Below you will find a tutorial on how to crash a Ukrainian wedding.
The first thing to do is find a super-cute baby and put her hair in pigtails. You also want to make yourself slightly presentable. No, don’t get all gussied up like a wedding guest, but at least put on a nice shirt, brush your hair, and wipe the peanut butter off your jeans. Next, when you see the beautiful bride and her husband upstairs in the hallway, use your tablet translator to tell her “You look beautiful! Congratulations! May I take a picture?” while holding said adorable baby on your hip. Go down to the bar and talk with your favorite bartender and waitresses who will pass your baby around for awhile. By talk, I mean smile and use hand gestures to say what a lovely wedding it is. Part 1 is complete. Now, go hang out in your hotel room for awhile to let the festivities really get started.
At 11PM the music will die down and you may think the party is over. Boy would you be wrong. They actually are just serving ANOTHER meal. My kind of people! So, continue watching movies online. The music JUST below your floor will be so loud that you need to use earbuds to hear your movie. Now, inevitably, since you have something downstairs for entertainment, the baby will probably actually fall asleep. It’s still okay to peek in on the festivities just downstairs for a few minutes, but use a baby monitor in case she wakes up (just like you would do at home). If you haven’t thought to bring a baby monitor to Ukraine, be creative. Skype a friend and sit the computer in front of the crib where baby is contained and sleeping soundly. If baby awakes, she will text or call you. Now, you can peek in to see what’s happening. Disclaimer - you may not rely completely on technology (a cyber nanny or a baby monitor) to party the night away, this is simply something you can do for 5 minutes.
When you go down to check it out around 1:15, they will be taking off the bride’s veil and putting a beautiful crocheted shawl on her head. Then, they start the “dollar dance.” It is much like the American dollar dance except it includes shots for participants. The DJ/emcee will stand with a plate that has a shot glass on it. Guests place money on the plate, a lady pours a shot, the guest takes it, then goes to dance with the bride (bringing his date along for the 3 person dance). The shot glass goes back on the plate for the next participant. The groom does not participate in dollar dance. After a quick peek, head back upstairs. Just as you get back in the room, baby will start to stir.
You may wonder how in the world the baby slept to begin with due to the thumping music, but by this time of night she will not want to sleep knowing such a party exists beneath her cute little toes. So, you should probably just decide “if you can’t beat them, join them!” Go downstairs by the bar with all the staff and the awesome housekeeper. They will again pass your baby around while you observe the festivities for awhile. At 2AM, the guests will apparently all be hungry again, so…. They will serve borscht, bread, and salad. During this break, let adorable baby walk around looking cute and smiling at wedding guests still in the restaurant and lounge area. (Dancing is in the restaurant with tables cleared out of the middle. Food is served in the banquet room.)
As you observe the party, you will notice people here and there holding big plates of cake or pastries. They are not using forks, just digging into it. It’s obviously a single serving on a paper plate with a doily, but they’re HUGE! When the dancing starts again and you are dancing with baby, the bride will approach you with a plate full of pastries. Through charades, you realize she is “serving” you the giant plate. You slide the paper plate off her china plate that she takes with her. What a cool tradition! At this point, though, you’re holding a baby and a plate of goodies. Baby is reaching quickly! So, grab a seat and dig in. Yes, it’s okay to give the baby sugar in the middle of the night. She’s not sleeping any time soon! Since the bride has given you cake, you can probably figure you’re okay to stay. So, enjoy observing some games involving wedding guests. They will be more like things you would do at an American bachelorette party or coed shower than at an actual wedding. After a particular game where the participants had to drink out of glasses, the used glasses will be sat on the table next to you and your pastries. A few songs later, a slightly intoxicated but friendly Ukrainian man will come over to pour himself a drink of water… into one of those glasses. As he shows you the bottle of water you will probably smile and nod -which is kind of an acquired behavior when you have no idea what is going on. Unfortunately, you may not realize that he is, in fact, offering you a drink. So, after he pours your water into the used glass, you will need to choke back your gag reflex and take a polite drink of the water with him! As they say, “When in Rome!”
Enjoy the dance, smile a lot, let the baby be cute with balloons, and just enjoy it! After all, there’s not much sleeping to be had just above the noise! At 4AM, they will start to take down the “big” speakers, so it’s probably safe to assume you may get some sleep. Bid your adieus to guests in close proximity, gather your child from the housekeeper’s daughter, and head back upstairs to your room. The baby will wind-down quickly and you can get to sleep pretty soon. Noises of the party will infiltrate your sleep well past 5:30AM, though!
And THAT is how you crash a Ukrainian Wedding!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Cultural Differences
So first I must say that the staff at our hotel is awesome! Really, the housekeepers wash my clothes and try to refuse me when I give them a few dollars for it. They brought in a crib for C the first night, they’re always friendly and wanting to help (well except the one crabby bartender/waitress), they added internet into our room so Brian could work, and they all love to play with and talk to C even though neither she nor I have any idea what they’re saying. There are some interesting things, too. For instance, I woke up Monday morning with every intention of taking a bath… Ice cold water. That evening, there was still no hot water, so I went in search of the housekeeper to ask. She said it would be 90 minutes. I wasn’t happy with that answer since Brian would be working by that time and I had to leave… A few minutes later, she came to our room and said there was hot water! I don’t really understand how/why they just turn off the hot water, but at least I got my bath! I was happy to learn on Monday that after only 12 nights, they DO in fact change your sheets and give you new towels. It’s definitely an experience here! The great staff makes up for most of these inconveniences, but the things that are expected in America are soooooooo different here.
Monday I ventured to the bank at 1:30 to exchange money (as I do on most Mondays). Unfortunately, they were closed until 2. Apparently, lunch hour means the whole place shuts down. So, I dilly-dallied in a few stores waiting around for them to open. I was back to the bank at 1:58. A lady came to open the door, motioned they weren’t open yet, but felt sorry for C out in the cold. (It was VERY cold Monday!) She let us go in and sit down. At 2:10 they were finally ready for customers and tons of people flooded into the bank. Among them was a lady who kept talking to me even though I had shaken my head and said I didn’t understand. She stood RIGHT next to me as I exchanged money. This was not an isolated incident. It’s happened several times. At home, when someone conducts a transaction (especially at a bank), you stand a respectful distance back so you’re not “all up in their business.” Not here! Even yesterday, I went to an ATM so we would know if it worked. A man came up and stood right next to me totally looking over my shoulder at what I was doing and talking all the while. Just cultural differences, I guess.
Monday we headed to the orphanage a little late. When we got there, we went into the playroom and were promptly locked into the wing. It didn’t bother me at all this time, especially since the lady with the key was “locked in” with us. We played cards, battleship, and when S came in we played spoons. Actually, I had forgotten the spoons, so we played pens - haha. When V*ktor realized it would be Grandma’s birthday on Tuesday, he said he was going to ask if we could use the computer room at school the next day. We said goodbye and walked back to the hotel in the freeeeeeeeezing cold! Since the nice lady was downstairs in the restaurant, I decided not to venture back out and just to eat in the hotel for the night. When Brian started his meetings, C and I went downstairs.
Tuesday, we decided we wanted to check out the market for bread and a few other things. Since Brian wasn’t having many meetings that night, we also decided to eat lunch together at a restaurant we hadn’t tried yet. THEY HAD SPAGHETTI!!!!! I can’t convey how happy this made me. I have desperately missed Italian and Mexican food while we’ve been here. It was so yum! Then, we checked out the market and also a store where I bought 2 Valentines for V*ktor to give his friends. I have no idea what they said. I’m hoping that my charades were effective - asking the lady if the card was appropriate for a kid to give a kid. Brian worked for his hour and then we headed over to the orphanage. V*ktor was out at the store across the street from the orphanage as we arrived. He was buying something for a teacher. He said we could go to the turitsa(?) so we could use the computer (we brought the laptop for skype if it was to be possible). So, he had to run into the school and said he would catch up. He pointed us down the road. We walked to the first place of business and stopped to wait for him. We really had no idea for sure where he was sending us! He caught up and we went to the white hotel restaurant where we sat and used their internet for the price of a few drinks. We tried to skype with Grandma, but, understandably, she was too busy getting A and B ready for the day. So, she didn’t have time. We did skype with Aunt R, though! While we were there, Aleksey called and said there was a document we needed to get. So, after we visited at the restaurant awhile, we walked back to the school. A taxi picked us up and took us to the town social worker. Brian took C in the stroller and headed back to the hotel (it was close). I went in for the important document. After a telephone exchange between Aleksey and the cab driver, I handed over the document and paid him to take it to the train station. It should be arriving in K*ev any time now!
We ate dinner in the room last night. A few days ago, I bought some (what I believed to be) ham for sandwiches. It WAS ham! So, we had ham and cheese sandwiches and some peanuts. Now I know where to get ham! Brian worked, and I made all his travel arrangements for next week. I think C was having tummy troubles because she was sooooo cranky and crying for hours. Poor kid… and poor Mommy. She finally went to sleep sometime around 1am and was up before 9. I think maybe a long nap is in her future.
Monday I ventured to the bank at 1:30 to exchange money (as I do on most Mondays). Unfortunately, they were closed until 2. Apparently, lunch hour means the whole place shuts down. So, I dilly-dallied in a few stores waiting around for them to open. I was back to the bank at 1:58. A lady came to open the door, motioned they weren’t open yet, but felt sorry for C out in the cold. (It was VERY cold Monday!) She let us go in and sit down. At 2:10 they were finally ready for customers and tons of people flooded into the bank. Among them was a lady who kept talking to me even though I had shaken my head and said I didn’t understand. She stood RIGHT next to me as I exchanged money. This was not an isolated incident. It’s happened several times. At home, when someone conducts a transaction (especially at a bank), you stand a respectful distance back so you’re not “all up in their business.” Not here! Even yesterday, I went to an ATM so we would know if it worked. A man came up and stood right next to me totally looking over my shoulder at what I was doing and talking all the while. Just cultural differences, I guess.
