Day 4
Mainly, we drove around at Ilona all day. She is gorgeous, first off. She wore 4 inch heels and a very feminine super-model type dress and a fur coat. She was straight off the runway. In my black pants and funny colored socks and sweater, I felt like the frump-a-lump of the century. Oh well, not the point.
We went to offices and got things signed. We sat in Olena’s office, mouths agape at how fast she moves and how much she does. Her phone rang probably 18 times in the hour we were there. Ilona described how most of the work she was doing while we were waiting for copies was to allow the orphanage to accept a donation of fruit. I can imagine that many other directors wouldn’t bother.
We went to more offices, and at 2:30 back to the orphanage to visit the kids. They were so happy to get attention. They need love so much more than they need stuff. We mainly hung out w/ Lena, Luda, Vadim, Sasha, Inna, Sabina, and sweet sweet Sergei. Beth Zhenya and some other girls went off to dance and then look at Z’s confusing English homework. Some other curious kids came by to watch. We played Uno and laughed a lot. V has asked “when are we going home?” a hundred times. I wish I could tell him! Their English has gotten better than this summer.
I can finally understand how families do this again and again. I just want to take every single one of them back with me. It will be so hard to leave these kids behind. Kim-- that summer program was worth it for all of them. Every single one. To give them 6 weeks of love. They seem bored and lonely. Maybe we should start some mission trips w/ youth groups over the summer to come and play w/ the kids and hang out with them or something. I can’t get over how happy they were just to get a little love and attention. More thought and prayer needed on ideas.
To keep Todd’s 007-senses up, he’s started smoking, drinking liters of vodka, and hanging out in the dark tunnels of the city.
Whiney American cultural observations:
1) thumping bass 80’s-type music blaring EVERYWHERE, every car, every store, every restaurant.
2) driving is crazy, similar to NYC cab rides, maybe a bit riskier in sketchy weather
3) you never know if you’re getting yelled at or perhaps receiving a blessing or compliment.
4) there’s no butter w/ the bread
5) only need to shower every 2-7 days and will fit right in :)
6) a “cutlet ‘ or “kotleta” is actually minced meat of unknown origin
7) local wine = not so good
Currently on day 5. We just ordered breakfast. Todd thought he ordered a ham and cheese sandwich and got a pickle and cheese sandwich instead. We're going with the flow and enjoying the adventure of it.
5 comments:
I got up early just to check on you guys and the Peery's and laughing my head off. PIckles and cheese - yum!! :) One morning we thought we were getting crossiants filled with chocolate. We'd walked 25 minutes for it. Then walked 25 minutes back to our apartment talking about how good they would be. Fixed some hot tea and dug it - it was some mystery meat and onions!!
Thanks for the pis of Sasha - I just look at them over and over and over and ... you get the pic. They are all sweet aren't they. Give Luda a hug from me - love that kid.
Love you guys - you are doing an amazing thing for a very precious little boy. THink of how he's going to grow with a little loving!
I love the narrative, the observations, the descriptions: it gives such a great picture of what you are up to. From all the comments to your posts, I hope you guys can feel the love and hope that is sent to you daily from home. Getting through all the details is so challenging, but it sound like you are ready for it, and, humorously enough, dressed for it. So how are those boots working out?
To add to your list of observations:
Ukraine women are super-human as they can run in 4"heals across the icey sidewalk and not fall.
Their beds are hard and lumpy and have a rug covering them, with a loosely fitted top sheet that bunches up every time you move (experienced this yet?)
Ukrainians raise their voice often for normal business negotiations, not to mention the occasional hand gestures to go with the volume.:-)
Authentic Ukrainian food is wonderful - all fresh foods with fresh spices. Yummy!
You have never truly appreciated the cleanliness of most public toilets in America until you return from a month in Ukraine. :-)
Thanks for the great update. I'm so glad you are enjoying yourselves and getting by okay. I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal tomorrow night. We will be praying for you!!!
Laurel
Happy Thanksgiving! We love your observations! All this 007 talk is making us want to watch the movie! Praying you have something besides pickles tomorrow!
I am glad to hear about the return of Mr. Pickle.
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