So Tuesday we were picked up at our house at 2:00pm, made it to SDA around 3:30pm to wait in line to pick-up our referral (and yes, there was someone else waiting and a couple came in a few minutes after us). At 4:08pm, the woman who was waiting before us let us go first (she knew we had to catch our train). Such a wonderful blessing. We picked up our referral effortlessly. We picked up our facilitator and headed for the train. The driver was VERY worried about his car. It was one of the rare moments that you WISHED he drove like every other crazy Ukrainian driver. It was SO frustrating. But....we did make it to our train....with a whole 15 minutes to spare!
We had the whole train car to ourselves (since it sleeps 4). We had a nice time visiting with our facilitator. She brought a "picnic" for us, very thoughtful. But have to tell you, it was NOT the best train ride. It was an older train than the last time and it was HOT. And I'm not exaggerating. Like my chocolate MELTED, I'm serious, actually melted, it was so hot!!!!!
We arrived at the train station at 9:30 am the next morning, Wednesday. For those of you counting, it was a 15 1/2 hour train ride.....then a 2 hour car ride to the orphanage.
So we arrived at the orphanage, phew, finally! Annnnnd we meet her (I will call her E). She is so precious and sweet. She wanted hugs and didn't stiffen up when we showed her affection. She loved our gifts. We spent the evening with the kids watching them do homework and trying to help when we could. There was an algebra problem that stumped the kids, myself, J, and our facilitator!!! The "teacher" at the orphanage finally got it! The kids get a meal when they get home from school. (The orphans are not fed lunch at school, the government only pays for lunch for the kids in primary school. So that is 8:00 am to 4:00 pm without anything to eat). Later, they then get a snack. And later still, dinner. They are very well fed at her orphanage.
When we talked with E, she was concerned about learning English and afraid kids would make fun of her at school (breaks my heart). We tried to assure her that the kids at her school have been praying for her, they would not make fun of her. And, we let her know that her worries about learning the language are valid. It's been difficult for us trying to learn Russian but I know I'm eventually going back to America. We are asking her to make a complete change just by TRUSTING us. I really can't express how sweet she is. She WANTS to be loved!
The kids are putting on a performance Sunday so we left before it was time to practice. Plus, we needed to get an apartment and run to the market. We told E we would be back to see her after school tomorrow. Hugs and kisses good-bye! The apartment we found did not have internet but the owner would have it installed the next day.
Thursday, we finally did get internet. We went back to the orphanage after school. We played Trouble and the kids were so fascinated by the dice in the bubble and making it "pop." Then more of the kids finished their work and we decided to play Uno so we all could play. It was fun. The kids were fascinated with how J and I shuffle the cards. We can do "The Bridge." They all tried several times. It was neat to see E think that her new Momma and Poppa we pretty cool, and so did her friends. I'm FINALLY cool, if only for a short time.
When snack time came, the cook prepared enough for us as well. E liked eating with us instead of us just staring at her while she ate, lol. After, snack we went outside to play. We had a pretty pathetic game of volleyball going on. Then, it was dinner time. (Ok, did stare at her eating but the cook apologized for not having enough for us, how stinking sweet).
After dinner, we watched them practice for their performance on Sunday. It was so cute. I can't wait until Sunday to watch the performance. We are going to take cake for all the kids to eat afterwards.
The best part so far, we learned that E said "Yes" to the adoption!!!! We are so blessed. Praising God how each of our sadnesses, He has turned into a blessing. And he has had this all planned, He already had her picked for us when we started this process. We believe God let us show love to K (and hopefully plant a seed in her) but ultimately He was bringing us to E (who we would not have known without K). We just need to be obedient and follow Him. And I KNOW it is hard, trust me, I've been in Ukraine WAY longer than ever expected. But God has placed the most wonderful people in our lives to help accommodate us at work and home!
Finally I will include pictures of our laundry day. We have to wear clothes many times before it is deemed dirty.
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