Friday May 11th
Today was a relaxed day. Natasha (Nataliya) finally met up with us again, after being in Kiev all this time since she dropped us off at our hotel. We had a brief meeting at noon, and she let us know some of the things that were coming up. This is basically going to be a free weekend, and we would get to see the girls as much as we want. On Monday, Natasha needs to go to the hospital to get the medical records for the girls for our petition to the court, and offered that we could come. It’s possible that this is where Sveta has been doing her ‘practice’ as she calls it (intership as a CNA), so we might go and let Sveta give us a tour of where she works. Sveta seems to like that she and her new parents are both in the health profession.
We picked up the girls at the orphanage around 2pm, and headed to the market place to buy a few things. While we were there, (and generally anywhere), the girls like to take us by the hand, or hug or hold us when we are standing around. They really enjoy the contact. Also, while we were together today, Sveta really surprised us and showed off her ‘hidden’ English skills. Basically, she could carry on a conversation without the translator. She must’ve been shy to use her English earlier, but must‘ve become more confident the more she heard and understood. She is very good, and I am very proud of what she has been able to accomplish. Basically she got her English skills from being in America (a year and a half ago!) and by going to a once-a-week class at the school. Wow! I am very impressed. This is great, because this should help ease the girls’ stress of coming to America knowing that they can converse, at least through Sveta for now. But, you can tell that Lena and Olya are eager to speak on their own, especially Olya. You can just see her chompin’ at the bit to say something, but has to always go through Sveta. I think she will really attack the English lessons.
After the market place, we went out for some pizza. Yes, PIZZA!!!! I was leery, thinking ‘how good could it be here in Ukraine‘?!? But, it was very good. So, much for the diet! Then we shopped a bit more at a ‘kind of’ mall. It basically was 3 floors of nooks or kiosks. Mostly clothes. The top floor was furniture, lighting…things for the house. Interesting, but nothing we would buy. The girls are looking forward to the American music, but we did buy some music CD’s in Russian for them to take back. They were really good about it. They were all excited that we were getting them something, but they were also conscientious about the money aspect. They kept asking if how much they were getting was okay, and feeling a little guilty about the purchase. It was very sweet, and I kept reassuring them that it was okay. (CD’s were like $4 a piece!!, So, we got bunch.)
We then took the girls back to the orphanage, and then we went back to the hotel room for some snacks and a movie. While we were watching the movie, Natasha called and said there was going to be an emergency city ordinance tomorrow, and there would be no water usage., as they were trying to repair a pipe leak or something. So, we quick took a couple of showers, and then filled the tub with water so we could flush the toilet tomorrow. Hopefully, the city will have it all fixed in a day. Otherwise, we are just going to hang out with the girls this weekend, so probably no more blogging until Monday.
By the way, I’m getting the ‘Chiropractic Jitters’ and starting to miss ‘crackin’ some necks’. Might have to throw down a few Ukranians on the sidewalk, and give them a fixin’!!!
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELI!!! Sorry we're missing the party. Looking forward to seeing you when we get back!!
Have a great weekend!!!
Today was a relaxed day. Natasha (Nataliya) finally met up with us again, after being in Kiev all this time since she dropped us off at our hotel. We had a brief meeting at noon, and she let us know some of the things that were coming up. This is basically going to be a free weekend, and we would get to see the girls as much as we want. On Monday, Natasha needs to go to the hospital to get the medical records for the girls for our petition to the court, and offered that we could come. It’s possible that this is where Sveta has been doing her ‘practice’ as she calls it (intership as a CNA), so we might go and let Sveta give us a tour of where she works. Sveta seems to like that she and her new parents are both in the health profession.
We picked up the girls at the orphanage around 2pm, and headed to the market place to buy a few things. While we were there, (and generally anywhere), the girls like to take us by the hand, or hug or hold us when we are standing around. They really enjoy the contact. Also, while we were together today, Sveta really surprised us and showed off her ‘hidden’ English skills. Basically, she could carry on a conversation without the translator. She must’ve been shy to use her English earlier, but must‘ve become more confident the more she heard and understood. She is very good, and I am very proud of what she has been able to accomplish. Basically she got her English skills from being in America (a year and a half ago!) and by going to a once-a-week class at the school. Wow! I am very impressed. This is great, because this should help ease the girls’ stress of coming to America knowing that they can converse, at least through Sveta for now. But, you can tell that Lena and Olya are eager to speak on their own, especially Olya. You can just see her chompin’ at the bit to say something, but has to always go through Sveta. I think she will really attack the English lessons.
After the market place, we went out for some pizza. Yes, PIZZA!!!! I was leery, thinking ‘how good could it be here in Ukraine‘?!? But, it was very good. So, much for the diet! Then we shopped a bit more at a ‘kind of’ mall. It basically was 3 floors of nooks or kiosks. Mostly clothes. The top floor was furniture, lighting…things for the house. Interesting, but nothing we would buy. The girls are looking forward to the American music, but we did buy some music CD’s in Russian for them to take back. They were really good about it. They were all excited that we were getting them something, but they were also conscientious about the money aspect. They kept asking if how much they were getting was okay, and feeling a little guilty about the purchase. It was very sweet, and I kept reassuring them that it was okay. (CD’s were like $4 a piece!!, So, we got bunch.)We then took the girls back to the orphanage, and then we went back to the hotel room for some snacks and a movie. While we were watching the movie, Natasha called and said there was going to be an emergency city ordinance tomorrow, and there would be no water usage., as they were trying to repair a pipe leak or something. So, we quick took a couple of showers, and then filled the tub with water so we could flush the toilet tomorrow. Hopefully, the city will have it all fixed in a day. Otherwise, we are just going to hang out with the girls this weekend, so probably no more blogging until Monday.
By the way, I’m getting the ‘Chiropractic Jitters’ and starting to miss ‘crackin’ some necks’. Might have to throw down a few Ukranians on the sidewalk, and give them a fixin’!!!
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELI!!! Sorry we're missing the party. Looking forward to seeing you when we get back!!
Have a great weekend!!!
1 comment:
Hello dear friends,
We are walking through this with you vicariously. What a thrill to see the Lord making your path clear! We are writing to say HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!! How perfect is God's timing!? Enjoy your week-end together. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Love to the girls. We can't wait to talk to all of you on American soil. :) Have you met Misha and Luda at the Center yet? Also, try the Potato Bar restaurant. Sveta knows where it is. She met us there the last trip. The potato/cheese bowl is delicious. Blessings to you,
The Friedrich's
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