Whew! What a roller-coaster of emotions! Looking back on prior blog posts over the past 10 months I find it kind of interesting that I end up with the same titles in different stages of the process. There are waiting stages, BIG emotional stages, faith stages, and all sorts of unexpected things along the way. The last 3 days have almost driven me bananas wondering when in the world I would ever get home!
Monday morning, we headed down to the market for socks and a few other odds and ends. We grabbed lunch down there at the really cheap restaurant by the bus station. There‘s a reason it‘s cheap, haha. Later, Aleksey came in on the train to M so he could pick up the social number. It was finished, thankfully, so he got that and came here to P. We didn’t really do much on Monday since we had planned on running around most of the day Tuesday.
Unfortunately, Tuesday’s to-do list barely got started. We had hoped to have the local passport information done by 2pm (since he was there when they opened to submit it). If we could make it to the regional office on Tuesday to apply, there was a good chance we’d have the passport by Friday. The hours ticked away and I got more and more down about the fact that we wouldn’t get the passport this week. The time finally passed and I had to get over it. I lucked out with some hot water, took a bath, and we went to eat.
Today was MUCH more eventful! I have gotten to recognize all the taxi drivers here in P. There’s the guy whose trunk will only open with a flathead screw-driver. Another guy has a car where only certain doors open (thankfully he doesn’t make you jump in Dukes of Hazard style). There are several other very friendly, crazy drivers with old, old cars. The guy who took us on our exhausting world tour last Tuesday has a nice, clean, roomy, older Mercedes. Today’s driver looked like he could not have even been 20 years old. The car was very tiny and uncomfortable. He needed directions to EVERYwhere! At one point, he was pulled over by a policeman and put in the police car for about 5 minutes. Yeah, that happened… Another guy took us on our castle tour and has been our driver several times. He has a super-clean car with a decent amount of room. He is by far the craziest driver and must have received his taxi education with “Ern” at the “Knight Bus Driver Training Institute” (Harry Potter 3 reference).
We started off today with Aleksey saying we “might” be going to Ki*v this afternoon. WHAT? Totally threw me for a loop. I was pretty stressed wondering how much/if I should pack up. I started with a suitcase of things I knew I wouldn’t touch until Ki*v even if it wasn’t until another 3-4 days. Once I was done with that, he came and said we needed to go do documents. Okay, so off we went! After we got the local documents, we headed to the regional passport office in U. After waiting in a hall for a little while, the power suddenly went off. We went in an office with a lady who fed us apples and practiced her English. I realized I’m waaaaaaay remedial on small talk. Please forgive me when I return if I can’t hold a conversation… It was thought that the power would return within an hour. Aleksey talked to the director, I went to the bathroom by flashlight (glad I’m still carrying that one around in the backpack), then we decided to go on to the doctor in M since we couldn’t do anything else there with no power. After some turnarounds (including a three point turn that slammed into the curb - lol), we got to the hospital where they re-bandaged miss C. She cried this time. A LOT. I don’t understand WHY they won’t let me stay with her! I know it would help! After that, we raced back to U in order to get the passport photo. The power was back on, so we got the photo and signed some documents. Aleksey went to talk to a few people and while he was doing that, the power went off again. REALLY thankful we got there when we did! Hmmm - wonder if the photo saved? Okay, crossing that off my worry-list. I’m not going to think about it. Somebody else pray about that, please??? We stopped at the train station where he bought tickets for TOMORROW!!!! Back in P, we finally ate our first meal of the day at 4:30pm. Everybody was pretty hungry!
C has a low fever now. Isn’t that how it always happens? RIGHT after you go to the doctor and say “everything is fine,” they get a fever. Boo. I’m going to keep monitoring it and we will go to the doctor in Ki*v if needed. Tomorrow, we will say goodbye to V*ktor’s friends, pack up, and head out of here. It’s kind of weird. As much as I want to get home, I wish I could just go straight home from here. This is not a four star resort (probably not even 1 ½), but I at least know it and I’m comfortable here. Ki*v will be change, big city, getting used to a new place. At any rate, off we go tomorrow!
Even with the “expedite,” the passport won’t be done until Monday, but it can be sent to us. We do not have to pick it up like we originally thought. Theoretically, we could go home Wednesday. I’m not holding my breath. Nothing else has been ready the day it should, so I’m just planning indefinite and taking it a day at a time. Thanks to all you prayer warriors! Miss you all!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
3-11-13 Waiting Waiting Waiting
The last few days have been uneventful. Right now, we’re waiting to hear if the social number will be ready today… or if they’ll drag it out longer. The soonest I can be home is the 22nd, but it could also be much later. At this rate, we may run out of money. We know God has it covered, so we’re just taking it a step at a time.
Friday, we headed down to the market and got V*ktor some shoes. I had brought snowboots thinking that could get him by until we got home, but there is no snow and his other shoes are quite literally falling apart. We went to the school and took gifts to his friends. They had fun in their classroom for a short visit. Later, we had supper and hung out in the room.
Saturday, we woke up slowly (due to a late night party downstairs Friday - shocking I know). After hanging out in the room for awhile and eating ramen, we ventured out to the school to pick up M*sha. At first, they were saying he had to be back in 55 minutes - which is barely time to walk anywhere. As I was talking about this to J and he was relaying to V that maybe we should just stay, the teacher standing there changed his mind and said to just be back for supper. The kids MUST be there in the dining hall for all meals whether they’re hungry or not. Honestly, I think it makes sense, so it didn’t bother me. We took a quick walk to the store with J and Sa. I told M*sha to get something, too, so he did. As we walked outside, he was trying to hand it to Sa saying “sestre.” Awww- pretty sure that meant give this to my sister. We walked to the white hotel to eat. Of course, as luck would have it, they were having some kind of party that took up the whole restaurant. It was spitting rain, so we called a cab to take us to a different restaurant. After a good meal, we walked M*sha back to the school where we said hello to R and Ma at the gates. It was getting dark, so we took a taxi back to the hotel. There was an all night wedding which made for some greaaaaaat sleep - not.
Sunday, it was time to take C back to the doctor for a checkup. This time, Aleksey wasn’t here, and I figured since we had to have a phone call translator anyway, why not have a nurse? So, my awesome cousin N woke up in the middle of the night to talk to the doctor! He’s very happy with how C is healing, and he thinks within another week all the bandages will probably be off. She had been running a very low fever, but it was better Sunday. He said if it gets to 38 (100.4 for those of you without a handy conversion tool at your disposal), then we need to take her to a pediatrician. It has been 100.3 a few times, but we’re doing okay! We ate lunch at that café again. Mmmmmmmm - belini! It’s like really thin pancakes (more like crepes) with jam on them. Yum yum! I had forgotten about those! Should have been ordering them more often! We looked for a bookstore, but it was closed. Our plan had been to check out another castle on the way back, but the long hike carrying C along with the rain made us change that plan! Back at the room, we just hung out for awhile. J and Sa came over later in the day to skype with their Moms and Dads in America. I planned to take them downstairs to eat, but it took so long just for them to finish taking our order (after coming back over and over to say they didn’t have something or ask a question), that the boys had to leave. V and I ate. C fell asleep literally while eating a piece of bread. Later in the evening (for the THIRD night in a row) there was a loud party very late. C’s “nap” of course was over and she was up crying without going back to sleep. I finally carried her down there at 1AM and pleaded with them to give it a rest. They were very nice and turned it down. Sheesh! It still took almost another hour for her to sleep, though.
Right now, we’re awaiting word on whether today’s document is done. Pray please!
Friday, we headed down to the market and got V*ktor some shoes. I had brought snowboots thinking that could get him by until we got home, but there is no snow and his other shoes are quite literally falling apart. We went to the school and took gifts to his friends. They had fun in their classroom for a short visit. Later, we had supper and hung out in the room.
