Saturday in Poltava

Preveyet! We were on our own today. This morning we slept in until 9:00. We had gone shopping last night for a few staples, so I made scrambled eggs for breakfast. Tasted good! We took our time this morning. Our wonderful driver, Vova, called us at 12:00 and said he was here to take us to the internat. So, off we went. Vova is a great help. We make arrangements with him the day before and he is always available to us when we need him. He is great with all of the kids and very nice and polite. I recommend him to anyone coming to Poltava. May not be the cheapest, but always on time and is a fantastic guy.

We arrived at the internat and asked for N and A. You could tell they were expecting us. Remember, we do not have an interpreter today, so language is going to be difficult all day. After awhile, N is escourted in with a teacher. We say a quick hello and she goes off to get A. When they come back, it's hugs all around and we get in the car with Vova. Off to the Equator mall.

On the ride over, both A & N are quiet. They both say they are OK, but they weren't talking much. Once we got to the mall, N & I went ice skating. N got into it and the ice broke. I think she was hesitant today because she didn't have a way to communicate with us. She asked Zhenia yesterday how we were going to talk. We all kept trying to communicate with them between the few words we know and sign language and finally- it just happened. Between grunts, words and signs, we got our points across. By the end of the day, N was making attempts to try new words and helping us figure out what she wanted to say. I now understand much better how frustrated the kids must feel at times when they come over for hosting.

Anyway, after skating, we went to the arcade. We told them 2 games each. They didn't like it much, but all went well. We then went to get a drink and a piece of cake. N & A really started warming up at this point. We were playing around and joking. So, we then went looking around the mall. I don't know if this was really a good idea or not. It allowed us to just be with them and get to know them better, but it had us saying "not now" or "later" alot. But, in this, we were able to say that when we get home to America, we would go shopping for things. I guess I better get ready for a girl who likes clothes and make-up. Boys just want sticks, rocks, and the occassional spy gear. As we were leaving, N asked when we were going home to America. Tomorrow?? Soon.....

We left the mall and headed to McDonald's. N had never been to McDonald's. We knew A had been before. She was greatly excited about this. Happy Meals for all 4. They were giving out balloons, too! It was awesome to see their smiling faces, especially N, as she experienced McD- something we all take for granted. We can't wait to open up their worlds and help them grow into the young girl and boy God has planned for them!

We left McD headed for the park near the internat. On the the ride over, N was tired. She layed her head on my shoulder and napped. I was in heaven! As she napped, I watched her. Tears of thankfulness and joy came. Who would have thought that I would be adopting 2 more children! God is so faithful.

We played around in the park for about an hour- playing games on the phones, kicking balls and talking. It was then time to take them back to the internat. Sad faces all around. We walked slowly back. Laughing and enjoying the time. Once in the internat, we sat around in the lobby area. It was then time for them to go. We all hugged N & A and told them we would see them tomorrow. One day, one day soon, we will not have to leave our children at that internat....