In all truth-we are doing remarkably well together...Thankfully, our kids skype us a couple times a day so we have someone (other than each other) to speak English to.
I have finally stopped smiling today...meaning that I am now trying to adapt to their culture, just in time to travel home. As we all know, the south, and especially Roanoke Va, is incredibly friendly and polite. Here, not so much. So, instead of creeping all these Ukrainians out, I have become 1 of them on the streets-no "excuse me's", no warm smiles, just a rude sense of getting to our destination! (I know it is a cultural thing-but it drives me nuts!)
Today was our final day at the orphnage and we called it a celebration day. As always, we spent the day with lots of hugs and friendly hellos.
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| Kola, Stas and Pasha - all roommates |
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| Our three older boys plus Stas and Vova |
We had wanted to take out our 6 or 7 favorite boys but there was a security breach earlier and we were only allowed to take one plus Stas. Stas wanted his favorite psuedo big brother Illya to go and we were thrilled with that decision. We told them they could have anything they wanted... pizza, ice cream, candy... today is your day to celebrate. Illya was a good choice because he speaks pretty good English and his American family is coming in September to take him to America, plus we've really grown to love this incredible young man.
Apparently, these boys are hungry! Stas loves these caviar crepes (poor thing, american Mama won't be carrying on that tradition), so he had 2 of those, they split 2 pizzas, both had double helpings of ice cream and coca colas and sprites!! On the way back to the orphanage, we bought snickers, gum, chips and water for their friends. We SO take for granted the awesome food we have available in our country. Truly, even the clean, bottled water is a treat for them, and of course the coveted Snickers bar that has made us feel like superstars here.
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| Stas eating a caviar crepe... truley discusting... I can't wait until he tries our pancakes |
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| Illya and Stas |
Stas continues to be incredibly delightful...the relief of making his decision shows in his very big smile, and his affection for us. He always wants to skype the kids, and although all he can say is, "Hi Kayla, Hi Ashley, Hi George...I love you,", it appears he just thrives in their mere presence...even if it is on a computer screen.
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| Sugar buzz working well... 2 pizzas, 2 caviar crepes, 2 cokes, ice cream, snickers and a bag of chips... |
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| before sugar buzz... |
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| after sugar buzz... |
Tomorrow, we will finally get to appear in court. This is what we have been waiting for. Stas will go with us, and state to the judge that he desires to be adopted by us. We will complete more paperwork at the orphanage, have a party with the kids and give our final goodbyes-then, we will return home for the 10 day waiting period. Beginning Weds evening, we will do the whole trains, planes and automobiles-to arrive home Friday night. Ahhhh-can't wait. Back in a week to complete the paperwork necessary to get Stas back to America with us.
Can't begin to thank you all for your prayers and support. It has certainly carried us through :)
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