February 24- Tuesday
This was really the Embassy day.
We spent the morning trying to pack up suitcases. The kids played computer games. Keith went and got a phone card so we could call the Elder and Sister Thatcher to see if they wanted our Internet stick. We took the kids to McDonalds for lunch, mainly to get out of the flat.
Sasha picked us up at 1:30. And back to the Embassy. There was almost no one there.
The lady said still couldn’t get our I-600a. We had to authorize the Yakima office to release it to the Embassy/ Consulate. Apparently the Yakima office had called us this morning but couldn’t get through. (For some reason our phone turns of sometimes, this is apparently what happened). Now with the time change we wouldn’t be able to get a hold of them until tomorrow, which means no Visas today. They (the Embassy) would still do our interview and do everything for their part, but no Visas until they have that I-600a. After all that trouble getting airplane tickets, now we won’t be able to use them. Needless to say we were just sick. Another $2100 to change our tickets and we probably won’t even be able to get them until next week.
We waited for the interview in a room with 2 other families who were adopting. One was from North Carolina and it was a second marriage for both of them, first child for him and she had a 21 year old. They were adopting a 2.5 year old boy. The other couple had an interesting story. He was from Texas, she was from Chile. They lived in Cyprus. He works for World Vision. They were also adopting a young boy, Ignacio.
While we were waiting Elijah got his hand burned. They had a few toys there for kids to play with but mostly for toddlers. More interestingly they had a water cooler there that also heated the water. Somehow in trying to entertain themselves the girls had pushed the hot water button and it poured on his fingers. We sat that whole interview with his hand in cold water, which we frequently changed.
The Embassy worker came in and we all went through the paperwork in each of our folders together. They had to wait for us at each point because we had four sets. At one point the father from North Carolina asked about his language ability. He answered that he lived for a couple years in Russia. Ha, could that be an RM??? He jokingly said that we would have to sign a paper saying we wouldn’t let our girls go to University of Utah. Definitely an RM!
It was really hard at the end of that session to hear him tell the other couples that their Visas only need to be printed and would be ready in a half an hour. He came to us and had us fill out an internal memo to send to the Yakima office requesting our approved I-600a. We explained our situation; we have airline tickets for the morning, it was extremely hard getting them, it would probably be until next week before we could do so again, and it would cost a boatload of money to change them. We usually aren’t that “talkative,” but we were really to the breaking point. He took our paper and after a few minutes came back and said, “We will issue your visas. It will take a little bit longer today because we have to write a memo explaining all that.” Hey, I’ll stay all day if I can go home tomorrow. It would still be up to Homeland Security to accept the memo and extra paperwork to let us in but we could get our Visas. I couldn’t help it, I cried. I cried and cried. I couldn’t help it. Doors were definitely opened for us!! I sat there running over in my mind the major instances that doors had been opened for us through this whole adoption process, there have been so many; meeting the missionaries on the train to Khmelinetsky (that were only passing through that area), being able to get tickets, all the places we stayed, connecting with the girls themselves. And that doesn’t even scratch the surface. Why would little old us get such Royal treatment?!?!
After that whole experience (we were there for 3 hours), we called the Elders and had them ask Sasha if he could take us to the Mission home to drop of the Internet stick for the Thatchers to get. It took a while to find it. Elijah cried most of the time. His fingers were really burned and he also needed a diaper change. Ryah was also cranky (I guess we all were but those two couldn’t contain it) Sasha finally found the Mission home and we dropped off. I can’t remember who but someone called Kostya and we had him ask Sasha if he would buy something for Elijah’s burn at the Apteka (drugstore). He did and it made Elijah yell louder. Sasha was very patient with us the whole time. We, through Kristina and sign language, asked him to take us to a bigger grocery store so we could get diapers—we were out. It was 2 more hours after the Embassy before we finally got back to the flat. Everyone was VERY grateful to get out of the car. We packed and ate McDonalds. Keith got 2 of everything so we could eat that for breakfast as well. We finally got the kids to bed at 10:00 and we finished packing and searched for any lost items. We got to bed a couple hours later.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Embassy Day
February 23- Monday
Embassy day
Well, not really day. After we went through all the security to get into the embassy we were only there about 45 minutes is all. She looked over our paperwork, left, and came back saying she couldn’t find our 1-600 petition to adopt. Do we have our I-171H (the form saying our I-600 was accepted)? Yes, we have it but it is back at the flat. “Well, you have this big stack of papers to fill out and come back tomorrow at 2:00.”
If we would have had those papers filled out we probably could have gotten an appointment today. Seems like a facilitator should have those on hand- save himself and his clients a lot of time.
After the Embassy we went to the hospital for the medical exams. After waiting there two hours (in a very small room with only a few toys—but at least there were some) we were taken into the doctor’s office. He speaks English so Kostya didn’t need to be there. He sat in the hall being antsy (about getting done before his train left at 5:00—we found out later). All the girls had an exam.
Keith and Kostya sent me with the girls back to the flat while they went to get medicines, some food and stop at the KLM Royal Dutch airlines office to get tickets. I don’t know why I always panic a little when I think about being left alone with the girls. We ate the left-overs from the McDonald’s breakfast (not much), then played computer games, put puzzles together and watched cartoons. I survived LOL.
When Keith came back it was alone. Kostya had left for his train. I had expected him to stay over night, didn’t even know that he had a ticket. I hope we haven’t offended him. Maybe he had something he had to be back for? I don’t know. He doesn’t communicate very well and it ISN’T a language issue. If you can’t tell I feel abandoned. But I guess he can’t help any more with the Embassy stuff and it really is nicer when he isn’t here, because the girls are forced to try to communicate with us rather than him.
Keith also came back with not so good news about the airline tickets. We had two choices and neither one was very good. The first was to just wait until Saturday when our tickets are already scheduled for and pay one-way prices (not sure why they couldn’t do round-trip—much cheaper). The second was to leave on Thursday but have a nearly 24 hour layover in Amsterdam. That might have been kind of fun as I have never been to Amsterdam but the girls wouldn’t have been allowed to leave the airport as they have no visas. There is a hotel in the airport that we could have stayed at but it was nearly $300 a night for one king-sized bed.
It was about this time that my ear got plugged up. Do you know how annoying it is when you can’t hear out of one ear?!?!?! I remember this happened last year at this time, when I was Cookie mom for girl scouts. What is my problem?!
We called Lonnie Rowland, the man who helped us get our tickets here, and he came through for us. He was able to get seats for all of us (they aren’t together, however—should be interesting) on a flight on Wednesday. Because it was short notice they were more than we wanted to pay but if you factor in the cost of staying here in Kyiv ($100 for the flat, at least that, maybe closer to double for food) it is a wash whether to go Wednesday or wait until Saturday. So, of course, we took the Wednesday flight—we miss our kids at home.
Keith brought back bread, cheese, water, juice, and yogurt. He found a little grocery store nearby but not much selection. So we had bread, cheese and juice for supper.
It was a rough night putting everyone to bed. We still had 2 hours worth of paperwork to fill out for the Embassy tomorrow. Girls (and Elijah for that matter) didn’t want to go to bed. K was VERY uncooperative and was pretending she didn’t understand us. A2 threw several of her fits. Even A1 got into it. Add the fact that I can’t hear and we are tired, made for a VERY long evening. How am I ever going to be able to do this without Keith there to spell me off??? I guess I’ll do what I always do: muddle through. But man, what a rough night.
When the girls FINALLY quieted down, we still had paperwork to fill out. I had a really hard time keeping my eyes open and my penmanship was atrocious. LOL but we got them all filled out (we hope correctly) and were able to finally go to bed.
Please pray that tomorrow’s Embassy appointment goes through without a hitch. It would be a nightmare (not to mention VERY expensive) if we had to change everyone’s tickets.
Thank you everyone for all your support, kind words and prayers. We would have not been able to do this without it!!
Embassy day
Well, not really day. After we went through all the security to get into the embassy we were only there about 45 minutes is all. She looked over our paperwork, left, and came back saying she couldn’t find our 1-600 petition to adopt. Do we have our I-171H (the form saying our I-600 was accepted)? Yes, we have it but it is back at the flat. “Well, you have this big stack of papers to fill out and come back tomorrow at 2:00.”
If we would have had those papers filled out we probably could have gotten an appointment today. Seems like a facilitator should have those on hand- save himself and his clients a lot of time.
After the Embassy we went to the hospital for the medical exams. After waiting there two hours (in a very small room with only a few toys—but at least there were some) we were taken into the doctor’s office. He speaks English so Kostya didn’t need to be there. He sat in the hall being antsy (about getting done before his train left at 5:00—we found out later). All the girls had an exam.
Keith and Kostya sent me with the girls back to the flat while they went to get medicines, some food and stop at the KLM Royal Dutch airlines office to get tickets. I don’t know why I always panic a little when I think about being left alone with the girls. We ate the left-overs from the McDonald’s breakfast (not much), then played computer games, put puzzles together and watched cartoons. I survived LOL.
When Keith came back it was alone. Kostya had left for his train. I had expected him to stay over night, didn’t even know that he had a ticket. I hope we haven’t offended him. Maybe he had something he had to be back for? I don’t know. He doesn’t communicate very well and it ISN’T a language issue. If you can’t tell I feel abandoned. But I guess he can’t help any more with the Embassy stuff and it really is nicer when he isn’t here, because the girls are forced to try to communicate with us rather than him.
Keith also came back with not so good news about the airline tickets. We had two choices and neither one was very good. The first was to just wait until Saturday when our tickets are already scheduled for and pay one-way prices (not sure why they couldn’t do round-trip—much cheaper). The second was to leave on Thursday but have a nearly 24 hour layover in Amsterdam. That might have been kind of fun as I have never been to Amsterdam but the girls wouldn’t have been allowed to leave the airport as they have no visas. There is a hotel in the airport that we could have stayed at but it was nearly $300 a night for one king-sized bed.
It was about this time that my ear got plugged up. Do you know how annoying it is when you can’t hear out of one ear?!?!?! I remember this happened last year at this time, when I was Cookie mom for girl scouts. What is my problem?!
We called Lonnie Rowland, the man who helped us get our tickets here, and he came through for us. He was able to get seats for all of us (they aren’t together, however—should be interesting) on a flight on Wednesday. Because it was short notice they were more than we wanted to pay but if you factor in the cost of staying here in Kyiv ($100 for the flat, at least that, maybe closer to double for food) it is a wash whether to go Wednesday or wait until Saturday. So, of course, we took the Wednesday flight—we miss our kids at home.
Keith brought back bread, cheese, water, juice, and yogurt. He found a little grocery store nearby but not much selection. So we had bread, cheese and juice for supper.
It was a rough night putting everyone to bed. We still had 2 hours worth of paperwork to fill out for the Embassy tomorrow. Girls (and Elijah for that matter) didn’t want to go to bed. K was VERY uncooperative and was pretending she didn’t understand us. A2 threw several of her fits. Even A1 got into it. Add the fact that I can’t hear and we are tired, made for a VERY long evening. How am I ever going to be able to do this without Keith there to spell me off??? I guess I’ll do what I always do: muddle through. But man, what a rough night.
When the girls FINALLY quieted down, we still had paperwork to fill out. I had a really hard time keeping my eyes open and my penmanship was atrocious. LOL but we got them all filled out (we hope correctly) and were able to finally go to bed.
Please pray that tomorrow’s Embassy appointment goes through without a hitch. It would be a nightmare (not to mention VERY expensive) if we had to change everyone’s tickets.
Thank you everyone for all your support, kind words and prayers. We would have not been able to do this without it!!
Saturday and Sunday
I just looked and I am WAAAAAY behind. So I guess you get several posts at once.
February 21- Saturday
Today has been a rough day. I woke up not feeling well, dragging. I think A2 is still under the weather, she has had one rage after another. R hasn’t been to cooperative either. We tried to get both of them to sleep for a nap and it took R an hour and a half of lying there to finally fall asleep. A never did. It doesn’t help that we are going stir crazy in this hotel room.
Keith worked in the morning and I tried to keep kids busy out of the bedroom. It helped that we finally got a decent cartoon station to work.
In the afternoon the ward was having a get together to go bowling. Since Elijah was asleep and A2 and R needed sleep I stayed in the hotel with them while Keith took A1 and K bowling. They had a lot of fun. Apparently when the girls were up to bowl the bumper pads in the gutters came up, and when others were bowling they went down. Pretty high tech.
R finally had a nap and A calmed down quite a bit, so we joined them for food at the church. They put a movie on for the girls and we chatted for a while. It is refreshing and renewing to be among people who share your faith and care about you. It will be hard to leave these wonderful people!!
Just as we walked into the apartment Elijah started crying and kept crying for about an hour straight. That is so unlike him. We were going to take his temperature but couldn’t find the thermometer. He felt burning hot. Then we noticed him poking his ears. Aha. That is the problem. We put some of A2’s (as yet unidentified) eardrops in one ear—he fought it, then asked to have some in the other ear. We asked Elder Thatcher to come over and help give him a blessing, which he readily did. They also called the mission doctor and arranged for us to call from the train if Elijah wasn’t better and the mission doctor would try to get us an appointment with an English speaking, American- trained doctor in Kyiv. Did I mention what a blessing it is to have missionaries nearby?!? Luckily, after the eardrops and blessing he slept pretty soundly.
February 22- Sunday
We woke up and spent the morning packing everything up. Then we headed for the church. We were a sight. Five children, two adults, everyone has a backpack, then we have 4 suitcases and two sacks (one of stuff to give to the missionaries that we didn’t want to take with us, and one of food and water for us on the train). It was snowing and we had to stop every so often and give our hands a break. K and A1 played musical suitcases and anyone with a free hand held R’s or Elijah’s. Took us a half an hour to do a 10 minute walk.
The missionaries were going to help us get to the train station and our train. They had to do quite a bit of juggling as our train left at 1:13 and church starts at 12:00, but they had it all worked out. The plan was to stay through the sacrament, the first speaker and the Elders’ song (they were singing-- it was very nice, we heard them practicing yesterday) and then the two that weren’t being used were going to help us. Well, the first speaker (who is our good friend who helped us at the reenick) went over time. So, true to missionary form they adjusted quickly and Elder and Sister Thatcher helped us while the Elders’ fended at the church. I can’t believe the pains they went to to help us, and not just today, the whole time we have been in Khmelinsky. Luckily, I got pictures of all of them and some of the ward members whom we are friends with when we were so early for church. They are truly Heaven-sent!!!!!!
The missionaries called 2 taxis and we rushed to the train station. We only had to cross three tracks to get to our train. The Thatchers got us on and helped us find our box and they had to get off because the train was getting ready to leave.
There are two kinds of seats on a train here in Ukraine. One kind is just like in an airplane (only with a lot more room) and the other isn’t a seat, it is actually a bed, or more descriptively little compartments with 4 beds in them, two on top and two on bottom. We rented one full compartment (four beds) and one bed in another compartment (only because we had to buy 5 tickets—R and Elijah didn’t need a ticket).
We got all of our luggage stowed in the nooks and crannies and settled down for a 5 hour ride. We had to leave our door open because it was soooo hot. I had heard that it gets so hot in the trains. We were ok with the door open, we would have died of heat exhaustion with it closed. We ate the string cheese we brought, took pictures (everyone took turns taking pictures out and inside the train), played go fish (“do you have some a purple firty?"), cut up and ate our last apple, played more games, took more pictures (over 500 total), climbed up and down from the top bed, walked down the hall, rationed water, ate M&M’s and enjoyed the scenery outside. Oh and did I mention that there were a LOT of pictures taken???
When we were close to Kyiv we packed everything up that we had gotten out, pulled out all of our suitcases and got our coats on. That is when it became unbearably hot. We had 10 minutes to get everyone and everything off the train (or bye bye to Moscow). Everyone took their backpack and Keith started with the two biggest suitcases. R (being so tired she couldn’t stand herself) started screaming because no one would help her put her hat on. She also wouldn’t let anyone help her. So here I am trying to keep track of kids and walk luggage up to Keith to take off the train. The halls are only a man and a half wide and people are swarming on. Luckily, Heavenly Father looks out for you even on a crowded, sweltering train. The older couple in the compartment next to us who I think weren’t getting off at Kyiv) heard first Elijah and then R screaming and jumped to the rescue. He helped me carry suitcases out to Keith and she calmed R down, carried Elijah and held R’s hand out to us. I kept saying spaceebo (Russian) and dyakuyu (Ukrainian) to them, but somehow it isn’t enough. I was soooo grateful I cried in the car all the way to our flat. But I get a head of myself.
Sasha and someone else were out on the sidewalk and took suitcases and girls’ hands and led us out to their cars (we are now a two car family, har har). All the girls piled in the back of Sasha’s car and Keith got in the front. So I took Elijah and we got in the other car. Like I said above I was (am) sooo grateful to that couple on the train and frustrated I couldn’t even tell them that (and hot and tired) that I cried the 10 minutes to the flat. Poor, exhausted Elijah fell asleep within 2 minutes.
Our new flat is huge!!! It has two huge bedrooms (queen-sized beds with nice mattresses) and a living room in between, a nice sized kitchen and a bathroom with a clothes washer. The girls and Elijah ran around each room and back, turning on lights, turning off lights (they can reach these), trying electronics and opening drawers and cupboards. So if it survived the scrutiny it definitely works. K and A1 declared it “cute.”
The good news is that it is only $100 a night. That actually is a lot but we were led to believe that we were going to have to pay a lot more than that (“with so many kids”). Luckily, we don’t have to stay here for very long. But we will enjoy it while we are here.
Keith took A1 and K around the corner to bring home McDonalds (only our second time here) while I stayed and talked with the kids at home. The girls then each had to try out the bath (we do this every time we move--- all 2 times LOL), and crashed in bed… except A2, who had one of her fits. We might be getting somewhere, though, because this one wasn’t very long and she was somewhat reasonable when it was over. Whew! Are we going to survive this?!?!
February 21- Saturday
Today has been a rough day. I woke up not feeling well, dragging. I think A2 is still under the weather, she has had one rage after another. R hasn’t been to cooperative either. We tried to get both of them to sleep for a nap and it took R an hour and a half of lying there to finally fall asleep. A never did. It doesn’t help that we are going stir crazy in this hotel room.
Keith worked in the morning and I tried to keep kids busy out of the bedroom. It helped that we finally got a decent cartoon station to work.
In the afternoon the ward was having a get together to go bowling. Since Elijah was asleep and A2 and R needed sleep I stayed in the hotel with them while Keith took A1 and K bowling. They had a lot of fun. Apparently when the girls were up to bowl the bumper pads in the gutters came up, and when others were bowling they went down. Pretty high tech.
