After our visit at the orphanage, we all went out to a local pizza shop that is a huge chain and is located throughout most of Europe( it is owned by some studly Italian actor). This place is great--Cindy and I can eat till we're full for less than $10 American. It's an outstanding deal for some really good food!
Andre was sure to come and visit us, and of course he immediately posed for the camera. Russ and Lori brought him his Christmas gift from Doug and Linda, which he took and immediately ran off to his group room...we never saw him again--it was a big bag so I'm sure it took hime a long time to get through everything!Unfortunately, I didn't know what was going on in another corner of the room, but Artur opened his gift from Joe and Ginger--a new watch, and he loved it! So no picture, but he absolutely loved it!
Today we found the boxing room thanks to Tina. It smelled like a dirty wrestling room, the boys were working the speed bag, heavy bay, and were sparring in the ring. This poor boy in the blue shirt was being beat upon by Dema and the boy in red.
Dema's sister sent him a gift for Christmas--a rubber ball that he wouldn't let leave his sight!
Nastya and Vicka had their Christmas gifts delivered as well--coats, boots, digital cameras, and jewelry!
It is amazing the bond that is forming between these kids...while at the hosting program there were definitely lines drawn between the age groups--the lines are quickly dissolving! We all need to continue to get together once we all get home!
Vika's momma and papa made it today, all went well--Vika was sooo happy that she finally got to see them face to face after skyping with a poor connection for the last 5 days!
Today we got some good news! We were told that we have yet another letter of recommendation supporting our adoption, this time the letter came from the federal level!
I wish I had video for this, but Russ was teaching Erik how to belch on command! Erik was falling short so Russ picked him up and commenced to "burp him"!
NO--THIS IS NOT A JOKE, WELL IT WAS PRETTY FUNNY, BUT IT REALLY DID HAPPEN--LORI WAS SURE TO SCOLD RUSS FOR HIS ACTIONS!
Someone brought bubble gum for the kids so Tina decided to teach Dema how to blow bubbles! Every time he tried, he ended up blowing the wad of gum onto the floor! Finally, he figured out that if he held the gum with his fingers he could blow a small bubble.
It's amazing, the small things we take for granted!
Please pray for Tina--there was a paper work snafu that could cause her some serious problems...tomorrow, Syvetta will try to work her magic!
Nastya with her new camera!
Fun with the gang!
Here is another of Dan's siblings, we don't remember her name, but she is a really quiet and shy little girl! One more of the children to go, then we'll have pictures of all of them.
Tomorrow Syvetta will find out if they are eligible for international adoption.
The little girls name is Dasha!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm really enjoying the story of your journey! It's very uplifting as your experience is not at all like I had been anticipating my experience to be. I have been very concerned that I will feel isolated and alone. But I realize now I should be more optomistic! It is wonderful that you have American friends there with you!! God bless & I'm praying for your court date later this week!! Keep up the wonderful posts!! - Your NC Follower!
ReplyDeleteAndrea... I am Eric's aunt and we live in Durham. Hopefully we can host a reunion when you get done and back home with Dema, Eric and Cindy.
ReplyDelete