Jenna Leeza Today

Happy Birthday Aunt Mary! We got you a hurricane! Didn’t this happen a few years ago after a 30th birthday party? Hope your day was special despite the weather! Judy, thank you for adding the sweet things the boys said to you the other night. It really does our heart good to hear their funny humor and that they are well. Thank you also for being so encouraging to us. I only wish we could have the kind of breakfast that you made them Monday morning before school! Mom – it is best to call around 3 your time because we are usually home then and have the phone on, etc.

Today we went and saw Leeza. As we walked inside she must have heard a car and she was in the second story window excitedly waving to us. I know she wonders why we are not there everyday. It is just too much travel and money for right now. I wish there was a way to convey this to a three year old – however – she’ll be home soon forever with us and Edward and the boys. We had a great visit today. She was so sweet. She was a Momma’s girl today. Not sure why, but I sure loved that she was just content to be in my lap and hang out. We brought a ball and kicked that around for a while and she laughed hysterically. We took a couple movies and Kostya translated what she was saying in one of them. “We are playing with the ball!”, was what she shouted to her buddies. Last time she yelled, “Hey I have my own water!” Her voice is so cute. I have also noticed that the more we are with each child the similar mannerisms that they have. They both kind of suck in their lips when they are in thought or the middle of an important task. They both tilt their heads – but to different sides when they are shy or not getting what they want. They both cry when we have to put something away – so I guess they are like their two big brothers, too! : ) Edward has the longest fingers I have seen on a child. They are so pretty. He also puts two fingers in his mouth when he is tired. I love that. The orthodontist won’t but it is precious. Leeza, on the other hand puts her head in your chest and hides her face. But when she is happy she smiles a lot like Justin used to when we took pictures of him. She loves her bubbles and is very into doing everything herself. However, she wants us to show her one time and then let her try. She is a bit more patient than her little brother – but having two other boys we know this is standard M.O. Each day each child wants to take something we brought (to play with or use during the visit) when we leave. Edward took his sippy cup yesterday. Today Jeff took her to pick apples in a small orchard at the orphanage and they filled up a bag with Tweety on it. Here, bags are a hot commodity. If you want a bag you pay extra. The only reason that we have so many is because the people in this town know we are Americans and they will give them to us most times for free. Well, little Leeza was not going to part with the bag or the apples. When we took her upstairs she ran to her locker to put her new bag in it. When we leave it seems that she and Edward both are sadder and sadder. Jeff and I hate that. Just keep trying to look forward though……

We had an awesome lunch today with Olga, Nikita and Kostya. Borshch and Bleeni, my favorite. The salads are good too. Olga Moffat – I sure hope you can teach me to make some of the stuff here when we get home. I have had fun actually trying to make a few things here. Jeff seems impressed so I guess it must be good.

We are going to do some shopping for the orphanage in Torez this week. We found a copier today and we are going to buy some toys, too. And Sally, I guess I could be a Stepford wife – except I am not sure they get homesick? If after we know for sure how much longer we have – I may take a peek in a shoe store. But then I would have to take private lessons in how to walk without breaking my neck in them. Not sure I have the balance these women seem to have. Maybe if the chance arises you can tell Beth Moore, who I just love, that I am doing the Fruit of the Spirit Bible study while I am HERE! It is called, How to Live Beyond Yourself. Now if that is not ironic – or of course His plan – I don’t know what is. One of the days I was crying in my soup, I opened up my book and it was all about having peace. It helped so much. So tell Beth – if you ever have a chance – there is a girl in Ukraine who appreciates her and being equipped with the ability (because of her study) to Live Beyond Myself most days.
Well, I guess it is time to close. For all of you who are coming or in the process, bring a deck of 52 cards to pass the time. Most decks here are 36. (Thank God, again, for our landlady!). And know that time does have a way of standing still as Kostya says. Our prayers are with you all. We miss you guys! Mandy – the object of moving was to be CLOSER and WARM – not farther and colder!!

Good night my sweet angels. I love you, Dad loves you and we will see you soon. We found some Russian Ramon noodles for you and we thought you’d think that was cool. Blessings and kisses and hugs!!