R finally had a nap and A calmed down quite a bit, so we joined them for food at the church. They put a movie on for the girls and we chatted for a while. It is refreshing and renewing to be among people who share your faith and care about you. It will be hard to leave these wonderful people!!
Just as we walked into the apartment Elijah started crying and kept crying for about an hour straight. That is so unlike him. We were going to take his temperature but couldn’t find the thermometer. He felt burning hot. Then we noticed him poking his ears. Aha. That is the problem. We put some of A2’s (as yet unidentified) eardrops in one ear—he fought it, then asked to have some in the other ear. We asked Elder Thatcher to come over and help give him a blessing, which he readily did. They also called the mission doctor and arranged for us to call from the train if Elijah wasn’t better and the mission doctor would try to get us an appointment with an English speaking, American- trained doctor in Kyiv. Did I mention what a blessing it is to have missionaries nearby?!? Luckily, after the eardrops and blessing he slept pretty soundly.
February 22- Sunday
We woke up and spent the morning packing everything up. Then we headed for the church. We were a sight. Five children, two adults, everyone has a backpack, then we have 4 suitcases and two sacks (one of stuff to give to the missionaries that we didn’t want to take with us, and one of food and water for us on the train). It was snowing and we had to stop every so often and give our hands a break. K and A1 played musical suitcases and anyone with a free hand held R’s or Elijah’s. Took us a half an hour to do a 10 minute walk.
The missionaries were going to help us get to the train station and our train. They had to do quite a bit of juggling as our train left at 1:13 and church starts at 12:00, but they had it all worked out. The plan was to stay through the sacrament, the first speaker and the Elders’ song (they were singing-- it was very nice, we heard them practicing yesterday) and then the two that weren’t being used were going to help us. Well, the first speaker (who is our good friend who helped us at the reenick) went over time. So, true to missionary form they adjusted quickly and Elder and Sister Thatcher helped us while the Elders’ fended at the church. I can’t believe the pains they went to to help us, and not just today, the whole time we have been in Khmelinsky. Luckily, I got pictures of all of them and some of the ward members whom we are friends with when we were so early for church. They are truly Heaven-sent!!!!!!
The missionaries called 2 taxis and we rushed to the train station. We only had to cross three tracks to get to our train. The Thatchers got us on and helped us find our box and they had to get off because the train was getting ready to leave.
There are two kinds of seats on a train here in Ukraine. One kind is just like in an airplane (only with a lot more room) and the other isn’t a seat, it is actually a bed, or more descriptively little compartments with 4 beds in them, two on top and two on bottom. We rented one full compartment (four beds) and one bed in another compartment (only because we had to buy 5 tickets—R and Elijah didn’t need a ticket).
We got all of our luggage stowed in the nooks and crannies and settled down for a 5 hour ride. We had to leave our door open because it was soooo hot. I had heard that it gets so hot in the trains. We were ok with the door open, we would have died of heat exhaustion with it closed. We ate the string cheese we brought, took pictures (everyone took turns taking pictures out and inside the train), played go fish (“do you have some a purple firty?"), cut up and ate our last apple, played more games, took more pictures (over 500 total), climbed up and down from the top bed, walked down the hall, rationed water, ate M&M’s and enjoyed the scenery outside. Oh and did I mention that there were a LOT of pictures taken???
When we were close to Kyiv we packed everything up that we had gotten out, pulled out all of our suitcases and got our coats on. That is when it became unbearably hot. We had 10 minutes to get everyone and everything off the train (or bye bye to Moscow). Everyone took their backpack and Keith started with the two biggest suitcases. R (being so tired she couldn’t stand herself) started screaming because no one would help her put her hat on. She also wouldn’t let anyone help her. So here I am trying to keep track of kids and walk luggage up to Keith to take off the train. The halls are only a man and a half wide and people are swarming on. Luckily, Heavenly Father looks out for you even on a crowded, sweltering train. The older couple in the compartment next to us who I think weren’t getting off at Kyiv) heard first Elijah and then R screaming and jumped to the rescue. He helped me carry suitcases out to Keith and she calmed R down, carried Elijah and held R’s hand out to us. I kept saying spaceebo (Russian) and dyakuyu (Ukrainian) to them, but somehow it isn’t enough. I was soooo grateful I cried in the car all the way to our flat. But I get a head of myself.
Sasha and someone else were out on the sidewalk and took suitcases and girls’ hands and led us out to their cars (we are now a two car family, har har). All the girls piled in the back of Sasha’s car and Keith got in the front. So I took Elijah and we got in the other car. Like I said above I was (am) sooo grateful to that couple on the train and frustrated I couldn’t even tell them that (and hot and tired) that I cried the 10 minutes to the flat. Poor, exhausted Elijah fell asleep within 2 minutes.
Our new flat is huge!!! It has two huge bedrooms (queen-sized beds with nice mattresses) and a living room in between, a nice sized kitchen and a bathroom with a clothes washer. The girls and Elijah ran around each room and back, turning on lights, turning off lights (they can reach these), trying electronics and opening drawers and cupboards. So if it survived the scrutiny it definitely works. K and A1 declared it “cute.”
The good news is that it is only $100 a night. That actually is a lot but we were led to believe that we were going to have to pay a lot more than that (“with so many kids”). Luckily, we don’t have to stay here for very long. But we will enjoy it while we are here.
Keith took A1 and K around the corner to bring home McDonalds (only our second time here) while I stayed and talked with the kids at home. The girls then each had to try out the bath (we do this every time we move--- all 2 times LOL), and crashed in bed… except A2, who had one of her fits. We might be getting somewhere, though, because this one wasn’t very long and she was somewhat reasonable when it was over. Whew! Are we going to survive this?!?!
Friday, February 20, 2009
So many strikes I lost count
20 February- Friday
We woke up in the middle of the night to a wet bed. R has been sleeping between us with Elijah. For the first couple of nights she slept by me and kept me awake nearly all night with her moving. Last night she slept by Keith and kept him awake. Well, we think we figured out why. We cleaned her up and the bed as much as we could and put one of Elijah’s diapers on her. Then neither one of us could sleep so we updated our finance log. After a few minutes Ryah got up and needed to go to the bathroom. I think we have been fencing her in and not letting her go to the bathroom. After she went she slept very unfitfully. We’ll have to buy her some pull-ups and let her sleep on the outside.
Keith travelled to the passport office to get the girls’ passports. He took A with him. While he was leaving the cleaning ladies came and wanted to clean. No, we couldn’t be here. Great, now I have to take a sick child (and 3 others) to the park to play while they clean the hotel room. Thinking back on it I should have just insisted that we should stay or had them not clean it. Two strikes in one day. We played for a while in the snow until R started crying. She needed to go to the bathroom, NOW. We headed back to the apartment but she couldn’t wait. Kristina, before I could stop them, took her to a grassy area, next to one of the biggest roads in Khmelinsky and pulled down her pants so she could go. Well, she’s four, so that didn’t happen to well either…. But at least she felt better. We got home and had to have the cleaning ladies open the door because Keith had the key. Luckily, we don’t escape anyone’s notice and they knew us and let us in.
Keith got back with the passports but hadn’t made it to the reenick, like he had planned. He had to go back to the orphanage to get the older girls’ passports to surrender them before they would give him the new ones. He was also able to get more pictures from Oksana, so that was a good thing.
We hadn’t known when he would get back so we were just finishing up lunch. He and A ate and about that time Elijah fell and hit his head on the cabinet. Nice sized knot immediately appeared, stuck out nearly an inch. Oh no, his pupils are different sizes!!! Wait, his pupils are different sizes normally. Whew. We kept him awake anyway, just in case. Snow in a baggie helped the swelling go down a little bit. After the panic died down a little bit Keith left to go to the reenick to pick up the rest of the native dress parts that were promised. But he got on the wrong bus and had to ride it to the end to figure out where he was. The driver wasn’t happy with him, and told him so, but then took him to a place where he could catch the right bus. He came home after that because he needed to wind down and didn’t make it to the store to buy pull-ups as planned.
By this time it was time for the missionaries to come and visit us. Elder York and Elder Bringhurst (sp?). They were so sweet! Even though A1 and A2 wouldn’t come out to sit with us for a long while and K tried her best to pull them out and at times it was nothing short of chaos. But they very patiently taught them a very short lesson. They found out that the girls (at least A2 and K) know the Lord’s Prayer by heart. But they don’t know (or believe, apparently) that they are children of God. We have a long way to go. They were able to tell us that the girls speak a good mixture of Russian and Ukrainian (we suspected this).
They also made sure that our facilitator was treating us right and offered to help so he didn’t take advantage of us. They offered to help change our train tickets on Sunday so that we could go to church, but we politely declined. We have someone on the other end meeting us. They are taking good care of us!! Did I say HOW much of a comfort it is to have the missionaries nearby?!?!
Now it was time to eat supper. Keith took K with him to get pizza (she could tell them to warm it up) and salad at the local small grocery store. It will be nice to get a place in Kyiv that has a place to cook. Hopefully, we won’t be there very long, though.
Bedtime went much faster unless you count getting everyone in the bath. Even Elijah wanted in on the fun (there is a hand-held shower--- entirely too much power to give a child, in my never-to-be-humble opinion). After everyone was clean and smelling good, the three older ones crashed and were asleep by 8:00. I guess we wore them out. The younger two would have been too but Keith was trying to get some work in and the light kept them awake for another 20 minutes (luckily, it was only that long, I was close to asking him to stop).
We are working on buying airplane tickets for Wednesday the 25th. Wish us luck on that.
We woke up in the middle of the night to a wet bed. R has been sleeping between us with Elijah. For the first couple of nights she slept by me and kept me awake nearly all night with her moving. Last night she slept by Keith and kept him awake. Well, we think we figured out why. We cleaned her up and the bed as much as we could and put one of Elijah’s diapers on her. Then neither one of us could sleep so we updated our finance log. After a few minutes Ryah got up and needed to go to the bathroom. I think we have been fencing her in and not letting her go to the bathroom. After she went she slept very unfitfully. We’ll have to buy her some pull-ups and let her sleep on the outside.
Keith travelled to the passport office to get the girls’ passports. He took A with him. While he was leaving the cleaning ladies came and wanted to clean. No, we couldn’t be here. Great, now I have to take a sick child (and 3 others) to the park to play while they clean the hotel room. Thinking back on it I should have just insisted that we should stay or had them not clean it. Two strikes in one day. We played for a while in the snow until R started crying. She needed to go to the bathroom, NOW. We headed back to the apartment but she couldn’t wait. Kristina, before I could stop them, took her to a grassy area, next to one of the biggest roads in Khmelinsky and pulled down her pants so she could go. Well, she’s four, so that didn’t happen to well either…. But at least she felt better. We got home and had to have the cleaning ladies open the door because Keith had the key. Luckily, we don’t escape anyone’s notice and they knew us and let us in.
Keith got back with the passports but hadn’t made it to the reenick, like he had planned. He had to go back to the orphanage to get the older girls’ passports to surrender them before they would give him the new ones. He was also able to get more pictures from Oksana, so that was a good thing.
We hadn’t known when he would get back so we were just finishing up lunch. He and A ate and about that time Elijah fell and hit his head on the cabinet. Nice sized knot immediately appeared, stuck out nearly an inch. Oh no, his pupils are different sizes!!! Wait, his pupils are different sizes normally. Whew. We kept him awake anyway, just in case. Snow in a baggie helped the swelling go down a little bit. After the panic died down a little bit Keith left to go to the reenick to pick up the rest of the native dress parts that were promised. But he got on the wrong bus and had to ride it to the end to figure out where he was. The driver wasn’t happy with him, and told him so, but then took him to a place where he could catch the right bus. He came home after that because he needed to wind down and didn’t make it to the store to buy pull-ups as planned.
By this time it was time for the missionaries to come and visit us. Elder York and Elder Bringhurst (sp?). They were so sweet! Even though A1 and A2 wouldn’t come out to sit with us for a long while and K tried her best to pull them out and at times it was nothing short of chaos. But they very patiently taught them a very short lesson. They found out that the girls (at least A2 and K) know the Lord’s Prayer by heart. But they don’t know (or believe, apparently) that they are children of God. We have a long way to go. They were able to tell us that the girls speak a good mixture of Russian and Ukrainian (we suspected this).
They also made sure that our facilitator was treating us right and offered to help so he didn’t take advantage of us. They offered to help change our train tickets on Sunday so that we could go to church, but we politely declined. We have someone on the other end meeting us. They are taking good care of us!! Did I say HOW much of a comfort it is to have the missionaries nearby?!?!
Now it was time to eat supper. Keith took K with him to get pizza (she could tell them to warm it up) and salad at the local small grocery store. It will be nice to get a place in Kyiv that has a place to cook. Hopefully, we won’t be there very long, though.
Bedtime went much faster unless you count getting everyone in the bath. Even Elijah wanted in on the fun (there is a hand-held shower--- entirely too much power to give a child, in my never-to-be-humble opinion). After everyone was clean and smelling good, the three older ones crashed and were asleep by 8:00. I guess we wore them out. The younger two would have been too but Keith was trying to get some work in and the light kept them awake for another 20 minutes (luckily, it was only that long, I was close to asking him to stop).
We are working on buying airplane tickets for Wednesday the 25th. Wish us luck on that.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Is there a DOCTOR in the house??
February 19- Thursday
A2 woke up and came and cuddled with us in our bed. Then A1 and K did the same thing. Seven in a bed and the little one said “roll over, roll over…”
A2 wasn’t feeling well. She indicated last night that her ear hurt. She got dressed this morning, folded and put her bed away (she is our little organizer) and then laid down on the couch, lethargic and not hungry. Great! In a far country, stuck in a hotel with a sick child. Luckily, we were going to the orphanage to see the director. We called our facilitator so he could call the director and give her a heads up.
We wanted to take flowers and candy to the director and Luba, so, Keith left a little before me, took K, bought those items and rode the bus to the orphanage. I finished getting the rest of the girls ready and myself and then braved a taxi—my first by myself.
I walked out of the hotel and walked up to a taxi. He rolled down the window and I thrust the paper with the address of the orphanage into his face. He said something, A1 tried to translate, I had a blank look on my face, so he wrote down the number: 20 grivna. More than I want to pay (usually it costs around 10 grivna to get anywhere around here) but if I don’t take it I’ll have to call our facilitator and have him call me a taxi. Then I’ll have to start all over. I’m really glad I did take it. He was very helpful. He got out and helped us all in. He helped unbury R when everyone was piled on her and chatted with the girls all the way to the orphanage. I think he asked why we were going to the orphanage, “to visit Oksana.” “Did you live there?” “yes, but we are going to America.” What is your name” “she’s R, she’s N and I’m A1, Baby brother is Elijah.” “Are there more?” “yes, K is with Papa.” I reminded them about Caleb, Jonas, and Miriam. She added those three. Shaking his head, “Wow, that is a lot of kids” (or some other expression of disbelief). Sometimes it is fun to shock people. He then helped everyone out of the taxi at the orphanage, lifting Elijah and R out. I handed him the 20, said “Spaceeba,” and went into the orphanage. By that time all the girls were long gone, running to see their friends.
I didn’t know what to do. Do I wait at the couch by the front door for Keith as we agreed? Do I go to find the girls? I finally decided to wait because the girls would be fine and Keith would wonder where I was if I didn’t wait. I had three ladies (that I didn’t know but had seen before) ask about K. So, I think the other girls told them what was happening.
After they came we went to see Oksana. She was copying pictures off her computer to a disc for us of the girls’ stay at the orphanage. She will copy more if we can come back tomorrow to pick them up. Wow, more than we could hope for.
Call our facilitator, he explains how A2 is sick. The director says everyone else will stay with their group while Papa and A2 go to the orphanage doctor. After a few minutes he comes back. Apparently they are taking her to the hospital because they can’t see in her ears very well. (I think hospitals are like glorified doctor’s offices, like in Japan) Only she and the nurse are going. We have an hour and a half until they come back. It is ok if everyone stays with the group. Wow, Heavenly Father knew how to plan that one. We were wondering how we could get to the reenick and buy a suitcase (and see if they had the rest of our native clothes) without taking all the girls or leaving I and the girls to wait in the snow. So, Keith went off to the reenick. It only took him a half an hour and he came back with perfect suitcase. He is mastering the reenick.
The doctor and A2 came back and we had a list of 5 different medicines to buy for her. The doctor would walk with Keith to the apteka (drug store). I decided to take the opportunity to go with Elijah to Luba’s and get a picture of him with her.
We walked all that way (and only had to chase 10 birds) and he wouldn’t let her hold him so I could take a picture. I begged and pleaded, she gave him candy but he still wouldn’t do it. That was ok with her. She wasn’t really ready for the day (she was cleaning and reorganizing her house), hadn’t combed her hair or put her make-up on. She said if we emailed her she would send us some pictures of her in the orphanage. On the way back, there weren’t very many cooperative birds so we had to walk on all the curbs to the orphanage (even if they didn’t go where I needed them to).
Back at the orphanage Keith got all the dosing information and medicines and it is time to go back to the hotel.
But first, Julia and the Cox’s come to see how we are doing. They still haven’t heard anything in the last week. The judge is going through cases in some order and can’t even tell them when he will get to theirs. I don’t know if I would handle that with as much patience as they do. In fact, I feel bad for being jealous of the Epperlys who got to go home today. We have been “doing” things the same time since we got here. We got here the same day, had our SDA appointment the same day, had our court the same day. The only difference is they went to a place where they still do the old-style red-covered passports and can get them done in one day. Ours take a week. Ahhh, why can’t we go home the same time?!?! But then Cox’s have been here for 2+ months and still don’t have any idea when they are going home.
At home there were many requests to go outside, all by A2. “No, we aren’t falling for that one, you are sick.”
Keith tried to work, took him a while to get the computer on as the fan is going out. Fan error, fan error. If you all don’t hear from us for a while don’t worry. It is just that we lost the computer. It won’t be anything as exciting as we were kidnapped by Rebels, or got caught up in a riot and were thrown in prison or anything like that. It will just be a technical glitch.
Our facilitator called and said that the passports were mailed from Kyiv but didn’t catch the early mail to get here today so they would get here tomorrow by 10:00. And with that we lose our chance of getting home the first of next week. If passports would have come in today we could have exchanged our train tickets and get to Kyiv by tomorrow and possibly get Embassy stuff at least started tomorrow and we could definitely be out of here by Tuesday and the VERY latest. We didn’t tell anyone about that because we didn’t know for sure. So we stick with the original plan: get passports tomorrow, go to Kyiv on a train that gets us there on Sunday night late. Start Embassy stuff Monday morning, first thing. And hopefully be out of here on Thursday at the latest. If it ends up being later than that it will have to be our original Saturday flight as it would cost too much to change our tickets for only a day or two. ($250/ ticket). Before that it is kind of a wash with the cost of living in Kyiv. If any of that make sense.