Monday we headed to the orphanage a little late. When we got there, we went into the playroom and were promptly locked into the wing. It didn’t bother me at all this time, especially since the lady with the key was “locked in” with us. We played cards, battleship, and when S came in we played spoons. Actually, I had forgotten the spoons, so we played pens - haha. When V*ktor realized it would be Grandma’s birthday on Tuesday, he said he was going to ask if we could use the computer room at school the next day. We said goodbye and walked back to the hotel in the freeeeeeeeezing cold! Since the nice lady was downstairs in the restaurant, I decided not to venture back out and just to eat in the hotel for the night. When Brian started his meetings, C and I went downstairs.
Tuesday, we decided we wanted to check out the market for bread and a few other things. Since Brian wasn’t having many meetings that night, we also decided to eat lunch together at a restaurant we hadn’t tried yet. THEY HAD SPAGHETTI!!!!! I can’t convey how happy this made me. I have desperately missed Italian and Mexican food while we’ve been here. It was so yum! Then, we checked out the market and also a store where I bought 2 Valentines for V*ktor to give his friends. I have no idea what they said. I’m hoping that my charades were effective - asking the lady if the card was appropriate for a kid to give a kid. Brian worked for his hour and then we headed over to the orphanage. V*ktor was out at the store across the street from the orphanage as we arrived. He was buying something for a teacher. He said we could go to the turitsa(?) so we could use the computer (we brought the laptop for skype if it was to be possible). So, he had to run into the school and said he would catch up. He pointed us down the road. We walked to the first place of business and stopped to wait for him. We really had no idea for sure where he was sending us! He caught up and we went to the white hotel restaurant where we sat and used their internet for the price of a few drinks. We tried to skype with Grandma, but, understandably, she was too busy getting A and B ready for the day. So, she didn’t have time. We did skype with Aunt R, though! While we were there, Aleksey called and said there was a document we needed to get. So, after we visited at the restaurant awhile, we walked back to the school. A taxi picked us up and took us to the town social worker. Brian took C in the stroller and headed back to the hotel (it was close). I went in for the important document. After a telephone exchange between Aleksey and the cab driver, I handed over the document and paid him to take it to the train station. It should be arriving in K*ev any time now!
We ate dinner in the room last night. A few days ago, I bought some (what I believed to be) ham for sandwiches. It WAS ham! So, we had ham and cheese sandwiches and some peanuts. Now I know where to get ham! Brian worked, and I made all his travel arrangements for next week. I think C was having tummy troubles because she was sooooo cranky and crying for hours. Poor kid… and poor Mommy. She finally went to sleep sometime around 1am and was up before 9. I think maybe a long nap is in her future.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Weekend Comedy
I think it may be safe to say that our trip is kind of a comedy of sorts… Friday morning, we slept until mid-morning. Not long after we woke up, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to find the hotel owner, housekeeper, and 2 guys in long black robes. They were obviously some sort of priests, and one was holding a long chain - at the bottom of which was a metal ball containing burning incense. The owner motioned that they wanted to come in. A- I was totally not presentable for company and the room looks about as expected of a hotel room without any dressers or place of organization. B- Not to be disrespectful, but I didn’t think I could handle the strong-smelling incense in my room. The toilet smell is just about all I can take. So, I cheerfully said, “Oh! No thank you!!!” while shaking my head no and gently closing the door. I don’t think it was their intention to give me a choice, and I may have committed some sort of faux paux. For the next 5-10 minutes we heard chanting up and down all the hallways. Brian and I have started a list called “Yeah, that just happened.” This one is definitely on it.
We hung out in the hotel room for the rest of the morning and then headed over to the orphanage to hang out with V*ktor in the afternoon. This time, we played spoons with him and S. It was pretty fun once they caught on that you could grab a spoon once somebody else did! At one point, we were locked in that wing of the orphanage again. Kind of like V*ktor on Thursday, I was not in the least bit concerned - lol! I knew we would get out eventually!
That night, Brian had meetings, so C and I went to eat at the Family Pizza. They didn’t have sprite, only pepsi. No water without gas. I tried ordering juice and she didn’t understand. I tried calling Aleksey but he didn’t answer. I tried ordering a pizza, but she didn’t understand that. Finally, I just left and went back to the hotel lounge to wait out Brian’s meeting. I was super-frustrated and tired of not being able to communicate something so simple! I can only imagine how V*ktor and other host kids feel at times when they are in America. Sooooo brave of them!!! After Brian’s meeting, C and I went up to the room and he made supper for us. He felt sorry for me in all my frustration, and cheered me up. It’s kind of hitting that I will be here on my own in less than 2 weeks, and I’m getting a little nervous. I’ve never been afraid to be on my own in something. I’d like to think I’ve always been pretty independent. This just is a little overwhelming at times. I know I serve a big God, and He will supply all my needs, though. I just keep saying Phillipians 4:6-7
“Be anxious in nothing , but in all things, through prayer and thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Saturday, we were able to have V*ktor out of the orphanage for 4 hours. Since C fell asleep a little before we needed to go get him, Brian just made the walk to get him and bring him back to the hotel room. When they returned, we skyped with Mom, A, and B for awhile. V*ktor played Angry Birds some, and then we headed down to the market looking for gloves and a belt that he needed. Unfortunately, the market was closed already. We had waited too long. Brian and C went back to the room. V*ktor and I headed to get some candy. We hung out at the room a little longer, and then headed out to dinner. There was a restaurant he at first suggested, but realized they didn’t have pizza. This kid orders pizza at EVERY chance! So, we ended up at Kantin@ for supper. It was pretty good! We realized, though, that the food was taking too long and we wouldn’t have him back in time. So, we had Aleksey call us a taxi instead of walking. We made it just in time, and then went in search of a teacher to see how long he could go with us on Sunday. After sorting that out, Brian, C, and I walked back to the hotel.
Sunday, we got ready much earlier than normal since we were picking him up at 10. After some confusion trying to pay for our room in American money and her not realizing that we understood the conversion and just needed change, we finally headed out in the snow. We walked really fast and made it right at 10 (but without the water bottle I had misplaced in all the confusion). We spoke to a teacher (aka - Aleksey talked to her on the phone) and it was approved for us to go the 25 km to the big town where we originally arrived on the train. So, we were picked up by a taxi and headed to U! First stop was the castle and museum. We walked through it enjoying the displays but, of course, unable to read them. Poor Brian carried heavy C through the whole thing. We didn’t realize how long it would take to walk, though. Every time we thought about doing the moby wrap, we kept thinking we were almost done.
After the castle, a slew of totally confusing and unnecessary cab-rides ensued. There was a lot of frustration, but we also had lots of fun, too. We told V*ktor we were going to look for gloves and a belt again. They have a huge open-air market that we had heard of and wanted to check it out. It’s not like a garage sale. It’s new things - anywhere from auto parts to food to clothes and whatever else you can imagine. So, we called Aleksey and told him where we wanted to go. A cab picked us up, and I was pretty sure V*ktor was telling him something different. I couldn’t be sure, and he probably hadn’t understood where we wanted to go. So, I sat back for the ride. By “sat back for the ride,” I mean I held on tight through all the crazy swerving around potholes. There are soooo many potholes, and these are the kind that would rip the bottom out of the car, not just give you a jostle. The drivers swerve into the other lane pretty regularly to avoid the potholes. It’s just part of driving in Ukr@ine! We arrived at a shopping mall. Not really what we had in mind, but we were kind of hungry. So, we found a restaurant and ordered the MOST amazing food yet! Brian and I shared a Lavosh that was awesome, and we also had some Mexican food. V*ktor, of course, had pizza. We found a belt that he liked and bought that. The belt he was wearing had been tied together in a knot… We couldn’t locate gloves. I thought I had adequately communicated to V*ktor that we wanted the open air market, so he got a cab and away we went. A few blocks into the trip, the cab broke down! I was trying so hard not to laugh because I didn’t want to upset the driver, but it was just so hilarious! So, we sat on the side of the road in the broken down cab and another one soon came to pick us up. We weaved around all over the place and ended up at… a grocery store. V*ktor looked everywhere, but they did not have gloves. So, I bought a few pounds of the world’s best chocolate for my friend B, and we actually found TUNA! So, I got a few cans of those (which I will shortly be enjoying for lunch). Then, we called a cab again only to walk outside and get the same guy. V*ktor had kept mentioning this big castle place that he said was for kids. I asked “like Chuck E Cheese?” and he agreed that it was. So, I thought he wanted to play there, and I had given up on the open air market. This time, the cab took us across the street from the shopping mall we had just visited. Oy! The wasted cab rides! We went into the place only to realize that he wanted to let C play. He was so sweet in thinking of her. This wasn’t for him at all. Unfortunately, she was asleep, so there wasn’t really any reason to be there. It was a restaurant, but we had just eaten. V*ktor and I got something to drink and I used the wifi at the restaurant to communicate that we still had a little time for the open air market. So, another cab ride and we finally got to the original destination - lol! A lot of the booths were closing up and I would venture a guess that many of them hadn’t even been open at all since it was Sunday. However, we found some perfect gloves for V*ktor, a little snack of cookies, and I got my matryoshka doll! We weren’t able to find any souvenirs for A and B, but hopefully I can find something soon. There really were not a lot of booths open at this point, so we decided to head back to our hotel. We found a waiting cab and headed back. At the hotel, we were all wiped out. We ate cookies, V*ktor checked his vk (Russian face book), and Brian did word puzzles. When it was time, Brian walked V*ktor back to the orphanage. I was sooo tired I took a short nap. Later, we had ramen noodles. Then, of course, C woke up and I didn’t think we were ever getting her back to sleep! We skyped with Aunt M. Then we skyped with Grandma, A, and B. Whew! What a weekend!
