Preparing for My Husband's Departure

Grandpa Ivan's funeral is today and Ivan is heading back to the states tomorrow. It was too expensive to change his ticket so we decided he should go back now. He leaves on Wednesday but will not arrive in Chicago until Thursday morning. He has a 10 hour layover in New York and will have to drive back from Chicago to Indy. He has a very long two days of travel ahead of him. But I think he is ready to get back to our house, spend time with the cats, and prepare for a busy semester of class and work.

Thank you all for you thoughts and prayers for Ivan's grandfather. His grandma was doing better yesterday. She actually spent last night alone at home. She said she wanted to start getting use to being alone. It was hard to go to the house and not be greeted by grandpa Ivan. He was such a good man. Ivan was telling me how he had no enemies and how everyone was his friend. He was the classic grumpy old man but he did everything out of love and caring for others.

I am preparing for Ivan's departure. I think my Bulgarian is getting better and I can make simple sentences and get my point across. I am sure it will be frustrating but I think this is the best way for me to learn. I think I need a little time without Ivan here so I am forced to start talking on my own. With Ivan here I just look to him when I don't understand or when I want to say something. For the next three weeks I will not have that to fall back on and I am sure that will speed up the learning process. It is funny because I am starting to follow some of the conversation. Sometimes Ivan turns to translate what people are saying and I tell him he doesn't need to because I understand. That is a very nice feeling!

Well the next time you hear from me I will be the lone English speaker in the Lupov house. Thanks again for all your e-mails and postings. I miss you all very much. Please give Ivan a call when he gets home and check in on him for me :)