greetings from Austria

well, I landed safely in Vienna, Austria a few hours ago. I had McDonalds in the airport with the Powells, who are also on their way to America. then I took a shuttle to my hotel, about 3 miles from the airport. the Powells were staying at the hotel across the street from the airport, but I'll see them in the morning. we have the same flight to Washington, D.C.
this morning I got up bright and early to see my host mom before she left for work and I left. it was a sad goodbye, but I'm so thankful for her. she was like my mom this summer. then my host dad came home from work, and I had to say goodbye to him. the pastor from the Berdyansk church and his daughter, Sveta, drove the Powells and I to the airport, about a 4 hour drive. it was bumpy and I was sad to be leaving Ukraine. I was super thankful that the Powells happened to be flying out with me. it made things a lot easier.
the past couple of nights have been all about me, ha ha. Sunday night after the evening service, most of the youth went over to Ena & Pasha's apartment to hang out. there was lots of cake and lots of Coca-Cola. it was a lot of fun just hanging out with them. they all said such kind things about me. I'm so glad I fit with them. they made this summer so wonderful. then last night, we went to the Sea one last time. I gave away American things, I felt like Santa Clause. they were all so excited to get things from America. as we walked home, I had to start saying goodbye to people. it was really hard. I didn't cry in front of them, but I wanted to so bad. a few of them sat with me outside my apartment and talked and looked at pictures and exchanged addresses & email addresses & skype names. I want to stay in contact with them as best as possible.