We hung out in the hotel room for the rest of the morning and then headed over to the orphanage to hang out with V*ktor in the afternoon. This time, we played spoons with him and S. It was pretty fun once they caught on that you could grab a spoon once somebody else did! At one point, we were locked in that wing of the orphanage again. Kind of like V*ktor on Thursday, I was not in the least bit concerned - lol! I knew we would get out eventually!
That night, Brian had meetings, so C and I went to eat at the Family Pizza. They didn’t have sprite, only pepsi. No water without gas. I tried ordering juice and she didn’t understand. I tried calling Aleksey but he didn’t answer. I tried ordering a pizza, but she didn’t understand that. Finally, I just left and went back to the hotel lounge to wait out Brian’s meeting. I was super-frustrated and tired of not being able to communicate something so simple! I can only imagine how V*ktor and other host kids feel at times when they are in America. Sooooo brave of them!!! After Brian’s meeting, C and I went up to the room and he made supper for us. He felt sorry for me in all my frustration, and cheered me up. It’s kind of hitting that I will be here on my own in less than 2 weeks, and I’m getting a little nervous. I’ve never been afraid to be on my own in something. I’d like to think I’ve always been pretty independent. This just is a little overwhelming at times. I know I serve a big God, and He will supply all my needs, though. I just keep saying Phillipians 4:6-7
“Be anxious in nothing , but in all things, through prayer and thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Saturday, we were able to have V*ktor out of the orphanage for 4 hours. Since C fell asleep a little before we needed to go get him, Brian just made the walk to get him and bring him back to the hotel room. When they returned, we skyped with Mom, A, and B for awhile. V*ktor played Angry Birds some, and then we headed down to the market looking for gloves and a belt that he needed. Unfortunately, the market was closed already. We had waited too long. Brian and C went back to the room. V*ktor and I headed to get some candy. We hung out at the room a little longer, and then headed out to dinner. There was a restaurant he at first suggested, but realized they didn’t have pizza. This kid orders pizza at EVERY chance! So, we ended up at Kantin@ for supper. It was pretty good! We realized, though, that the food was taking too long and we wouldn’t have him back in time. So, we had Aleksey call us a taxi instead of walking. We made it just in time, and then went in search of a teacher to see how long he could go with us on Sunday. After sorting that out, Brian, C, and I walked back to the hotel.
Sunday, we got ready much earlier than normal since we were picking him up at 10. After some confusion trying to pay for our room in American money and her not realizing that we understood the conversion and just needed change, we finally headed out in the snow. We walked really fast and made it right at 10 (but without the water bottle I had misplaced in all the confusion). We spoke to a teacher (aka - Aleksey talked to her on the phone) and it was approved for us to go the 25 km to the big town where we originally arrived on the train. So, we were picked up by a taxi and headed to U! First stop was the castle and museum. We walked through it enjoying the displays but, of course, unable to read them. Poor Brian carried heavy C through the whole thing. We didn’t realize how long it would take to walk, though. Every time we thought about doing the moby wrap, we kept thinking we were almost done.
After the castle, a slew of totally confusing and unnecessary cab-rides ensued. There was a lot of frustration, but we also had lots of fun, too. We told V*ktor we were going to look for gloves and a belt again. They have a huge open-air market that we had heard of and wanted to check it out. It’s not like a garage sale. It’s new things - anywhere from auto parts to food to clothes and whatever else you can imagine. So, we called Aleksey and told him where we wanted to go. A cab picked us up, and I was pretty sure V*ktor was telling him something different. I couldn’t be sure, and he probably hadn’t understood where we wanted to go. So, I sat back for the ride. By “sat back for the ride,” I mean I held on tight through all the crazy swerving around potholes. There are soooo many potholes, and these are the kind that would rip the bottom out of the car, not just give you a jostle. The drivers swerve into the other lane pretty regularly to avoid the potholes. It’s just part of driving in Ukr@ine! We arrived at a shopping mall. Not really what we had in mind, but we were kind of hungry. So, we found a restaurant and ordered the MOST amazing food yet! Brian and I shared a Lavosh that was awesome, and we also had some Mexican food. V*ktor, of course, had pizza. We found a belt that he liked and bought that. The belt he was wearing had been tied together in a knot… We couldn’t locate gloves. I thought I had adequately communicated to V*ktor that we wanted the open air market, so he got a cab and away we went. A few blocks into the trip, the cab broke down! I was trying so hard not to laugh because I didn’t want to upset the driver, but it was just so hilarious! So, we sat on the side of the road in the broken down cab and another one soon came to pick us up. We weaved around all over the place and ended up at… a grocery store. V*ktor looked everywhere, but they did not have gloves. So, I bought a few pounds of the world’s best chocolate for my friend B, and we actually found TUNA! So, I got a few cans of those (which I will shortly be enjoying for lunch). Then, we called a cab again only to walk outside and get the same guy. V*ktor had kept mentioning this big castle place that he said was for kids. I asked “like Chuck E Cheese?” and he agreed that it was. So, I thought he wanted to play there, and I had given up on the open air market. This time, the cab took us across the street from the shopping mall we had just visited. Oy! The wasted cab rides! We went into the place only to realize that he wanted to let C play. He was so sweet in thinking of her. This wasn’t for him at all. Unfortunately, she was asleep, so there wasn’t really any reason to be there. It was a restaurant, but we had just eaten. V*ktor and I got something to drink and I used the wifi at the restaurant to communicate that we still had a little time for the open air market. So, another cab ride and we finally got to the original destination - lol! A lot of the booths were closing up and I would venture a guess that many of them hadn’t even been open at all since it was Sunday. However, we found some perfect gloves for V*ktor, a little snack of cookies, and I got my matryoshka doll! We weren’t able to find any souvenirs for A and B, but hopefully I can find something soon. There really were not a lot of booths open at this point, so we decided to head back to our hotel. We found a waiting cab and headed back. At the hotel, we were all wiped out. We ate cookies, V*ktor checked his vk (Russian face book), and Brian did word puzzles. When it was time, Brian walked V*ktor back to the orphanage. I was sooo tired I took a short nap. Later, we had ramen noodles. Then, of course, C woke up and I didn’t think we were ever getting her back to sleep! We skyped with Aunt M. Then we skyped with Grandma, A, and B. Whew! What a weekend!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Locked in
Hmmm - getting locked in a wing of the orphanage wasn’t on my to-do list today! It was kind of funny, though!
We woke up late morning since our sweet C-bean was awake so late. She had some oatmeal and a banana. We had PBJ (and of course she helped because that child is a bottomless pit)! The power all went out right as I turned on a light, so I went out in the hallway to realize that the whole hotel (or at least the upstairs) was out of power, too! Brian and I laughed saying we hoped it was a breaker and not a fuse-box where they’d have to go get a fuse. The lights were back on very quickly thanks to the fast housekeeper Lub@. Unfortunately, our bathroom light burnt out (it had just been replaced yesterday). It is still not fixed tonight, but when I asked she said she had called the electrician. By “said” I mean we played charades - haha. Oh, and she’s awesome to wash our clothes and then hang them up. They’re in a cold room, though, and don’t get completely dry until I pull them in our room and drape them everywhere. Nobody uses dryers here. Nobody. Still, her putting them in the washer is worlds better than me doing them in the bathtub without a spin cycle!
When it was time to walk to the orphanage, the rain was coming down pretty hard. So, I called Aleksey and he sent a cab. It’s only $1.25 each way, but we still walk if we can. Snow and cold I will do. Rain - eh, not so much. We got there and went into the playroom/living room as usual. We worked a little on English and then played some cards. Aleksey had said we should go ask the director about if we could take V*ktor out Saturday. So, we started to go ask the director, but V said he wasn’t in his office. Back to the playroom where I dazzled B and V with a card trick I learned on you tube. A little while later, we started to go again only to realize that the glass door to this wing of the building was locked. Aaaaaaaannnd apparently nobody had a key. V*ktor didn’t seem the least bit concerned - like this sort of thing happens all the time and it will eventually get unlocked. He yelled out the window at someone who was coming in, but clearly letting us out wasn’t their top priority (or possibly not within their ability). So, we continued to play and V asked to play Angry Birds for a bit. Aleksey called and said we needed to go to the office and get an important document to give to our cab driver (so he could go to Uz and put it on the train). I said, “Sure! As soon as we can get out!” Every now and then we would hear pounding on the door from someone (adults and kids) trying to get in or out. We would go out and everyone would shrug at each other since nobody had a key. Eventually, somebody unlocked it and life went on! V*ktor and I went to the director’s office where I handed the phone to a lady and Aleksey talked to her. Then we went into another office and talked to a lady who seemed to know what she was asking. The important document was handed to me and as I turned around, the director walked in. Perfect timing! I shook his hand, V said hello and I kind of handed him the phone. He talked to Aleksey briefly. I heard lots of “dobre” which means “good” and after a quick exchange he handed the phone back and went on his way. As V*ktor was grinning, I figured it was an a-okay for Saturday. It was! Back in the room we visited a little longer and then headed over to the little store to buy a 2L drink and loaf of bread for him to share with his friends. (Both items total was only $.75) We said goodbye at the gate and took the cab back to the hotel (where the driver had a telephone exchange with Aleksey about the document). I gave him the document and $12.50 for him to drive it over to the train (roughly 25 miles away) and get it there so it will be in Kiev tomorrow morning.