ANYWAY, the girls are adjusting well. The first couple of days they really kicked against the pricks (and tried my patience) when we made them say sorry for when they hit or are mean to each other or made them ask to do something they have done freely, or made them walk with us rather than too far ahead. Keith jokingly says that if he has 3 girls happy at him at any given time he is doing well. That is more true than I care to admit sometimes. But now that we have established some rules things are running more smoothly with only an hourly hiccup. It is taking both Keith and I to keep up with everyone. Hopefully we will have some routine established before Keith goes back to work and leaves me all alone… all by myself… all alone.
All the girls really had fun saying “Hi Jonas,’ on the phone when he called. But none dared talk longer than that except A2. She listened to Jonas talk for a minute or two. It will be nice to get everyone together.
A2 woke up and came and cuddled with us in our bed. Then A1 and K did the same thing. Seven in a bed and the little one said “roll over, roll over…”
A2 wasn’t feeling well. She indicated last night that her ear hurt. She got dressed this morning, folded and put her bed away (she is our little organizer) and then laid down on the couch, lethargic and not hungry. Great! In a far country, stuck in a hotel with a sick child. Luckily, we were going to the orphanage to see the director. We called our facilitator so he could call the director and give her a heads up.
We wanted to take flowers and candy to the director and Luba, so, Keith left a little before me, took K, bought those items and rode the bus to the orphanage. I finished getting the rest of the girls ready and myself and then braved a taxi—my first by myself.
I walked out of the hotel and walked up to a taxi. He rolled down the window and I thrust the paper with the address of the orphanage into his face. He said something, A1 tried to translate, I had a blank look on my face, so he wrote down the number: 20 grivna. More than I want to pay (usually it costs around 10 grivna to get anywhere around here) but if I don’t take it I’ll have to call our facilitator and have him call me a taxi. Then I’ll have to start all over. I’m really glad I did take it. He was very helpful. He got out and helped us all in. He helped unbury R when everyone was piled on her and chatted with the girls all the way to the orphanage. I think he asked why we were going to the orphanage, “to visit Oksana.” “Did you live there?” “yes, but we are going to America.” What is your name” “she’s R, she’s N and I’m A1, Baby brother is Elijah.” “Are there more?” “yes, K is with Papa.” I reminded them about Caleb, Jonas, and Miriam. She added those three. Shaking his head, “Wow, that is a lot of kids” (or some other expression of disbelief). Sometimes it is fun to shock people. He then helped everyone out of the taxi at the orphanage, lifting Elijah and R out. I handed him the 20, said “Spaceeba,” and went into the orphanage. By that time all the girls were long gone, running to see their friends.
I didn’t know what to do. Do I wait at the couch by the front door for Keith as we agreed? Do I go to find the girls? I finally decided to wait because the girls would be fine and Keith would wonder where I was if I didn’t wait. I had three ladies (that I didn’t know but had seen before) ask about K. So, I think the other girls told them what was happening.
After they came we went to see Oksana. She was copying pictures off her computer to a disc for us of the girls’ stay at the orphanage. She will copy more if we can come back tomorrow to pick them up. Wow, more than we could hope for.
Call our facilitator, he explains how A2 is sick. The director says everyone else will stay with their group while Papa and A2 go to the orphanage doctor. After a few minutes he comes back. Apparently they are taking her to the hospital because they can’t see in her ears very well. (I think hospitals are like glorified doctor’s offices, like in Japan) Only she and the nurse are going. We have an hour and a half until they come back. It is ok if everyone stays with the group. Wow, Heavenly Father knew how to plan that one. We were wondering how we could get to the reenick and buy a suitcase (and see if they had the rest of our native clothes) without taking all the girls or leaving I and the girls to wait in the snow. So, Keith went off to the reenick. It only took him a half an hour and he came back with perfect suitcase. He is mastering the reenick.
The doctor and A2 came back and we had a list of 5 different medicines to buy for her. The doctor would walk with Keith to the apteka (drug store). I decided to take the opportunity to go with Elijah to Luba’s and get a picture of him with her.
We walked all that way (and only had to chase 10 birds) and he wouldn’t let her hold him so I could take a picture. I begged and pleaded, she gave him candy but he still wouldn’t do it. That was ok with her. She wasn’t really ready for the day (she was cleaning and reorganizing her house), hadn’t combed her hair or put her make-up on. She said if we emailed her she would send us some pictures of her in the orphanage. On the way back, there weren’t very many cooperative birds so we had to walk on all the curbs to the orphanage (even if they didn’t go where I needed them to).
Back at the orphanage Keith got all the dosing information and medicines and it is time to go back to the hotel.
But first, Julia and the Cox’s come to see how we are doing. They still haven’t heard anything in the last week. The judge is going through cases in some order and can’t even tell them when he will get to theirs. I don’t know if I would handle that with as much patience as they do. In fact, I feel bad for being jealous of the Epperlys who got to go home today. We have been “doing” things the same time since we got here. We got here the same day, had our SDA appointment the same day, had our court the same day. The only difference is they went to a place where they still do the old-style red-covered passports and can get them done in one day. Ours take a week. Ahhh, why can’t we go home the same time?!?! But then Cox’s have been here for 2+ months and still don’t have any idea when they are going home.
At home there were many requests to go outside, all by A2. “No, we aren’t falling for that one, you are sick.”
Keith tried to work, took him a while to get the computer on as the fan is going out. Fan error, fan error. If you all don’t hear from us for a while don’t worry. It is just that we lost the computer. It won’t be anything as exciting as we were kidnapped by Rebels, or got caught up in a riot and were thrown in prison or anything like that. It will just be a technical glitch.
Our facilitator called and said that the passports were mailed from Kyiv but didn’t catch the early mail to get here today so they would get here tomorrow by 10:00. And with that we lose our chance of getting home the first of next week. If passports would have come in today we could have exchanged our train tickets and get to Kyiv by tomorrow and possibly get Embassy stuff at least started tomorrow and we could definitely be out of here by Tuesday and the VERY latest. We didn’t tell anyone about that because we didn’t know for sure. So we stick with the original plan: get passports tomorrow, go to Kyiv on a train that gets us there on Sunday night late. Start Embassy stuff Monday morning, first thing. And hopefully be out of here on Thursday at the latest. If it ends up being later than that it will have to be our original Saturday flight as it would cost too much to change our tickets for only a day or two. ($250/ ticket). Before that it is kind of a wash with the cost of living in Kyiv. If any of that make sense.
ANYWAY, the girls are adjusting well. The first couple of days they really kicked against the pricks (and tried my patience) when we made them say sorry for when they hit or are mean to each other or made them ask to do something they have done freely, or made them walk with us rather than too far ahead. Keith jokingly says that if he has 3 girls happy at him at any given time he is doing well. That is more true than I care to admit sometimes. But now that we have established some rules things are running more smoothly with only an hourly hiccup. It is taking both Keith and I to keep up with everyone. Hopefully we will have some routine established before Keith goes back to work and leaves me all alone… all by myself… all alone.
All the girls really had fun saying “Hi Jonas,’ on the phone when he called. But none dared talk longer than that except A2. She listened to Jonas talk for a minute or two. It will be nice to get everyone together.
Instruments in His hands
February 18- Wednesday
We woke up late because we got to bed so late last night. In fact it was kind of a lazy morning. Well, we did get dressed and put our bedding away. Then we ate breakfast (another blessing from Sister Thatcher). Then Keith tried to work. I think he got the hours in but I had a hard time keeping the girls out of the room. They would sneak in and watch him on the computer. Sometimes K would try to push buttons. I tried my best to keep them interested in the other room, but I’m not sure how productive he was able to be. Hopefully that will get better.
We ate lunch (sandwiches—another gift from Sister Thatcher—they are truly angels in disguise!!!) and then took the kids to the park across the street from the church. They had a lot of fun playing. I think we would have stayed longer but A needed to go to the bathroom. Our facilitator also called and wondered if we could take the girls back to the orphanage. The director wasn’t there when we took the girls and she wants to say goodbye to them. Sure, we can do that. Tomorrow at 10:00 is ok. Ok now we have to figure out HOW to get them there.
We walked back to the hotel and I laid down with Elijah for a nap. Keith finally convinced R to come in and take a nap. When they were asleep for about 20 minutes I woke Keith up so he could go shopping. He got up to make his way out the door with A1 (her turn to go with him) and R woke up. Ahhhhh. But Elijah stayed asleep for quite a while. He REALLY needed it!
I then tried to keep things to a dull roar until the Keith came back. He was gone quite a while. He bought quite a bit of food. He also bought some cleaning cloths, a sharp knife, some little Valentines toys for everyone and a new puzzle. He was very well received. LOL
We only had about an hour before we were to go to the church for supper. (Sister Thatcher invited us over and then the missionaries and then some members. It just kind of morphed. So they had to do it at the church.) So, I cut up apples to tide everyone over. And we took juice to share and left.
Sister Thatcher made sweet & sour chicken over rice, a cabbage salad and the softest, fattest rolls you have ever seen. The bread here is very hard and dry, so soft and fat is a good change. Hmmm hot food! Yum!!!! Did I mention that she’s an angel.
The girls were pretty clingy. Which is a good thing. They perceive us as an island in a storm. Kristina had decided she wouldn’t eat. Not sure why. We offered everything but didn’t push her. The others all ate what they were given but didn’t want more. Oh, R sat by Sister Thatcher and an Elder. I worried about that but she seemed to want to so I didn’t say anything. Halfway through the meal she just burst into tears. So we moved her over by us and she ate everything and was much happier.
The kids at home called while we were eating. It was good to finally get Elijah to talk to them. He didn’t talk long but was very happy afterwards. Caleb wanted to talk to the girls but we couldn’t convince them to talk—I think, understandably.
At the church they have a supply of Disney movies in Russian and Ukrainian. They put Ratatouille (I’m not sure how to spell that) in for the kids to watch. Then the adults chatted. They wanted to start a game of Uno (which would have been lots of fun) but by then the kids were done with the movie and were kind of bouncing off the walls. So we cleaned up and made our way home.
We didn’t take as long getting to bed tonight (which is good, I REALLY need some sleep!!) Most everyone was asleep by 9:00.
Heavenly Father has been definitely watching out for us on this trip!! He has guided us every step of the way. He has put people in our path that we needed to touch or needed to touch us. Every night I fall asleep being in awe of the effects (and ripple effect) of it from that day. He is also watching out for us at home as well. Our kids our well taken care of. Our house is getting in order and the ladies from the church are collecting clothes and making quilts for the girls. People going to so much trouble for little ol’ us, can only be driven by Heavenly Father. Thank you all who are instruments in his hands. Thank you Heavenly Father!!
K holding Elijah while we were entertaining them before passport pictures
Keith and our Valentine's chocolate
And lest you all flame me again for deleting pictures of myself....
We woke up late because we got to bed so late last night. In fact it was kind of a lazy morning. Well, we did get dressed and put our bedding away. Then we ate breakfast (another blessing from Sister Thatcher). Then Keith tried to work. I think he got the hours in but I had a hard time keeping the girls out of the room. They would sneak in and watch him on the computer. Sometimes K would try to push buttons. I tried my best to keep them interested in the other room, but I’m not sure how productive he was able to be. Hopefully that will get better.
We ate lunch (sandwiches—another gift from Sister Thatcher—they are truly angels in disguise!!!) and then took the kids to the park across the street from the church. They had a lot of fun playing. I think we would have stayed longer but A needed to go to the bathroom. Our facilitator also called and wondered if we could take the girls back to the orphanage. The director wasn’t there when we took the girls and she wants to say goodbye to them. Sure, we can do that. Tomorrow at 10:00 is ok. Ok now we have to figure out HOW to get them there.
We walked back to the hotel and I laid down with Elijah for a nap. Keith finally convinced R to come in and take a nap. When they were asleep for about 20 minutes I woke Keith up so he could go shopping. He got up to make his way out the door with A1 (her turn to go with him) and R woke up. Ahhhhh. But Elijah stayed asleep for quite a while. He REALLY needed it!
I then tried to keep things to a dull roar until the Keith came back. He was gone quite a while. He bought quite a bit of food. He also bought some cleaning cloths, a sharp knife, some little Valentines toys for everyone and a new puzzle. He was very well received. LOL
We only had about an hour before we were to go to the church for supper. (Sister Thatcher invited us over and then the missionaries and then some members. It just kind of morphed. So they had to do it at the church.) So, I cut up apples to tide everyone over. And we took juice to share and left.
Sister Thatcher made sweet & sour chicken over rice, a cabbage salad and the softest, fattest rolls you have ever seen. The bread here is very hard and dry, so soft and fat is a good change. Hmmm hot food! Yum!!!! Did I mention that she’s an angel.
The girls were pretty clingy. Which is a good thing. They perceive us as an island in a storm. Kristina had decided she wouldn’t eat. Not sure why. We offered everything but didn’t push her. The others all ate what they were given but didn’t want more. Oh, R sat by Sister Thatcher and an Elder. I worried about that but she seemed to want to so I didn’t say anything. Halfway through the meal she just burst into tears. So we moved her over by us and she ate everything and was much happier.
The kids at home called while we were eating. It was good to finally get Elijah to talk to them. He didn’t talk long but was very happy afterwards. Caleb wanted to talk to the girls but we couldn’t convince them to talk—I think, understandably.
At the church they have a supply of Disney movies in Russian and Ukrainian. They put Ratatouille (I’m not sure how to spell that) in for the kids to watch. Then the adults chatted. They wanted to start a game of Uno (which would have been lots of fun) but by then the kids were done with the movie and were kind of bouncing off the walls. So we cleaned up and made our way home.
We didn’t take as long getting to bed tonight (which is good, I REALLY need some sleep!!) Most everyone was asleep by 9:00.
Heavenly Father has been definitely watching out for us on this trip!! He has guided us every step of the way. He has put people in our path that we needed to touch or needed to touch us. Every night I fall asleep being in awe of the effects (and ripple effect) of it from that day. He is also watching out for us at home as well. Our kids our well taken care of. Our house is getting in order and the ladies from the church are collecting clothes and making quilts for the girls. People going to so much trouble for little ol’ us, can only be driven by Heavenly Father. Thank you all who are instruments in his hands. Thank you Heavenly Father!!
K holding Elijah while we were entertaining them before passport pictures
Keith and our Valentine's chocolate
And lest you all flame me again for deleting pictures of myself....
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Physical gotcha day
February 17- Tuesday
We woke up and got all ready to take the party food to the orphanage, pick up the girls and go get passport pictures taken. Oh, we had to pile into two cabs, we didn’t fit into one. LOL
Getting pictures taken was the LOOOOOOOOONGEST three hours of my life. There was a line all the way down the hall (not sure if it was passports and/or something else). So we are waiting in this hall with 5 children forever! Keith and I ended taking them outside to play. But then it would get too cold and we would have to go in to warm up until they got bored and loud enough to have to go back out again. That wasn’t to bad. Certainly do-able.
When it was FINALLY our turn is when everything hit the fan. Keith had to go in with Kostya and one girl to sign whatever needed to be signed. That left me, 3 girls and an ornery 2 year old. I think someone told Elijah that he was 2 years old. The last couple of days he has been throwing fits, yelling at the top of his lungs, hitting, biting, the whole 9 yards. Time out has become a ritual. Actually, I think he is becoming defensive from so many new people, attack hugs and teasing. Anyway, he is wandering down the hall (remember it is full of people) and I’m trying to keep him by me. He’s screaming at the top of his lungs, “No, Bime out.” Meanwhile, Anastasia is bugging them in the passport room so I have to keep her out of that room, she runs to the next door (to another hall) and opens it. Great! We are now yelling down 2 halls. I close that door, she goes back to the passport door. Back and forth, back and forth. Finally, I grab her and hold her and she screams. Now, two kids are screaming. Alina is whining that she is bored and wants to go outside. Ryah is trying to get me to hold her. Kristina is rough housing Elijah and he doesn’t like it so he pinches her. Now she is crying. This whole time we are trying to cycle through the girls getting pictures taken. I got really irritated with Kostya, because at one time when Anastasia actually made it in the passport door he shoved her back out and gave me a dirty look. To his defense it probably wasn’t a dirty look, but I read it as “why can’t you control these children.” I was tired, hot and irrited.
When it was FINALLY, FINALLY all over. Kostya rushed us to a cab to get us back to the orphanage to start the party. He had to go back to the passport office to do some more paperwork. I was in no mood to go to a party. But the show must go on.
At the orphanage we laid all the food out. I was feeling much better but still very tired. It still amazes me that the kids at the orphanage are so quick to help. The girls had fun passing out cookies and candy to their friends. There were lots of pictures taken by me and the caregiver.
Kostya came in during the festivites and said “Did you bring the girls’ clothes?” No, we didn’t bring their clothes, we brought the food and haven’t been back. I guess I was still irritated at him. (I didn’t say that to him, by the way). He and Keith went back to the apartment to get the girls’ clothes and (I found out later) to get all our stuff loaded into the taxis.
Once again, clothes and backpacks and clothes packages where everywhere. But we got them all dressed in THEIR clothes and went out to the taxis. Then off to the hotel. It was funny trying to keep track of girls and luggage and trying to walk through the long courtyard to get into the hotel. Just like in the movies, with the sun behind them came Elder and Sister Thatcher and two Elders to help. They all scooped up a bag and a hand of any girl who would and hauled us all into the hotel. Elder York (he is ZL) did the talking and got us a key to the room. They got our luggage an us all in the room. Sister Thatcher promised to bring us supper and they were off into the sunset. Just like in the movies.
At this point I was VERY tired. I was ready for a nap but girls were ready to explore. You never realize how much glass there is in a room until you have girls exploring. I was feeling like “What have I done?!?!” Keith wanted to go to the store to get food but I wouldn’t let him go. I didn’t want to be alone with all the kids. I was really tired. But after a bit the girls calmed down and I sent Keith to the store with Kristina to help.
He only had enough grivna to buy water, juice, cups and plates. We need to get some money changed. Luckily, we had some treats that we could calm the raging hunger beasts. We were all grateful when the Thatchers came with chicken, mashed potatoes and corn. It was sooooo yummy and sent directly from heaven!!!!
It took longer than expected to eat and get cleaned up so we were late for English class. The girls didn’t want to go in so we stood at the door and watched. Hopefully they will be a little bit braver on Thursday. We stayed for some chatting afterward and were much renewed.
Back at the hotel 3 of the girls had baths all tried on their new pajamas. We brushed teeth, said prayers, had several rounds of tucking in and kisses. Herded kids back to bed, had several more rounds of kisses. And at 10:00 finally fell asleep. LOL out of self defense.
