Arrived in Lugansk region

Praise God that a big frustration that we have had is resolved: our ATM card is now working. It turns out that it had been unblocked for use in Ukraine, but then the block automatically kicked back on when we used an Indiana ATM after the system thought we were already abroad.

The air conditioner was broken on the night train so we left the door open all night but were able to sleep OK considering. Tomorrow's forecast is 42 degrees C or 108 F. We are swigging water nonstop, but we love being here.

We arrived around 10 a.m. and were met by a driver who took us about an hour outside of Lugansk. We picked up the children's very nice social worker and went to visit both of them (separately). We then checked into a hotel and had a much-needed shower and 3 p.m. lunch. (This is the second time this trip that we skipped supper and breakfast; not too smart, but it's been a real whirlwind.)

We have a critical interview late this afternoon and are just taking a break in our room before that, so please pray.