We came in the room for awhile, and then I bundled a very sleepy C and vacated the room for Brian’s meetings. We found the restaurant and sat down. Total failure at ordering… again. Tomorrow, I will totally be taking Aleksey up on his offer to call him for anything. Hopefully he can help me order! Really, the food was awesome. C slept the whole time so I got to read - which was perfect. I just didn’t order exactly what I wanted, but I loved the potato pancakes and borscht. The whole meal was under $5 including tip. It seemed like kind of a fancy place. I felt underdressed in a T-shirt. Of course, in Ukraine, if you’re wearing any brighter or lighter colors you’ll stick out. I got the impression the next table over was thoroughly enjoying my failed attempts at communication with the waiter. Ah well, glad to provide some entertainment for them J
Next stop - supermarket for Brian’s ramen noodles. He loves them - which makes easy meals for him. I got about 8 packs of ramen, sugar for our oatmeal (whew - almost got salt but realized just in time), box of cereal, vereneki, sour cream, cheese for sandwiches, and bananas. All that was less than $9! The other day when I was there and bought what I believed to be tuna, and clearly I was wrong. Brian looked it up on the internet before we opened the can, and we realized it was sardines in tomato sauce. Ewwwwwww! No thank you! Shopping in a store where you can’t read any of the labels doesn’t seem like it would be so hard, but it is. Now I’m back in the room and C just fell asleep!!!!!!!!! Yaaa! Maybe a little earlier night for me. Brian will still be up late because he’s working the same hours from home. Well try to let him sleep in tomorrow, though. Stay tuned for more adventures!
We woke up late morning since our sweet C-bean was awake so late. She had some oatmeal and a banana. We had PBJ (and of course she helped because that child is a bottomless pit)! The power all went out right as I turned on a light, so I went out in the hallway to realize that the whole hotel (or at least the upstairs) was out of power, too! Brian and I laughed saying we hoped it was a breaker and not a fuse-box where they’d have to go get a fuse. The lights were back on very quickly thanks to the fast housekeeper Lub@. Unfortunately, our bathroom light burnt out (it had just been replaced yesterday). It is still not fixed tonight, but when I asked she said she had called the electrician. By “said” I mean we played charades - haha. Oh, and she’s awesome to wash our clothes and then hang them up. They’re in a cold room, though, and don’t get completely dry until I pull them in our room and drape them everywhere. Nobody uses dryers here. Nobody. Still, her putting them in the washer is worlds better than me doing them in the bathtub without a spin cycle!
When it was time to walk to the orphanage, the rain was coming down pretty hard. So, I called Aleksey and he sent a cab. It’s only $1.25 each way, but we still walk if we can. Snow and cold I will do. Rain - eh, not so much. We got there and went into the playroom/living room as usual. We worked a little on English and then played some cards. Aleksey had said we should go ask the director about if we could take V*ktor out Saturday. So, we started to go ask the director, but V said he wasn’t in his office. Back to the playroom where I dazzled B and V with a card trick I learned on you tube. A little while later, we started to go again only to realize that the glass door to this wing of the building was locked. Aaaaaaaannnd apparently nobody had a key. V*ktor didn’t seem the least bit concerned - like this sort of thing happens all the time and it will eventually get unlocked. He yelled out the window at someone who was coming in, but clearly letting us out wasn’t their top priority (or possibly not within their ability). So, we continued to play and V asked to play Angry Birds for a bit. Aleksey called and said we needed to go to the office and get an important document to give to our cab driver (so he could go to Uz and put it on the train). I said, “Sure! As soon as we can get out!” Every now and then we would hear pounding on the door from someone (adults and kids) trying to get in or out. We would go out and everyone would shrug at each other since nobody had a key. Eventually, somebody unlocked it and life went on! V*ktor and I went to the director’s office where I handed the phone to a lady and Aleksey talked to her. Then we went into another office and talked to a lady who seemed to know what she was asking. The important document was handed to me and as I turned around, the director walked in. Perfect timing! I shook his hand, V said hello and I kind of handed him the phone. He talked to Aleksey briefly. I heard lots of “dobre” which means “good” and after a quick exchange he handed the phone back and went on his way. As V*ktor was grinning, I figured it was an a-okay for Saturday. It was! Back in the room we visited a little longer and then headed over to the little store to buy a 2L drink and loaf of bread for him to share with his friends. (Both items total was only $.75) We said goodbye at the gate and took the cab back to the hotel (where the driver had a telephone exchange with Aleksey about the document). I gave him the document and $12.50 for him to drive it over to the train (roughly 25 miles away) and get it there so it will be in Kiev tomorrow morning.
We came in the room for awhile, and then I bundled a very sleepy C and vacated the room for Brian’s meetings. We found the restaurant and sat down. Total failure at ordering… again. Tomorrow, I will totally be taking Aleksey up on his offer to call him for anything. Hopefully he can help me order! Really, the food was awesome. C slept the whole time so I got to read - which was perfect. I just didn’t order exactly what I wanted, but I loved the potato pancakes and borscht. The whole meal was under $5 including tip. It seemed like kind of a fancy place. I felt underdressed in a T-shirt. Of course, in Ukraine, if you’re wearing any brighter or lighter colors you’ll stick out. I got the impression the next table over was thoroughly enjoying my failed attempts at communication with the waiter. Ah well, glad to provide some entertainment for them J
Next stop - supermarket for Brian’s ramen noodles. He loves them - which makes easy meals for him. I got about 8 packs of ramen, sugar for our oatmeal (whew - almost got salt but realized just in time), box of cereal, vereneki, sour cream, cheese for sandwiches, and bananas. All that was less than $9! The other day when I was there and bought what I believed to be tuna, and clearly I was wrong. Brian looked it up on the internet before we opened the can, and we realized it was sardines in tomato sauce. Ewwwwwww! No thank you! Shopping in a store where you can’t read any of the labels doesn’t seem like it would be so hard, but it is. Now I’m back in the room and C just fell asleep!!!!!!!!! Yaaa! Maybe a little earlier night for me. Brian will still be up late because he’s working the same hours from home. Well try to let him sleep in tomorrow, though. Stay tuned for more adventures!
We Have a Court Date!
We have a court date! We have a court date! It’s February 19th! Unfortunately, it’s not as soon as we hoped, but it’s what we expected.. That means Brian can head home on February 20th.
Sunday afternoon we were in a different room with some desks. Aleksey was with us, and he lost a few times to V*ktor at Battleship. I’m getting smart enough not to play those games with V*ktor unless I want to lose - haha. He said we could stay awhile because they were free for the night. So, we stayed a little longer but knew C was on the verge of crankiness. So, we headed back to the hotel and grabbed dinner.
Monday, our hope was for us to get a call from the social worker. Our translator, Aleksey, said be ready by 9 just in case. So, I started a bath at 8. It ran and ran and ran… ice cold water. When I asked Aleksey about it he said that he just took a cold shower. I pleaded for him to ask if it would be back any time soon. The only thing worse than a cold shower is a cold bath! When he asked, it was apparent it might be awhile. So, my hair went into a French braid and oh well! I checked out the market and ended up finding packages of diapers! Yaaa! Buying them one by one at the supermarket or pharmacy was seeming pretty absurd to me- especially at that price. They had a ton of other stuff down there that I will have to see another time. We waited and waited most of the day for our paperwork with no luck. Boo! We went to see V*ktor, though, and we were back in the playroom. Aleksey was meeting with different people at the orphanage, so he was in and out. V*ktor had to run off for a meeting once. Otherwise, just another day of playing cards and visiting - yaa! We walked over to a little store that’s RIGHT outside the orphanage gate. Apparently the kids are allowed to go there and teachers sometimes hang out in the little “café” area with a TV. After we got back to the room, the water was warm again so I caught a quick bath before Brian had to start work. C and I went down for dinner with Aleksey, and Brian worked. We brought up dinner for him.
Tuesday morning, I started getting really discouraged when we didn’t hear anything at 9, or 9:30, or 10. At 10:20, though, Aleksey called and said let’s go in 30 minutes! So, we headed out and took a car to the notary where we signed papers. Then, he said “let’s go” and away we went back to our room where he read (translated) some documents to us. We signed several copies of those, and while that was happening he got a phone call that the social worker was done with her report. Double Yaaaa! So, we raced out the door following Aleksey. I hadn’t realized where this social worker was (right across the street) so at first I was thinking “Oy! Long sprint a mile down the road trying to keep up and pushing a stroller!” Thankfully, it was close, though. We went into the office. It was the same office with the same ladies who did our initial interview the day we got into town before we were sent to the orphanage. We were there what seemed like forEVER as Aleksey got papers together, made copies, and kept talking to the ladies. He was reading over documents, too, and of course I‘m trying to read every expression on whether what he‘s reading is good or bad. I try so hard not to worry, but I just WONDER what in the world is going on half the time! If you’re on this adoption journey, a need to know details and keep track of everything that’s happening will really help you on the US side of things. It will be invaluable. Really. It will drive you to INSANITY while you’re in Ukr*ine, though! I’m constantly following around without a clue what’s happening, listening to a translation of a paper, then jumping up to follow along to the next location! It’s maddening- lol! After that exchange in the social worker’s office (that lasted probably 45min-an hour), Aleksey said she had recommended us for adoption that it’s in V*ktor’s best interest. So, he said get ready to go and left the room. He has realized by now that getting ready to go is a process for us. Dressing C up in a snowsuit, coat, hat, gloves, and boots takes a wee bit of time. When we were done, we assumed he was outside, so we trudged out of the building with backpack, stroller, and super-bundled baby. He was nowhere to be seen! So, we hung out for a few minutes until he ran by pointing to another building telling us to go in the lobby and wait. So, we did. After about 5-10 minutes, he came in that building and said we needed to go to the 3rd floor. So, up we went! We went in an office where a lady intentionally kept her eyes on her computer screen the whole time he was talking to her. She finally looked up to answer him and took the papers. “Time to go!” lol! I should get used to this J We went back to the hotel, and Aleksey went to put the papers on a train to Kiev. We went to the orphanage to visit V*ktor. When we told him we were pretty sure the court date, he started doing the math in his head and came up with 28 days until he gets to leave. He’s READY! On the way out we went to that little store by the orphanage again and he wanted to get some treats for friends and teachers. Well, what can we say to that? Okay J After our visit, Aleksey came back and we ate dinner while Brian worked. Then he was off to Kiev! We will see him in a few weeks for court.