Saturday, we woke up slowly (due to a late night party downstairs Friday - shocking I know). After hanging out in the room for awhile and eating ramen, we ventured out to the school to pick up M*sha. At first, they were saying he had to be back in 55 minutes - which is barely time to walk anywhere. As I was talking about this to J and he was relaying to V that maybe we should just stay, the teacher standing there changed his mind and said to just be back for supper. The kids MUST be there in the dining hall for all meals whether they’re hungry or not. Honestly, I think it makes sense, so it didn’t bother me. We took a quick walk to the store with J and Sa. I told M*sha to get something, too, so he did. As we walked outside, he was trying to hand it to Sa saying “sestre.” Awww- pretty sure that meant give this to my sister. We walked to the white hotel to eat. Of course, as luck would have it, they were having some kind of party that took up the whole restaurant. It was spitting rain, so we called a cab to take us to a different restaurant. After a good meal, we walked M*sha back to the school where we said hello to R and Ma at the gates. It was getting dark, so we took a taxi back to the hotel. There was an all night wedding which made for some greaaaaaat sleep - not.
Sunday, it was time to take C back to the doctor for a checkup. This time, Aleksey wasn’t here, and I figured since we had to have a phone call translator anyway, why not have a nurse? So, my awesome cousin N woke up in the middle of the night to talk to the doctor! He’s very happy with how C is healing, and he thinks within another week all the bandages will probably be off. She had been running a very low fever, but it was better Sunday. He said if it gets to 38 (100.4 for those of you without a handy conversion tool at your disposal), then we need to take her to a pediatrician. It has been 100.3 a few times, but we’re doing okay! We ate lunch at that café again. Mmmmmmmm - belini! It’s like really thin pancakes (more like crepes) with jam on them. Yum yum! I had forgotten about those! Should have been ordering them more often! We looked for a bookstore, but it was closed. Our plan had been to check out another castle on the way back, but the long hike carrying C along with the rain made us change that plan! Back at the room, we just hung out for awhile. J and Sa came over later in the day to skype with their Moms and Dads in America. I planned to take them downstairs to eat, but it took so long just for them to finish taking our order (after coming back over and over to say they didn’t have something or ask a question), that the boys had to leave. V and I ate. C fell asleep literally while eating a piece of bread. Later in the evening (for the THIRD night in a row) there was a loud party very late. C’s “nap” of course was over and she was up crying without going back to sleep. I finally carried her down there at 1AM and pleaded with them to give it a rest. They were very nice and turned it down. Sheesh! It still took almost another hour for her to sleep, though.
Right now, we’re awaiting word on whether today’s document is done. Pray please!
3-8-13 Gotcha Day and Beyond
Wednesday was “Gotcha Day!” That’s the day that V*ktor got to leave the orphanage - happy dance!!! Because the last 2 days had been so exhausting, we all slept a little late and then started at 10:45. When we got to the orphanage. V*ktor and Mi$ha were waiting for us in the front hallway. Aleksey realized the social worker was waiting for us back at the courthouse area, so we went back there to do some quick paperwork. THEN, we went to get him. By that time, Mi$ha had gone back to class, and we all went in with the director. He told V*ktor good luck, thank you to me, etc. Then, we took a few pictures and headed out! V*ktor ran upstairs to get his suitcase and Mi$ha walked him back down and out. We are going to be in town for awhile, so it wasn’t really goodbye for good, yet (and hopefully he will be close enough to visit this summer). We waved and headed back to town while Aleksey did some paperwork. He caught up with us for lunch and then we just hung out in the room while C slept. Later, we went to supper at our hotel. V*ktor was really excited to sleep in the hotel, watch TV, and play video games on the tablet! I have been in this hotel room for 5 weeks. V*ktor showed me that the couch actually folds out into a big bed! LOL- I can’t believe we had no clue of that (not that we needed it, but still). He would have been fine on just the couch part, as you can see from the picture, but he made the bed and that was fun. Everyone settled down to sleep! Well, first there were a few calls from the roommates asking how he was doing and saying hello. I can’t imagine what it’s like for them to see his empty bed there, now. I know they’re happy for him, but it must be painful to see that he left and they are still there.
Thursday was a great day! We started at the Children’s hospital where C did not even cry one bit! That kid is tough. I can’t believe how much she just moves on and keeps going even though she has a bad burn on her. After the Children’s hospital, we went to a castle in M. They had statues and lots of beautiful views from up at the top. We took a lot of pictures and just toured the castle. Our plan was to go back to the orphanage for the kids’ concert that afternoon but we were having such a good time and there were several more castles right in the area to see. V*ktor said he would much rather keep doing the castles, so we continued. First, we stopped in the M City square and walked around - Aleksey telling us about different statues and buildings. We ate lunch at a cafeteria place before continuing our castle tour. The next castle was my favorite. It is kind of “as-is.” They put a new roof above it to keep further damage to it, and they’re working to restore it inside. You can see from my pictures the stones and the open ceiling in at least one area. They have a lot of period pieces. It was definitely cool! Our last castle-stop had the absolute best surrounding land. You can’t go in the castle since it’s part of a health spa, and there are several other buildings on the grounds. We walked up the hill on the stone street winding up to the castle. It was just gorgeous! Once we got to the top, we could see the castle - which was massive! They built it at the end of the 1700s. Past the castle, we walked by a beautiful pond. Aleksey said they sometimes have swans, but it’s too cold right now. You could see the little swan house (see picture) out there. Also onsite is a natural springs with fresh, cold water coming out. We, of course, had to go drink from the springs for luck! I really liked the second castle, but this one had such beautiful grounds that I might have to call it a tie. As we walked down the hill, we started talking about the fact that V*ktor’s first orphanage was only about 5 minutes away. He wanted to go, so we drove to the orphanage where he lived for about 5 years earlier in his life. They had a gate, so I kind of wondered if we’d even get in. Aleksey had been here for an adoption before, though, so he was pretty sure they’d let us in.
Well, I may not have seen the P orphanage concert with V*ktor’s friends, but we caught the tail-end of the one at this orphanage! It was really cute! On the way up the stairs, 2 teachers grabbed V*ktor for hugs. Then, we walked into the packed room full of kids watching the other kids perform. People jumped up and insisted that we sit down to watch. I knew Aleksey had a train to catch, and I was hoping we didn’t make him miss it. They were all just soooo welcoming and happy to have us there. After about 10 minutes, the show was over and people started leaving the room. I thought V*ktor wanted to see the director, but he hurried us out of the room and headed down the stairs. Aleksey and I were accosted by adorable children wanting attention, so it took us a little while to catch up. I later realized they remembered Aleksey from the adoption last year. Once we went downstairs, V*ktor led us through hallways and then back up another staircase- we were just catching the director at the other door. I soooooo wish I had done a video of when the director saw him. It was like a moment on Extreme Makeover. She squealed and laughed so hard she almost cried. She hugged and kissed him. It was just very touching to see that she still had such joy and love for him! So incredibly sweet! After that she ushered us into her office and had us take off our coats to leave there. (I was having moments thinking of my friend R in another director’s office for 2 hours. I was hoping we could gracefully get out before then or Aleksey would surely miss his train!) We were led up to his old room where lots of kids greeted us, asked how he was doing, and also a few asked about Mi$ha. There was a lot of happy, welcoming conversation. The director said she would go get some pictures for me. This orphanage had a completely different setup. The room looked like the living space for about 25 kids. They had desks, bookshelves, a small kitchen area (closed off by a door and used by staff), and couches. The bedrooms were pretty cramped with 12 kids in one room and I assume 12 or more in the other. However, the living area was phenomenal and if they’re only sleeping in there, then the sleeping area doesn’t really need a lot of rooms. The bathroom had towels and toothbrushes all lined up neatly for each kid in individual cubbies. Kids were all so polite. If you were standing for any length of time, a kid was running up with a chair to sit in - so sweet! After a few minutes in there, they had pushed the desks together to make tables and served cake and hot tea. (The reason for concerts was that there’s a Women’s Day holiday in Ukra*ne.) We ate quickly (train, remember?), got the pictures and email address from the director, and said our goodbyes. It was an amazing experience. So blessed that we were put in the perfect place at the perfect time to do that!
