A Week of Thanksgiving, Day 7

A Week of Thankfulness, Day 7. Today I am thankful for family- in Ukraine. And while I have been thankful for the other things from the last six days, I must tell you that I've been waiting all week for this day. I'm not really sure why I made myself wait this long, but on my list family was Day 7, so I have waited and anticipated. Gosh, I don't even know where to start with pictures. I'm so super thankful that I've been in the same country for the last two and a half years as my brother and his family. I'm thankful that one of their visa trips(to Poland) coincided with one of my staff conferences. I'm super thankful that my parents have visited twice since I've been here. I was a totally stressed out, super-grouch the last time they were here(due to life-changing decisions occuring right before they arrived), but was still so glad that they were here. I have been such a thankful sister, sister-in-law and aunt, to have been able to spend time with Will's family twice in Odessa, once in Poland and three times in Dneprorudni. What a blessing it has been for me to see Will and Phyllis and to get to be a small part of my nephews and nieces' lives. For all of this, I'm SOOO thankful!!!

Mom & Dad's first trip to Ukraine, 2009- overlooking Odessa Sea Port

With Raia on an electrichka in Odessa, Thanksgiving 2009

Will and Phyllis, at my first apt., Thanksgiving 2009

In Dneprorudni for Orthodox Christmas, with Jaan, Asya and Raia- Jan. 2010

Together in Krakow, Poland, April 2010

At the Odessa Sea Port, Thanksgiving 2010. They had just told me about Bogdan, so he's in that picture, also. =-D

With Jaan, Raia and Asya in Odessa, 2010

In May, 2011, I visited them in Dneprorudni and got to meet Bogdan

Mom & Dad's 2nd trip to Ukraine. This time I went along with them to visit Will, Phyllis and the kids- Oct. 2011

Oct., 2011, with all four kiddos. My heart already aches, knowing that it most likely was the last time that I will see them for a long time. But I am so thankful for all the great times that I did have with them. Thank you, God, for this wonderful gift that you gave me!