Today, we slept late, but then got ready to head over to the market. Yesterday I got a tea kettle so we can cook ramen noodles and heat other things up in the room. We are apparently only budgeted for 30 days here and it’s obviously going to be a lot longer. We’re saving money wherever we can. Those of you who know me well realize that I am pretty good at it J Otherwise, we’re trusting God to provide the rest if we fall short at the end. I wanted to price compare all the food and such at the market to the grocery store right by our hotel. Brian and C tagged along - I told him it was in case I bought a heavy jug of water and he had to carry it. Really, I just wanted the company - haha. I had heard from my friend how obsessive these people are about children being bundled. So, adults are walking around in light jackets and no scarves, hats, or gloves. My child is bundled in a complete snowsuit with winter boots. Several people have approached me over the past few days when she is not wearing gloves. They grab her little hands and I can totally tell what they’re saying (that she needs to be wearing gloves) even though I don’t know the language. So funny! Helloooooo- she’s wearing a snowsuit and just pulled the gloves off!
Back at the room we ate PBJ, Brian worked for an hour, and we headed off on the hike to the orphanage. Took us only 23 minutes this time! While we were there Aleksey called with our official court time! We will have court on February 19th at 1PM!!! Soooo exciting!
Tonight, Brian had some meetings and I had to vacate the room with C for an hour and half. So, I ate some Ramen noodles first and then intended to just order vereneki. Ah well, communication error and I got a little more food than I intended, but it was very yummy! C slept the WHOLE time and I enjoyed a book on the Kindle my awesome friend B let me borrow for the trip. I stopped at the grocery store for some frozen pelmeni Brian requested and came back to the room. He cooked it in the teakettle and gave some to C since she had slept through dinner. It wasn’t bad! Now, I’m trying to get cranky baby to sleep since she had such a long nap earlier!
As far as the process goes, we are just waiting on court. Then, due to the date of court, it will be a full 2 weeks until I can pick him up. After that, probably another week and a half at least. Thank you all for continued prayers! Love from Ukr*ine!
Sunday afternoon we were in a different room with some desks. Aleksey was with us, and he lost a few times to V*ktor at Battleship. I’m getting smart enough not to play those games with V*ktor unless I want to lose - haha. He said we could stay awhile because they were free for the night. So, we stayed a little longer but knew C was on the verge of crankiness. So, we headed back to the hotel and grabbed dinner.
Monday, our hope was for us to get a call from the social worker. Our translator, Aleksey, said be ready by 9 just in case. So, I started a bath at 8. It ran and ran and ran… ice cold water. When I asked Aleksey about it he said that he just took a cold shower. I pleaded for him to ask if it would be back any time soon. The only thing worse than a cold shower is a cold bath! When he asked, it was apparent it might be awhile. So, my hair went into a French braid and oh well! I checked out the market and ended up finding packages of diapers! Yaaa! Buying them one by one at the supermarket or pharmacy was seeming pretty absurd to me- especially at that price. They had a ton of other stuff down there that I will have to see another time. We waited and waited most of the day for our paperwork with no luck. Boo! We went to see V*ktor, though, and we were back in the playroom. Aleksey was meeting with different people at the orphanage, so he was in and out. V*ktor had to run off for a meeting once. Otherwise, just another day of playing cards and visiting - yaa! We walked over to a little store that’s RIGHT outside the orphanage gate. Apparently the kids are allowed to go there and teachers sometimes hang out in the little “café” area with a TV. After we got back to the room, the water was warm again so I caught a quick bath before Brian had to start work. C and I went down for dinner with Aleksey, and Brian worked. We brought up dinner for him.
Tuesday morning, I started getting really discouraged when we didn’t hear anything at 9, or 9:30, or 10. At 10:20, though, Aleksey called and said let’s go in 30 minutes! So, we headed out and took a car to the notary where we signed papers. Then, he said “let’s go” and away we went back to our room where he read (translated) some documents to us. We signed several copies of those, and while that was happening he got a phone call that the social worker was done with her report. Double Yaaaa! So, we raced out the door following Aleksey. I hadn’t realized where this social worker was (right across the street) so at first I was thinking “Oy! Long sprint a mile down the road trying to keep up and pushing a stroller!” Thankfully, it was close, though. We went into the office. It was the same office with the same ladies who did our initial interview the day we got into town before we were sent to the orphanage. We were there what seemed like forEVER as Aleksey got papers together, made copies, and kept talking to the ladies. He was reading over documents, too, and of course I‘m trying to read every expression on whether what he‘s reading is good or bad. I try so hard not to worry, but I just WONDER what in the world is going on half the time! If you’re on this adoption journey, a need to know details and keep track of everything that’s happening will really help you on the US side of things. It will be invaluable. Really. It will drive you to INSANITY while you’re in Ukr*ine, though! I’m constantly following around without a clue what’s happening, listening to a translation of a paper, then jumping up to follow along to the next location! It’s maddening- lol! After that exchange in the social worker’s office (that lasted probably 45min-an hour), Aleksey said she had recommended us for adoption that it’s in V*ktor’s best interest. So, he said get ready to go and left the room. He has realized by now that getting ready to go is a process for us. Dressing C up in a snowsuit, coat, hat, gloves, and boots takes a wee bit of time. When we were done, we assumed he was outside, so we trudged out of the building with backpack, stroller, and super-bundled baby. He was nowhere to be seen! So, we hung out for a few minutes until he ran by pointing to another building telling us to go in the lobby and wait. So, we did. After about 5-10 minutes, he came in that building and said we needed to go to the 3rd floor. So, up we went! We went in an office where a lady intentionally kept her eyes on her computer screen the whole time he was talking to her. She finally looked up to answer him and took the papers. “Time to go!” lol! I should get used to this J We went back to the hotel, and Aleksey went to put the papers on a train to Kiev. We went to the orphanage to visit V*ktor. When we told him we were pretty sure the court date, he started doing the math in his head and came up with 28 days until he gets to leave. He’s READY! On the way out we went to that little store by the orphanage again and he wanted to get some treats for friends and teachers. Well, what can we say to that? Okay J After our visit, Aleksey came back and we ate dinner while Brian worked. Then he was off to Kiev! We will see him in a few weeks for court.
Today, we slept late, but then got ready to head over to the market. Yesterday I got a tea kettle so we can cook ramen noodles and heat other things up in the room. We are apparently only budgeted for 30 days here and it’s obviously going to be a lot longer. We’re saving money wherever we can. Those of you who know me well realize that I am pretty good at it J Otherwise, we’re trusting God to provide the rest if we fall short at the end. I wanted to price compare all the food and such at the market to the grocery store right by our hotel. Brian and C tagged along - I told him it was in case I bought a heavy jug of water and he had to carry it. Really, I just wanted the company - haha. I had heard from my friend how obsessive these people are about children being bundled. So, adults are walking around in light jackets and no scarves, hats, or gloves. My child is bundled in a complete snowsuit with winter boots. Several people have approached me over the past few days when she is not wearing gloves. They grab her little hands and I can totally tell what they’re saying (that she needs to be wearing gloves) even though I don’t know the language. So funny! Helloooooo- she’s wearing a snowsuit and just pulled the gloves off!
Back at the room we ate PBJ, Brian worked for an hour, and we headed off on the hike to the orphanage. Took us only 23 minutes this time! While we were there Aleksey called with our official court time! We will have court on February 19th at 1PM!!! Soooo exciting!
Tonight, Brian had some meetings and I had to vacate the room with C for an hour and half. So, I ate some Ramen noodles first and then intended to just order vereneki. Ah well, communication error and I got a little more food than I intended, but it was very yummy! C slept the WHOLE time and I enjoyed a book on the Kindle my awesome friend B let me borrow for the trip. I stopped at the grocery store for some frozen pelmeni Brian requested and came back to the room. He cooked it in the teakettle and gave some to C since she had slept through dinner. It wasn’t bad! Now, I’m trying to get cranky baby to sleep since she had such a long nap earlier!
As far as the process goes, we are just waiting on court. Then, due to the date of court, it will be a full 2 weeks until I can pick him up. After that, probably another week and a half at least. Thank you all for continued prayers! Love from Ukr*ine!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Skype with brother
We’re getting adjusted to the time change, but end up sleeping late. This is fine since we really don’t have anywhere to be until 3pm when V*ktor is finished with classes. Aleksey went on a paper chase to another city Friday, so we were on our own anyway. I ventured out for SIM cards and minutes. We ate PBJ in the room for lunch. Later, we walked to the orphanage. Now, when I say “walked,” what I really mean is slipped, slid, and swam (haha). The sidewalks are VERY slushy, have many potholes with giant puddles, and have patches of ice. It makes for an interesting walk pushing C in a stroller while Brian carries a heavy backpack. If you are coming here in winter months, you MUST bring warm waterproof comfortable boots. Seriously, worth every penny. In Kiev, even with snow boots with decent traction, Brian and I both took hard falls. The knot on my head is smaller and doesn’t hurt as bad. Brian was holding C, but made sure to fall on his other side. Scared her, but she was fine. He was pretty sore, though. Ahh but I digress.