As a side note, well, an important side note. I was REALLY irritated with Anastasia at the passport place. But here at the hotel she was folding clothes and putting them away so I grabbed her and gave her a big kiss and said “Thank you, you are wonderful.” After that she followed me around and was EXTREMELY helpful!! I gave her lots more praise and she was (if possible) even more helpful. I think I stumbled onto the key to her lock. Two polar extremes in one day. I’m starting to feel like I can do this parenting of 4 more children.
As another side note, a couple days ago Keith was working with the girls on saying the alphabet. Ryah made it through to X and then lost interest. Now whenever she needs anything she says, “X, X.” It is pretty funny!
And a picture
Aren't they beautiful?!?!
We woke up and got all ready to take the party food to the orphanage, pick up the girls and go get passport pictures taken. Oh, we had to pile into two cabs, we didn’t fit into one. LOL
Getting pictures taken was the LOOOOOOOOONGEST three hours of my life. There was a line all the way down the hall (not sure if it was passports and/or something else). So we are waiting in this hall with 5 children forever! Keith and I ended taking them outside to play. But then it would get too cold and we would have to go in to warm up until they got bored and loud enough to have to go back out again. That wasn’t to bad. Certainly do-able.
When it was FINALLY our turn is when everything hit the fan. Keith had to go in with Kostya and one girl to sign whatever needed to be signed. That left me, 3 girls and an ornery 2 year old. I think someone told Elijah that he was 2 years old. The last couple of days he has been throwing fits, yelling at the top of his lungs, hitting, biting, the whole 9 yards. Time out has become a ritual. Actually, I think he is becoming defensive from so many new people, attack hugs and teasing. Anyway, he is wandering down the hall (remember it is full of people) and I’m trying to keep him by me. He’s screaming at the top of his lungs, “No, Bime out.” Meanwhile, Anastasia is bugging them in the passport room so I have to keep her out of that room, she runs to the next door (to another hall) and opens it. Great! We are now yelling down 2 halls. I close that door, she goes back to the passport door. Back and forth, back and forth. Finally, I grab her and hold her and she screams. Now, two kids are screaming. Alina is whining that she is bored and wants to go outside. Ryah is trying to get me to hold her. Kristina is rough housing Elijah and he doesn’t like it so he pinches her. Now she is crying. This whole time we are trying to cycle through the girls getting pictures taken. I got really irritated with Kostya, because at one time when Anastasia actually made it in the passport door he shoved her back out and gave me a dirty look. To his defense it probably wasn’t a dirty look, but I read it as “why can’t you control these children.” I was tired, hot and irrited.
When it was FINALLY, FINALLY all over. Kostya rushed us to a cab to get us back to the orphanage to start the party. He had to go back to the passport office to do some more paperwork. I was in no mood to go to a party. But the show must go on.
At the orphanage we laid all the food out. I was feeling much better but still very tired. It still amazes me that the kids at the orphanage are so quick to help. The girls had fun passing out cookies and candy to their friends. There were lots of pictures taken by me and the caregiver.
Kostya came in during the festivites and said “Did you bring the girls’ clothes?” No, we didn’t bring their clothes, we brought the food and haven’t been back. I guess I was still irritated at him. (I didn’t say that to him, by the way). He and Keith went back to the apartment to get the girls’ clothes and (I found out later) to get all our stuff loaded into the taxis.
Once again, clothes and backpacks and clothes packages where everywhere. But we got them all dressed in THEIR clothes and went out to the taxis. Then off to the hotel. It was funny trying to keep track of girls and luggage and trying to walk through the long courtyard to get into the hotel. Just like in the movies, with the sun behind them came Elder and Sister Thatcher and two Elders to help. They all scooped up a bag and a hand of any girl who would and hauled us all into the hotel. Elder York (he is ZL) did the talking and got us a key to the room. They got our luggage an us all in the room. Sister Thatcher promised to bring us supper and they were off into the sunset. Just like in the movies.
At this point I was VERY tired. I was ready for a nap but girls were ready to explore. You never realize how much glass there is in a room until you have girls exploring. I was feeling like “What have I done?!?!” Keith wanted to go to the store to get food but I wouldn’t let him go. I didn’t want to be alone with all the kids. I was really tired. But after a bit the girls calmed down and I sent Keith to the store with Kristina to help.
He only had enough grivna to buy water, juice, cups and plates. We need to get some money changed. Luckily, we had some treats that we could calm the raging hunger beasts. We were all grateful when the Thatchers came with chicken, mashed potatoes and corn. It was sooooo yummy and sent directly from heaven!!!!
It took longer than expected to eat and get cleaned up so we were late for English class. The girls didn’t want to go in so we stood at the door and watched. Hopefully they will be a little bit braver on Thursday. We stayed for some chatting afterward and were much renewed.
Back at the hotel 3 of the girls had baths all tried on their new pajamas. We brushed teeth, said prayers, had several rounds of tucking in and kisses. Herded kids back to bed, had several more rounds of kisses. And at 10:00 finally fell asleep. LOL out of self defense.
As a side note, well, an important side note. I was REALLY irritated with Anastasia at the passport place. But here at the hotel she was folding clothes and putting them away so I grabbed her and gave her a big kiss and said “Thank you, you are wonderful.” After that she followed me around and was EXTREMELY helpful!! I gave her lots more praise and she was (if possible) even more helpful. I think I stumbled onto the key to her lock. Two polar extremes in one day. I’m starting to feel like I can do this parenting of 4 more children.
As another side note, a couple days ago Keith was working with the girls on saying the alphabet. Ryah made it through to X and then lost interest. Now whenever she needs anything she says, “X, X.” It is pretty funny!
And a picture
Aren't they beautiful?!?!
Run, run, run, run runaround
February 16- Monday
We woke up (I didn’t wake up early, surprise) when the kids called to talk. It is always nice to talk to them!! We are trying to find a time that we can call them when Elijah is awake. He really wants to talk to them, and I’m sure they want to talk to him, too.
Keith tried to finish packing while I updated our finance log. We quickly ate breakfast and caught a bus to meet Kostya at the courthouse.
He came out of the courthouse with our court decree in hand. Yippeee! We now have proof they are our kids.
We are now on our way, by taxi to Chencerovsky to pick up the birth certificates that have our names on as the girls’ parents. I thought it was the place they were born but apparently it is just the “county seat” type place and is not the place they were born. Kmelinetsly is the region-seat.
I brought the laptop so I could catch up on yesterday.
We are passing lots of pretty country. Little villages and towns and lots of farmland. Very charming and more to my style than the city with its tall buildings and mostly cement. The roads are very bumpy and Keith is car-sick, I’m close.
LATER…………
Wow, it has been a long day. We got to Chencerovsky and filled out the paperwork for the birth certificates. It will take an hour because there are so many of them. (We are in a 1.4 kid society). While Kostya was getting copies made and Keith was paying for it, I took Elijah outside and we watched a procession complete with band and 3 or so priests of some sort. Don’t know what it was for but it was fun to watch. I got a couple pictures of the little church there and the statue of Virgin Mary (I think that is what it was anyway). We walked to a little grocery store and got some treats to tide us over lunch.
It was bitterly cold. You weren’t out very long before it was biting your nose, ears and fingers. So we went back to the taxi to wait the last 15 or so minutes. When it was time we went back in. Nope, not ready, only half done. So back to the taxi for an hour. Still not done, but close. Sign the paper in a million places, make copies and we are off for Khmelinetsky.
Now, I’ve had to eat my words a lot and I’m getting used to it. Today, I had to do it again. I’ve heard stories of cab drivers here in Ukraine and I didn’t believe them. I have always felt safe in all the cabs I’ve ridden in Khmelinetsky. Well, I think Kostya, being perturbed that we had to spend that extra hour there, told the driver to get us back quickly. He was going really fast. He would drive down the middle of the road (less potholes). When a car would come (or a big truck, or a tractor) he would wander to our side of the road, but only barely. I couldn’t watch any more, I distracted myself with taking lots of pictures (some worked, some didn’t), and finally falling asleep. We made the 2 ½ hour trip the first time in just over 2 hours and coming home it only took an hour.
Let’s see if I can remember all of what happened next.
We went back to the apartment to pick up the pictures of the girls that we had forgotten. We went to the social security number place, made copies and got new numbers in about 20 minutes. More copies. Then we went to the notary’s office to have the copies of the birth certificates notarized as true and exact copies. While there Kostya dropped off copies at the social worker’s office. Then we went to a place to get the birth certificates certified. I stayed in the car with Elijah. Keith and Kostya went to the bank to pay the duty for the certification but the bank was closed. Back to the certification place. One of the employees offered to go to a different bank to pay it. 136.50 grivna. We had to have exact change so they came out to me to get it. They ended up changing some money with the cab driver. They called in that the duty had been paid and we got the certified birth certificates. At 6:20 they dropped me off at the church on their way to the train station so I could walk to the hotel at 6:45 to meet Sister Natasha and see the rooms. Keith and Kostya went to the train station to buy tickets for Kyiv on Sunday. Then they went to the grocery store to buy food. I was a little irritated that when we told Kostya we wanted to take the girls out of the orphanage tomorrow he asked us “What about a going away party.” Ok, that would have been nice to know that they do going-away parties. But, we bought food and balloons that we are going to take tomorrow for a party. So it was ok. I guess the thing that irritates me is that we only get part of the information we need to know to be able to make decisions and even then we only get it at the last possible moment. Ok, now that I got that off my chest……… LOL
They picked me up at the hotel and then we came back to the apartment, starving. And very tired.
I tried to upload pictures but for some reason it won't let me.
We woke up (I didn’t wake up early, surprise) when the kids called to talk. It is always nice to talk to them!! We are trying to find a time that we can call them when Elijah is awake. He really wants to talk to them, and I’m sure they want to talk to him, too.
Keith tried to finish packing while I updated our finance log. We quickly ate breakfast and caught a bus to meet Kostya at the courthouse.
He came out of the courthouse with our court decree in hand. Yippeee! We now have proof they are our kids.
We are now on our way, by taxi to Chencerovsky to pick up the birth certificates that have our names on as the girls’ parents. I thought it was the place they were born but apparently it is just the “county seat” type place and is not the place they were born. Kmelinetsly is the region-seat.
I brought the laptop so I could catch up on yesterday.
We are passing lots of pretty country. Little villages and towns and lots of farmland. Very charming and more to my style than the city with its tall buildings and mostly cement. The roads are very bumpy and Keith is car-sick, I’m close.
LATER…………
Wow, it has been a long day. We got to Chencerovsky and filled out the paperwork for the birth certificates. It will take an hour because there are so many of them. (We are in a 1.4 kid society). While Kostya was getting copies made and Keith was paying for it, I took Elijah outside and we watched a procession complete with band and 3 or so priests of some sort. Don’t know what it was for but it was fun to watch. I got a couple pictures of the little church there and the statue of Virgin Mary (I think that is what it was anyway). We walked to a little grocery store and got some treats to tide us over lunch.
It was bitterly cold. You weren’t out very long before it was biting your nose, ears and fingers. So we went back to the taxi to wait the last 15 or so minutes. When it was time we went back in. Nope, not ready, only half done. So back to the taxi for an hour. Still not done, but close. Sign the paper in a million places, make copies and we are off for Khmelinetsky.
Now, I’ve had to eat my words a lot and I’m getting used to it. Today, I had to do it again. I’ve heard stories of cab drivers here in Ukraine and I didn’t believe them. I have always felt safe in all the cabs I’ve ridden in Khmelinetsky. Well, I think Kostya, being perturbed that we had to spend that extra hour there, told the driver to get us back quickly. He was going really fast. He would drive down the middle of the road (less potholes). When a car would come (or a big truck, or a tractor) he would wander to our side of the road, but only barely. I couldn’t watch any more, I distracted myself with taking lots of pictures (some worked, some didn’t), and finally falling asleep. We made the 2 ½ hour trip the first time in just over 2 hours and coming home it only took an hour.
Let’s see if I can remember all of what happened next.
We went back to the apartment to pick up the pictures of the girls that we had forgotten. We went to the social security number place, made copies and got new numbers in about 20 minutes. More copies. Then we went to the notary’s office to have the copies of the birth certificates notarized as true and exact copies. While there Kostya dropped off copies at the social worker’s office. Then we went to a place to get the birth certificates certified. I stayed in the car with Elijah. Keith and Kostya went to the bank to pay the duty for the certification but the bank was closed. Back to the certification place. One of the employees offered to go to a different bank to pay it. 136.50 grivna. We had to have exact change so they came out to me to get it. They ended up changing some money with the cab driver. They called in that the duty had been paid and we got the certified birth certificates. At 6:20 they dropped me off at the church on their way to the train station so I could walk to the hotel at 6:45 to meet Sister Natasha and see the rooms. Keith and Kostya went to the train station to buy tickets for Kyiv on Sunday. Then they went to the grocery store to buy food. I was a little irritated that when we told Kostya we wanted to take the girls out of the orphanage tomorrow he asked us “What about a going away party.” Ok, that would have been nice to know that they do going-away parties. But, we bought food and balloons that we are going to take tomorrow for a party. So it was ok. I guess the thing that irritates me is that we only get part of the information we need to know to be able to make decisions and even then we only get it at the last possible moment. Ok, now that I got that off my chest……… LOL
They picked me up at the hotel and then we came back to the apartment, starving. And very tired.
I tried to upload pictures but for some reason it won't let me.
Monday, February 16, 2009
February 15- Sunday
I woke Keith up early to write his talk. It was on the “Testimony, a process” talk from conference. The talk itself was a process. He got the talk off the internet but we didn’t have a printer for him to print off his talk so he had to write it down. Then he had to have a copy for the person who was translating for him so he had to hand copy it again. Luckily, the quotes and scriptures he didn’t have to write over as the Elder had a Ukrainian copy of the Liahona and their Ukrainian scriptures.
I started packing suitcases to get ready to move to the motel. Neither one of us were quite ready so we didn’t go see the girls before church. It snowed over the night and there is a bitterly cold wind blowing. It has snowed several times since we have been here. But it is different than I am used to. It is very dry and more hail like. And so far hasn’t accumulated any, just skiffs.
By the time we got to the church our cheeks were bright pink. Elijah must have some wind burn or chappy cheeks because his are constantly pink now. We have been asked a couple times if we paint his cheeks.
Church was nice. Kind of an island in our run-around week where we are among friends and where we can feel tshe spirit. Keith did a nice job on his talk.
Elder Thatcher and his wife had gone to another town to give support to another branch so all of church was run by the Elders. I’m still amazed at the experiences that these Elders are getting. They are going to be the ones that are ready to be bishop at a young age.
We talked about when we were bringing the girls next week. Since there are no other children that come to church, we offered to teach them a lesson but needed to have access to the gospel art kit. But they had a contingency plan for when they have primary children, so the Elders are going to teach a lesson for them.
After church, we walked up to see if we could remember where the courthouse was because we are supposed to meet Kostya there tomorrow. We remembered. We also got to see some of Khmelinestky that we didn’t see before and got lots of pictures.
We could have made it to the orphanage on time but we needed to stop at the apartment to get something to eat. We had bread and cheese and rushed out the door.
The front door was locked at the orphanage so we walked around the building to find one that was open. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to when they lock the door at the orphanage.
It was computer day. So Keith worked on getting it set up. A2 hung out in the other room peeking in on us every so often. I couldn’t tell if she was still upset at us about Saturday or if she thought we were still upset at her. With a little coaxing it wasn’t too long before she came out and joined us. That is one thing about A2 she doesn’t hold a grudge long.
K and A1 brought out the pictures of their stay in California. They were fun to look at. They took them to the dentist (complete with full mouth x-ray) and the doctor while they were there. It will be interesting to see how much stuff that they have for us to take home.
K didn’t get a turn on the computer because she kept pushing buttons on the computer when she wasn’t supposed to so she lost her turn. We have been trying to work on that, but we aren’t getting anywhere.
All in all we had a nice visit. Oh, their group got a pair of parakeets. I don’t know where they came from but everyone was excited to have them. NOW there is nothing that they don’t have.
We tried to pack a little bit more but Elijah was ornery (with no nap) so we just went to bed.
I woke Keith up early to write his talk. It was on the “Testimony, a process” talk from conference. The talk itself was a process. He got the talk off the internet but we didn’t have a printer for him to print off his talk so he had to write it down. Then he had to have a copy for the person who was translating for him so he had to hand copy it again. Luckily, the quotes and scriptures he didn’t have to write over as the Elder had a Ukrainian copy of the Liahona and their Ukrainian scriptures.
I started packing suitcases to get ready to move to the motel. Neither one of us were quite ready so we didn’t go see the girls before church. It snowed over the night and there is a bitterly cold wind blowing. It has snowed several times since we have been here. But it is different than I am used to. It is very dry and more hail like. And so far hasn’t accumulated any, just skiffs.
By the time we got to the church our cheeks were bright pink. Elijah must have some wind burn or chappy cheeks because his are constantly pink now. We have been asked a couple times if we paint his cheeks.
Church was nice. Kind of an island in our run-around week where we are among friends and where we can feel tshe spirit. Keith did a nice job on his talk.
Elder Thatcher and his wife had gone to another town to give support to another branch so all of church was run by the Elders. I’m still amazed at the experiences that these Elders are getting. They are going to be the ones that are ready to be bishop at a young age.
We talked about when we were bringing the girls next week. Since there are no other children that come to church, we offered to teach them a lesson but needed to have access to the gospel art kit. But they had a contingency plan for when they have primary children, so the Elders are going to teach a lesson for them.
After church, we walked up to see if we could remember where the courthouse was because we are supposed to meet Kostya there tomorrow. We remembered. We also got to see some of Khmelinestky that we didn’t see before and got lots of pictures.
We could have made it to the orphanage on time but we needed to stop at the apartment to get something to eat. We had bread and cheese and rushed out the door.
The front door was locked at the orphanage so we walked around the building to find one that was open. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to when they lock the door at the orphanage.
It was computer day. So Keith worked on getting it set up. A2 hung out in the other room peeking in on us every so often. I couldn’t tell if she was still upset at us about Saturday or if she thought we were still upset at her. With a little coaxing it wasn’t too long before she came out and joined us. That is one thing about A2 she doesn’t hold a grudge long.
K and A1 brought out the pictures of their stay in California. They were fun to look at. They took them to the dentist (complete with full mouth x-ray) and the doctor while they were there. It will be interesting to see how much stuff that they have for us to take home.
K didn’t get a turn on the computer because she kept pushing buttons on the computer when she wasn’t supposed to so she lost her turn. We have been trying to work on that, but we aren’t getting anywhere.
