We arrived in Kiev excited, tired, anxious, nervous and not really knowing what to expect. It was a near white out and looked exactly like a scene from Dr. Zhivago. We got through immigration and customs lugging our four suitcases loaded down with clothes, electronics, and stuff for a baby girl. Our interpreter, Vladimir, met us immediately outside customs with a very Russian version of "Holy Cow. Why did you bring so much stuff?" As we explored the city, we understood what he meant.

After a forty-five minute taxi drive to downtown Kiev, we had an apartment half a block from Independence Square, just around the corner from McDonald's, and was near several cultural points of interest, lots of shopping, and many restaurants which were all within walking distance. Our interpreter showed us where to find the market, an internet cafe, and the underground shopping mall.

Once we were alone, we explored the square and many of the stores and malls in the area. I'd forgotten to bring snow boots and realized that my sneakers made me look like a tourist. I was able to get new boots at the Timberland Store, which was right next to the Columbia Sportswear store. Remember Vladimir's reaction to all that luggage? You can get anything and everything you might want in country. All the clothes and accessories we brought for our little girl were available from a store called "Mothercare," and the prices were about the same. We definitely over packed. Please don't make the same mistake.

At the adoption center, we put our lives in the hands of our facilitator, Andrew, who did a great job. There were two healthy children available that day, and they were both boys. We were originally looking for a girl, but it took us a "nanosecond" to change our minds. Health was our real criteria. We accepted the little boy and donated the girl clothing to the orphanage.

The next day we finally got to visit the orphanage and meet our boy, Yaroslav. We were impressed how the ladies of this orphanage truly cared about each of the children. They were well fed and given constant attention and love. I can't speak for every orphanage, but this one was very well run.

If we could give you three tips for your trip, the first is to be patient and keep a positive attitude. The culture is different, but if you pay attention, you’ll notice more similarities than differences. The bureaucracy can be frustrating, but you will get through it. Second, take more cash than you think you will need. Odds are that you’ll end up in a region that is less expensive than Kiev, but you may not. It is a cash society, and credit cards are only accepted in a few places. You can always bring money home.

Finally, learn to say "thank you" in Ukrainian. Looking dumb and saying "sbasibo" (spa-SEE-bo) and smiling will get you a lot farther than just looking dumb. Ukrainian society is very polite.

Good luck in your trip. I'm sorry you won't be as lucky as we were (we got the cutest and smartest kid in the country), but we wish you a safe and happy journey.

Editor's Note: Comments and opinions made in all stories may not reflect the current climate of adoptions in the foreign countries. While EAC does their best to maintain the highest level of care during your adoption, we cannot guarantee the exact experience.