After dropping Aleksey at the train station, we went back to the hotel where we had Ramen noodles for supper and watched some of “Titanic” on TV.
This morning, the kids had oatmeal for breakfast. C’s bandage came off and we had to go to the local doctor for rebandaging. Then, we all just had PBJ for lunch. We’re heading to the market now to get a few last gifts for V*ktor’s friends. Then, I guess I’m heading back for orphanage “visitation” with his friends!
Thursday was a great day! We started at the Children’s hospital where C did not even cry one bit! That kid is tough. I can’t believe how much she just moves on and keeps going even though she has a bad burn on her. After the Children’s hospital, we went to a castle in M. They had statues and lots of beautiful views from up at the top. We took a lot of pictures and just toured the castle. Our plan was to go back to the orphanage for the kids’ concert that afternoon but we were having such a good time and there were several more castles right in the area to see. V*ktor said he would much rather keep doing the castles, so we continued. First, we stopped in the M City square and walked around - Aleksey telling us about different statues and buildings. We ate lunch at a cafeteria place before continuing our castle tour. The next castle was my favorite. It is kind of “as-is.” They put a new roof above it to keep further damage to it, and they’re working to restore it inside. You can see from my pictures the stones and the open ceiling in at least one area. They have a lot of period pieces. It was definitely cool! Our last castle-stop had the absolute best surrounding land. You can’t go in the castle since it’s part of a health spa, and there are several other buildings on the grounds. We walked up the hill on the stone street winding up to the castle. It was just gorgeous! Once we got to the top, we could see the castle - which was massive! They built it at the end of the 1700s. Past the castle, we walked by a beautiful pond. Aleksey said they sometimes have swans, but it’s too cold right now. You could see the little swan house (see picture) out there. Also onsite is a natural springs with fresh, cold water coming out. We, of course, had to go drink from the springs for luck! I really liked the second castle, but this one had such beautiful grounds that I might have to call it a tie. As we walked down the hill, we started talking about the fact that V*ktor’s first orphanage was only about 5 minutes away. He wanted to go, so we drove to the orphanage where he lived for about 5 years earlier in his life. They had a gate, so I kind of wondered if we’d even get in. Aleksey had been here for an adoption before, though, so he was pretty sure they’d let us in.
Well, I may not have seen the P orphanage concert with V*ktor’s friends, but we caught the tail-end of the one at this orphanage! It was really cute! On the way up the stairs, 2 teachers grabbed V*ktor for hugs. Then, we walked into the packed room full of kids watching the other kids perform. People jumped up and insisted that we sit down to watch. I knew Aleksey had a train to catch, and I was hoping we didn’t make him miss it. They were all just soooo welcoming and happy to have us there. After about 10 minutes, the show was over and people started leaving the room. I thought V*ktor wanted to see the director, but he hurried us out of the room and headed down the stairs. Aleksey and I were accosted by adorable children wanting attention, so it took us a little while to catch up. I later realized they remembered Aleksey from the adoption last year. Once we went downstairs, V*ktor led us through hallways and then back up another staircase- we were just catching the director at the other door. I soooooo wish I had done a video of when the director saw him. It was like a moment on Extreme Makeover. She squealed and laughed so hard she almost cried. She hugged and kissed him. It was just very touching to see that she still had such joy and love for him! So incredibly sweet! After that she ushered us into her office and had us take off our coats to leave there. (I was having moments thinking of my friend R in another director’s office for 2 hours. I was hoping we could gracefully get out before then or Aleksey would surely miss his train!) We were led up to his old room where lots of kids greeted us, asked how he was doing, and also a few asked about Mi$ha. There was a lot of happy, welcoming conversation. The director said she would go get some pictures for me. This orphanage had a completely different setup. The room looked like the living space for about 25 kids. They had desks, bookshelves, a small kitchen area (closed off by a door and used by staff), and couches. The bedrooms were pretty cramped with 12 kids in one room and I assume 12 or more in the other. However, the living area was phenomenal and if they’re only sleeping in there, then the sleeping area doesn’t really need a lot of rooms. The bathroom had towels and toothbrushes all lined up neatly for each kid in individual cubbies. Kids were all so polite. If you were standing for any length of time, a kid was running up with a chair to sit in - so sweet! After a few minutes in there, they had pushed the desks together to make tables and served cake and hot tea. (The reason for concerts was that there’s a Women’s Day holiday in Ukra*ne.) We ate quickly (train, remember?), got the pictures and email address from the director, and said our goodbyes. It was an amazing experience. So blessed that we were put in the perfect place at the perfect time to do that!
After dropping Aleksey at the train station, we went back to the hotel where we had Ramen noodles for supper and watched some of “Titanic” on TV.
This morning, the kids had oatmeal for breakfast. C’s bandage came off and we had to go to the local doctor for rebandaging. Then, we all just had PBJ for lunch. We’re heading to the market now to get a few last gifts for V*ktor’s friends. Then, I guess I’m heading back for orphanage “visitation” with his friends!
3-7-13 A Beautiful Day Turned Bad
Monday was an absolutely beautiful day that, unfortunately, turned bad. Aleksey got in that morning only to discover that the court lady was wrong. She had told him court decree would be done Monday, but it actually wasn’t until Tuesday. It really didn’t make a difference for us that it wasn’t done until Tuesday because we couldn’t do anything with it until that day anyways. He may have waited to arrive until Tuesday, but otherwise it didn’t matter. I know God made that happen so Aleksey would be here for Monday night. I have no doubt about that.
We grabbed lunch, he ran to court for awhile, then we went to the orphanage to visit. I played some cards with Mi$ha, other friends came in and out, V*ktor played some Angry Birds. We left to go get V*ktor’s passport photo and he got back a little late. It was a pretty low-key but fun visit! There is a beautiful hill in town that has a cross and a lot of little buildings with paintings of the road to Calvary. I had really wanted to go up there before now, but I knew I couldn’t get C up and down the hill. So, Aleksey and I headed up there to take some pictures and see the city (he pushed the stroller and carried her when the path ran out). It was really neat. If you haven’t already, check out the pictures in my album. Gorgeous place!
After supper, we went back to the hotel. I put C in her pajamas and had just made some tea. I was holding it, but sat it right in front of me to grab something else. She moved so fast and pulled the scalding tea down on her. It spilled on her leg and feet. Since she was wearing footie pajamas it just held the hot water on her until I could get them off. I called for Aleksey and I put her in the bathtub with cold water. It was clear her leg was turning very red and starting to peel. So, I told him we needed to get to the hospital. Poor C was really upset at first, but she wasn’t even crying by that time which was actually a little concerning. I wrapped her in a wet towel, he grabbed something cold from downstairs (couldn’t even tell you what it was), and we raced for a taxi. The hospital seemed like an office building more than a hospital, but the actual room where we went was clean and looked like a normal hospital emergency room. They gave her a shot of something and wrapped her legs up. Aleksey said we were being sent to the Children’s hospital, so he went back to the hotel to get a few things. He kept asking me if I needed anything, and I was thinking “what could I possibly need?” He realized I wasn’t getting it, so he sat down and told me that she (and I) had to stay there for 7-10 days. REALLY? Wow- what an awful feeling! Aleksey said that he couldn’t stay once they checked her in, and I was about in tears thinking of being there alone and unable to communicate with them. I couldn’t wrap my head around having to stay in a Ukrainian hospital for that long - or that this burn was that bad! So, I just took it one moment at a time. They put us in a car with a nurse and driver to make the trip to the town an hour and 15 minutes away. C slept the whole way, I called Brian, and I prayed that they were wrong and it wasn’t that bad.
When we arrived (at another place resembling an old office building but bigger than the last one), the nurse went in search of a doctor, who came quickly. Aleksey talked to him and the nurse for a few minutes and then they wanted to take C into a room away from me. I almost lost it then, but I couldn’t really do anything about it. I’m soooooo thankful I wasn’t there alone! We sat and listened to her cry from the other room - which was really awful. When they came out and gave her to me, they talked to Aleksey for awhile. She stopped crying as soon as they gave her back to me. It was 2nd degree burns 3%. So, they said we could take her and come back in the morning. I can’t even begin to tell you how relieved I was that she didn‘t have to stay overnight.