All in all we had a nice visit. Oh, their group got a pair of parakeets. I don’t know where they came from but everyone was excited to have them. NOW there is nothing that they don’t have.
We tried to pack a little bit more but Elijah was ornery (with no nap) so we just went to bed.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
A kiss, a police brawl and a lost 2 year old (almost)
February 14- Saturday- GOTCHA DAY
Yes, it is Valentine’s Day. I’m embarrassed to say that the whole day I was thinking that it was Friday (even though I knew it wasn’t) and that I still had another day to buy some Valentines for the girls. My poor husband married a very UNROMANTIC person. I try LOL.
We woke up pretty focused on the fact that this is the last shopping day we have without the girls. (I’m sorry, but I’m NOT going souvenir shopping with 5 kids—most of whom don’t understand me-- in those small stores with so many breakables. Keith might even have to go grocery shopping by himself). I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t get back to sleep so I answered emails. Luckily, it was early enough that I could go back to sleep before I had to get up. I am still pretty tired though. Elijah was pretty uncooperative as well.
We went to the Reenick (only dim ominous music). We wanted to get a coat for Keith- his is getting pretty worn out, Elijah- his is getting too small, and me- only because Keith thinks if we get something for him we have to get something for me… and because you can get things pretty cheap at the Reenick.
We stopped at the place that has traditional outfits. We wanted to get a set for each girl to have as a keepsake. Through MUCH pantomiming we picked up enough shirts for the girls. I had to do all the talking (read: waving my arms and pointing a lot) because Elijah was throwing a fit and Keith was trying to keep him from pushing stuff off to the mud below. I tried to tell the lady (who was VERY patient) I wanted 4 of the skirts and headbands but she thought I was talking about price. I finally gave up and considered myself lucky to get what I got: 5 shirts, one apron, and one headband. But Keith would have nothing of it. He made me go back and this time Elijah was pretty cooperative. It helped that there was a 4 piece band who struck up a song 10 feet away. But he just stood by me and waited and allowed Keith to get in on the charade fun. It was pretty funny. We spent 20- 30 minutes trying to communicate what we wanted. Then all of a sudden we hear this “What do you want?” It was this you lady who spoke English. She translated for us and we were soooo grateful. We were able to get everything we needed, with the exception of enough skirts and aprons. She didn’t have enough but she promised she would have more by next Friday. We ordered what we needed and left feeling very proud of ourselves. This Reenick thing isn’t too bad. We wandered around and found a place to buy Elijah a coat, nice and warm and big enough for ~$8. He then fell asleep on my shoulder. Keith was bound and determined to get me a coat. So we found a place that sold women’s coats (as opposed to young girls’ coats—there were LOTS of those places). And I found a nice leather, full length one, that is for church for a good deal. I still can’t believe I let him talk me into buying it. Then without any trouble we bought a sweater for Ryah. Next, we found Keith’s coat and purchased it. He feels that we didn’t handle it right and he could have gotten a better deal on it but I had no problem with it. And he looks very handsome in it. Of course, he looks handsome in anything.
So, we were tired and hungry when we drug ourselves home at 1:00 but we had a successful Reenick day. We left feeling like with a pen and paper, our electronic translator and patient sales people we could buy anything we wanted at the Reenick.
No rest for the weary, however. We still had to go downtown to, internet cards, exchange money for Monday and get the rest of the souvenirs we planned on getting.
We were able to get all the souvenirs we needed and 3 more internet cards and do all the other things we didn’t get to yesterday. As we were walking down the High Street-- as Keith calls it, where only people can walk, no cars—I kept wondering why everyone was carrying flowers and other Valentine’s gifts a day early. Do they celebrate it on the 13th here?!?! Boy, I’m not very bright am I?
After finishing shopping and returning to the apartment to drop of our purchases we were pretty late to see the girls. Can’t seem to get there on time. But, I guess after Tuesday on time will be all the time. When we walked in the room Julia was there. A1 wanted her to ask us when they were coming with us. Keith worked with that so I’m not sure what all else was said. So, I’m guessing the girls know more than I give them credit for.
I had to be the meanie. One cute little boy wanted to put one of our puzzles together so I let him. Then he finally got me to understand that he wanted me to help him, so I sat on the floor and we began putting it together. A2 would have none of that. She yelled at him and pushed him away. I told her it was ok, he could put it together. I finally had to tell her that she couldn’t help if she didn’t let him, I even carried her to the couch before she finally grudgingly let him help. Even then she kept hoarding the pieces and grabbing them from him. Maybe for attachment I should have let her push him away. I don’t know.
It was a busy visit but good. I finally got K to take pictures of A2 and R’s bedroom. We also got pictures of the caretaker, the picture wall (again) and me (for the umpteenth time—I know, I’m the one that is new to them, but come on, no more pictures LOL. Good thing there is a delete button!)
As we were cleaning up getting ready to leave, somehow Elijah made his way into the dining room and sat down to eat. They were very kind and served him up food. The girls came back into the room very excited, laughing. “Elijah hungry.” We went in there and sure, enough, he was chowing down with all the other children. LOL When we protested the caretaker insisted it was ok. So we stood and watched them eat. I would have gotten a picture of it but my battery was dead (Grrrrrr). K even gave Keith and I an apple, a couple crackers and a couple pieces of candy. I guess it was her turn to be the passer-outer. I thought, “Wow, they even get candy.” LOL I’m REALLY slow, aren’t I? Can I claim sleep deprivation?
As we were getting our coats on to leave it was barely controlled chaos. It always is with so many people trying to help us put coats and shoes on and put things in our bag. A2 was able to slip away with Elijah. I didn’t realize she had gone so early until we were downstairs and walking down the hall. I saw her standing at the end of the hall by herself. I kind of panicked. Elijah has a bad habit of running off and out the door and is nearly gone before you can call him back. I had brief but horrible images of him getting lost and not being able to find him in the dark. Thinking back on it he probably wouldn’t have gotten very far but when you panic reasoning kind of goes out the window. So, I ran. Luckily, the door was locked and he couldn’t get out. But had been really panicked and A2 just laughed. I could tell that she knew she had done wrong but she still laughed. Keith tried to explain to her that you can’t do that, but she just got upset and ran away. I think we are going to have a tough time with her.
So, we walked around the orphanage trying to find a door that was unlocked. Then said goodbye to everyone else and headed for the grocery store. We were LONG overdue for a grocery run. We had cookies for lunch because it was all we had.
On the way to the grocery store we passed a car just in time to see 4 or 5 policeman grab a guy who was getting out of it and trying to get away. Again, I panicked. I had thoughts of getting caught in the crossfire or being held hostage or something equally ominous. Luckily, the police had it under control, but a mother’s heart can only take so much excitement in one day. Especially when she is tired.
At the grocery store I waited outside the checkouts. Our back pack is too big when we have things in it to fit it into their lockers so I waited while Keith and Elijah shopped. We were only getting a couple things so we could have them eaten up before we move on Tuesday.
While I was waiting there was a guy hanging around me. When Keith was checking out he sent Elijah to me. The guy got closer and kept eyeing Elijah. Not too unusual but I’m cautious. While trying to watch that nothing happened to him, out of the corner of my eye I notice an exchange between Keith and the clerk. When he came to me he showed me that she had given him a box of chocolates. Cool. But then came one of the workers talking to us rapidly. I thought, “oh great, they think we stole something.” After a minute I figured out that he didn’t think we had stolen something he wanted Keith to give me a kiss. Keith was happy to oblige and they all laughed and clapped. It was pretty funny. It wasn’t until on the way home that Keith said “Karen, it IS Saturday. It IS Valentine’s day.” So we celebrated by a public kiss and a box of chocolates.
Oh, I forgot about the guy who was hanging around me. He talked to Elijah. Then when Keith came and the excitement after the kiss died down he talked to us in English. At least we finally figured out that it was English. He was hard to understand. He asked about where we lived and how we got around. We were polite without giving him much information. He kept saying “Happy Ukraine!” He was trying to help us get on the bus. We politely refused. Then he said “Happy Ukraine! Respect America!” Happy Ukraine indeed. It occurred to me that he might have been drunk, though that wasn’t obvious.
I chuckled about the chocolates, the kiss and “Happy Ukraine!” all the way home. I couldn’t stop. I guess I need more sleep.
The girls are our’s officially now. Heaven worked miracles and we are a family of ten. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Yes, it is Valentine’s Day. I’m embarrassed to say that the whole day I was thinking that it was Friday (even though I knew it wasn’t) and that I still had another day to buy some Valentines for the girls. My poor husband married a very UNROMANTIC person. I try LOL.
We woke up pretty focused on the fact that this is the last shopping day we have without the girls. (I’m sorry, but I’m NOT going souvenir shopping with 5 kids—most of whom don’t understand me-- in those small stores with so many breakables. Keith might even have to go grocery shopping by himself). I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t get back to sleep so I answered emails. Luckily, it was early enough that I could go back to sleep before I had to get up. I am still pretty tired though. Elijah was pretty uncooperative as well.
We went to the Reenick (only dim ominous music). We wanted to get a coat for Keith- his is getting pretty worn out, Elijah- his is getting too small, and me- only because Keith thinks if we get something for him we have to get something for me… and because you can get things pretty cheap at the Reenick.
We stopped at the place that has traditional outfits. We wanted to get a set for each girl to have as a keepsake. Through MUCH pantomiming we picked up enough shirts for the girls. I had to do all the talking (read: waving my arms and pointing a lot) because Elijah was throwing a fit and Keith was trying to keep him from pushing stuff off to the mud below. I tried to tell the lady (who was VERY patient) I wanted 4 of the skirts and headbands but she thought I was talking about price. I finally gave up and considered myself lucky to get what I got: 5 shirts, one apron, and one headband. But Keith would have nothing of it. He made me go back and this time Elijah was pretty cooperative. It helped that there was a 4 piece band who struck up a song 10 feet away. But he just stood by me and waited and allowed Keith to get in on the charade fun. It was pretty funny. We spent 20- 30 minutes trying to communicate what we wanted. Then all of a sudden we hear this “What do you want?” It was this you lady who spoke English. She translated for us and we were soooo grateful. We were able to get everything we needed, with the exception of enough skirts and aprons. She didn’t have enough but she promised she would have more by next Friday. We ordered what we needed and left feeling very proud of ourselves. This Reenick thing isn’t too bad. We wandered around and found a place to buy Elijah a coat, nice and warm and big enough for ~$8. He then fell asleep on my shoulder. Keith was bound and determined to get me a coat. So we found a place that sold women’s coats (as opposed to young girls’ coats—there were LOTS of those places). And I found a nice leather, full length one, that is for church for a good deal. I still can’t believe I let him talk me into buying it. Then without any trouble we bought a sweater for Ryah. Next, we found Keith’s coat and purchased it. He feels that we didn’t handle it right and he could have gotten a better deal on it but I had no problem with it. And he looks very handsome in it. Of course, he looks handsome in anything.
So, we were tired and hungry when we drug ourselves home at 1:00 but we had a successful Reenick day. We left feeling like with a pen and paper, our electronic translator and patient sales people we could buy anything we wanted at the Reenick.
No rest for the weary, however. We still had to go downtown to, internet cards, exchange money for Monday and get the rest of the souvenirs we planned on getting.
We were able to get all the souvenirs we needed and 3 more internet cards and do all the other things we didn’t get to yesterday. As we were walking down the High Street-- as Keith calls it, where only people can walk, no cars—I kept wondering why everyone was carrying flowers and other Valentine’s gifts a day early. Do they celebrate it on the 13th here?!?! Boy, I’m not very bright am I?
After finishing shopping and returning to the apartment to drop of our purchases we were pretty late to see the girls.
I had to be the meanie. One cute little boy wanted to put one of our puzzles together so I let him. Then he finally got me to understand that he wanted me to help him, so I sat on the floor and we began putting it together. A2 would have none of that. She yelled at him and pushed him away. I told her it was ok, he could put it together. I finally had to tell her that she couldn’t help if she didn’t let him, I even carried her to the couch before she finally grudgingly let him help. Even then she kept hoarding the pieces and grabbing them from him. Maybe for attachment I should have let her push him away. I don’t know.
It was a busy visit but good. I finally got K to take pictures of A2 and R’s bedroom. We also got pictures of the caretaker, the picture wall (again) and me (for the umpteenth time—I know, I’m the one that is new to them, but come on, no more pictures LOL. Good thing there is a delete button!)
As we were cleaning up getting ready to leave, somehow Elijah made his way into the dining room and sat down to eat. They were very kind and served him up food. The girls came back into the room very excited, laughing. “Elijah hungry.” We went in there and sure, enough, he was chowing down with all the other children. LOL When we protested the caretaker insisted it was ok. So we stood and watched them eat. I would have gotten a picture of it but my battery was dead (Grrrrrr). K even gave Keith and I an apple, a couple crackers and a couple pieces of candy. I guess it was her turn to be the passer-outer. I thought, “Wow, they even get candy.” LOL I’m REALLY slow, aren’t I? Can I claim sleep deprivation?
As we were getting our coats on to leave it was barely controlled chaos. It always is with so many people trying to help us put coats and shoes on and put things in our bag. A2 was able to slip away with Elijah. I didn’t realize she had gone so early until we were downstairs and walking down the hall. I saw her standing at the end of the hall by herself. I kind of panicked. Elijah has a bad habit of running off and out the door and is nearly gone before you can call him back. I had brief but horrible images of him getting lost and not being able to find him in the dark. Thinking back on it he probably wouldn’t have gotten very far but when you panic reasoning kind of goes out the window. So, I ran. Luckily, the door was locked and he couldn’t get out. But had been really panicked and A2 just laughed. I could tell that she knew she had done wrong but she still laughed. Keith tried to explain to her that you can’t do that, but she just got upset and ran away. I think we are going to have a tough time with her.
So, we walked around the orphanage trying to find a door that was unlocked. Then said goodbye to everyone else and headed for the grocery store. We were LONG overdue for a grocery run. We had cookies for lunch because it was all we had.
On the way to the grocery store we passed a car just in time to see 4 or 5 policeman grab a guy who was getting out of it and trying to get away. Again, I panicked. I had thoughts of getting caught in the crossfire or being held hostage or something equally ominous. Luckily, the police had it under control, but a mother’s heart can only take so much excitement in one day. Especially when she is tired.
At the grocery store I waited outside the checkouts. Our back pack is too big when we have things in it to fit it into their lockers so I waited while Keith and Elijah shopped. We were only getting a couple things so we could have them eaten up before we move on Tuesday.
While I was waiting there was a guy hanging around me. When Keith was checking out he sent Elijah to me. The guy got closer and kept eyeing Elijah. Not too unusual but I’m cautious. While trying to watch that nothing happened to him, out of the corner of my eye I notice an exchange between Keith and the clerk. When he came to me he showed me that she had given him a box of chocolates. Cool. But then came one of the workers talking to us rapidly. I thought, “oh great, they think we stole something.” After a minute I figured out that he didn’t think we had stolen something he wanted Keith to give me a kiss. Keith was happy to oblige and they all laughed and clapped. It was pretty funny. It wasn’t until on the way home that Keith said “Karen, it IS Saturday. It IS Valentine’s day.” So we celebrated by a public kiss and a box of chocolates.
Oh, I forgot about the guy who was hanging around me. He talked to Elijah. Then when Keith came and the excitement after the kiss died down he talked to us in English. At least we finally figured out that it was English. He was hard to understand. He asked about where we lived and how we got around. We were polite without giving him much information. He kept saying “Happy Ukraine!” He was trying to help us get on the bus. We politely refused. Then he said “Happy Ukraine! Respect America!” Happy Ukraine indeed. It occurred to me that he might have been drunk, though that wasn’t obvious.
I chuckled about the chocolates, the kiss and “Happy Ukraine!” all the way home. I couldn’t stop. I guess I need more sleep.
The girls are our’s officially now. Heaven worked miracles and we are a family of ten. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Dictionaries, anyone???
February 13- Friday—LAST DAY
Today is our last day of the 10 day wait. And as of 2:00 this afternoon, no one had filed an appeal. We know, we asked. We are a little paranoid because of the Cox’s situation.
I visited the girls with Elijah this morning and left Keith to work. Elijah was a bear. Through a strange set of circumstances he didn’t get to bed last night until after 10:00. Let me tell you, that isn’t going to happen again. He threw several loud, screaming fits at the orphanage. I had to take him out of the room for him to calm down. Even then I’m sure the whole orphanage heard him.
A1 was home from school again. I still don’t know what is up with that.
I tried to get A2 to go and take pictures of her room. For some reason she didn’t want to (maybe she didn’t make her bed). But she got a lot of other pictures… of one of the orphanage doctors, the new girl and her father (who was visiting her), more friend pictures, more caregiver pictures, the food preparing area. A1 also got some video. I usually don’t let that out of my hand because it seems like it will break easier but Elijah was throwing a fit and I had to stop him from biting R. I haven’t seen what she took video of yet. Should be interesting.
As we were leaving the orphanage Elijah wanted to play on the playground. It is like that every day but today he was so tired that it was much harder. Out by the gate I saw some pigeons on the ground so to distract him I said “let’s go catch a bird.” I spent the rest of the way home regretting saying that. It was a funny sight: him running chasing the birds, backpack bouncing up and down, zipper pulls jingling, yelling “catch bird.” And me yelling “watch out for water/ mud.” The birds even added to the comedy. They would wait until he got within a couple steps from them and then run a few feet a head. If he came at them too fast for their liking they would fly 5 or 6 feet a head. Just far enough to fool him into thinking he could still catch them. It was hilarious to watch. The only way to get him to move a head was point out the birds farther in head of us. We had to chase ever gaggle of pigeons (or is it parcel of pigeons??) from there to our apartment. And only the threat of being left and missing lunch with Daddy would get him in the building. What am I going to do when I get 4 more who don’t understand a word I’m saying?!?!?!
We needed to do some shopping so I was hoping that Elijah would fall asleep on the bus to downtown. Of course, when I want him to he won’t. We went downtown to get a couple pair of pants for the girls. We ended up buying some shoes for Elijah, too. His are starting to fall apart and are too small anyway.
While we were in the second store Elder Thatcher called to say that they found a place for us to stay with the girls. It is a really good deal at a hotel by the church (and a park, and a grocery store, and the train station). The owners are excited that we are adopting 4 girls and will even give us a second room by the first. When they were invited to English class that the missionaries teach (to help with their business) they offered to give us a little deal on the first room and a big deal on the second room. We would only pay total slightly over what we are paying now. There is a fridge and stove. And they would supply any additional bedding that we would need. WOW. Can’t you just feel the Lord’s hand in all that?!?!
