like she is going to try to see me either, She just asked that I come back at 28 weeks to get a shot. (I am rh negative) and I am lucky to get that. I don't think she could possibly be the only doctor in town, the only reasoning I have been given is just that she is a good doctor.

At long last

     Well, it has been a little while since I posted last. I am sure most of you have heard about Stuart. A lot has changed here in Nikopol since Thursday afternoon. Stuart should be going in for surgery today, we will keep everyone posted. Fortunately they were able to take him to Dnepropetrovsk to do the operation where medical care is much better. ( this is what socialized medicine looks like by the way, it isn't pretty) The more we hear, the more things are looking up. It sounds like he is stable and able to respond.  Justin and Kyle have come, which was good. The family needed them.

     Benjamin has picked up little bits of what has happened. Yesterday he questioned Andrew, as to just how sick Stuart is. It is amazing to watch his little mind wrap itself around such a big concept. He kind of teared up (which he fearsly denied) when the reality hit him that Stuart wouldn't be able to pick him up anymore.