We rode back to town and Aleksey went in a pharmacy to get whatever they had prescribed. I really think it was just Ibuprofen (which I had), but that’s okay. She was really tired and settled to sleep. I would hope so since it was 2AM!
Saying that Tuesday was a long day is a ridiculous understatement. It was exhausting!!!
We left early heading to the doctor in M City. They took her back in the same room, and she cried again. Torture to listen to that - even though I think it was mostly being scared. After that, we went to S City for the birth certificate. The lady insisted that we needed another document. Seriously? So, we went the hour and a half back to P. Aleksey ran in for the document, and we headed back. When we finally got the birth certificate it was 3pm and we hadn’t eaten all day. I fed C some baby food earlier, so she was fine. We ate at a diner, then we went back to M where there was another document to file. They were open until 6pm which was a really good thing! That’s when we hit a snag. In any other town, this document should take a day at the most. They said they won’t have it until Monday. So, that just added a week to our timeline, and that’s IF they even have it done on Monday. So much for getting home next week L Once we got back to town, we stopped at the orphanage to say hi to V. Then, we got back to the hotel after 7. Can’t even remember for sure what time it was. After eating lunch so late, we decided supper was cookies. C stayed up really late after sleeping so much in the taxi.
C is such a tough kid. She doesn’t even cry about it (except when they change her bandages), and she still happily totters around. The problem is that when she walks around, the bandages come off her feet. Just praying that the latest wrapping job was good and will stay awhile! Thank you to those of you who were praying for C’s healing. It really means a lot to us, and He has His hand in the situation.
We grabbed lunch, he ran to court for awhile, then we went to the orphanage to visit. I played some cards with Mi$ha, other friends came in and out, V*ktor played some Angry Birds. We left to go get V*ktor’s passport photo and he got back a little late. It was a pretty low-key but fun visit! There is a beautiful hill in town that has a cross and a lot of little buildings with paintings of the road to Calvary. I had really wanted to go up there before now, but I knew I couldn’t get C up and down the hill. So, Aleksey and I headed up there to take some pictures and see the city (he pushed the stroller and carried her when the path ran out). It was really neat. If you haven’t already, check out the pictures in my album. Gorgeous place!
After supper, we went back to the hotel. I put C in her pajamas and had just made some tea. I was holding it, but sat it right in front of me to grab something else. She moved so fast and pulled the scalding tea down on her. It spilled on her leg and feet. Since she was wearing footie pajamas it just held the hot water on her until I could get them off. I called for Aleksey and I put her in the bathtub with cold water. It was clear her leg was turning very red and starting to peel. So, I told him we needed to get to the hospital. Poor C was really upset at first, but she wasn’t even crying by that time which was actually a little concerning. I wrapped her in a wet towel, he grabbed something cold from downstairs (couldn’t even tell you what it was), and we raced for a taxi. The hospital seemed like an office building more than a hospital, but the actual room where we went was clean and looked like a normal hospital emergency room. They gave her a shot of something and wrapped her legs up. Aleksey said we were being sent to the Children’s hospital, so he went back to the hotel to get a few things. He kept asking me if I needed anything, and I was thinking “what could I possibly need?” He realized I wasn’t getting it, so he sat down and told me that she (and I) had to stay there for 7-10 days. REALLY? Wow- what an awful feeling! Aleksey said that he couldn’t stay once they checked her in, and I was about in tears thinking of being there alone and unable to communicate with them. I couldn’t wrap my head around having to stay in a Ukrainian hospital for that long - or that this burn was that bad! So, I just took it one moment at a time. They put us in a car with a nurse and driver to make the trip to the town an hour and 15 minutes away. C slept the whole way, I called Brian, and I prayed that they were wrong and it wasn’t that bad.
When we arrived (at another place resembling an old office building but bigger than the last one), the nurse went in search of a doctor, who came quickly. Aleksey talked to him and the nurse for a few minutes and then they wanted to take C into a room away from me. I almost lost it then, but I couldn’t really do anything about it. I’m soooooo thankful I wasn’t there alone! We sat and listened to her cry from the other room - which was really awful. When they came out and gave her to me, they talked to Aleksey for awhile. She stopped crying as soon as they gave her back to me. It was 2nd degree burns 3%. So, they said we could take her and come back in the morning. I can’t even begin to tell you how relieved I was that she didn‘t have to stay overnight.
We rode back to town and Aleksey went in a pharmacy to get whatever they had prescribed. I really think it was just Ibuprofen (which I had), but that’s okay. She was really tired and settled to sleep. I would hope so since it was 2AM!
Saying that Tuesday was a long day is a ridiculous understatement. It was exhausting!!!
We left early heading to the doctor in M City. They took her back in the same room, and she cried again. Torture to listen to that - even though I think it was mostly being scared. After that, we went to S City for the birth certificate. The lady insisted that we needed another document. Seriously? So, we went the hour and a half back to P. Aleksey ran in for the document, and we headed back. When we finally got the birth certificate it was 3pm and we hadn’t eaten all day. I fed C some baby food earlier, so she was fine. We ate at a diner, then we went back to M where there was another document to file. They were open until 6pm which was a really good thing! That’s when we hit a snag. In any other town, this document should take a day at the most. They said they won’t have it until Monday. So, that just added a week to our timeline, and that’s IF they even have it done on Monday. So much for getting home next week L Once we got back to town, we stopped at the orphanage to say hi to V. Then, we got back to the hotel after 7. Can’t even remember for sure what time it was. After eating lunch so late, we decided supper was cookies. C stayed up really late after sleeping so much in the taxi.
C is such a tough kid. She doesn’t even cry about it (except when they change her bandages), and she still happily totters around. The problem is that when she walks around, the bandages come off her feet. Just praying that the latest wrapping job was good and will stay awhile! Thank you to those of you who were praying for C’s healing. It really means a lot to us, and He has His hand in the situation.
3-6-13 Misha and Tshirts
It has been a very eventful 3 days, and I’ll get to that. First, I want to tell you about V*ktor’s friend Mi$ha and how you can continue to be a part of caring for orphans even after V*ktor is home.
Mi$ha is a quiet, reserved kid at first. Once you have some one-on-one time with him, though, he will open up. When he does, you will see a kind, gentle boy who's really helpful and wonderful with kids. He is SERIOUSLY amazing big brother material. We have spent a lot of time with him in the last few weeks. Chella took to him very quickly. He loved showing her attention, pushing her in the stroller, and helping any way that he could. It's no surprise that he's great with little kids. He has a younger sister, Miro$a, who says that he's a really good brother. (She is not available for hosting at this time since she already has plans this summer. They would need to stay together if adopted.) One day, I ran into Mirosa's teacher and immediately upon mentioning him, she said "Oh yes, Mi$ha is a good boy."
Mi$ha likes playing soccer. He prefers forward and is pretty good! One of the things he said he liked about his country was that he played in a large tournament in the nation's capital. He really wants to come to America. He would like swimming, bike-riding, just getting to see America, studying English, and of course he'd like to play some soccer while he's here. When asked what he would like to be when he grows up, Mi$ha responded that he might like to sell cars (he really likes cars) or play soccer. He said what he would most like to do is be an American soldier. He is a respectful, polite, well-behaved boy who would love to have a family.
I could go on about Mi$ha, but that information is a good start. Like I said before, he is very much like V*ktor. I’m sure that’s why they’re such good friends. V*ktor has now left the orphanage, and 2 of Mi$ha’s other roommates are already selected for summer hosting. I will do everything I can to make sure he is not left behind this summer. If you are interested in hosting, that’s awesome! You can apply at the New Horizons website, and hopefully you will tell me, too!
