Power Converters Needed

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In Europe, the power slams at 220 amps, versus 110 in the US.  So we've been trying to find converters.  For laptops, no problem, as they are designed for both systems.  But when you bring an air mattress, you don't plug in directly, unless you are desperate.  Well, we were last night, so we prayed and tried it.  For 60 seconds, all was well, but then the noise, and then some smoke, and a quick unplug!  Our converter had just burned out seconds before I considered this hare brained idea.  I'm hoping to find a power converter today so I can then learn if I've burned out the air pump motor.  Ah Kiev.

The weather here has been cool.  Mostly overcast and low 50's.  Yesterday the sun was out, so we went for a stroll along what appeared to be a riverfront park up to an amusement area with a big arch, kind of a knockoff of the St. Louis Arch.  Zach said it was a makeout spot and people were staring at us.  Well, it wasn't, but he did give me the heebie geebies.  Earlier a guy in a Red Sox cap came up to us, said he was a Christian, said he spoke english, and are we Chrisitans?  Then he says he is from Lugansk and that he has no job, and I'm thinking, "this is a con man".  It just seemed a little too convenient that he sees us leaving our building and knows we are Americans, and that we are Christians.  Something smelled all wrong.  So I say, "Sorry, we have to go now", and I start walking away.  The guy started going ballistic.  It was our only encounter in Kiev that has made me nervous so far.  Most people here know you are American by sight, and by how we dress, and how we talk, of course. 

Our SDA appointment was productive, but we have to go back, due to an unsigned document.  Our attorney, Victor, was very good with the SDA staff.  He kind of looks like Joacquin Phoenix.  Our next appointment is Monday.  We did sign a log book, though, saying we are only interested in Anya and Artium's file, and not any other children. 

Today, we will sightsee.  This weekend will involve more waiting to see the kids, but this is the process.  Please pray for us.  We need a power converter, and we need to have wisdom about people who are talking to us on the streets of Kiev.

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 7, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    How is your converter search going? I studied this topic quite a bit before coming, so you can call me if you'd like. I'm not an electrical engineer, but we have successfully wended our way through plugging things in with no issues. Be careful - not all voltage converters are created alike. Some use electrical trickery to convert from 220V (Europe) to 110V (US) and alter the waveform of the AC current so that it won't work properly with some devices. I thought I read you brought your Wii, so be careful! -Bruce

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 8, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    Have you called Bruce yet? :)

    ReplyDelete

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