We visited 2 dumps, er, apartments before settling on the posh European digs. Oxymoron does not begin to describe apartment life here. All of the buildings look like something out of Westside Story on the outside and the stairwells. Once inside our place, it is totally modern. It is funny, however, that we have no oven (forget the chocolate chip cookies) or microwave. For the alumni who have adopted here, we are near the McDonald's.
Our daughter seems a bit overwhelmed by the inability to communicate. I know enough Russian to get by, but there are certainly no meaningful conversations. Boredom seems to be setting in, so we will do the best we can for now. Please pray that she will open up and not be so afraid. It is so frustrating to have had something of a relationship for so long, but not be able to get very far. We knew it would be this way, but there is no substitute for personal experience. Any suggestions by you alumni would be most appreciated.
We will likely go out with a few children from the orphanage tomorrow. I think mainly Avraam and Masha. I think it will be fun. Terri, Avraam and Masha said thanks for the gifts. We have pictures and will upload whenever possible.
Well, we will go for now. We love and miss you all. Thanks for the posts, keep em' coming. Thanks M-17!
Blessings,
Ande
2 comments:
Hey guys, love watching all the goodness unfold :) Wanted to suggest a place that you might consider for an outting, it is called "Shakie Land" You can play video games and indoor bowl there. They even have bumper cars you will feel like you are driving in Kiev b/c they do not mention to buckle in :)
The Outdoor Market (& yes, you do freeze your buns off) is a good place to shop if you know what you want, have a translator, and keep your mouth shut ;) It was a bonding thing for Anna and I at one point b/c we needed some things and she helped me to get them w/out me saying a word, we had worked on it before we went. She felt good b/c she was helping her poor American Mama who was at a loss. :)
There is a school supply store up near Intourist it is across the street and in the basement of a pharmacy. Yana knows where it is if you are in touch with her... You may be able to get Dasha a book to play with that will also help you both learn about each other, like if you get a learning Russian one, she can teach you and you can get a learn English one to teach her. You also may find some craft supplies there to make stuff together, if all else fails my kids love to make the snowflakes out of paper and that can last a while ;) There is also a video rental place (never did this but know it is there) near the Intourist on the "park" side of the street just past where you go down to go underground and cross.
Hope this will help some!! Holla if you need anything I might could help with :)
We are excited for you :)
Mark and Jenn, John, Anna, Kevin & Max :)
Hello! I saw your link on Randy & Valerie's blog - we just returned from Eastern Russia in June with three siblings. In our month over there, we made everything a game when it came to communication. We had cheat sheets for basic things and knew some phrases. As you know, one thing they do understand is a hug and a smile. We will pray for safe travels for your family. God Bless -
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