Hosting will give him a chance to see the country, be a part of a family, and maybe even see V*ktor while he’s here! He really wants to be adopted. By hosting, even if you don’t plan on adopting, you increase his chance significantly. Right now, he has less than 1% chance of being adopted. Being hosted increases that chance by 60%. - whether through the hosting family, a relative, a friend, or someone else who meets him while he’s here.
I promised V*ktor that I would do everything I can to get Mi$ha to America. Right now, we are facing a big delay which will be more money for our adoption. I know God will provide it.
Before we found out about the delay, we had decided to sell the rest of the T-shirts and put the money towards Mi$ha’s hosting scholarship. This will increase the chance a family will pick him since part of the fees are covered by the scholarship. That hasn’t changed. “Bring V*ktor Home” T-shrts are available for a free-will donation. You can let me know what size you want and then make the donation directly to his scholarship on New Horizons website. He is E081. www.newhorizonsforchildren.org
If you don’t have a T-shirt, this will be last chance!!! Show your support of V*ktor by having a shirt and support his friend all at the same time!! Below is a list of the sizes I have left. As orders are received, I will change this so it will be current.
7-XL 5-L 3-M 20-S
Mi$ha is a quiet, reserved kid at first. Once you have some one-on-one time with him, though, he will open up. When he does, you will see a kind, gentle boy who's really helpful and wonderful with kids. He is SERIOUSLY amazing big brother material. We have spent a lot of time with him in the last few weeks. Chella took to him very quickly. He loved showing her attention, pushing her in the stroller, and helping any way that he could. It's no surprise that he's great with little kids. He has a younger sister, Miro$a, who says that he's a really good brother. (She is not available for hosting at this time since she already has plans this summer. They would need to stay together if adopted.) One day, I ran into Mirosa's teacher and immediately upon mentioning him, she said "Oh yes, Mi$ha is a good boy."
Mi$ha likes playing soccer. He prefers forward and is pretty good! One of the things he said he liked about his country was that he played in a large tournament in the nation's capital. He really wants to come to America. He would like swimming, bike-riding, just getting to see America, studying English, and of course he'd like to play some soccer while he's here. When asked what he would like to be when he grows up, Mi$ha responded that he might like to sell cars (he really likes cars) or play soccer. He said what he would most like to do is be an American soldier. He is a respectful, polite, well-behaved boy who would love to have a family.
I could go on about Mi$ha, but that information is a good start. Like I said before, he is very much like V*ktor. I’m sure that’s why they’re such good friends. V*ktor has now left the orphanage, and 2 of Mi$ha’s other roommates are already selected for summer hosting. I will do everything I can to make sure he is not left behind this summer. If you are interested in hosting, that’s awesome! You can apply at the New Horizons website, and hopefully you will tell me, too!
Hosting will give him a chance to see the country, be a part of a family, and maybe even see V*ktor while he’s here! He really wants to be adopted. By hosting, even if you don’t plan on adopting, you increase his chance significantly. Right now, he has less than 1% chance of being adopted. Being hosted increases that chance by 60%. - whether through the hosting family, a relative, a friend, or someone else who meets him while he’s here.
I promised V*ktor that I would do everything I can to get Mi$ha to America. Right now, we are facing a big delay which will be more money for our adoption. I know God will provide it.
Before we found out about the delay, we had decided to sell the rest of the T-shirts and put the money towards Mi$ha’s hosting scholarship. This will increase the chance a family will pick him since part of the fees are covered by the scholarship. That hasn’t changed. “Bring V*ktor Home” T-shrts are available for a free-will donation. You can let me know what size you want and then make the donation directly to his scholarship on New Horizons website. He is E081. www.newhorizonsforchildren.org
If you don’t have a T-shirt, this will be last chance!!! Show your support of V*ktor by having a shirt and support his friend all at the same time!! Below is a list of the sizes I have left. As orders are received, I will change this so it will be current.
7-XL 5-L 3-M 20-S
3-4-13 Another Sunday
I had been thinking we would go home early next week, but there’s a Ukrain*an holiday on Friday which may keep us here in region through the weekend. I can’t do anything about it except pray for speed! Please join me in that prayer. At the same time I’m praying for speed, I know that goodbye to his friends is coming for V*ktor and I feel a need to postpone that pain. My heart is hurting for his friend Mi$ha and I pray that he will have the family that he so fervently desires. It’s really easy to see why he and V*ktor are friends. They are a lot alike - extremely shy until they get to know you, amazing with younger kids, polite, helpful, and wanting a family.
Sunday, I went to the orphanage at 10 to pick up V*ktor and Mi$ha. We came back to the room where the boys played some video games and I did laundry. I suppose it wouldn’t be a trip to Ukra*ne if I didn’t have to handwash clothes at least once! The washing machine at the hotel was apparently broken. I threw all the clothes in the tub, added probably way too much detergent, and proceeded to stir it with a coat hanger and scrub clothes together to get out stains (unsuccessfully I might add). The washing and rinsing part didn’t take all that long - though I did refill the tub about 4 times in all to completely rinse everything out. Wringing out the clothes was the part that took FOR-E-VER! Then I hung them all over the place - on radiators, side of the tub, the crib, and the bed’s metal headboard. After that, I used google translate to ask Mi$ha some questions about himself that will be used on the New Horizons page for his hosting information. YES - you read that right. He will be available for summer hosting in America! Yaaaaaa! V*ktor asks me all the time if I’ve found a family, yet. It’s really difficult to explain the process and that it will take some time. I just keep telling him that I’m working on getting him to America on hosting and we’ll pray for what happens after that.
We ate lunch at Bel*ni where the boys were laughing a lot and having fun. For whatever reason, Mi$ha had to be back at school at 2, so we walked back to school and played games in the playroom for awhile. At 3, they said he could leave again, so we went back to the hotel! I asked more questions on google translate, we skyped with Brian and kids, and I helped M upload pictures to his Russian facebook page. He put the one of him and C as his profile pic. V*ktor is loving the tablet (he calls it iPad - doesn’t discern brand- haha) and playing games on that. Later, we went for… drum roll… pizza. Again. It’s a good thing I love pizza!!! V*ktor wanted to get a pizza to go for the teacher. He was carrying it on its side in a bag! Oh well, hopefully it wasn’t a sloppy mess… It was dark when we got back to the orphanage, and I couldn’t get in touch with Aleksey to call me a taxi because he was on the train and couldn‘t hear it ringing. I was just going to walk, but V and M insisted that I just couldn’t do that! Misha called a teacher to get a taxi for me. Such gentlemen. Since I had already made the walk between the hotel and the orphanage a total of 5 times, I was kind of glad to have the taxi.
C was up bright and early this morning - yaaa. There was no hot water, so I boiled water a liter at a time in the teakettle to make a lukewarm bath. It just makes me appreciate all the things we have. Ukr*ine isn’t like a 3rd world country. They are pretty modern, but even then, they have no expectation of a lot of things we take for granted. I remember the day early on when I was horrified about no hot water, and when I asked Aleksey his response was, “Oh, I just took a cold shower” like it was no big deal. Well, today I just boiled water in the teakettle.
Aleksey got here this morning, we had lunch, and he ran around checking on documents. We will go to the orphanage in a few minutes for the last “visitation!” Tomorrow, V*ktor will be coming with US! My next post will likely be later today to tell you more about Mi$ha, hosting, and how you can help V*ktor’s friend find a home, too!
Sunday, I went to the orphanage at 10 to pick up V*ktor and Mi$ha. We came back to the room where the boys played some video games and I did laundry. I suppose it wouldn’t be a trip to Ukra*ne if I didn’t have to handwash clothes at least once! The washing machine at the hotel was apparently broken. I threw all the clothes in the tub, added probably way too much detergent, and proceeded to stir it with a coat hanger and scrub clothes together to get out stains (unsuccessfully I might add). The washing and rinsing part didn’t take all that long - though I did refill the tub about 4 times in all to completely rinse everything out. Wringing out the clothes was the part that took FOR-E-VER! Then I hung them all over the place - on radiators, side of the tub, the crib, and the bed’s metal headboard. After that, I used google translate to ask Mi$ha some questions about himself that will be used on the New Horizons page for his hosting information. YES - you read that right. He will be available for summer hosting in America! Yaaaaaa! V*ktor asks me all the time if I’ve found a family, yet. It’s really difficult to explain the process and that it will take some time. I just keep telling him that I’m working on getting him to America on hosting and we’ll pray for what happens after that.
