Welcome

Greetings...

For those of you who don't know me...let me introduce myself. My name is Kelly Wilson...I live in Golden, CO...I have been close friends with Dede for almost 25 years...and I am the blognomad.

On June 25th, 2007...a new adventure begins. This is not my journey...per se...it is Dede's journey. I am the sidekick...the wing(wo)man...the photojournalist. Although it is Dede's journey...I will share with her the adventure. And...I will share that adventure...with all of you.

The destination...Kiev, Ukraine. The reason...fulfilling Dede's dream of becoming a mother. It has been a long and arduous journey for her...but the time is near...and prayers are more than welcome.

Those of you who have followed my blog...know that I tend to be more narrative in the tone of my postings. And...during this adventure I will certainly try to toss a short story or two your way. However...what is most important here...is keeping all of you apprised of the process that Dede is undergoing. I am not certain yet how the internet set-up will be in Ukraine. Kiev has come a very long way since it's independence in 1991...and I feel certain that we will find everything that we need...and then some. Dede's already worried about which 5-star hotel we're going to steal away to when need be. I did it in Africa every few weeks. I feel her.

Once we leave Kiev however...and venture out into the smaller towns...it may be tougher to find an internet connection. I will let you know ahead of time where and when we are going...in case you don't hear from us for a few days. I was surprised however in Africa...that every small hovel I found myself in...there always seemed to be an internet cafe. No water oftentimes...but they definitely had cell phones...and internet. We will have a cell phone while in Ukraine...but will not know the number until we have arrived and purchased a sim card. We will pass that number along as soon as is possible.

This will be the first time Dede's feet land on foreign soil. I will be ready with Canon in hand the first time she encounters that feeling that many of us know...but that many of you may have yet to feel. My mission...as the blognomad...is hopefully to instill a sense of adventure...in everyone that reads my words. I know I've already sold quite a few of you...maybe during this pilgrimage...I can snag a few more.

Monday...I will meet Dede at the Atlanta airport. From there we will travel through Paris...and on to Kiev. We have less than an hour in Paris...so it could get tight. The kicker however is...that if Delta can't seem to make their way out of that very organized and consistent Hartsfield Airfield and into Paris on time...and we miss our flight....well...a few extra hours in Paris to drag Dede on the Metro and over to the Champs-Elycees...would not be a bad thing. It's a win-win situation. The meeting is not until Wednesday...so we are set for time either way. Once settled in...we will venture out to find a phone store...and an internet cafe...and give everyone an update.

I'm very excited about this adventure for so many reasons. I also might add...a wee bit nervous. And...I don't get nervous. But rest assured...to all of Dede's loved ones out there (and there are many...she's easy to love)...I will stand by her side every step of the way. I promise that she will be well taken care of. It's going to be exciting...yet intense...and oftentimes stressful for her...but...she will never be alone. I will support her every step of the way.

About my somewhat "Ludlumesque" title. It was just for fun at first...but I like it...it stays. You see...everything about Dede's journey for the last 2.5 years to get to this point...was contingent upon something else. To have reached this point...is the answer to many prayers...from many people. Dede is very thankful to each and every one of you for your constant support. However...I ask you for her...to continue it coming. She has reached a critical point...but this is just the beginning.

I opened up the comments to anyone. I don't know if that's new...or if I just didn't know any better last time. You will not have to join anything...or have a password...but you will be prompted to copy a letter code before posting...so that we don't get blog spammed. I encourage you to send Dede a few words from home every so often. I know from experience how important it is to get that support.

With all that being said.....

...follow along

...see you in Kiev (which henceforth will be referred to by it's given name...Kyiv)

Peace to you and yours...

The Nomad