Today began with our soon to be common walk to the local coffee house to enjoy our cup of java before hitting Mariupol! Matt and Aimee joined us for our morning pep-us-up then off to the orphanage. Nastiya was waiting in the parking lot when we walked through the court yard with her typical smiling face! After we called for the cab, the whole clan loaded up into our van and went off on our adventrue at Extreme Park.
Needless to say, this is not Disney World or even Elitches but the girls had a great time. Wishing the whole time that Tate, Reaghan and Kenzie were with us but knowing we'll be doing these adventures as a whole family VERY soon. I'm posting some photos of our adventure. Note, typically when one goes to amusement parks there are thousands of others around you. Well, I believe I counted only a hand full of other brave Extreme Park adventures. However, the Ukrainian Military was conducting their version of "boot-camp" (pictures soon to post). The military definitely increased the population at the park so the feeling of being the lone adventurer began to decline. When the Military were monopolizing the bumper cars I immediately wanted to partake in their little operation. Unfortunately, I was strongly discouraged from joining in on the boot camp fun due to the uncertainty of where I'd end up if I disrupted their operation. I'm assuming the jails aren't as nice as they are in America!
Tami and I, as Nastiya's soon to be official mama and papa, attempted to encourage Nastiya to eat a healthy lunch. OK, we failed as we all ate ice cream, chips (with added Ukrainian mystery additives). Nastiya went one step further and assisted Anya in endulging in "fish-chips". I have to say I tried it and have never in my laugh tasted such a disgusting mixture of fresh fish, locally I presume out of our neighboring Sea of Azov, with a mountain of salt, and I'm convinced that the multiple eye-balls were still intact. We all survived.
Back to the orphanage after Nastiya emptying Papa's wallet for some much needed Ukrainian souvenirs. This is only the second day we've been with Nastiya and the love that is felt continues to flourish. After 18 months, it is DEFINITELY worth every roadblock we encountered to get to our child. No words can describe the joy we are experiencing. After a tearful good-bye, with a promise of our return to the orphanage on Sunday at 10:00, we all said good-bye and left.
Nadya (our translater) immediately wisked us away to the Attorney's office to sign some type of legal documents. I must admit, the attorney's office was much more relaxed than what I'm used to. BUT, remember this is a Saturday and the Attorney and his assistants were all hard at work on, yes, SATURDAY. I'm thinking we should all work on Saturdays!
Posted Photos to come soon.
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5 comments:
We're so glad you have arrived safely and are now with Nastiya.
We had to smile at your photos of Andre the security guard. He was very friendly and a big help in showing us how to add minutes onto our cell phone.
We do have one request. We are anxious to know if the one-eyed cat who we named "The Dread Pirate Precious" is still hanging around the orphanage. Wendy had left a large bag of cat food there for her upkeep. If you see her, tell her we said hello.
Also, one restaurant recommendation for you and the Garrett's. In the park in the center of town is the Golden Lion. They have great grilled pork, shashlak. I don't know if it is still warm enough to dine on their patio, but it was a great atmosphere and food.
Joe and Wendy
Hi Tami and Brian! I'm so glad that you are safe and sound in the Ukraine. I've been following your blog and have been sending lots of positive thoughts to you! I am so touched by your endless love and compassion. Nastiya is so very lucky.
Again, please tell your parents to call if they need anything (303-229-4676). I miss you and can't wait to see ALL of you.
Alissa
Hey!
We are so happy to see that you have made the "quick" jaunt across the world. Sounds like it went relatively smooth. We can't wait for you to bring Nastiya home so we can meet her. I am thinking "party"!! Enjoy your time there!
Talk to you soon!
Caroline & Mark
dear mom and dad,
i love you!!! we went to see beverly hills chihuahua it was fun. it was embarrassing cause aunt shelli had at least 9 kids by her self!!!! We played football with Grant and Dawson in the rain and got all dirty and wet!! Reaghan did not play.i was a big help (tate) moving aunt shelli's stuff out of the house. are you going to ever call us again? Did you forget us?? yaaaaaaaaaaaahh Hahahahahahahahahaha!!! kenzie had pictures today and grandma forgot to do her hair and she was dressed like a ragamuffin!! HAHA!!
Love,
Tate (the best) Reaghan(the prettiest) and Kenzie/the most ragemuffins cause grandma forgot to dress her/hahahahahaghhhhhahahaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!really she did!!
working on Saturdays!!! ... Yes, Brian is "hard at work on Saturdays, let alone Wednesdays and Fridays!!".
I'm so glad you guys are posting so much detail, makes me feel I'm almost there with you.
Kumar
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