We ate lunch at Bel*ni where the boys were laughing a lot and having fun. For whatever reason, Mi$ha had to be back at school at 2, so we walked back to school and played games in the playroom for awhile. At 3, they said he could leave again, so we went back to the hotel! I asked more questions on google translate, we skyped with Brian and kids, and I helped M upload pictures to his Russian facebook page. He put the one of him and C as his profile pic. V*ktor is loving the tablet (he calls it iPad - doesn’t discern brand- haha) and playing games on that. Later, we went for… drum roll… pizza. Again. It’s a good thing I love pizza!!! V*ktor wanted to get a pizza to go for the teacher. He was carrying it on its side in a bag! Oh well, hopefully it wasn’t a sloppy mess… It was dark when we got back to the orphanage, and I couldn’t get in touch with Aleksey to call me a taxi because he was on the train and couldn‘t hear it ringing. I was just going to walk, but V and M insisted that I just couldn’t do that! Misha called a teacher to get a taxi for me. Such gentlemen. Since I had already made the walk between the hotel and the orphanage a total of 5 times, I was kind of glad to have the taxi.
C was up bright and early this morning - yaaa. There was no hot water, so I boiled water a liter at a time in the teakettle to make a lukewarm bath. It just makes me appreciate all the things we have. Ukr*ine isn’t like a 3rd world country. They are pretty modern, but even then, they have no expectation of a lot of things we take for granted. I remember the day early on when I was horrified about no hot water, and when I asked Aleksey his response was, “Oh, I just took a cold shower” like it was no big deal. Well, today I just boiled water in the teakettle.
Aleksey got here this morning, we had lunch, and he ran around checking on documents. We will go to the orphanage in a few minutes for the last “visitation!” Tomorrow, V*ktor will be coming with US! My next post will likely be later today to tell you more about Mi$ha, hosting, and how you can help V*ktor’s friend find a home, too!
3-2-13 Sugar High
The party today was soooooooooo awesome! I am really glad that we were allowed to do it and take them to the restaurant for something different and fun. I can’t BELIEVE how much those kids can eat! It was a sight to see!
When I left off yesterday, I was venturing out for candles and balloons. I found the balloons and forgot about the candles (shocker I know). I have been TRYING to find a bakery - not a store that sells cakes, an actual bakery where they can write on the cake with frosting. I looked and looked, but didn’t really have any luck. I bought 4 2-liter bottles of pop and a giant jug of water to take to the party and almost broke my back carrying them all back to the room! We ate in the room, C took a nap, and we went to hang out at the orphanage. V*ktor played a car racing game on the tablet, we played some cards, then later went in search of a few kids to get pictures. It started raining, so we got a taxi back to the hotel. I had no desire to go back out, so I ordered food from the hotel restaurant.
This morning we got going pretty quickly. C watched a Sesame Street episode while I took a bath. Thank you youtube! We went out to get the cakes. (V*ktor confirmed that Mi$ha’s birthday was pretty recent, so I definitely wanted to get a cake for him.) I looked everywhere, called Aleksey a hundred times to talk to different people, and still had no luck locating someone to write on a cake for me! I ended up calling a missionary who is from here. She told me what to buy (actually I handed the phone to the lady at the supermarket), and I figured that would work! It was a can of something like caramel. I found a cake but realized there was no way I could carry it while pushing a stroller. So, I paid for the cake, hiked back to the hotel, and put C in the moby. I got as many strange looks as Brian did when we were in Kiev. She was front-facing with her head coming out the top of my coat (buttoned over her) and her feet dangling out the bottom. So fun confusing people - hahaha! I picked up the cake I had already bought and stopped at another store for the second cake. I was happy C’s hands were buttoned in my coat because I’m guessing she wouldn’t have made it so easy if she could reach the cakes just in front of her face! Whew!
Back at the room, I had everything I needed. I somehow used the can opener - it wasn’t pretty but I got it open. I put the caramel in a Ziploc bag and cut off the corner so I could write on the cakes. It worked great! I wrote “поздоровляю Congratulations V*ktor Phillip Werner” on his cake. Then, I wanted to write “Happy Birthday Mi$ha” in Ukrainian. Google-translate was fine on the happy birthday part, but I wasn’t sure how to do his name. So, I looked on his Russian facebook page. Below his name was a word that started with an M, so I thought that was it. I went ahead and wrote it on the cake, but just to make sure, I sent an IM to Aleksey. He immediately called me laughing so hard he couldn’t talk. Apparently, the word I used is a kind of car. I had just written the Ukrainian equivalent of “Happy Birthday Ford!” After taking a picture for Aleksey’s entertainment, I scraped it off and wrote it the right way. Having that completed, I gave C some veggies, yogurt, and bread. I was too excited about the party and trying not to forget anything that I ate cookies for lunch while she napped.
We had a taxi pick us up because there was no WAY for me to carry all the drinks, C, 2 cakes, and the backpack. As we drove past the restaurant, I pointed it out to the taxi driver and said “Avenu*.” He nodded like he understood. I figured, okay, he forgot and he’s just going to turn around. This happened several more times until he pulled up at the orphanage gates. He finally got it when I didn’t get out and said “no, Avenu*.” Haha- he took me to the right place and I got everything unloaded. Using charades and google-translate I talked to the people working (the English speaking guy wasn’t there). We got a big table set up in the backroom and I put balloons all over it. I asked then about where I could get candles, and they said they would just buy them for me! Awesome! So, they put the cakes in the fridge to be brought back out later.
Then, I went back to the hotel room to get C a sippy cup, and we made the walk to the orphanage. I’ve discovered I really don’t mind walking if I have somewhere to go. It’s just walking to walk that I do not enjoy. V*ktor met me at the door, and we went to get a video of O for his Mom. After that, we just went to hang out in V’s room for awhile. He, J, and Va played a card game I completely didn’t understand. Then, he said we could go at 4 (instead of 4:30 like I thought). We went to the front door of the orphanage and kids started coming from all directions. It was a bit like herding cats, though. There were consistently 8-9 kids there, but they kept coming and going instead of staying to wait for everyone! Finally, we got 13 kids and a teacher, so away we went! I could tell all the kids were excited, and the teacher was pretty laid-back and joked around as we walked. As I’ve mentioned before, these kids LOVE C, and they’re very helpful. I pretty much don’t have to carry anything or push the stroller when I’m with the group! We got to the restaurant, and I had J help with coordinating the orders - what a helpful kid! They went through the pop very quickly! I ended up getting 3 more 2-liters. Yes, you added that right - 7 2-liter bottles of pop for 13 kids and 1 adult (I was drinking water). Each kid got a pizza, but it’s a small oven and they came out three at a time. Half the kids were finished before the other half even had theirs. They were all watching futbol on the TV, playing with C, playing with electronic devices (a few of them have phones), or chatting. Finally, once V*ktor got and wolfed down the last pizza it was time for cake. I went out to see the cakes and have them brought in. They had put candles on V’s cake, too, but I didn’t want to tell them to take them back off so we went with it. It was so awesome! They put these flares on there, too, so they were like HUGE sparklers on the cakes! Mi$ha was very surprised and it was fun. Each kid had 2 giant pieces of cake - I mean, they had to try each cake right? Okay, so it wasn’t just the kids. I got 2 pieces, too, but I shared with C J After cake, they hung out and kind of spread out in the room for awhile. Sv, Sa, and J all skyped with their parents back in America. Then, they all ordered more to eat. They’re typical teenagers - bottomless pits when it comes to food! I got some videos from the kids saying messages to V*ktor for him to watch when we get back home or maybe on the plane. At least I think that’s what they’re saying. I really would have no idea if they’re reciting the Ukrainian pledge of allegiance (is there such a thing?).
