Leeza Day

It is early morning for most of you who have been keeping up with us. Your emails have been such a treat to read first thing when we are getting ready for a new day. Of course I have learned to put my mascara on after I read as many tears flow – but they are good tears! Such encouragement and strength is so evident in them and it is passed on to us! We got a call today from Nanny! Jeff was smiling ear to ear when the phone rang and it was his Mama (Justin, Jacobs, Leeza and Edwards Babooshka!). Thank you all for all you are doing for us!

On a lighter note today I thought I would give you all a few cultural tidbits. One of my favorite is the flowers. Everyone has flowers in their house, outside their house, or they are buying them to take to someone. If you give flowers the tradition is to give an uneven number unless they are funeral flowers. But honestly, you see flower shops everywhere you go. I think that is pretty cool. Sometimes we forget how special it is to get them and how they brighten things up. So now on to the store experiences. We have tried our luck at shopping a few times. We know how to say “how much or how many” and “that or this” but when I rehearsed the other day and told Jeff I would say it all in Russian this is what I did; I walked in the store and said, “Um, can I have two of them there waters please (or something to that effect)?” Don’t forget to add the American hillbilly accent. Later Jeff and I almost pee peed in our pants because we laughed so hard. Then yesterday, we needed some fruit, I did use my “attempts” at Russian (silly americanca)– she understands – and then she brings out her abacus. An abacus? I had no idea. I just handed her some gryvnas and let her make the change. Most people here usually just show us a calculator with the amount. We have also had the experience of being pulled by the militia men. One of our taxi drivers (Mario Andretti) went too fast. Their police men stand on the side of the road and point a wand like radar gun. If they point to you to pull over you have to. Then you pay a fine and you’re on your way. At first, in Donestk, I actually thought it was just a baton and that the people on the highway were super obedient. There I go again. And last, I have to tell you that the women are beautiful here. They have the longest legs I have ever hoped for. And there is something about the Babaooshkas we see. Scarves on their heads and lines engraved in their faces. Their eyes seem to look right into you. They have something so endearing to me that I just want to walk up to them and give them a hug. When we do walk by and say hello they always smile very kindly and you know they mean it. The language is also very beautiful too. I love to watch people when they talk because it makes their face and lips even more beautiful.

Today as we rode by winding farm lands of freshly picked sunflowers my thoughts were brought back to a time almost 16 months ago. We sat at dinner and we were talking about mission work and how we could, as a family, do something together. It was our two sons who offered up adoption. Although that had been on Jeff’s and my heart for some time we wanted to hear what they felt. I know my dear sweet sons that you have been so brave without us there. I know when we began this process that it never crossed your minds how difficult it would be – because we did not even know. I know when we return it will be a change for you both to share with us. But just know that when we come home, I pray we are never separated as long as we have been again! At least not until you go to college. I cannot wait to introduce you both to these two. I believe you are really going to find them endearing and fall in love with them.

We did see Leeza today. She was a bit under the weather as she has chicken pox. (Sally, there is no DQ here and when we tried to offer her a cookie she turned it down) She was still all smiles and yet sad when we had to go. Parting really is such sweet sorrow. I asked Kostya to please tell her we loved her and we were really coming back until we could take her out of there forever. We hope after our court hearing that maybe we can. We’ll see. Pray, pray, pray for that please. Tomorrow we will see gentle little Edward. Sisters in Christ Supper Club – we are buying a copier for the orphanage in Torez and some outside toys. I have kept my promise to stay out of shoe stores. That is a feat in itself as the women here have some pretty stylish amazing shoes!

Last, I just want to share that a sweet boy named Nikita shared his birthday fireworks with us two nights ago. It was a 15 shot box and I can truly say it was fantastic. Not sure if they have those in SC! All the stars were out and it was a beautiful night (chilly) night. He was so excited and so animated. It made me miss my two sweeties more – but it sure was a great end to a long day. Now that I have written a novel I’ll end just saying I love all of you guys so much. I cannot tell you the appreciation of things we have now big and small in this special place + the circumstances we experience each day. It’s amazing and I pray Jeff and I both will never forget. We hope to be home the week of the 20th. It will most likely be the weekend. Keep praying for us! Blessings to you guys! Thanks again for your comments.