Happy Birthday Jesus!

 The driver picked us up at 3:30, and we said "market"--they all understand it, and we normally go to the same market every time, but this time he pulled into a little corner store.  So I made the international sign for rotisserie chicken--put your hands under your armpits and flap your wings, then spin your hands around each other.  Fortunately, the driver was fluent in sign language and he pulled out to head for a big market.  It was obviously a bad day for grocery shopping--I think everyone in Krivoy Rog had the same idea, there was a 15 minute wait for the chicken!

When we finally arrived at the childrens' home the kids were all waiting...well except for our Dema!  Vika and I went to get him and then the birthday party could begin!  We were going to read the Christmas story out of Luke, but didn't figure they would understand!  So, Cindy was able to have Nastya translate that we were going to celebrate Jesus' Birthday--they all understood!  After we gave thanks, for the food and for the kids, they each said "awmeen".





We brought 2 rotisserie chickens, 12 drink boxes, a bag of potato chips, a couple of Ukrainian salads, 3 loaves of bread, and of course a birthday cake!  Nastya told us American bread bad, Ukrainian bread good!  They don't seem to be  fans of typical "Wonder" bread, they would rather have the bakery fresh loaves.  The cake was pretty good, lemon icing, banana middle, and a heavy white cake.  (The cake was less than $5 American)

Cindy and I didn't want to eat--this was for the kids, but they weren't happy until we each had a little on our plates!  I had big plans for my Christmas dinner--3 packs of Ramen noodles...Yes!  Happy day!  They do have Ramen in Ukraine!!!  Cindy was going to have a bowl of homemade tomato soup with some salad.

 Everyone was right, this was going to be our most memorable Christmas ever!  It was the first night that the Noel family of 3 got to celebrate Christmas together!  And, how many of us have ever had the opportunity to share a Christmas birthday bash with a group of kids who have probably never done this before? 

 Whatever food was left, the kids divided up and at the end of the night and took to their groups to share...there wasn't much! 

Vika and Cindy enjoying the birthday cake!

 
If you had the opportunity to meet Dema over the summer, you know he LOVES to eat!  He had 4 helpings of salads, we guess 1/2 a chicken, several pieces of bread, and cake.

We had hoped that there would be more kids join us for the party, but Valia was the only one to come!  We wanted the girls to find Roseanna from last night, but they didn't know where she was.  And Andre knocked on the door only to turn and run away before we could invite him in...the little kids seem to be under tighter reigns than the older ones.  

They make a really good sourdough cheese bread that the kids just love!  It is my favorite too--makes a great lunch!  Unfortunately, Vika was being camera shy tonight, I had to sneak the few pictures I have of her!  

 Dema will make a good American--After getting his belly full he staggered to the other side of the room and laid down for a nap!  He just laid there holding his belly, eyes closed, with a big smile on his face!  That didn't last long--we had a happy excited little boy on our hands.  That was a complete 180 from last night!

It was Christmas Day, so we had to Skype with some pretty important people, Russie, Cheri, Joe and Ginger, and Mick and Janel!  The kids loved being able to chat across the miles separated by only a computer monitor!

Nastya seemed a little down today, we're guessing it had a lot to do with the fact that her friend just left the childrens' home.  We had never really considered it, but it really is a bitter sweet moment when someone gets adopted.  They are leaving their friends, and their home and going to a new land, knowing a very few people.  And, those left behind...well, just think about it!

Our Christmas visit ended wit an awesome gift!  For the first time, Dema gave both of us kisses on the cheek, then asked for a hug, and he actually asked us each to give him a kiss!  This may not seem like much, but from Dema, it's huge!



Merry Christmas Everyone!!!