That took a couple of phone calls and quite a few minutes. When we got done with all that it was 4:00. Late again. So we hurried and finished the shopping. And after a slight delay of setting the metal detector off on the way out (complete with miscommunication—did you know that receipt is “check” in Ukrainian?) we were on our way back to the orphanage. We’ll have to go back down tomorrow to finish.
Oh, also the weather has warmed up enough that the more sensible part of the crazy people reared its ugly head and there wasn’t anyone out fishing on the ice. I even packed my camera to get a picture of it. Shoot!
On the bus to the orphanage, Elijah fell asleep. Finally. We stopped at the apartment to pick up the computer and then ran to the orphanage (not literally, it is hard to run when you are carrying a sleeping baby—they jiggle too much).
While at the orphanage we tried to figure out how much the girls understood about being adopted, how much time they needed to pack and how much they had to pack. THAT was a circus. Caretakers were brought in (“No, we don’t need their passports.” “We know that the director has them.” “We know you can’t sign any papers, you are just a caregiver.””yes, the court judgment is up tomorrow.”), dictionaries- electronic and paper were used. All to no avail. We couldn’t get a hold of Julia to translate, the Elders were in institute and the girls don’t even understand (or at least won’t admit it) when the Elders have time to talk to them. I think we finally gave up. What am I going to do when I get them home and they don’t understand a word I’m saying?!?!?! It got us thinking though. Do they speak Russian or Ukrainian? You never know and that could be part of the problem. We asked Luba and she said that at the orphanage and school they speak Ukrainian. OK back to the drawing board.
Elijah slept through much of that and was more human when he woke up.
We were to exhausted after all that (and the girls climbing all over us) to go to the store to get some much needed food. So, we had the rest of the noodles, which I boiled and we topped with the rest of the cheese, grated. And we drank the rest of the juice. LOL Time for bed at 8:30!!
But I'll leave you with pictures...
Today is our last day of the 10 day wait. And as of 2:00 this afternoon, no one had filed an appeal. We know, we asked. We are a little paranoid because of the Cox’s situation.
I visited the girls with Elijah this morning and left Keith to work. Elijah was a bear. Through a strange set of circumstances he didn’t get to bed last night until after 10:00. Let me tell you, that isn’t going to happen again. He threw several loud, screaming fits at the orphanage. I had to take him out of the room for him to calm down. Even then I’m sure the whole orphanage heard him.
A1 was home from school again. I still don’t know what is up with that.
I tried to get A2 to go and take pictures of her room. For some reason she didn’t want to (maybe she didn’t make her bed). But she got a lot of other pictures… of one of the orphanage doctors, the new girl and her father (who was visiting her), more friend pictures, more caregiver pictures, the food preparing area. A1 also got some video. I usually don’t let that out of my hand because it seems like it will break easier but Elijah was throwing a fit and I had to stop him from biting R. I haven’t seen what she took video of yet. Should be interesting.
As we were leaving the orphanage Elijah wanted to play on the playground. It is like that every day but today he was so tired that it was much harder. Out by the gate I saw some pigeons on the ground so to distract him I said “let’s go catch a bird.” I spent the rest of the way home regretting saying that. It was a funny sight: him running chasing the birds, backpack bouncing up and down, zipper pulls jingling, yelling “catch bird.” And me yelling “watch out for water/ mud.” The birds even added to the comedy. They would wait until he got within a couple steps from them and then run a few feet a head. If he came at them too fast for their liking they would fly 5 or 6 feet a head. Just far enough to fool him into thinking he could still catch them. It was hilarious to watch. The only way to get him to move a head was point out the birds farther in head of us. We had to chase ever gaggle of pigeons (or is it parcel of pigeons??) from there to our apartment. And only the threat of being left and missing lunch with Daddy would get him in the building. What am I going to do when I get 4 more who don’t understand a word I’m saying?!?!?!
We needed to do some shopping so I was hoping that Elijah would fall asleep on the bus to downtown. Of course, when I want him to he won’t. We went downtown to get a couple pair of pants for the girls. We ended up buying some shoes for Elijah, too. His are starting to fall apart and are too small anyway.
While we were in the second store Elder Thatcher called to say that they found a place for us to stay with the girls. It is a really good deal at a hotel by the church (and a park, and a grocery store, and the train station). The owners are excited that we are adopting 4 girls and will even give us a second room by the first. When they were invited to English class that the missionaries teach (to help with their business) they offered to give us a little deal on the first room and a big deal on the second room. We would only pay total slightly over what we are paying now. There is a fridge and stove. And they would supply any additional bedding that we would need. WOW. Can’t you just feel the Lord’s hand in all that?!?!
That took a couple of phone calls and quite a few minutes. When we got done with all that it was 4:00. Late again. So we hurried and finished the shopping. And after a slight delay of setting the metal detector off on the way out (complete with miscommunication—did you know that receipt is “check” in Ukrainian?) we were on our way back to the orphanage. We’ll have to go back down tomorrow to finish.
Oh, also the weather has warmed up enough that the more sensible part of the crazy people reared its ugly head and there wasn’t anyone out fishing on the ice. I even packed my camera to get a picture of it. Shoot!
On the bus to the orphanage, Elijah fell asleep. Finally. We stopped at the apartment to pick up the computer and then ran to the orphanage (not literally, it is hard to run when you are carrying a sleeping baby—they jiggle too much).
While at the orphanage we tried to figure out how much the girls understood about being adopted, how much time they needed to pack and how much they had to pack. THAT was a circus. Caretakers were brought in (“No, we don’t need their passports.” “We know that the director has them.” “We know you can’t sign any papers, you are just a caregiver.””yes, the court judgment is up tomorrow.”), dictionaries- electronic and paper were used. All to no avail. We couldn’t get a hold of Julia to translate, the Elders were in institute and the girls don’t even understand (or at least won’t admit it) when the Elders have time to talk to them. I think we finally gave up. What am I going to do when I get them home and they don’t understand a word I’m saying?!?!?! It got us thinking though. Do they speak Russian or Ukrainian? You never know and that could be part of the problem. We asked Luba and she said that at the orphanage and school they speak Ukrainian. OK back to the drawing board.
Elijah slept through much of that and was more human when he woke up.
We were to exhausted after all that (and the girls climbing all over us) to go to the store to get some much needed food. So, we had the rest of the noodles, which I boiled and we topped with the rest of the cheese, grated. And we drank the rest of the juice. LOL Time for bed at 8:30!!
But I'll leave you with pictures...
That is all I have time for right now.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Who let the dogs out? Who? Who?
February 12- Thursday- DAY 9
Today we actually counted the days until we have the girls and then took stock of all the things we still needed to buy for souvenirs ect and panicked a little. So, we decided to go to the reenick again today. (Did you hear that ominous music? ). By ourselves (more ominous music). To give Keith time to work and Elijah time for a nap we decided to go in the morning instead of visiting the girls. I took the camera, desperately wanting to take a picture of at least one of the aisles. But then chickened out (after taking a couple that didn’t work) for not wanting to offend people or have them call the police on me. I REALLY wanted to get a picture of the beautiful, ornate, white, wedding dresses hanging over the mud, but again I didn’t dare. I’m such a big chicken.
We walked and walked and walked. We did find some embroidered linens to buy. I think we’ll save them for when the girls get married. We also found a couple places that sold the traditional shirts and skirts. They even had some prepackaged WITH PRICES ON THEM (and a good deal too), which is almost never the case in the reenick. We should have bought them then but didn’t. When we went back they were put away and you had to ask sizes and prices again. We’ll go back there, maybe with a native speaker to help. We also looked at a coat for Keith, he needs a new one. But it was more money than we had on us. Elijah’s is getting small, too, we’ll have to see what we can do about that.
We walked down some familiar aisles but most of the ones were new ones. Does that place EVER end?!?!?!
Elijah walked most of the way with us. He is getting so he doesn’t like riding on Keith’s shoulders as well. I guess we were spoiled, because that is an easy way to carry him. Maybe he is having diaper issues still?!?
Anyway, he fell asleep during lunch. That was a funny picture: him with his new backpack on (he loves it and wears it all the time), kneeling on the bench, trying to keep his eyes open and trying not to fall over. Poor guy.
He (and I, I must confess) slept while Keith worked (poor guy) until it was time to go visit the girls.
We took the dictionaries that we bought for A1 and K, and a coloring book, for something to do.
Keith, A1 and K sat for quite a while looking through them. They were very excited. One of the boys in their group looked at it too and said “good book.” He is such a nice boy. Does anyone out there want to adopt a 10 year old, sweet boy? If we weren’t in the process of adopting and expecting a long recovery period (financially and otherwise) I would adopt him. He played with Elijah for quite a while and Elijah even played with him (and that is saying something). He had Elijah laughing and everything. He even knows quite a bit of English. But then I don’t even know if he is available. I will see if I can find out.
I took my camera with us because I was feeling brave. I was still pondering how to get pictures of the girls’ bedrooms when a solution presented itself. K was looking at all the pictures I had taken when I was inspired to let her take it and ask her to get pictures. She ran off and a couple minutes later (long minutes LOL) she came back with all kinds of pictures of her room. Then A1 wanted to take some pictures (she is going to be quite a photographer—she has a good eye for composition and pays attention to details). So, we let her take pictures. She got some more of K and her bed and a few of their friends. She also got a picture of their whole group (except the boy and R- they were with us). Those pictures are priceless!! So, while I’m paranoid about giving up possession of an expensive camera to them I’m really glad almost every time I do. I’ve got pictures of most of their friends- individually and as a group, their bedroom (and we need to get R’s and A2’s), the prosecutor, and the social worker-- that I probably wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. I would have NEVER dared take a picture of the prosecutor or social worker. We also get lots of pictures of Keith and I which I usually delete unless we are with someone else.
After the orphanage we went to the English classes at the church. We were VERY late because for some reason there weren’t as many busses running. We joined the advanced class, they were watching a video and eating cake to celebrate Sister Thatcher’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Sister Thatcher. All the students enjoyed trying to understand Elijah as he made comments on the movie. It was funny.
We asked the Elders to help us find a place to stay after we get the girls. Of course, they readily agreed to do that. There is also the slight possibility that we could stay in the Sister missionaries’ apartment (they were pulled out 2 transfers ago).
On the way home we were waiting for the bus again (45 minutes in the rain… and it happened to be the same bus we rode coming) and there were two stray dogs hanging around us. One of them was pretty big, he came up to my thigh. I worried Keith because I wasn’t paying attention and let the one dog come up behind me but he was just pacing. It was kind of funny to watch. Every time a man came walking by the little dog would bark and that would get the big dog to barking, too. But a lady or any children walked by and they were both silent. The big dog sure hung close by to us until we got on the bus. I was grateful to be able to get on the bus!!
Tidbits:
1. When the wind blows outside our curtains move inside.
2. In the small busses (marshuka) they play English music from a Ukrainian radio station but in the cabs they play Ukrainian music.
3. Apparently we stand out, not because we have a child riding on dad’s shoulders or because that child is constantly talking in English (although those help) but because we smile when we travel- whatever the means.
4. On a shopping run it takes two of us to carry enough food home for 2 days.
5. Public transport works great as long as you DON’T use it after you go grocery shopping
6. Ukrainians will wash their car with bottled water whenever it gets dirty but won’t pick up the garbage that is just outside their front door
7. Wet clothes can dry on the lines outside even if it is raining—but there is nothing like warm towels right off the radiator
8. There is more fur (real or fake) on people than there is on animals here although the stray dogs are giving them a run for their money
9. There are not many cats here
10. You have to be careful of the stray dogs when they are in groups
11. If you get bitten by a stray dog, the only kind of rabbies shots they have in Ukraine are the ones you have to get in the stomach 1 a day for 40 days. You have to travel to Hungary (I think that is where it was) to have the ones you get once a week for 4 weeks
12. You can’t step on or kick a pigeon—even if you try
13. Don’t buy perishables-like meat- from the market it sits out all day and you don’t know who touches it and where their hands have been
14. Dried fish is easy to get here
15. You are supposed to wash the fruit that you can’t peel in bleach water or you could get really sick- oops didn’t know that
16. People (mostly grandmother types) don’t have any problem with telling you when your baby has his neck uncovered or if they think he is going to hit his head on something
17. A good chunk of the things you can buy at the market are made in the USA
18. Tom Cruise’s name looks cool in Cyrillic—not Tom but Cruise (I’ll have to get a picture)
19. Most people here understand and speak Ukrainian AND Russian—that is ok, I don’t speak either one—Japanese anyone?!?!
20. It is VERY comforting to know there are missionaries nearby
Today we actually counted the days until we have the girls and then took stock of all the things we still needed to buy for souvenirs ect and panicked a little. So, we decided to go to the reenick again today. (Did you hear that ominous music? ). By ourselves (more ominous music). To give Keith time to work and Elijah time for a nap we decided to go in the morning instead of visiting the girls. I took the camera, desperately wanting to take a picture of at least one of the aisles. But then chickened out (after taking a couple that didn’t work) for not wanting to offend people or have them call the police on me. I REALLY wanted to get a picture of the beautiful, ornate, white, wedding dresses hanging over the mud, but again I didn’t dare. I’m such a big chicken.
We walked and walked and walked. We did find some embroidered linens to buy. I think we’ll save them for when the girls get married. We also found a couple places that sold the traditional shirts and skirts. They even had some prepackaged WITH PRICES ON THEM (and a good deal too), which is almost never the case in the reenick. We should have bought them then but didn’t. When we went back they were put away and you had to ask sizes and prices again. We’ll go back there, maybe with a native speaker to help. We also looked at a coat for Keith, he needs a new one. But it was more money than we had on us. Elijah’s is getting small, too, we’ll have to see what we can do about that.
We walked down some familiar aisles but most of the ones were new ones. Does that place EVER end?!?!?!
Elijah walked most of the way with us. He is getting so he doesn’t like riding on Keith’s shoulders as well. I guess we were spoiled, because that is an easy way to carry him. Maybe he is having diaper issues still?!?
Anyway, he fell asleep during lunch. That was a funny picture: him with his new backpack on (he loves it and wears it all the time), kneeling on the bench, trying to keep his eyes open and trying not to fall over. Poor guy.
He (and I, I must confess) slept while Keith worked (poor guy) until it was time to go visit the girls.
We took the dictionaries that we bought for A1 and K, and a coloring book, for something to do.
Keith, A1 and K sat for quite a while looking through them. They were very excited. One of the boys in their group looked at it too and said “good book.” He is such a nice boy. Does anyone out there want to adopt a 10 year old, sweet boy? If we weren’t in the process of adopting and expecting a long recovery period (financially and otherwise) I would adopt him. He played with Elijah for quite a while and Elijah even played with him (and that is saying something). He had Elijah laughing and everything. He even knows quite a bit of English. But then I don’t even know if he is available. I will see if I can find out.
I took my camera with us because I was feeling brave. I was still pondering how to get pictures of the girls’ bedrooms when a solution presented itself. K was looking at all the pictures I had taken when I was inspired to let her take it and ask her to get pictures. She ran off and a couple minutes later (long minutes LOL) she came back with all kinds of pictures of her room. Then A1 wanted to take some pictures (she is going to be quite a photographer—she has a good eye for composition and pays attention to details). So, we let her take pictures. She got some more of K and her bed and a few of their friends. She also got a picture of their whole group (except the boy and R- they were with us). Those pictures are priceless!! So, while I’m paranoid about giving up possession of an expensive camera to them I’m really glad almost every time I do. I’ve got pictures of most of their friends- individually and as a group, their bedroom (and we need to get R’s and A2’s), the prosecutor, and the social worker-- that I probably wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. I would have NEVER dared take a picture of the prosecutor or social worker. We also get lots of pictures of Keith and I which I usually delete unless we are with someone else.
After the orphanage we went to the English classes at the church. We were VERY late because for some reason there weren’t as many busses running. We joined the advanced class, they were watching a video and eating cake to celebrate Sister Thatcher’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Sister Thatcher. All the students enjoyed trying to understand Elijah as he made comments on the movie. It was funny.
We asked the Elders to help us find a place to stay after we get the girls. Of course, they readily agreed to do that. There is also the slight possibility that we could stay in the Sister missionaries’ apartment (they were pulled out 2 transfers ago).
On the way home we were waiting for the bus again (45 minutes in the rain… and it happened to be the same bus we rode coming) and there were two stray dogs hanging around us. One of them was pretty big, he came up to my thigh. I worried Keith because I wasn’t paying attention and let the one dog come up behind me but he was just pacing. It was kind of funny to watch. Every time a man came walking by the little dog would bark and that would get the big dog to barking, too. But a lady or any children walked by and they were both silent. The big dog sure hung close by to us until we got on the bus. I was grateful to be able to get on the bus!!
Tidbits:
1. When the wind blows outside our curtains move inside.
2. In the small busses (marshuka) they play English music from a Ukrainian radio station but in the cabs they play Ukrainian music.
3. Apparently we stand out, not because we have a child riding on dad’s shoulders or because that child is constantly talking in English (although those help) but because we smile when we travel- whatever the means.
4. On a shopping run it takes two of us to carry enough food home for 2 days.
5. Public transport works great as long as you DON’T use it after you go grocery shopping
6. Ukrainians will wash their car with bottled water whenever it gets dirty but won’t pick up the garbage that is just outside their front door
7. Wet clothes can dry on the lines outside even if it is raining—but there is nothing like warm towels right off the radiator
8. There is more fur (real or fake) on people than there is on animals here although the stray dogs are giving them a run for their money
9. There are not many cats here
10. You have to be careful of the stray dogs when they are in groups
11. If you get bitten by a stray dog, the only kind of rabbies shots they have in Ukraine are the ones you have to get in the stomach 1 a day for 40 days. You have to travel to Hungary (I think that is where it was) to have the ones you get once a week for 4 weeks
12. You can’t step on or kick a pigeon—even if you try
13. Don’t buy perishables-like meat- from the market it sits out all day and you don’t know who touches it and where their hands have been
14. Dried fish is easy to get here
15. You are supposed to wash the fruit that you can’t peel in bleach water or you could get really sick- oops didn’t know that
16. People (mostly grandmother types) don’t have any problem with telling you when your baby has his neck uncovered or if they think he is going to hit his head on something
17. A good chunk of the things you can buy at the market are made in the USA
18. Tom Cruise’s name looks cool in Cyrillic—not Tom but Cruise (I’ll have to get a picture)
19. Most people here understand and speak Ukrainian AND Russian—that is ok, I don’t speak either one—Japanese anyone?!?!
20. It is VERY comforting to know there are missionaries nearby
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Awwww!
A rare moment.