After our journey to the orphanage, we sat with V*ktor and S (a girl who was hosted this summer) in the girls playroom. We played cards, and they ate a lot of jerky. Actually, V kept forcing it on her because she would only take tiny pieces (but you could tell she really liked it). It was sweet. We gave her the gifts from her host family. Since I had to take out the candy (by director request), I stuffed some more things in there for her. We had a really good time, V and S loved on C for awhile. V*ktor had to go with Aleksey to ask about our “visitation” tomorrow, so S and Brian played War. As we left, we gave a giant bag (that many of you contributed items for) to the deputy director so she can pass them out to the children. There were at least 20 stocking caps, gloves, 60-70 chapsticks, 50 bouncy balls, 20 handwarmers, and several other items. Thursday, I only received scowls from her. Friday, she was very friendly and lots of smiles. Progress J Friday night, we walked over to the “white hotel” restaurant. Oh my goodness! Best food I’ve had since we got here. Something we would call a dip with lots of garlic inside a hollowed out tomato, chicken with mushrooms and cheese, and some to-die-for hot chocolate that was more like drinking chocolate fondue. Brian left before the hot chocolate came hoping to get back and work that night. C started screeching and squirming. Aleksey reached for her, and she went to him quiet as a mouse. Sat there the whole time we drank hot chocolate with her thumb in her mouth! I’m calling him the “baby whisperer” now. Seriously! Hmmm - maybe when she starts screeching at 12Am he will want to take her - haha! After supper, he wanted to go in search of a gym so we walked down this pitch black street to a gym. It was apparently not for public use, though. Ah well, back to the hotel. C actually slept all night. It was nice!
Yesterday, we slept late again. We planned on leaving for the orphanage at 2:30, but Aleksey called at 2 and said he had to go early for paperwork. Since he was taking a car (apparently needed to get there right then), we threw on our coats and ran out the door. We were early to the orphanage, so we had to wait a little while for V*ktor to come out of the lunchroom. When he did, we headed up to his classroom for him to get his coat. We gave J his care package from his host family and took a picture. Adorable kid! After catching up with another host kid O, we headed towards town. It was raining and not a super-pleasant kind of walk but oh well what do you do? Aleksey asked V what he wanted to do, and he said “talk to his brother and sister” so we went into a restaurant with wifi and ordered drinks. We skyped with Mom and A. A was still in bed, so Mom just took him the computer! For probably a good 45 minutes, we talked and watched A show us various things. I switched over to google translate every now and then (Aleksey was making some phone calls). Then, we started walking a little more, saw the school in town where J attends and where V*ktor visits the library. We stopped at the candy store (oh yum yum yum) to get Viktor something. He wanted to show us the statue in town. It’s in memory of a mail carrier who slipped through the ice and threw the letters to the side of the river to save them. The carrier, unfortunately, did not survive, but the mail was delivered. We took some pictures there and it continued to rain. V*ktor wanted pizza, so we went for supper at “Family Pizza.” Brian and V*ktor had a really good meat on their pizza - kind of like bacon.
We took a cab back to the orphanage and V*ktor showed us to his room. I went to the restroom which involved walking about 120 ft down a hallway, down stairs, 120 ft down the hallway directly below the other one, another 50 ft to the boys bathroom (the only one in the entire school), and another 50 ft to the girls bathroom (only one in the school). When I got there, a group of little boys were hanging around and politely showed me the door. They followed me back to V*ktor’s room. I have no idea why. I think they wanted gum or something. They were so adorable, and I kind of felt like the pied piper with all these kids following me! They walked into V*ktor’s room where they stayed a few minutes with us until he shooed them on their way. We looked through his picture album from summer hosting. Then, his friend, who was in the room with us, wanted to show us his room. So, we walked alllllllll the way around the school to get there. Picture a U shaped building. The Top corners of the U have stairs that go to the hallways on the sides of the U. The bottom corners of the U have staircases that only go to the bottom part of the U. So it’s quite a maze and not well connected. By this time, our “visitation” was up so we went to ask the teachers if/when V*ktor could attend church on Sunday. After a long conversation between V, Aleksey, and the 2 teachers, it was determined that we should be at the orphanage Sunday at 9:30AM to take him to church.
This morning, we had to wake up early (after C screeching until 1AM) for church. It was still raining, so we took a cab. We originally though at teacher was going with us, but they ended up sending V with us. So, a mile walk in the rain turned to snow and we ended up at the church (only about a block from our hotel). Apparently, their church services are very long and people just come and go for as long as they want to stay. We went upstairs and over to the very last bench way on the front corner of the curved balcony. It’s kind of sad to picture V sitting there alone (or maybe with a friend) every Sunday. After about 40 minutes C started squealing, so I took her out. There was only one room separate from everything and I wasn’t sure if I could go in there. Our coats were still upstairs so outside was out of the question. I tried gesturing to a lady to ask if I could go in there, but she didn’t understand. Another lady seemed to understand my wild charades and opened the door motioning me in there. I was in there with C for about 10 minutes before V, B, and Aleksey came downstairs. We went to our hotel to change clothes and get C her snowsuit. Back to the orphanage we rode! V said he had to go do lessons (which was different than what we were originally told), but we could come back at 3. It is time to wake up Brian and C from their naps so we can head that way!
written Sunday, Feb 3, 2013
After our journey to the orphanage, we sat with V*ktor and S (a girl who was hosted this summer) in the girls playroom. We played cards, and they ate a lot of jerky. Actually, V kept forcing it on her because she would only take tiny pieces (but you could tell she really liked it). It was sweet. We gave her the gifts from her host family. Since I had to take out the candy (by director request), I stuffed some more things in there for her. We had a really good time, V and S loved on C for awhile. V*ktor had to go with Aleksey to ask about our “visitation” tomorrow, so S and Brian played War. As we left, we gave a giant bag (that many of you contributed items for) to the deputy director so she can pass them out to the children. There were at least 20 stocking caps, gloves, 60-70 chapsticks, 50 bouncy balls, 20 handwarmers, and several other items. Thursday, I only received scowls from her. Friday, she was very friendly and lots of smiles. Progress J Friday night, we walked over to the “white hotel” restaurant. Oh my goodness! Best food I’ve had since we got here. Something we would call a dip with lots of garlic inside a hollowed out tomato, chicken with mushrooms and cheese, and some to-die-for hot chocolate that was more like drinking chocolate fondue. Brian left before the hot chocolate came hoping to get back and work that night. C started screeching and squirming. Aleksey reached for her, and she went to him quiet as a mouse. Sat there the whole time we drank hot chocolate with her thumb in her mouth! I’m calling him the “baby whisperer” now. Seriously! Hmmm - maybe when she starts screeching at 12Am he will want to take her - haha! After supper, he wanted to go in search of a gym so we walked down this pitch black street to a gym. It was apparently not for public use, though. Ah well, back to the hotel. C actually slept all night. It was nice!
Yesterday, we slept late again. We planned on leaving for the orphanage at 2:30, but Aleksey called at 2 and said he had to go early for paperwork. Since he was taking a car (apparently needed to get there right then), we threw on our coats and ran out the door. We were early to the orphanage, so we had to wait a little while for V*ktor to come out of the lunchroom. When he did, we headed up to his classroom for him to get his coat. We gave J his care package from his host family and took a picture. Adorable kid! After catching up with another host kid O, we headed towards town. It was raining and not a super-pleasant kind of walk but oh well what do you do? Aleksey asked V what he wanted to do, and he said “talk to his brother and sister” so we went into a restaurant with wifi and ordered drinks. We skyped with Mom and A. A was still in bed, so Mom just took him the computer! For probably a good 45 minutes, we talked and watched A show us various things. I switched over to google translate every now and then (Aleksey was making some phone calls). Then, we started walking a little more, saw the school in town where J attends and where V*ktor visits the library. We stopped at the candy store (oh yum yum yum) to get Viktor something. He wanted to show us the statue in town. It’s in memory of a mail carrier who slipped through the ice and threw the letters to the side of the river to save them. The carrier, unfortunately, did not survive, but the mail was delivered. We took some pictures there and it continued to rain. V*ktor wanted pizza, so we went for supper at “Family Pizza.” Brian and V*ktor had a really good meat on their pizza - kind of like bacon.This morning, we had to wake up early (after C screeching until 1AM) for church. It was still raining, so we took a cab. We originally though at teacher was going with us, but they ended up sending V with us. So, a mile walk in the rain turned to snow and we ended up at the church (only about a block from our hotel). Apparently, their church services are very long and people just come and go for as long as they want to stay. We went upstairs and over to the very last bench way on the front corner of the curved balcony. It’s kind of sad to picture V sitting there alone (or maybe with a friend) every Sunday. After about 40 minutes C started squealing, so I took her out. There was only one room separate from everything and I wasn’t sure if I could go in there. Our coats were still upstairs so outside was out of the question. I tried gesturing to a lady to ask if I could go in there, but she didn’t understand. Another lady seemed to understand my wild charades and opened the door motioning me in there. I was in there with C for about 10 minutes before V, B, and Aleksey came downstairs. We went to our hotel to change clothes and get C her snowsuit. Back to the orphanage we rode! V said he had to go do lessons (which was different than what we were originally told), but we could come back at 3. It is time to wake up Brian and C from their naps so we can head that way!
written Sunday, Feb 3, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
We saw V*ktor!!!!