We walked back to the orphanage. C was flanked by her protective cluster of kids taking turns pushing the stroller and walking on the sides holding her hands. Some of the boys were singing (totally got a video). It was a very happy, fun walk with the kids back to the orphanage. J kept trying to get Sv to give him the cake to carry. She knew better! Then, the goofy kids all started being really silly right before I left. The smallest kid, Ivan3, who was a total ball of energy, was dancing all over the front steps. At least HALF of the boys got a third piece of cake, and they may or may not have ended up with some of it on their faces. There may or may not be a video J Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaah, I just got 13 kids hyped up on a sugar-high and dropped then back at the orphanage! (Evil plan laugh) Mi$ha, V*ktor, and J2 walked me out to the taxi. Now, we’re in the room, C is sleeping, and the wedding is in full swing! I considered doing some research for an upper level “Ukrainian Wedding Crashing” course, but I’m pretty comfy in my Pjs. Think I’ll put in the earbuds and watch some LOST!
When I left off yesterday, I was venturing out for candles and balloons. I found the balloons and forgot about the candles (shocker I know). I have been TRYING to find a bakery - not a store that sells cakes, an actual bakery where they can write on the cake with frosting. I looked and looked, but didn’t really have any luck. I bought 4 2-liter bottles of pop and a giant jug of water to take to the party and almost broke my back carrying them all back to the room! We ate in the room, C took a nap, and we went to hang out at the orphanage. V*ktor played a car racing game on the tablet, we played some cards, then later went in search of a few kids to get pictures. It started raining, so we got a taxi back to the hotel. I had no desire to go back out, so I ordered food from the hotel restaurant.
This morning we got going pretty quickly. C watched a Sesame Street episode while I took a bath. Thank you youtube! We went out to get the cakes. (V*ktor confirmed that Mi$ha’s birthday was pretty recent, so I definitely wanted to get a cake for him.) I looked everywhere, called Aleksey a hundred times to talk to different people, and still had no luck locating someone to write on a cake for me! I ended up calling a missionary who is from here. She told me what to buy (actually I handed the phone to the lady at the supermarket), and I figured that would work! It was a can of something like caramel. I found a cake but realized there was no way I could carry it while pushing a stroller. So, I paid for the cake, hiked back to the hotel, and put C in the moby. I got as many strange looks as Brian did when we were in Kiev. She was front-facing with her head coming out the top of my coat (buttoned over her) and her feet dangling out the bottom. So fun confusing people - hahaha! I picked up the cake I had already bought and stopped at another store for the second cake. I was happy C’s hands were buttoned in my coat because I’m guessing she wouldn’t have made it so easy if she could reach the cakes just in front of her face! Whew!
Back at the room, I had everything I needed. I somehow used the can opener - it wasn’t pretty but I got it open. I put the caramel in a Ziploc bag and cut off the corner so I could write on the cakes. It worked great! I wrote “поздоровляю Congratulations V*ktor Phillip Werner” on his cake. Then, I wanted to write “Happy Birthday Mi$ha” in Ukrainian. Google-translate was fine on the happy birthday part, but I wasn’t sure how to do his name. So, I looked on his Russian facebook page. Below his name was a word that started with an M, so I thought that was it. I went ahead and wrote it on the cake, but just to make sure, I sent an IM to Aleksey. He immediately called me laughing so hard he couldn’t talk. Apparently, the word I used is a kind of car. I had just written the Ukrainian equivalent of “Happy Birthday Ford!” After taking a picture for Aleksey’s entertainment, I scraped it off and wrote it the right way. Having that completed, I gave C some veggies, yogurt, and bread. I was too excited about the party and trying not to forget anything that I ate cookies for lunch while she napped.
We had a taxi pick us up because there was no WAY for me to carry all the drinks, C, 2 cakes, and the backpack. As we drove past the restaurant, I pointed it out to the taxi driver and said “Avenu*.” He nodded like he understood. I figured, okay, he forgot and he’s just going to turn around. This happened several more times until he pulled up at the orphanage gates. He finally got it when I didn’t get out and said “no, Avenu*.” Haha- he took me to the right place and I got everything unloaded. Using charades and google-translate I talked to the people working (the English speaking guy wasn’t there). We got a big table set up in the backroom and I put balloons all over it. I asked then about where I could get candles, and they said they would just buy them for me! Awesome! So, they put the cakes in the fridge to be brought back out later.
Then, I went back to the hotel room to get C a sippy cup, and we made the walk to the orphanage. I’ve discovered I really don’t mind walking if I have somewhere to go. It’s just walking to walk that I do not enjoy. V*ktor met me at the door, and we went to get a video of O for his Mom. After that, we just went to hang out in V’s room for awhile. He, J, and Va played a card game I completely didn’t understand. Then, he said we could go at 4 (instead of 4:30 like I thought). We went to the front door of the orphanage and kids started coming from all directions. It was a bit like herding cats, though. There were consistently 8-9 kids there, but they kept coming and going instead of staying to wait for everyone! Finally, we got 13 kids and a teacher, so away we went! I could tell all the kids were excited, and the teacher was pretty laid-back and joked around as we walked. As I’ve mentioned before, these kids LOVE C, and they’re very helpful. I pretty much don’t have to carry anything or push the stroller when I’m with the group! We got to the restaurant, and I had J help with coordinating the orders - what a helpful kid! They went through the pop very quickly! I ended up getting 3 more 2-liters. Yes, you added that right - 7 2-liter bottles of pop for 13 kids and 1 adult (I was drinking water). Each kid got a pizza, but it’s a small oven and they came out three at a time. Half the kids were finished before the other half even had theirs. They were all watching futbol on the TV, playing with C, playing with electronic devices (a few of them have phones), or chatting. Finally, once V*ktor got and wolfed down the last pizza it was time for cake. I went out to see the cakes and have them brought in. They had put candles on V’s cake, too, but I didn’t want to tell them to take them back off so we went with it. It was so awesome! They put these flares on there, too, so they were like HUGE sparklers on the cakes! Mi$ha was very surprised and it was fun. Each kid had 2 giant pieces of cake - I mean, they had to try each cake right? Okay, so it wasn’t just the kids. I got 2 pieces, too, but I shared with C J After cake, they hung out and kind of spread out in the room for awhile. Sv, Sa, and J all skyped with their parents back in America. Then, they all ordered more to eat. They’re typical teenagers - bottomless pits when it comes to food! I got some videos from the kids saying messages to V*ktor for him to watch when we get back home or maybe on the plane. At least I think that’s what they’re saying. I really would have no idea if they’re reciting the Ukrainian pledge of allegiance (is there such a thing?).
We walked back to the orphanage. C was flanked by her protective cluster of kids taking turns pushing the stroller and walking on the sides holding her hands. Some of the boys were singing (totally got a video). It was a very happy, fun walk with the kids back to the orphanage. J kept trying to get Sv to give him the cake to carry. She knew better! Then, the goofy kids all started being really silly right before I left. The smallest kid, Ivan3, who was a total ball of energy, was dancing all over the front steps. At least HALF of the boys got a third piece of cake, and they may or may not have ended up with some of it on their faces. There may or may not be a video J Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaah, I just got 13 kids hyped up on a sugar-high and dropped then back at the orphanage! (Evil plan laugh) Mi$ha, V*ktor, and J2 walked me out to the taxi. Now, we’re in the room, C is sleeping, and the wedding is in full swing! I considered doing some research for an upper level “Ukrainian Wedding Crashing” course, but I’m pretty comfy in my Pjs. Think I’ll put in the earbuds and watch some LOST!
3-1-13 We Get To Have A Party
I have been having a great time hanging out with V*ktor and all his friends these last few days. They are all very polite, kind boys. I will have lots more pictures in my album of all the kids, so check them out. Please pray with me for his best friend Mi$ha. He has been asking for a family. It’s possible he could come to America on hosting this summer. Could you be that family? Thinking of a summer mission trip? You could include your whole family and never have to leave your home! Hosting is a great way to show a kid Christ’s love and give them an opportunity to meet a forever family while they‘re here (even if it’s not your family).
