A Leap of Faith - Adopting Her & Him 05

Ukraine Map

Friday, September 09, 2005

Walking Around Donetsk

Today was a slow day. I’m sure you’ve picked up on the fact that because of travel distances, we have to alternate days between kids, and today was Edward’s turn. It is hard to miss a day with each one, but that will get better real soon. We got to Donetsk about 9:30 and Jennie and I went up to his group’s room by ourselves (they recognize us now and so does Edward). They were being visited by the medical staff so we helped dress him to go outside and play. It is surprising at this stage that he is so happy to see us, and he says Papa, Papa! After being outside for a little while, we got to experience a world class hissy fit, yes, little Edward has some lungs on him. He was hungry and we gave him some crackers, but we ran out and he wasn’t all too happy about it. In fact, an Italian family was there visiting their son and through communication by best means possible, he offered me the rest of a muffin to give to him. Well, he ate all that and wanted more! By that time, his group was outside (so incredibly cute, and how they look out for each other is amazing, true survival instinct) so we had Kostya interpret a conversation with the caregiver in order to find out how they console him (with thoughts of our impending train/plane/automobile rides looming ahead). After a while, we left and took a walk around the city. When we got back to Gorlovka, we had a nice lunch outside and then I actually went running with Jennie through one of their park areas.

Thanks to all for your comments and concern for Leeza’s chickenpox, she should have time for it to run it’s course by the time we travel. Also, Sally, you did do a great job and we’ll have to double your pay next summer. The many kind words are so encouraging, and one day they’ll read them and know how many people were praying for them all along the way. Aunt Char and Aunt Mary, I can’t thank you enough for watching our most precious treasures. Til tomorrow, God Bless you all.

*As a side note, if you want to email us so that it is not part of the blog, use jeff@phorjaze.com

3 Comments:

  • Hi J. & J.

    It seems like you're settling into a routine there, all cultural differences aside. That's funny about Joseph Edward having a meltdown - I guess that kind of thing is a universal bevavior for little kids all the world over when the cookies run out!!! My suggestion to you guys is to just always have a steady supply of sugar to prevent future turmoil. The trip home should be interesting for all of you, but they seem to have bonded and it's just so sweet that it will be just fine!

    We'll be cheering for Jacob and Justin here in Pittsburgh. Football is very, very serious business here (the high school games are on TV and people are crazy about watching it), so we can certainly understand how disappointed you guys are to miss the first game. It would be nice to be two places at one time, but just think, all four of you will be cheering them on before the season is over!

    Stay healthy and happy and kiss those two little dolls - and to the two bigger ones, too.
    Love ya,

    Mandy, Eddie, Liam, Dayna

    By Anonymous, at 4:21 PM  

  • I did not know we could leave comments .... duh.

    Anyway, we are so very happy things are going like they are. We can't wait to see you all back here in NC.

    Love,
    Rob, Olga & Nichole

    By Anonymous, at 8:52 PM  

  • The whole family's here now. We all sat around the computer and cried as Wanda and Mom read your entries. They both think that Jenna looks like Justin and Jason, and they think Joseph looks like Luke. I think they kind of look like me, but I always thought Justin and Jacob looked like me too. We prayed for you. Marie has a direct line, so you should expect something amazing really soon. When Tim runs out of cookies and throws a fit, I just rub his back, and he usually settles down pretty fast. Maybe that will work for little Joseph too. Give Jenna a hug and kiss from us and tell her all about her family in Texas.

    By Anonymous, at 10:09 PM  

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