We got to see V*ktor!!!! It was so good to give him a big hug and see his smile J
I just realized my last update was Monday afternoon, so I have some catching up to do!
Monday evening we got to talk to Mom and B on Skype. It was really good to see them! Later, we met up with the other family for supper at a café (kind of like Picadily). It was nice because we could just point to the food and get what we wanted. Plus, there were some other English-speaking customers who were very helpful when we weren’t sure what something was. We headed to the grocery store where I thought I was buying milk… apparently not, but by the time I figured it out I was at the register with a ton of people behind me and I wasn’t sure about Ukrainian etiquette on putting something back. So, I bought some pretty gross liquid yogurt. Needless to say I didn’t finish it. Afterwards, we walked a little through an underground mall, but we were kind of exhausted at that point so we didn’t stay too long.
Tuesday, we got up late morning and packed everything. The other family came over with their things to leave in our apartment since they had to check out of theirs. We went on a walking tour of the city. Funny enough, we spent almost half of it at a café (our choice) eating - lol! Leave it to us that we eat instead of tour. We walked around and the guide told us some history. We saw a beautiful monestary/church called St. Sophia. The guide was delightful, the P family perfect company, and the sights were great. I really don’t take in history very well, so I can’t tell you more than that. Oh! C slept the entire tour after we ate. She was wrapped in the moby on Brian inside his coat. I can’t even begin to describe the looks we got with her legs dangling out the bottom of his coat! Enjoy the photo J Our tour ended at the SDA where we met up with our facilitator, went in, signed, and picked up our papers. Piled 7 of us in a car (think mid-size like a Taurus) and back to the apartment where we grabbed our stuff. We parted ways with the other family and headed to our train.
Apparently their typical plan is for Americans to grab McDonald’s as we hop on the train. It’s a good thing we had 2 facilitators with us who helped carry everything to the train. There’s no ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), so elevators are pretty uncommon. LOTS of stairs to haul C down in her stroller. Once we got to our compartment, though, we got everything settled in. Some people came and asked to use our upper storage space for their painting, so we handed our stroller to strangers and put their painting up there. Only later did the thought cross my mind that they may be getting off before us while we were sound asleep! Thankfully, they had the same destination. We were in “first class” which is 2 beds. Our facilitator in region is Aleksey, who we just met as we boarded the train (there are lots of different facilitators who help us along the way). He stayed in the 2nd class with 4 beds on a top bunk in another car. Honestly, it wasn’t a terrible way to travel. It got pretty stuffy and hot in there, but otherwise we rode along doing crossword puzzles, making up long drawn out math problems (we are fully aware that we are complete dorks), and later watching a movie on the laptop. Unfortunately, C did NOT think it was an ideal way to travel or to sleep. So, after sleeping for about 4 hours, she was pretty much screaming and crying from 2AM-5AM. That is very atypical for her, but she’s been through a lot of change and interrupted sleep schedules for several days. It was a nightmare for us, but we knew it had to end sooner or later! We slept until 8 when Ukrainian music started playing in our compartment. By 9:45, we had all our luggage out and ready to get off the train. Fifteen and a half hours - whew! A car was waiting for us, and we headed to V*ktor’s town!!! The first stop was dropping stuff at the hotel. Then whisked to the social worker where they asked us a few questions. Mostly, they talked to us. When the lady asked if V*ktor knew and what he had said. I told her, “He said YES YES YES TELL THEM YES!” She laughed and apparently decided the interview was pretty much over. We headed to the orphanage where we didn’t think we would get to see him yet since he was in class. I have a whole new appreciation of how V*ktor felt in America. Seriously, it’s so weird following somebody into a place, hearing an exchange of words, having no idea what is said, and then being told “okay, we’re going somewhere else now.” Half the time you don’t know what’s going on or if things are going as they’re supposed to go. They took us to what seemed to be a playroom with several couches and left us there with Aleksey. He said they were going to get V*ktor!
It was a very long few minutes waiting for him to get down there. We jumped up to give him big hugs and sat down where he immediately reached for C. We talked to him for a few minutes and kept waiting for the 2 observing social workers to ask questions or something. It was really awkward just being watched like that. We hadn’t brought any of our gifts for V*ktor or his friends because we didn’t realize we’d see him. The social workers asked him if there was anything in the room he wanted to do, and he said no. This was “girl” room - lol! They eventually left and a guy came in. He was really friendly and talked a lot more - asked questions of us. Whatever any of them were saying to him, V*ktor had big smiles and kept nodding his head yes as he talked while he played with C. After everyone was gone and it was just us with V and Aleksey, he opened up more and it seemed more natural. Then, when Aleksey left it was even better. V*ktor is just really shy and I think felt like he was on the spot with all those people in there. After about 10-15 minutes, Aleksey appeared with the social worker and said we needed to go now. They’re very abrupt “okay, time to go! V*ktor needs to go back to class, now.” It takes a minute to bundle C into her snow pants, boots, coat, and hat. We did it as quickly as possible, but still felt like they all thought we were taking an eternity! We hugged goodbye and were told we could return from 3-5. The car left with the social worker, and we were on foot from then on out. I was sooooo glad we had the stroller! First, we headed to a notary who seemed very busy and uninterested in helping. We showed her our passports, more words exchanged, and then “okay, time to go!” I asked Aleksey if that went okay and if she was going to do it for us. He said it took some time to prepare and we needed to come back later. Onward back to the hotel where we ate in the restaurant for lunch.
Our second trip to the orphanage was much better and more relaxed. First, we had to stop and pick up the papers to sign at the notary. We were late getting there, but finally made it through the snow. At this point, V*ktor just met us there in the hallway and took us up to a classroom where 2 boys were watching TV. They always locked the door whenever somebody came in or left. We though it odd until we realized that the door didn’t latch unless locked. There, he showed us his desk with pictures A and B had colored and sent to him. He got out the violin, but didn’t play for us since the other kids were watching TV. He was wearing his cross necklace we sent. I told him how each of his cousins and A had one as well in all different colors. After showing us “around” his classroom a little, we played checkers. Not so shocking, he beat us both rather quickly. Then, Brian and V played battleship. C had a dirty diaper and I realized I had no wipes with me. Oh well, Kleenex would have to work! It was fine. As I headed out the door to go throw it away (in the downstairs bathroom), I ran right into his roommate J. I promptly gave him a hug (which seemed to shock him, but he let me hug him anyway) as I ran out the door. By the time I got back, it was time to go, so we packed up and headed out just as the classroom started to fill with kids and a man who was there to supervise study hall. V*ktor walked us out to the door of the orphanage and gave us hugs as we left. We will go back today to see him again!
Last night I ventured out to the grocery store. I wish I had gone with Aleksey, but he was running around getting papers. I tried to buy shampoo and conditioner. The lady kept pointing to what I could tell was the “2 in 1” which doesn’t work at all for my long hair. Finally, she pointed to 2 different ones. I thanked her and took them. (Only this morning did I find out that it was just 2 shampoos.) When I tried to mime diapers, they showed me individually wrapped diapers. WHAT??? So weird! LOL! I asked for bananas, but they didn’t have any. At this point, I was just SURE that this must not be the “big” grocery store Aleksey had described. I went ahead and bought what I could, then headed back to the hotel. A few minutes later, Aleksey was back and I told him that surely I was in the wrong store. He took me there to the same store… Anyway, he asked about the diapers and it was, in fact, only the individually wrapped diapers. I asked if there was nowhere to sell packages of diapers? It’s not that I NEEDED a whole package of diapers, but in my experience you save a lot of money buying bigger quantities of such things! We went to a few pharmacies (which seem to be as plentiful as pharmacies in the US), and they only sold individual diapers as well. Aleksey explained that people don’t have the money to buy more than a few at a time. So, I will be buying diapers individually while I’m here! They’re name brand and about 32 cents apiece. At home, I pay about 14 cents a diaper. Oh well! I didn’t really have the luggage space to haul a lot of diapers with me anyway even if I had known ahead of time.
We ate dinner at the hotel and were able to skype with A and B! A had a snow day from school. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to catch him at the house. Our hotel room is good for us. The staff is so wonderful. They are really going out of their way to help us out with whatever we need. The housekeeper brought a crib for C to use! Brian had to put it together first, which was a little funny considering there were no directions. It works great, though! She also brought me extra pillows. She really laughed when I told her I usually use 4, but 2 would be fine. (Thankfully, my friend M had left travel pillows and blankets for us to use.) Our room has a television with only Ukrainian channels. Brian still feels the need to turn it on and watch sports shows and discovery channel, though J We have what I think is a king bed (it’s at least bigger than a queen) and a sectional couch and chair with a table. We have a dorm-sized fridge, and there is a bathroom with HUGE tub and sink. The toilet (and another sink) are in a different bathroom. We had been warned that ALL toilets and bathrooms smell in Ukraine. We found this to be very true, and just keep the door closed to the toilet bathroom! The room actually smells okay otherwise. At first, I thought the bed would be comfortable, but after a night on it, I plan to use the camping air mattress I brought with me.
This morning we slept late and ate in the room. Then, we headed back to the orphanage again to see V*ktor! This time, we were back in the playroom. He said there was a big group of kids upstairs playing. We talked for a while, played legos with Chella, played go-fish, and talked to the director about bringing toys and things for the other kids. He said we can take V*ktor to eat in town on Saturday - yaa! Tomorrow, we will see him again from 3-5 at the orphanage. We ate pizza with Aleksey on the way back to our room. C fell asleep and is still asleep now. Great. Another night of a baby who doesn’t want to sleep! Ahh well, as they say in Ukraine “It’s okaaaaaaaay!”
