December 4, 2007

I guess that we are behind again on our blog. Many days it is hard to find or take the time to write. There is so much to tell and we can only put a small part of each day on here.
I will start today by saying that Bobby and I were not really in jail. The “bird cage” that you saw in the picture was in our courtroom, but since it was unlocked, we decided to get a serious-looking picture inside it.
On Sunday, the Grace family came into town to adopt their 13 year old daughter. It is wonderful to see another American family, one that we know. Again, we are reminded of how fortunate that we are to be spending our time with other families from home. We would be so much lonelier, I think, if it were not for that. Speaking of home, this 10 day waiting period is almost the longest that we have lived. We have both been so homesick and are ready to come home to the rest of our family and our dog, Kristey. My sweet parents have been taking care of our dog every day since we have been gone. They say that dogs can’t tell time, but I am sure that by now, Kristey wonders if we will ever come back into that house again!!!
Yesterday, all 3 American families and children got together at our apartment for what we expected to be a fun time of fellowship. Denis and all the kids decided that we Americans needed borscht and they were cooking it for us. In order to cook borscht, there is lots of chopping and grating and many different pots cooking something before it is all added together at the end. The kids helped for a little while before becoming bored. And, all of you parents know what happens when 7 kids become bored. The squabbling and pouting began. Katie and Kevin took offense to “their house” being overtaken by others, so the evening that began so wonderfully, ended in tears and raised Russian voices. The hierarchy which is so prevalent at the orphanage also took the stage when different-aged children got together. Denis is fantastic at diffusing situations and to work through these with the children. Even though we were not happy with their behavior, we are happy that our children are beginning to see themselves as an integral part of our family. I can’t help but think that with every misunderstanding/disagreement we come closer to working more together. The pouting/temper tantrums are becoming less frequent and less loud, which is good to see. The children are also beginning to smile much more. One night, we were sitting on the couch with the children and Kevin reached up for Bobby’s hand to rub his back. Within 5 minutes, Kevin was sound asleep. We relish these small moments, because even though these kids crave love and touch, they do not know how to ask for it or how to act many times when it is given to them. They are constantly watching us and learning from us.
The kids love to help me in the kitchen. We cook at home most of the time as they are most comfortable at home with just us being there. We go to the store almost every day because the kids eat everything in sight. I am sure that after eating orphanage food for years will make almost all other food taste good. I think that they could live off of sausage, bread and ketchup. Katie is the chocoholic and we have our “girl time” each night together eating a piece of chocolate that Nina had gotten for us (of course, Katie needs 4-5 pieces to get her fix)!! Speaking of cooking, we have a couple of grocery stores within walking distance to us and every hole in a wall has some kind of tiny store that one can buy freshly-baked bread, sausage, and cheese, and all the vodka that you would want (all the staples of life in Ukraine). I have learned that the sugar is not nearly as sweet and the salt not nearly as salty as the US and neither are as refined. The meat and cheese is very good and of good quality.
Bedtime is late, since meals seem to be later. I will be glad to get on a better schedule once we get home. It may take awhile to feel back to normal. We are hoping and praying that we will be able to leave Zap by the middle of next week and be home next weekend!! Please pray for that with us.
Thank you again for all your comments, love and support. You can’t imagine how it keeps us connected to our real world!!!