To the Orphanage and Odessa

Yesterday we went to see the little guy before heading to Odessa. He wasn't expecting us so he wasn't all dressed up in his usual jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves. I peeked my head in and he came running from across the room yelling "mama" and ran into my arms. It was so encouraging to see that he's bonding with us:) We helped him get dressed into pants (we was wearing blue stockings, kind of like long johns with feet) and his "outerwear". We walked around the grounds and I was bit by one of the annoying little barking dogs. Thankfully it only tore my jeans and didn't break through my skin. Paul told me to kick it next time. After that, we played with a ballon under the shelter, looked at photos of the family and said our good-bye's. Since we aren't allowed to post his name or photo until after court, we thought we'd give you glimpses of him. Here he is in the photo to the right. We were picked up by our driver and drove about 1 1/2 hours to Odessa. It took longer than we thought it would, but I slept most of the time. What a great city! You can tell that it will be beautiful in the spring and summertime. Now all the mounds of black, dirty snow are melting and creating huge muddy puddles everywhere. It was good to check in to a nice hotel and get away from the bleeting goats, barking dogs, and rooster that wake us up in the mornings (and nights!) at our hotel where the orpanage is. We had a woman who facilitates adoptions in Odessa give us a walking tour around the city. Her English was perfect and we were able to see the city and ask questions about adopting in Ukraine, which was a bonus. We saw the Opera House (see photo to the left and photo on the right at night), the White House (where the mayor lives, photo is on the bottom right), statue of Catherine the Great and walked down the famous Potemkin Steps that lead to the Black Sea, among other things. Then we went to see the ballet, Giselle, (see photo of Paul on the left) and out to a steak house for dinner. It was nice to have a long meal and talk about all the events that have happened in the last week and how this adoption will impact our family. As much as we thought we wanted a girl, we've learned that, more importantly, this boy needs a home and will be a wonderful addition to our family. Scott is very excited to get bunkbeds and share his room! This morning we met up with a couple that we'd met through their internet blog who are adopting a teenage girl from Odessa at church. It was great to hear the familiar worship songs that were sung in Russian and to hear the sermon translated simultaneously through headphones in English. We met two other American families who are missionaries in Odessa. One of them told us about an American missionary, who is a nurse, living in the small town where we're staying! We will try to get in touch with her. It would be nice to have this connection especially when Paul leaves and I'm living here alone for about 2 weeks. No one speaks English here and it would be nice to have someone to talk to without using Google Translate (or the latest app. that Paul just downloaded on my Droid called Talk to Me that actually speaks Russian instead of just writing it). Well, this week we will visit the little guy in the mornings and afternoons, so we hope that these times are meaningful.