They do things differently here!

4/01/2009

It's not April Fool's Day... however, we came back to the apartment this evening and found the son of our land lady sitting in the entryway, smoking a cigarette. The funny thing was he was wearing only his underwear... you know the European kind! :)

Another funny... we went shopping at the "mall" today still looking for special shoes for Nina. While we were walking through the mall, Jordan pointed out a sale sign that said "50%." The funny thing is that it was only a picture of some lady's legs with her underpants at her knees... 50% printed on the underpants. It was a SHOE store?!?!?!? :)

We are having all kinds of new experiences!

Aside from all of that, we visited Nina this morning and spent some time outside. It was slightly chilly, and she still does not have her shoes back from mending. We have encouraged healthy treats such as yogurts, apples, bananas and dry cracker-like cookies with one or two sweet treats. We played with blocks and stacking toys. Jordan and I are beginning to communicate a little more with her. She also communicates very well with her caregivers... she was eating an apple and one of the caregivers walked past. She said something to her and handed her the apple. Within a few minutes, the caregiver appeared with a slice up apple on a small ceramic plate. (Jordan and I noted how Nina has learned to throw her weight around!) It was a pleasant morning with Nina. On our way into the baby house, we heard some people walk past us that we thought were speaking English. They were! When we got inside, they were standing in the entryway. We said hello, and they said "hi" back! It was inspiring to see so many young adults on a mission trip from a church in Canada at a place like this. They were there to visit and play with kids. And, as we found out later, we think they painted some of the playground equipment and the outside cement wall that surrounds the baby house grounds. (Maybe we will see them again!)

Jordan and I ventured to the mall (as I said above) and purchased a few groceries. We also had to tackle the task of finding a new belt for me... mine snapped in half. The stores intimidate me because I don't understand what the sales people are saying to me. But Jordan encouraged me by telling me they don't know English. Working at the store in which we ultimately bought the belt, the salesperson spoke just enough English to note that I need to find a "bigger belt!" Ugh!

We also learned that you cannot take anything (bags, etc.) into the grocery stores. You must lock them in a locker outside the store. Interesting... but it doens't cost anything. We mastered this.

We also discovered a different route to the store... it was a little less populated earlier in the day. However, on our return to the apartment, it was bustling with moms and buggies and school children at play. Plus, it cut our commute time in half!

Jordan has a blister on each heel from wearing his cowboy boots all over Krivoy Rog... such a Texan!

We are both feeling somewhat uneducated about the history of Ukraine... it's seperation from the USSR, the government, and changes from communistic rule to democratic rule. And, we have been discussing the specific timing of all of these events. We are trying to determine how life is different now compared to the past: the building repair and lack of; the new construction; the apartments versus houses; the upkeep of public gardens, roads, apartment/school buildings and lack of. It's strange how trees are groomed along public roads, yet the houses are in terrible need of attention. There are expensive vehicles periodically, yet so many of the others are in need of repair. Babushkas walk around with their heads covered and legs covered and the young people reveal so much! There is so much to be learned about this country. I guess Nina will be the catalyst for our family to research and discover such things.

Jordan and I have enjoyed our time together as well. We have enjoyed slow lunches and long discussions about things... things unknown, things to come, and potential tough decisions. It's been fun to walk through the city, pondering what life will be like once Nina gets home, while holding hands. We have also discussed how loved we have felt by you: family and friends. Thank you for your prayers and emails. It is the body of Christ that shows through all of you. Thank you.

Please pray for negative results for final blood tests on Friday.

Please pray for smooth court proceedings on Thursday 4/2 at 1300 which is 0500 back in Texas.