Monday evening we got to talk to Mom and B on Skype. It was really good to see them! Later, we met up with the other family for supper at a café (kind of like Picadily). It was nice because we could just point to the food and get what we wanted. Plus, there were some other English-speaking customers who were very helpful when we weren’t sure what something was. We headed to the grocery store where I thought I was buying milk… apparently not, but by the time I figured it out I was at the register with a ton of people behind me and I wasn’t sure about Ukrainian etiquette on putting something back. So, I bought some pretty gross liquid yogurt. Needless to say I didn’t finish it. Afterwards, we walked a little through an underground mall, but we were kind of exhausted at that point so we didn’t stay too long.
Tuesday, we got up late morning and packed everything. The other family came over with their things to leave in our apartment since they had to check out of theirs. We went on a walking tour of the city. Funny enough, we spent almost half of it at a café (our choice) eating - lol! Leave it to us that we eat instead of tour. We walked around and the guide told us some history. We saw a beautiful monestary/church called St. Sophia. The guide was delightful, the P family perfect company, and the sights were great. I really don’t take in history very well, so I can’t tell you more than that. Oh! C slept the entire tour after we ate. She was wrapped in the moby on Brian inside his coat. I can’t even begin to describe the looks we got with her legs dangling out the bottom of his coat! Enjoy the photo J Our tour ended at the SDA where we met up with our facilitator, went in, signed, and picked up our papers. Piled 7 of us in a car (think mid-size like a Taurus) and back to the apartment where we grabbed our stuff. We parted ways with the other family and headed to our train.
Apparently their typical plan is for Americans to grab McDonald’s as we hop on the train. It’s a good thing we had 2 facilitators with us who helped carry everything to the train. There’s no ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), so elevators are pretty uncommon. LOTS of stairs to haul C down in her stroller. Once we got to our compartment, though, we got everything settled in. Some people came and asked to use our upper storage space for their painting, so we handed our stroller to strangers and put their painting up there. Only later did the thought cross my mind that they may be getting off before us while we were sound asleep! Thankfully, they had the same destination. We were in “first class” which is 2 beds. Our facilitator in region is Aleksey, who we just met as we boarded the train (there are lots of different facilitators who help us along the way). He stayed in the 2nd class with 4 beds on a top bunk in another car. Honestly, it wasn’t a terrible way to travel. It got pretty stuffy and hot in there, but otherwise we rode along doing crossword puzzles, making up long drawn out math problems (we are fully aware that we are complete dorks), and later watching a movie on the laptop. Unfortunately, C did NOT think it was an ideal way to travel or to sleep. So, after sleeping for about 4 hours, she was pretty much screaming and crying from 2AM-5AM. That is very atypical for her, but she’s been through a lot of change and interrupted sleep schedules for several days. It was a nightmare for us, but we knew it had to end sooner or later! We slept until 8 when Ukrainian music started playing in our compartment. By 9:45, we had all our luggage out and ready to get off the train. Fifteen and a half hours - whew! A car was waiting for us, and we headed to V*ktor’s town!!! The first stop was dropping stuff at the hotel. Then whisked to the social worker where they asked us a few questions. Mostly, they talked to us. When the lady asked if V*ktor knew and what he had said. I told her, “He said YES YES YES TELL THEM YES!” She laughed and apparently decided the interview was pretty much over. We headed to the orphanage where we didn’t think we would get to see him yet since he was in class. I have a whole new appreciation of how V*ktor felt in America. Seriously, it’s so weird following somebody into a place, hearing an exchange of words, having no idea what is said, and then being told “okay, we’re going somewhere else now.” Half the time you don’t know what’s going on or if things are going as they’re supposed to go. They took us to what seemed to be a playroom with several couches and left us there with Aleksey. He said they were going to get V*ktor!
It was a very long few minutes waiting for him to get down there. We jumped up to give him big hugs and sat down where he immediately reached for C. We talked to him for a few minutes and kept waiting for the 2 observing social workers to ask questions or something. It was really awkward just being watched like that. We hadn’t brought any of our gifts for V*ktor or his friends because we didn’t realize we’d see him. The social workers asked him if there was anything in the room he wanted to do, and he said no. This was “girl” room - lol! They eventually left and a guy came in. He was really friendly and talked a lot more - asked questions of us. Whatever any of them were saying to him, V*ktor had big smiles and kept nodding his head yes as he talked while he played with C. After everyone was gone and it was just us with V and Aleksey, he opened up more and it seemed more natural. Then, when Aleksey left it was even better. V*ktor is just really shy and I think felt like he was on the spot with all those people in there. After about 10-15 minutes, Aleksey appeared with the social worker and said we needed to go now. They’re very abrupt “okay, time to go! V*ktor needs to go back to class, now.” It takes a minute to bundle C into her snow pants, boots, coat, and hat. We did it as quickly as possible, but still felt like they all thought we were taking an eternity! We hugged goodbye and were told we could return from 3-5. The car left with the social worker, and we were on foot from then on out. I was sooooo glad we had the stroller! First, we headed to a notary who seemed very busy and uninterested in helping. We showed her our passports, more words exchanged, and then “okay, time to go!” I asked Aleksey if that went okay and if she was going to do it for us. He said it took some time to prepare and we needed to come back later. Onward back to the hotel where we ate in the restaurant for lunch.
Our second trip to the orphanage was much better and more relaxed. First, we had to stop and pick up the papers to sign at the notary. We were late getting there, but finally made it through the snow. At this point, V*ktor just met us there in the hallway and took us up to a classroom where 2 boys were watching TV. They always locked the door whenever somebody came in or left. We though it odd until we realized that the door didn’t latch unless locked. There, he showed us his desk with pictures A and B had colored and sent to him. He got out the violin, but didn’t play for us since the other kids were watching TV. He was wearing his cross necklace we sent. I told him how each of his cousins and A had one as well in all different colors. After showing us “around” his classroom a little, we played checkers. Not so shocking, he beat us both rather quickly. Then, Brian and V played battleship. C had a dirty diaper and I realized I had no wipes with me. Oh well, Kleenex would have to work! It was fine. As I headed out the door to go throw it away (in the downstairs bathroom), I ran right into his roommate J. I promptly gave him a hug (which seemed to shock him, but he let me hug him anyway) as I ran out the door. By the time I got back, it was time to go, so we packed up and headed out just as the classroom started to fill with kids and a man who was there to supervise study hall. V*ktor walked us out to the door of the orphanage and gave us hugs as we left. We will go back today to see him again!
Last night I ventured out to the grocery store. I wish I had gone with Aleksey, but he was running around getting papers. I tried to buy shampoo and conditioner. The lady kept pointing to what I could tell was the “2 in 1” which doesn’t work at all for my long hair. Finally, she pointed to 2 different ones. I thanked her and took them. (Only this morning did I find out that it was just 2 shampoos.) When I tried to mime diapers, they showed me individually wrapped diapers. WHAT??? So weird! LOL! I asked for bananas, but they didn’t have any. At this point, I was just SURE that this must not be the “big” grocery store Aleksey had described. I went ahead and bought what I could, then headed back to the hotel. A few minutes later, Aleksey was back and I told him that surely I was in the wrong store. He took me there to the same store… Anyway, he asked about the diapers and it was, in fact, only the individually wrapped diapers. I asked if there was nowhere to sell packages of diapers? It’s not that I NEEDED a whole package of diapers, but in my experience you save a lot of money buying bigger quantities of such things! We went to a few pharmacies (which seem to be as plentiful as pharmacies in the US), and they only sold individual diapers as well. Aleksey explained that people don’t have the money to buy more than a few at a time. So, I will be buying diapers individually while I’m here! They’re name brand and about 32 cents apiece. At home, I pay about 14 cents a diaper. Oh well! I didn’t really have the luggage space to haul a lot of diapers with me anyway even if I had known ahead of time.
We ate dinner at the hotel and were able to skype with A and B! A had a snow day from school. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to catch him at the house. Our hotel room is good for us. The staff is so wonderful. They are really going out of their way to help us out with whatever we need. The housekeeper brought a crib for C to use! Brian had to put it together first, which was a little funny considering there were no directions. It works great, though! She also brought me extra pillows. She really laughed when I told her I usually use 4, but 2 would be fine. (Thankfully, my friend M had left travel pillows and blankets for us to use.) Our room has a television with only Ukrainian channels. Brian still feels the need to turn it on and watch sports shows and discovery channel, though J We have what I think is a king bed (it’s at least bigger than a queen) and a sectional couch and chair with a table. We have a dorm-sized fridge, and there is a bathroom with HUGE tub and sink. The toilet (and another sink) are in a different bathroom. We had been warned that ALL toilets and bathrooms smell in Ukraine. We found this to be very true, and just keep the door closed to the toilet bathroom! The room actually smells okay otherwise. At first, I thought the bed would be comfortable, but after a night on it, I plan to use the camping air mattress I brought with me.
This morning we slept late and ate in the room. Then, we headed back to the orphanage again to see V*ktor! This time, we were back in the playroom. He said there was a big group of kids upstairs playing. We talked for a while, played legos with Chella, played go-fish, and talked to the director about bringing toys and things for the other kids. He said we can take V*ktor to eat in town on Saturday - yaa! Tomorrow, we will see him again from 3-5 at the orphanage. We ate pizza with Aleksey on the way back to our room. C fell asleep and is still asleep now. Great. Another night of a baby who doesn’t want to sleep! Ahh well, as they say in Ukraine “It’s okaaaaaaaay!”
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