Today’s post is from one of the other team members, Doug Blake:

Well today we were able to wind down our trip after tying up some loose ends at the site (thanks to Chevy & Sergei). After a late breakfast, our team visited Balaklava – an old hidden Soviet submarine base inside the mountain. How facinating it is to know the secrets that city had under Soviet rule! They took things every much as serious as we did in the US, during the Cold War era. We also took time to visit the Panarama Museum depicting the historic battles in Sevastopol’s past. That city has quite a history and is one of the older cities of Ukraine.

We are currently on our long train ride back to Kiev. I think we all are bringing with us a little piece of Sevastopol, the people, the experience, and most importantly – the cause. What an incredible week this has been! For those of you who have not yet made this journey, words cannot describe the impact you will make on the lives of others. Also words cannot describe the impact on yourselves as you live the experience! (This coming from a first-timer.)

We will arrive in Kiev late morning Saturday, and will depart late afternoon for Amsterdam. Meanwhile Troy’s team should be arriving about an hour after we depart Kiev to continue the journey where we left off. May the new team have the blessings of good weather and safety just as we had.

Thanks to everyone for all of your prayers and blog responses as these have been a great encouragement to the entire team. Thanks to Yuri, Ira, and Sergie (and his wife) for taking such good care of us. We are counting down the hours that we can be reunited with our family, friends, and loved ones. Take care and we’ll see you soon.