Tuesday I ended up taking the can of tuna to the housekeeper, Kartya. She was kind enough to help me. Wednesday, we had Ramen noodles and just hung out at the hotel in the morning. When we got to school, we went to the playroom. Sa, J2, M, and Va were all in there. We introduced them to spoons! It was fun watching them figure out the game and then dive around trying to gather spoons once they understood the game. At one point, the kids all had to go to the “clothes” room. I think they get different clothes once a week (or maybe twice?). V*ktor stayed and played on the tablet. The boys all came back later, we made some videos, and everyone played different games for awhile. It’s really neat to watch all these boys play with C. They just LOVE her - I mean, she is pretty cute! Still, I’m surprised at how natural they are with her. V*ktor had talked about doing a party with his friends on Saturday, so we called Aleksey and had him speak to the director on the phone. He said yes! So, Saturday, I will be taking 13 teenagers to a pizza place. I’m really glad J (V*ktor’s roommate who speaks English) will be there so I will have somebody who understands what I say and can communicate it to everyone- haha! I’m pretty sure a teacher will be going, too. They’d have to with that many kids. We stopped at the market as we left and V*ktor got a few snacks. C and I decided to eat at the hotel so we didn’t have to go back out.
Thursday, C woke up at 7:30. That’s waaaaaay earlier than usual! I tried to let her watch Sesame Street on the computer, but she kept wanting to push the buttons on the computer, which turned it off. Finally, I gave up and woke up. By 9am, she was fast asleep again. Really? Oh well, at least I got a bath without having to hurry before she got crabby. When it was time for lunch, I discovered that the entire loaf of bread had mold on it! I’ve learned that the bread goes moldy at an insanely rapid rate, so usually I just pull off the molded crust and eat the part that‘s fine. It was a little late for this bread. So, I ended up giving C the last Ramen package and ordering bacon and eggs (or bekon and eieetsa) with fried potatoes (smazshna kartopla ne fri). We ventured out a little early on our walk so I could stop by the pizza place to arrange plans for Saturday. I am telling you - the taxi drivers may know the potholes in the roads like second nature, but I have the stroller sidewalk slalom DOWN! I’m an expert at which side of the road has the better sidewalks and where to cross. I know when the stroller will take the curb or when I have to tilt it back. I know where to watch for water even when it’s pretty dry out. I even know which dogs will go crazy barking as we walk by. Oh the things I never thought I’d need to know! The English-speaking guy was there at the pizza place, so I talked to him. I always kind of wonder if people know just enough English to say a few words or if they really understand what I’m saying. Guess we’ll find out Saturday!
When I got to school, V*ktor was ready to go and said his friends may join us later. He said he was asking different friends today who didn’t get to go Tuesday. Halfway between the school and restaurant, J caught up with us. He must have run the whole way from his town school! He got to skype with his parents in Se*ttle. It was about 4:45AM their time, but they definitely didn’t mind. Then, Mi$ha, Va, and Iv all joined us later. Everyone ate, played on the computer, played with C, and then the boys headed back for a concert practice of some sort. We skyped with N and the kids (the ones who just got back from Latvia) for a few minutes before they started school. V*ktor and I headed back to the orphanage a little early because I wanted to get video of O for his Mom. We didn’t find him, but Sa, J2, M, and J were all playing soccer so I got some video of them just before we left. I had heard M’s bday was sometime recently (within the last few months), and I asked V*ktor. He looked puzzled and then realized he didn’t even know when M’s bday was. He said, “I ask. Maybe cake Saturday for M?” What a sweetheart- read my mind!
C and I ate at a good restaurant. The waitress knew some English this time - unlike the other time I was there by myself and ended up with borscht and whatever I could point to on the menu! C had her bath and went to sleep early. Then, she woke up crying for about an hour because she had slept too early! Ah well, that’s how it goes! We are about to go looking for balloons and candles for tomorrow. Can’t wait! It will be fun!
Tuesday I ended up taking the can of tuna to the housekeeper, Kartya. She was kind enough to help me. Wednesday, we had Ramen noodles and just hung out at the hotel in the morning. When we got to school, we went to the playroom. Sa, J2, M, and Va were all in there. We introduced them to spoons! It was fun watching them figure out the game and then dive around trying to gather spoons once they understood the game. At one point, the kids all had to go to the “clothes” room. I think they get different clothes once a week (or maybe twice?). V*ktor stayed and played on the tablet. The boys all came back later, we made some videos, and everyone played different games for awhile. It’s really neat to watch all these boys play with C. They just LOVE her - I mean, she is pretty cute! Still, I’m surprised at how natural they are with her. V*ktor had talked about doing a party with his friends on Saturday, so we called Aleksey and had him speak to the director on the phone. He said yes! So, Saturday, I will be taking 13 teenagers to a pizza place. I’m really glad J (V*ktor’s roommate who speaks English) will be there so I will have somebody who understands what I say and can communicate it to everyone- haha! I’m pretty sure a teacher will be going, too. They’d have to with that many kids. We stopped at the market as we left and V*ktor got a few snacks. C and I decided to eat at the hotel so we didn’t have to go back out.
Thursday, C woke up at 7:30. That’s waaaaaay earlier than usual! I tried to let her watch Sesame Street on the computer, but she kept wanting to push the buttons on the computer, which turned it off. Finally, I gave up and woke up. By 9am, she was fast asleep again. Really? Oh well, at least I got a bath without having to hurry before she got crabby. When it was time for lunch, I discovered that the entire loaf of bread had mold on it! I’ve learned that the bread goes moldy at an insanely rapid rate, so usually I just pull off the molded crust and eat the part that‘s fine. It was a little late for this bread. So, I ended up giving C the last Ramen package and ordering bacon and eggs (or bekon and eieetsa) with fried potatoes (smazshna kartopla ne fri). We ventured out a little early on our walk so I could stop by the pizza place to arrange plans for Saturday. I am telling you - the taxi drivers may know the potholes in the roads like second nature, but I have the stroller sidewalk slalom DOWN! I’m an expert at which side of the road has the better sidewalks and where to cross. I know when the stroller will take the curb or when I have to tilt it back. I know where to watch for water even when it’s pretty dry out. I even know which dogs will go crazy barking as we walk by. Oh the things I never thought I’d need to know! The English-speaking guy was there at the pizza place, so I talked to him. I always kind of wonder if people know just enough English to say a few words or if they really understand what I’m saying. Guess we’ll find out Saturday!
When I got to school, V*ktor was ready to go and said his friends may join us later. He said he was asking different friends today who didn’t get to go Tuesday. Halfway between the school and restaurant, J caught up with us. He must have run the whole way from his town school! He got to skype with his parents in Se*ttle. It was about 4:45AM their time, but they definitely didn’t mind. Then, Mi$ha, Va, and Iv all joined us later. Everyone ate, played on the computer, played with C, and then the boys headed back for a concert practice of some sort. We skyped with N and the kids (the ones who just got back from Latvia) for a few minutes before they started school. V*ktor and I headed back to the orphanage a little early because I wanted to get video of O for his Mom. We didn’t find him, but Sa, J2, M, and J were all playing soccer so I got some video of them just before we left. I had heard M’s bday was sometime recently (within the last few months), and I asked V*ktor. He looked puzzled and then realized he didn’t even know when M’s bday was. He said, “I ask. Maybe cake Saturday for M?” What a sweetheart- read my mind!
C and I ate at a good restaurant. The waitress knew some English this time - unlike the other time I was there by myself and ended up with borscht and whatever I could point to on the menu! C had her bath and went to sleep early. Then, she woke up crying for about an hour because she had slept too early! Ah well, that’s how it goes! We are about to go looking for balloons and candles for tomorrow. Can’t wait! It will be fun!
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