These two largely ignore one another. Maybe I shouldn't say that. Ryah loves to dote on him but it gets too much for Elijah. They have come to an understanding. "If you only tackle me once in a while I will only push you away once in a while." She loves to help him get his shoes and coat on when we are getting ready to leave and for the most part, he lets her.
Day 8
February 11- Wednesday- DAY 8
I and Elijah went by ourselves to the orphanage again so Keith could work. A1 was home from school again. I’d only been there about 15 or 20 minutes when she wanted to go outside. Hey, I’m happy to oblige! It is getting very boring in that one room with those same blocks. She ran off to ask the caretaker if it was alright, and we were off. A few of the other kids came too. The little girl also joined us. When caretakers let her she is never very far from me- usually on my lap or holding my hand. But it wasn’t too long before the caretaker came out and took her back in. Oops. I guess I wasn’t supposed to take her out. A1 took a bike out and rode around a bit. Her tire was flat so I’m sure it wasn’t too comfortable. The other 3 and I walked around and played on a couple playgrounds. We didn’t get nearly as muddy as we did yesterday because we had a dry night last night and the mud is starting to dry up. When we went back in I found out why the caretaker came and got the little girl. Her father was there visiting her and her sister. They say that 85-90% of children in orphanages are not legally free to be adopted. I have seen 4 parents come and visit their children in our groupa. They always bring gifts (food- mostly, but also clothes, cell phone and other things) and then leave. It breaks my heart each time. How sad to be in a situation where you can’t take care of your kids, where you can’t be with your kids.
I did a load of laundry and then we slept for our break. It was much needed by all of us!!
It was computer day for the evening. We also took Elijah’s trains and train tracks and a couple matchbox cars. It was a little tough on him to share them but he did pretty well. We also took batteries. On Sunday A1 showed me a doll—I think it was hers- that needed batteries. Monday we happened to be at the store and I happened to remember to buy some (miracle). Then I misplaced them until today. She was very grateful.
The caregivers let a bunch of the kids stay in the room so it was somewhat chaotic.
Tonight was the first night I have thought “we gotta get those girls out of there.” I felt a real need to get them to a situation where I can control what happens to them and start to set some rules to the behavior. Only two more days of our waiting period. Ok, not really…. 5 more days till we can take them. But will we take them then?!?!?! Argh!! Don’t get me started on that same old yarn. It is late and I’m tired.
I took the camera to get lots of pictures and got some (I'll post some when I get them downloaded) but then the battery died. I’ll have to charge it and get more. I want to take pictures of their bedrooms. I haven’t been back there since the first day. I wonder how I can ask if it is ok to do so now.
It was raining when we walked home. Great, more mud.
While I was cooking supper the power went out. Luba’s mom lit some candles for us and we had a candlelight dinner. About the time we were finished the power came back on. Reminded me of home. :)
I and Elijah went by ourselves to the orphanage again so Keith could work. A1 was home from school again. I’d only been there about 15 or 20 minutes when she wanted to go outside. Hey, I’m happy to oblige! It is getting very boring in that one room with those same blocks. She ran off to ask the caretaker if it was alright, and we were off. A few of the other kids came too. The little girl also joined us. When caretakers let her she is never very far from me- usually on my lap or holding my hand. But it wasn’t too long before the caretaker came out and took her back in. Oops. I guess I wasn’t supposed to take her out. A1 took a bike out and rode around a bit. Her tire was flat so I’m sure it wasn’t too comfortable. The other 3 and I walked around and played on a couple playgrounds. We didn’t get nearly as muddy as we did yesterday because we had a dry night last night and the mud is starting to dry up. When we went back in I found out why the caretaker came and got the little girl. Her father was there visiting her and her sister. They say that 85-90% of children in orphanages are not legally free to be adopted. I have seen 4 parents come and visit their children in our groupa. They always bring gifts (food- mostly, but also clothes, cell phone and other things) and then leave. It breaks my heart each time. How sad to be in a situation where you can’t take care of your kids, where you can’t be with your kids.
I did a load of laundry and then we slept for our break. It was much needed by all of us!!
It was computer day for the evening. We also took Elijah’s trains and train tracks and a couple matchbox cars. It was a little tough on him to share them but he did pretty well. We also took batteries. On Sunday A1 showed me a doll—I think it was hers- that needed batteries. Monday we happened to be at the store and I happened to remember to buy some (miracle). Then I misplaced them until today. She was very grateful.
The caregivers let a bunch of the kids stay in the room so it was somewhat chaotic.
Tonight was the first night I have thought “we gotta get those girls out of there.” I felt a real need to get them to a situation where I can control what happens to them and start to set some rules to the behavior. Only two more days of our waiting period. Ok, not really…. 5 more days till we can take them. But will we take them then?!?!?! Argh!! Don’t get me started on that same old yarn. It is late and I’m tired.
I took the camera to get lots of pictures and got some (I'll post some when I get them downloaded) but then the battery died. I’ll have to charge it and get more. I want to take pictures of their bedrooms. I haven’t been back there since the first day. I wonder how I can ask if it is ok to do so now.
It was raining when we walked home. Great, more mud.
While I was cooking supper the power went out. Luba’s mom lit some candles for us and we had a candlelight dinner. About the time we were finished the power came back on. Reminded me of home. :)
To stay or not to stay?!?!?!
NOT YET SENT
February 10- Tuesday- DAY 7
We are trying to get back to some sort of schedule. I made ham and eggs this morning. Then left Keith here to get some work done and took Elijah to the orphanage.
In comes R and A2 so I pulled out the balloons I brought. I brought 4 as that was all the heart shaped ones we had. I let Elijah and the two girls each pick one. Elijah’s had a hole in it so I pulled out the last one. Just as I blew it up, tied it and handed it to Elijah, out comes A1. What?!? I thought she was in school. It turns out that K is in school but A1 wasn’t. Still not exactly sure why. Luckily, R wasn’t too interested in her balloon.
After about 45 minutes of playing with balloons, A1 tried to get one of the boys to ask me to go. At least that is what it sounded like . They got the caregiver in on it and she talked Ukrainian and gestured outside. They are asking if I wanted to go outside. Of course I want to go outside. All this time we haven’t been going outside with the other kids, has that been my fault?!?! I don’t think I did or said anything to indicate that I didn’t want to go outside.
Anyway, we got everyone dressed and went outside. It was really fun. We got to go off with just us 5. We had a lot of fun, played on every playground they have around the orphanage (about 7 or 8) and got very muddy.
Oh, when we first went out the little 3 year old, (the other one who, with her 2 year old sister I want to pack in my suitcase and take home with me too) held my hand and wanted to come with us. R didn’t like that and A1 didn’t like that. In mile-a-minute Ukrainian both of them talked the caregiver into taking her away from me. I guess they are getting a sense of “my mom,” which is a good thing for attachment.
While we were making our way through all the playgrounds we met Luba’s mom. She talked to each one of the kids. Asked their names. I think she asked if they like their new brother to which they all said yes. Every time we see Luba’s mom she tries to get Elijah to smile at her. This time was no exception. Only this time, he did, and then hid behind me. Then she talked to the girls a lot. I think she was talking about them going to America and having a new family.
So when we saw the other kids going in I checked the clock: 12:15. Time for us to go. I didn’t want to go in with how muddy Elijah was anyway.
We ate lunch and decided that we should probably go back and get more souvenirs at that place we got the dolls yesterday. We needed to get more internet cards anyway. So we catch a bus downtown.
We got some keychains and another stackable doll and lots of exercise. We went straight to the orphanage as we were kind of late. It was a pretty wild visit, but good. Al and K kept climbing all over Keith. So to get a break he showed them how to play “pull the stick” Joseph Smith style. A1 is one strong girl. K didn’t like being beaten so she quit early on and went back to her puzzle (a VERY hard 1000 piece that she wanted Mama to help with). We showed them a couple other games of skill and strength too. Oh, on Ryan’s suggestion we started teaching them “Head, shoulders, knees and toes,” a week or so ago. They aren’t much into that but sure enjoy watching us do it.
To calm things down a bit I asked A1 and K to teach me colors in Ukrainian. I learned yellow, blue and white. Then promptly forgot them. But I’m working on it.
Keith got Al to ask if we could talk to the director. She wasn’t there but they got the secretary to open her door and get the girls’ passport pictures and numbers for us. So we won’t be waiting on those for passports.
We are trying to decide if we should keep the girls in the orphanage after Monday while waiting for passports. I think that would be the best. We wouldn’t have to move, they could still go to school and keep on a schedule. But with our facilitator talking to the director we can’t decide if she is ok with that or not. We would even pay them something for food and boarding. To go or not to go?
Then passports are supposed to be about a week (apparently anywhere from 4 days to 10 days). Earliest we could get to Kyiv would be the next Monday. But it could be as late at the next Friday. In which case we would have to be in Kyiv the next Monday (after our airline tickets are scheduled). We are doing this fine dance of waiting to buy girls’ tickets until we have a better idea of when we can leave, but not too late that they are 2x the cost. Then do we change ours and pay the $250 change fee? But if we have to change them again that would be a fortune. Arrrrrrrrrrrgh. This is maddening.
February 10- Tuesday- DAY 7
We are trying to get back to some sort of schedule. I made ham and eggs this morning. Then left Keith here to get some work done and took Elijah to the orphanage.
In comes R and A2 so I pulled out the balloons I brought. I brought 4 as that was all the heart shaped ones we had. I let Elijah and the two girls each pick one. Elijah’s had a hole in it so I pulled out the last one. Just as I blew it up, tied it and handed it to Elijah, out comes A1. What?!? I thought she was in school. It turns out that K is in school but A1 wasn’t. Still not exactly sure why. Luckily, R wasn’t too interested in her balloon.
After about 45 minutes of playing with balloons, A1 tried to get one of the boys to ask me to go. At least that is what it sounded like . They got the caregiver in on it and she talked Ukrainian and gestured outside. They are asking if I wanted to go outside. Of course I want to go outside. All this time we haven’t been going outside with the other kids, has that been my fault?!?! I don’t think I did or said anything to indicate that I didn’t want to go outside.
Anyway, we got everyone dressed and went outside. It was really fun. We got to go off with just us 5. We had a lot of fun, played on every playground they have around the orphanage (about 7 or 8) and got very muddy.
Oh, when we first went out the little 3 year old, (the other one who, with her 2 year old sister I want to pack in my suitcase and take home with me too) held my hand and wanted to come with us. R didn’t like that and A1 didn’t like that. In mile-a-minute Ukrainian both of them talked the caregiver into taking her away from me. I guess they are getting a sense of “my mom,” which is a good thing for attachment.
While we were making our way through all the playgrounds we met Luba’s mom. She talked to each one of the kids. Asked their names. I think she asked if they like their new brother to which they all said yes. Every time we see Luba’s mom she tries to get Elijah to smile at her. This time was no exception. Only this time, he did, and then hid behind me. Then she talked to the girls a lot. I think she was talking about them going to America and having a new family.
So when we saw the other kids going in I checked the clock: 12:15. Time for us to go. I didn’t want to go in with how muddy Elijah was anyway.
We ate lunch and decided that we should probably go back and get more souvenirs at that place we got the dolls yesterday. We needed to get more internet cards anyway. So we catch a bus downtown.
We got some keychains and another stackable doll and lots of exercise. We went straight to the orphanage as we were kind of late. It was a pretty wild visit, but good. Al and K kept climbing all over Keith. So to get a break he showed them how to play “pull the stick” Joseph Smith style. A1 is one strong girl. K didn’t like being beaten so she quit early on and went back to her puzzle (a VERY hard 1000 piece that she wanted Mama to help with). We showed them a couple other games of skill and strength too. Oh, on Ryan’s suggestion we started teaching them “Head, shoulders, knees and toes,” a week or so ago. They aren’t much into that but sure enjoy watching us do it.
To calm things down a bit I asked A1 and K to teach me colors in Ukrainian. I learned yellow, blue and white. Then promptly forgot them. But I’m working on it.
Keith got Al to ask if we could talk to the director. She wasn’t there but they got the secretary to open her door and get the girls’ passport pictures and numbers for us. So we won’t be waiting on those for passports.
We are trying to decide if we should keep the girls in the orphanage after Monday while waiting for passports. I think that would be the best. We wouldn’t have to move, they could still go to school and keep on a schedule. But with our facilitator talking to the director we can’t decide if she is ok with that or not. We would even pay them something for food and boarding. To go or not to go?
Then passports are supposed to be about a week (apparently anywhere from 4 days to 10 days). Earliest we could get to Kyiv would be the next Monday. But it could be as late at the next Friday. In which case we would have to be in Kyiv the next Monday (after our airline tickets are scheduled). We are doing this fine dance of waiting to buy girls’ tickets until we have a better idea of when we can leave, but not too late that they are 2x the cost. Then do we change ours and pay the $250 change fee? But if we have to change them again that would be a fortune. Arrrrrrrrrrrgh. This is maddening.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Pictures to keep you interested
A1, gotta love those green eyes
R playing outside
A2 and her creation
K having fun with Papa (Fahzzer)
Elijah ties a tie
Is this all getting boring for y'all?
February 9- Monday- DAY 6
I woke Keith up early to work. We had Elder and Sister Thatcher offer to take us to some stores to buy souvenirs as it is their P-day. Of course, we jumped on that as we need lots of souvenirs. They speak more language than we do. We met them downtown and they helped us exchange money. Then we went shopping. They also had it in their mind to help us find games and things for the kids to do on the plane trip home.
We found a mall type store that had a little cabinet of Ukrainian items. Then, with the Elders’ help, we found the little, tiny store that sells handmade Ukrainian souvenirs. We are going to have to go back. They had sets of the little nesting dolls that have 7 dolls in them. We got all he had, 4, for the girls’ souvenirs. We also got ones that were painted with gold and silver paint and all he had for the ones that had 5 dolls in the set. In all we bought 12 sets of dolls. They had a bunch of other things too, that we will have to go back for because we were going to eat lunch with the Elders and they were getting hungry. We felt we better not anger them because they were so kind to help us figure out and get the dolls. All in all, we are probably half done with our souvenir shopping, and only a week to go. We ended up purchasing diapers (so we could change Elijah’s- we needed more anyway) a backpack for me to carry on the airplane and a bigger, zippered one for Elijah. Thatchers also helped us to get some puzzle books and a couple travel games for the airplane.
We went to NY Pizza for lunch. We had pizza with chicken, cheese (you have to ask specifically for cheese) and mine had pineapple and Keith’s had tomatoes. We’ll have to go back there sometime as the Cox family gave us a copy of the menu that Julia translated for them. The Elders helped us order.
The Thatchers were so nice to entertain Elijah (or hold him when he slept) while we looked at things to buy. I hope we didn’t take up a P-day they wanted to use for something else. We surely enjoyed the company!!
We ended the day by grocery shopping at the store we were looking for earlier and didn’t find. Then we shared a cab home (how liberating it must be to be able to actually call for a taxi). Luckily, we had the address to the orphanage written down so the cab could take us there. We’ll have to find that paper Luba wrote her address on, so we can actually get home and not just within walking distance.
We promised the girls that we would bring the computer and we had to drop off our purchases so we walked back to the flat then the orphanage again.
The girls played pretty nicely with the computer. We were lucky; we forgot the plug adaptor and were running the computer on the battery and it didn’t give out on us. I played blocks with R. All in all a pretty calm visit.
We were supposed to get photos that the director was getting taken for passports as well as the girls’ numbers (likes social security numbers). But since we missed the morning and were ½ hour late in the evening, I guess we missed her. Hopefully tomorrow.
As we were leaving Elijah had a meltdown. After much talking and 3 little mothers getting his outside clothes on he finally calmed down. But we figured that he was too worn out for us to go to FHE at the church. And came home, ate supper, watched an episode of Star Trek and now we are going to bed.
I woke Keith up early to work. We had Elder and Sister Thatcher offer to take us to some stores to buy souvenirs as it is their P-day. Of course, we jumped on that as we need lots of souvenirs. They speak more language than we do. We met them downtown and they helped us exchange money. Then we went shopping. They also had it in their mind to help us find games and things for the kids to do on the plane trip home.
We found a mall type store that had a little cabinet of Ukrainian items. Then, with the Elders’ help, we found the little, tiny store that sells handmade Ukrainian souvenirs. We are going to have to go back. They had sets of the little nesting dolls that have 7 dolls in them. We got all he had, 4, for the girls’ souvenirs. We also got ones that were painted with gold and silver paint and all he had for the ones that had 5 dolls in the set. In all we bought 12 sets of dolls. They had a bunch of other things too, that we will have to go back for because we were going to eat lunch with the Elders and they were getting hungry. We felt we better not anger them because they were so kind to help us figure out and get the dolls. All in all, we are probably half done with our souvenir shopping, and only a week to go. We ended up purchasing diapers (so we could change Elijah’s- we needed more anyway) a backpack for me to carry on the airplane and a bigger, zippered one for Elijah. Thatchers also helped us to get some puzzle books and a couple travel games for the airplane.
We went to NY Pizza for lunch. We had pizza with chicken, cheese (you have to ask specifically for cheese) and mine had pineapple and Keith’s had tomatoes. We’ll have to go back there sometime as the Cox family gave us a copy of the menu that Julia translated for them. The Elders helped us order.
The Thatchers were so nice to entertain Elijah (or hold him when he slept) while we looked at things to buy. I hope we didn’t take up a P-day they wanted to use for something else. We surely enjoyed the company!!
We ended the day by grocery shopping at the store we were looking for earlier and didn’t find. Then we shared a cab home (how liberating it must be to be able to actually call for a taxi). Luckily, we had the address to the orphanage written down so the cab could take us there. We’ll have to find that paper Luba wrote her address on, so we can actually get home and not just within walking distance.
We promised the girls that we would bring the computer and we had to drop off our purchases so we walked back to the flat then the orphanage again.
The girls played pretty nicely with the computer. We were lucky; we forgot the plug adaptor and were running the computer on the battery and it didn’t give out on us. I played blocks with R. All in all a pretty calm visit.
We were supposed to get photos that the director was getting taken for passports as well as the girls’ numbers (likes social security numbers). But since we missed the morning and were ½ hour late in the evening, I guess we missed her. Hopefully tomorrow.
As we were leaving Elijah had a meltdown. After much talking and 3 little mothers getting his outside clothes on he finally calmed down. But we figured that he was too worn out for us to go to FHE at the church. And came home, ate supper, watched an episode of Star Trek and now we are going to bed.
Sunday- kinda looooong
February 7- Sunday – DAY 5
I woke up early (4:30) and couldn’t go back to sleep. So I spent the time catching up on this journal. It was great, I got all caught up and even got caught up on emails. But by the time I was tired again it was time to get up and get ready for church. So I started the day with a head ache.
