Rob Speaking)
Sunday was a much needed day of rest. Get this, we slept in until 11:30. Sleeping in isn't just for college students any more. We had fun Saturday evening meeting Hunter, Laurie, and their translator Sergey. We had a light dinner over looking the beach by the river. They are adopting a girl just a little younger than Vanya, from Vanya's orphanage. They are the second American couple we have met there, Italy is still in the lead with 4 couples. We seemed to have much in common and welcomed their American speaking company. So, back to Sunday. We met our new friends at a private beach along the river for a little sun and watersport. The water was cold, but we all managed to get wet. This beach was very nice because it was actually litter free. No bottles, cigarette packages, etc... We also tried a new restaurant, The Potato House, it came highly recommended. Unfortunately, it didn't pass the test. It was okay, but might not have been worthy of 2 lines on our upscale Blog Site. We'll give them another try, maybe it was an off day. We also went to see what we thought was a horse show, but it turned out to be an outdoor live performance with horses in it. Even though we didn't understand what the people were saying, Igor filled us in so we enjoyed the production. What we didn't enjoy were the bugs. Wow, I though Virginia was bad. These mosquitos ate us alive. Both Laura and Laurie got up and moved to the back in hopes of standing by some smokers. That's the only time Laura will tolerate cigarette smoke. The performance was held on an island across the river. It's a pretty large island, and if I remember correctly this is where the Kasaks used to train their military. Igor also intoduced me to Russian billiards. Man is that hard. The pockets are very narrow like a snooker table, and the balls are large. The rules are quite different from 8-ball, but I adapted and won by 1 ball. One game took us an hour to play. You don't have to worry about someone running out a table on you like in 8-ball. I'd like to see how my dad would do on these table.
Today, Monday, we got to see Vanya in the morning. We were working on saying please and thank you. He did very well. We also worked on having him finish what he has in his mouth before shoving more in. We'll keep trying to reinforce that with him. However, he is quite stubborn when he wants something and doesn't like being told no. I think Papa and Mama will win this battle, Crystal, Travis, and Mayra can testify to our resolve. All in all it was a very good visit.
Sunday was a much needed day of rest. Get this, we slept in until 11:30. Sleeping in isn't just for college students any more. We had fun Saturday evening meeting Hunter, Laurie, and their translator Sergey. We had a light dinner over looking the beach by the river. They are adopting a girl just a little younger than Vanya, from Vanya's orphanage. They are the second American couple we have met there, Italy is still in the lead with 4 couples. We seemed to have much in common and welcomed their American speaking company. So, back to Sunday. We met our new friends at a private beach along the river for a little sun and watersport. The water was cold, but we all managed to get wet. This beach was very nice because it was actually litter free. No bottles, cigarette packages, etc... We also tried a new restaurant, The Potato House, it came highly recommended. Unfortunately, it didn't pass the test. It was okay, but might not have been worthy of 2 lines on our upscale Blog Site. We'll give them another try, maybe it was an off day. We also went to see what we thought was a horse show, but it turned out to be an outdoor live performance with horses in it. Even though we didn't understand what the people were saying, Igor filled us in so we enjoyed the production. What we didn't enjoy were the bugs. Wow, I though Virginia was bad. These mosquitos ate us alive. Both Laura and Laurie got up and moved to the back in hopes of standing by some smokers. That's the only time Laura will tolerate cigarette smoke. The performance was held on an island across the river. It's a pretty large island, and if I remember correctly this is where the Kasaks used to train their military. Igor also intoduced me to Russian billiards. Man is that hard. The pockets are very narrow like a snooker table, and the balls are large. The rules are quite different from 8-ball, but I adapted and won by 1 ball. One game took us an hour to play. You don't have to worry about someone running out a table on you like in 8-ball. I'd like to see how my dad would do on these table.
Today, Monday, we got to see Vanya in the morning. We were working on saying please and thank you. He did very well. We also worked on having him finish what he has in his mouth before shoving more in. We'll keep trying to reinforce that with him. However, he is quite stubborn when he wants something and doesn't like being told no. I think Papa and Mama will win this battle, Crystal, Travis, and Mayra can testify to our resolve. All in all it was a very good visit.
We also got to see Yuri for his 7th Birthday. We had cake, candles, balloons, games, prizes, and candy. It turned out great, but 
was quite difficult with only Igor to translate what we wanted the kids to do. We had bobbing for apples, I bet the teachers loved seeing all the soked kids. We also had plastic bowling. Then we made our pivitol mistake, we had a candy free-for-all. I was totally surrounding by kids pleading their candy needs to me in a language I didn't understand. Fortunately I was not harmed in the stampede, and I didn't need to hang any children on hooks to get them away from me. Okay, there weren't any hooks, but I was looking for them. Yuri seemed very pleased with his party. I don't think he fully got what was happening right away, but he caught on. I also think he is really warming up to the idea of coming to America, and he also asked us to please make sure we came back on Wednesday, since we should be going to Molachansk tomorrow.Now about our progress. It looks like our court date will be Tuesday, of next week. Not ideal, but I'm hopeful that I will see home soon.
Progress is good,
Rob
3 comments:
Rob and Laura,
You certainly know how to win children over. What a party! How could anyone say no to going home with you two. You are going to have a hard time leaving all those children behind. Most of us will see one orphanage, you have seen 3. What an impact you have had and will continue to have as you share with others. I know that God is doing a great work in you, Rob you so calmly said next week for the court date. God Bless you two. We keep right on praying for you.
Love,
Fran
Dear Laura and Rob,
WOW! Yuri's birthday party sounded fabulous! A great party in any country! AND, it sounds as if all of the children had an experience they will never forget! We continue to pray that things will go smoothly and quickly in the legal system, and that you will continue to have unforgettable times getting to know your newest children. We also pray for travelling mercies for June, and Rob -
God bless you all!
Much love,
Cousin Colleen
Dear Ones
Babushka slept 12 hrs. in your Master Suite last night. Laura, I have your phone so CALL ME!!! My Magic Carpet flys Sunday/Monday all way to Zapland. No train - hoorah!!! Bless the angels of God. Judge; Time to drop the waiting period,hmmm? xxxooo on the way Keep your prayers coming BIG TIME!
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