Week 10: Hello from Dnipro!

A note from Lydia's mom:  Lydia had a bit of a wild morning leaving yesterday for Ukraine--she slept through her 2:30 a.m. alarm, and I think the Spirit woke her up--2 hours late!  She had to really scramble, basically grab her bags and dash to the bus by herself--the rest of the group had to leave--and then the train, not sure all the way whether she would make her flight. She arrived at the airport 10 MINUTES before her flight was leaving!! She got to the checkin desk with her suitcases to check, and one of them was two pounds overweight.  She thought that was the end, but magically the computer said it wouldn't take anything more to bump up to the next weight level! Security had long lines, but she had TSA precheck and sailed right through, and the rest of her group was waiting for her on the other side, and they just made it to the gate.  Many miracles.  We got to talk to her on the phone for a few minutes after she got onto the plane.  Phil found her a place to shower at the Chicago airport where she changed planes, and we got to talk to her again after she was done and had time between flights.  It was wonderful to hear her voice, and she was very happy and excited to be on her way to Ukraine.  This morning we got an email from her (her Wednesday evening) saying she arrived safe, and telling us about her first day.  Here it is:

Hey guys! After some stress and a nice shower we made it to Dnipro. It is snowing like crazy and really cold and windy but I love it here! All the buildings are very soviet but the city has a really pretty park that we tracted in for a little. When we got here we took some pictures with the mission president and his wife (I attached them) and they are really nice. We went to the mission office, learned who our companions are and where we are going (my companion is sister Larson and we are going to be serving in Odessa! She has been serving for about a year). And then they sent us out into the city for a few hours to tract. She is from Utah and I love her so much already!! She is so nice and we had the best time tracting. Like seriously I was really nervous for it but we placed a Book of Mormon with a neat lady and got her phone number, and she wants to meet with someone in a few days. I actually said things and started some conversations and I think its mostly trainer bias but sister Larsen says my russian is really good so since thats not very true it is nice of her to say:) We also handed out a bunch of english class cards. First impressions, Ukrainians are pretty nice for the most part and it kind of feels like this city is frozen in time, everything looks a little run down but I love it. I can't wait to go to Odessa! We'll take an overnight train tomorrow and the city looks so beautiful and everyone says its the best city!
This is getting long. I love you guys so much!

LOVE LOVE LOVE
Cectpa Kropelnicki