The girls were very calm when we went to visit them. We played blocks. I helped A1 make block furniture for her barbies. Once again we were only there an hour to be able to be on time for church. But we all were having such a nice time we really didn’t want to leave.
Elijah fell asleep on the bus. Good! Now we can pay attention to church. But no such luck, he woke up just as we were taking our coats off at the church. I walked the “hall” (the main room is L shaped and two choices to take a loud baby is down the long part of the L or out where it is cold), looked through the past 3 months of the Liahona (“Jonas Smith” and “medicine- aries”—missionaries) and eventually took him out because he was being so loud. He finally calmed down enough for me to catch the last 5 minutes of Sunday school. By then my headache was so bad it made me sick to my stomach. My wonderful husband asked Sister Thatcher if she had some ibuprofen. She happened to have some Motrin. I took two and then I read the directions LOL. Take one tablet every 8-12 hours. Oops. Then further down: You may take 2 tablets on the first dose but don’t exceed 3 tablets in a 12 hour period. Whew! Keith was kind and took Elijah to Priesthood. In Relief Society I couldn’t figure out if it was the not-yet-quite- gone-headache was making me sleepy or if it was the medicine. I even nearly dropped the book I was holding. LOL (The lesson was on Elijah coming to Joseph Smith—I did read it, to help keep myself awake.)
By the time church was over my head was feeling better but I was feeling queasy. Again, not sure if it was the medicine or the fact that I hadn’t eaten. So we came home and had some bread and cheese before going to the orphanage.
We had a very nice visit at the orphanage. A2 was very good with Elijah. After he grabbed her sunglasses and I made him give them back (without her grabbing them back) she shared them with him. He even let her take his hand and walk him around to show everyone. She even carried him around for a while on her back. He liked that. Then A1 wanted to be in on the action, and he got on her back. She took him into the dining room / school room and let him get some squeaky toys. Made me a little nervous with them carrying him around but they were very careful with him. And he let them, surprise, surprise. He even used his nice words to tell A2 “please don’t do that,” once. We’ve been working on that. He did, however bite R. I didn’t catch what happened but I think she took something from him. Not that it is ok to bite, but it was good because I got to hold R and rock her until she stopped crying. And Elijah got put in time-out. Not necessarily a good thing but it brought out very compassionate behavior in A2, A1 and K. Kind of hard to discipline when everyone else is offering him toys and patting him on the head. They really are good girls! R just needs a mom and dad to hold her. They all do, but she is still young enough to admit it.
The Thatchers invited us over for dinner after the orphanage. We didn’t know where they lived so at church we had an Elder write down what we could say to a taxi to get us there. Our first taxi ride by ourselves. Keith (I made him do it) went to the first taxi and said his little sentence. The taxi driver rambled on about something (we are assuming that it was “I can’t take you there” or “I don’t know where that is”) and got out and went to the next taxi, handed him the paper. Yes, he could take us there. We got in and he took us to a building. We paid him and got out, intending to call the Thatchers. They said they would come down and meet us. Well, this nice taxi driver waited and finally got out of the car. He walked us over to the door, waited until someone came out (it is keyed, or coded or locked somehow) held the door and ushered us in, speaking a mile a minute. We went in and called the Thatchers. LOL We couldn’t remember what floor they lived on. The missionaries were also there, they are planning a big open house. It is going to be a big deal; professional-looking flyers and even billboard ads, even radio and television ads. They are encouraging members to invite friends and acquaintances. It is going to be focused on family history.
Sister Thatcher made chili, salad and the most delicious corn bread ever, with banana cream pie for desert. She even let Elijah lick the bowls after the banana cream AND the whipped cream. “I need one of my boys here to lick the bowl.” They have 10 boys, or was it 11? They lost one at birth and I can’t remember if the one they lost would have been 11 or 12. You can tell she is a grandma and misses her grandkids. She spent a lot of time reading to and coloring with Elijah.
Once again we didn’t get home till nearly 10:00. Good company. Elder Thatcher asked Keith to give a 5-7 minute talk next week if we are here. Then felt bad and said “we didn’t invite you over for supper just to ask you to give a talk.” Keith said, “I’m grateful for both opportunities.” My sweet husband.
Elder Thatcher was going to walk us to show us where the bus stop is. Just as we were leaving, Keith put Elijah on his shoulders and he burst into tears. We have been battling a bit of a rash with him (something we are eating doesn’t agree with him) and I guess it got really bad. We didn’t have a diaper to change him so Keith held him carefully. Elder Thatcher helped us stop at a 24 hour Apteka- pharmacy to buy some ointment (Desitin- it is even written in English) because that is one of about 5 things that Mom didn’t get in the suitcase. Bad Mom! We soooo appreciate that as we would have had a very long, miserable night, without it.
Some of you have asked about the Cox’s. Things are still up in the air with them. However, their 20 days (that the guy has to actually file the appeal) ends on Tuesday (they think). Their facilitator talked to the judge and got the impression that the judge would throw out an appeal IF it were actually filed. So, if one isn’t filed they will be able to take their son home with them next week. If one is chances are the judge will throw it out and they will be able to take him home after the court hearing. Frustratingly long wait (they have been here for 2 months) but at least they will be able go home with their son. We talked with our facilitator about it and he has been facilitating for 10 years and this is the first appeal that he has ever heard about.
Random musings:
Colorful buildings- Washingtonians need to learn from the Ukrainians. To combat the drabness of the weather the Ukrainians paint their some of their buildings bright colors. It is nice to see bold color when even the air is murky. (disclaimer- admittedly the summer weather probably isn’t drab here and the Ukrainians probably don’t paint their buildings just because of the weather) Even insides are often painted brightly.
Riding the bus- Riding the small buses is an experience. Basically overgrown vans, the small busses cost 1.5 grivna to ride anywhere. Wait at the bus stop for your bus. Watch closely, because at any given time there could be 6-8 busses stopping at the same time. You pay when you get on. It is easiest if you have the money all ready before you get on so you don’t have to fumble in your purse for the fare while trying to hang on to a shifting, moving bus. Although natives have been known to pass fares up to the driver after sitting down. The bus driver multi-tasks well. He can drive, stop for the people crossing the street, notice the people standing who want to get off at the next stop, count out change for fares all at one time. And today I need to add change his sign (on the other side of the bus), answer a cell phone, and smoke a cigarette. He (I have yet to see a woman driver) can even navigate multi-directional traffic with inches to spare. So you are in good hands. But don’t get too comfortable… because you can’t. If you get to sit down, seats are so close together your knees touch the seat in front of you. If you have anything at all to carry bigger than a small purse—take a taxi. Windows are usually fogged so look carefully for your stop. If you have to stand chances are you have to sidle past people. Good thing you are pretty sure pickpocketing isn’t big here. Some person in your near vicinity will have strong perfume, alcohol or body odor. Make sure you stand up in plenty of time BEFORE your stop for the driver to notice that you want to get off. Don’t forget to use the handrails. Keep arms and legs inside at all times and enjoy your ride.
Furs- PETA people obviously never lived in this part of the world. Or would have a hayday if they ever make it here. Furs, faux and real, are everywhere. Coats, pants gloves and shoes are lined with the stuff if not made out of it. Of course, if I were the color of some of these animals I would want to be shot and put to a better cause. (disclaimer: no animals were hurt at any time during the filming of this musing)
Heat- Apparently, heat here is communal. Not sure if it is managed citywide, regionwide or countrywide. But it gets turned on all at the same time, sometime in mid-October and turned off sometime in mid- May, I think. If you are too hot, open a window. If you are too cold, put a sweater on. That is about all the control you have. Our landlady lit all the burners on her stove to help warm up one cold day. (disclaimer: no one was hurt during this musing)
It is taboo for girls to sit on anything cold and stone-like. “You will never have children”
(disclaimer: there could be some truth to this?!?!)
Prevent freezer burn. It is taboo for any skin to be showing when you are outside, besides your face, of course. Scarves, tights, hats (of any sort), and gloves are a necessity! (Discaimer: This one makes a whole lotta sense.)
Boots- If you are female in Ukraine it is mandatory to wear boots, with males it is optional but preferred. Old or young, big or little. Low boots, high boots, up on the thigh boots. High heeled, spiky boots, low, flat, sensible boots. Shiny boots, furry boots, even boots made to fool you into thinking they are shoes. Pick your own personal style but you gotta have boots. (disclaimer: maybe summer will be different?)
Elevators- Elevators here are microscopic. You can fit 4 people snuggly if one of them is a 2 year old. Any bags, packages or large purses will send a person walking… up the stairs. And the elevators only accept one command at a time. If you get in after the person living on the 9th floor you have to ride to the 9th floor or push the stop button and enter your floor. The 9th floor person would then have to re-enter his floor after you got off. (disclaimer: I haven’t been in most elevators here)
Disturbing sights:
Little two year old girl cries and cries and no one tries to comfort her
Said slittle girl won’t accept any comfort offered from a foreigner who can’t stand to see her crying go unnoticed
Orphanage boys playing with toy guns shooting each other- 70% of boys aging out of orphanages will turn to crime
Orphanage boys pointing toy guns at their temples and pulling the trigger—10% of children aging out of orphanages will commit suicide before their 18th birthday
Orphanage girls 8 and under wearing make-up and dressing in skimpy clothes—60% of girls aging out of orphanages turn to prostitution
I woke up early (4:30) and couldn’t go back to sleep. So I spent the time catching up on this journal. It was great, I got all caught up and even got caught up on emails. But by the time I was tired again it was time to get up and get ready for church. So I started the day with a head ache.
The girls were very calm when we went to visit them. We played blocks. I helped A1 make block furniture for her barbies. Once again we were only there an hour to be able to be on time for church. But we all were having such a nice time we really didn’t want to leave.
Elijah fell asleep on the bus. Good! Now we can pay attention to church. But no such luck, he woke up just as we were taking our coats off at the church. I walked the “hall” (the main room is L shaped and two choices to take a loud baby is down the long part of the L or out where it is cold), looked through the past 3 months of the Liahona (“Jonas Smith” and “medicine- aries”—missionaries) and eventually took him out because he was being so loud. He finally calmed down enough for me to catch the last 5 minutes of Sunday school. By then my headache was so bad it made me sick to my stomach. My wonderful husband asked Sister Thatcher if she had some ibuprofen. She happened to have some Motrin. I took two and then I read the directions LOL. Take one tablet every 8-12 hours. Oops. Then further down: You may take 2 tablets on the first dose but don’t exceed 3 tablets in a 12 hour period. Whew! Keith was kind and took Elijah to Priesthood. In Relief Society I couldn’t figure out if it was the not-yet-quite- gone-headache was making me sleepy or if it was the medicine. I even nearly dropped the book I was holding. LOL (The lesson was on Elijah coming to Joseph Smith—I did read it, to help keep myself awake.)
By the time church was over my head was feeling better but I was feeling queasy. Again, not sure if it was the medicine or the fact that I hadn’t eaten. So we came home and had some bread and cheese before going to the orphanage.
We had a very nice visit at the orphanage. A2 was very good with Elijah. After he grabbed her sunglasses and I made him give them back (without her grabbing them back) she shared them with him. He even let her take his hand and walk him around to show everyone. She even carried him around for a while on her back. He liked that. Then A1 wanted to be in on the action, and he got on her back. She took him into the dining room / school room and let him get some squeaky toys. Made me a little nervous with them carrying him around but they were very careful with him. And he let them, surprise, surprise. He even used his nice words to tell A2 “please don’t do that,” once. We’ve been working on that. He did, however bite R. I didn’t catch what happened but I think she took something from him. Not that it is ok to bite, but it was good because I got to hold R and rock her until she stopped crying. And Elijah got put in time-out. Not necessarily a good thing but it brought out very compassionate behavior in A2, A1 and K. Kind of hard to discipline when everyone else is offering him toys and patting him on the head. They really are good girls! R just needs a mom and dad to hold her. They all do, but she is still young enough to admit it.
The Thatchers invited us over for dinner after the orphanage. We didn’t know where they lived so at church we had an Elder write down what we could say to a taxi to get us there. Our first taxi ride by ourselves. Keith (I made him do it) went to the first taxi and said his little sentence. The taxi driver rambled on about something (we are assuming that it was “I can’t take you there” or “I don’t know where that is”) and got out and went to the next taxi, handed him the paper. Yes, he could take us there. We got in and he took us to a building. We paid him and got out, intending to call the Thatchers. They said they would come down and meet us. Well, this nice taxi driver waited and finally got out of the car. He walked us over to the door, waited until someone came out (it is keyed, or coded or locked somehow) held the door and ushered us in, speaking a mile a minute. We went in and called the Thatchers. LOL We couldn’t remember what floor they lived on. The missionaries were also there, they are planning a big open house. It is going to be a big deal; professional-looking flyers and even billboard ads, even radio and television ads. They are encouraging members to invite friends and acquaintances. It is going to be focused on family history.
Sister Thatcher made chili, salad and the most delicious corn bread ever, with banana cream pie for desert. She even let Elijah lick the bowls after the banana cream AND the whipped cream. “I need one of my boys here to lick the bowl.” They have 10 boys, or was it 11? They lost one at birth and I can’t remember if the one they lost would have been 11 or 12. You can tell she is a grandma and misses her grandkids. She spent a lot of time reading to and coloring with Elijah.
Once again we didn’t get home till nearly 10:00. Good company. Elder Thatcher asked Keith to give a 5-7 minute talk next week if we are here. Then felt bad and said “we didn’t invite you over for supper just to ask you to give a talk.” Keith said, “I’m grateful for both opportunities.” My sweet husband.
Elder Thatcher was going to walk us to show us where the bus stop is. Just as we were leaving, Keith put Elijah on his shoulders and he burst into tears. We have been battling a bit of a rash with him (something we are eating doesn’t agree with him) and I guess it got really bad. We didn’t have a diaper to change him so Keith held him carefully. Elder Thatcher helped us stop at a 24 hour Apteka- pharmacy to buy some ointment (Desitin- it is even written in English) because that is one of about 5 things that Mom didn’t get in the suitcase. Bad Mom! We soooo appreciate that as we would have had a very long, miserable night, without it.
Some of you have asked about the Cox’s. Things are still up in the air with them. However, their 20 days (that the guy has to actually file the appeal) ends on Tuesday (they think). Their facilitator talked to the judge and got the impression that the judge would throw out an appeal IF it were actually filed. So, if one isn’t filed they will be able to take their son home with them next week. If one is chances are the judge will throw it out and they will be able to take him home after the court hearing. Frustratingly long wait (they have been here for 2 months) but at least they will be able go home with their son. We talked with our facilitator about it and he has been facilitating for 10 years and this is the first appeal that he has ever heard about.
Random musings:
Colorful buildings- Washingtonians need to learn from the Ukrainians. To combat the drabness of the weather the Ukrainians paint their some of their buildings bright colors. It is nice to see bold color when even the air is murky. (disclaimer- admittedly the summer weather probably isn’t drab here and the Ukrainians probably don’t paint their buildings just because of the weather) Even insides are often painted brightly.
Riding the bus- Riding the small buses is an experience. Basically overgrown vans, the small busses cost 1.5 grivna to ride anywhere. Wait at the bus stop for your bus. Watch closely, because at any given time there could be 6-8 busses stopping at the same time. You pay when you get on. It is easiest if you have the money all ready before you get on so you don’t have to fumble in your purse for the fare while trying to hang on to a shifting, moving bus. Although natives have been known to pass fares up to the driver after sitting down. The bus driver multi-tasks well. He can drive, stop for the people crossing the street, notice the people standing who want to get off at the next stop, count out change for fares all at one time. And today I need to add change his sign (on the other side of the bus), answer a cell phone, and smoke a cigarette. He (I have yet to see a woman driver) can even navigate multi-directional traffic with inches to spare. So you are in good hands. But don’t get too comfortable… because you can’t. If you get to sit down, seats are so close together your knees touch the seat in front of you. If you have anything at all to carry bigger than a small purse—take a taxi. Windows are usually fogged so look carefully for your stop. If you have to stand chances are you have to sidle past people. Good thing you are pretty sure pickpocketing isn’t big here. Some person in your near vicinity will have strong perfume, alcohol or body odor. Make sure you stand up in plenty of time BEFORE your stop for the driver to notice that you want to get off. Don’t forget to use the handrails. Keep arms and legs inside at all times and enjoy your ride.
Furs- PETA people obviously never lived in this part of the world. Or would have a hayday if they ever make it here. Furs, faux and real, are everywhere. Coats, pants gloves and shoes are lined with the stuff if not made out of it. Of course, if I were the color of some of these animals I would want to be shot and put to a better cause. (disclaimer: no animals were hurt at any time during the filming of this musing)
Heat- Apparently, heat here is communal. Not sure if it is managed citywide, regionwide or countrywide. But it gets turned on all at the same time, sometime in mid-October and turned off sometime in mid- May, I think. If you are too hot, open a window. If you are too cold, put a sweater on. That is about all the control you have. Our landlady lit all the burners on her stove to help warm up one cold day. (disclaimer: no one was hurt during this musing)
It is taboo for girls to sit on anything cold and stone-like. “You will never have children”
(disclaimer: there could be some truth to this?!?!)
Prevent freezer burn. It is taboo for any skin to be showing when you are outside, besides your face, of course. Scarves, tights, hats (of any sort), and gloves are a necessity! (Discaimer: This one makes a whole lotta sense.)
Boots- If you are female in Ukraine it is mandatory to wear boots, with males it is optional but preferred. Old or young, big or little. Low boots, high boots, up on the thigh boots. High heeled, spiky boots, low, flat, sensible boots. Shiny boots, furry boots, even boots made to fool you into thinking they are shoes. Pick your own personal style but you gotta have boots. (disclaimer: maybe summer will be different?)
Elevators- Elevators here are microscopic. You can fit 4 people snuggly if one of them is a 2 year old. Any bags, packages or large purses will send a person walking… up the stairs. And the elevators only accept one command at a time. If you get in after the person living on the 9th floor you have to ride to the 9th floor or push the stop button and enter your floor. The 9th floor person would then have to re-enter his floor after you got off. (disclaimer: I haven’t been in most elevators here)
Disturbing sights:
Little two year old girl cries and cries and no one tries to comfort her
Said slittle girl won’t accept any comfort offered from a foreigner who can’t stand to see her crying go unnoticed
Orphanage boys playing with toy guns shooting each other- 70% of boys aging out of orphanages will turn to crime
Orphanage boys pointing toy guns at their temples and pulling the trigger—10% of children aging out of orphanages will commit suicide before their 18th birthday
Orphanage girls 8 and under wearing make-up and dressing in skimpy clothes—60% of girls aging out of orphanages turn to prostitution
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