Wednesday, April 18, 2007

The Uhrigs in Ukraine became like the American Griswalds at breakfast. Matt wanted sausages. While carrying his plate to the table, he spilled some of the sausages on the floor. Maria Oksana spilled her orange juice. After we left our mark in the restaurant, we decided to go back to the room and start English lessons.

We reviewed time, the alphabet and math. The kids are picking up English and are motivated to learn. They are trying harder to speak to us in English. Do not get the wrong idea. They are not totally communicating in English, but they are trying.

When we took a break from English, Julie and Mark called and asked if we wanted to go bowling. Well, that sounded good since the kids were ready for a physical activity. Zap has a Brunswick bowling alley. It was great! We had two lanes and the kids enjoyed the experience. Maria bowled by bending over and putting the ball between her legs then pushing it. It was cute. Matt would swing the ball back and forth several times to get the momentum to THROW it forward with a bounce. Matt actually got a strike. Maria had a couple of spares. A good time was had by all.

We had lunch the Tom took the kids to the optical store to pick up Maria’s glasses. She looks so cute in the glasses. She was amazed at what she could see after putting on the glasses. She noticed and read signs that she has walked by for the last 12 days. We are on the fifth floor of the hotel. She stared out the window for the longest time talking to Matt about what she could see in the distance. What a difference a pair of glasses made for this girl.

We had to have the children to the orphanage by 5pm. We made the deadline. Larissa wanted us to eat, of course. So we had the cold egg omelet with carrots. Those of you who have visited Matveevka are now laughing, aren’t you. Anyway, we spent an hour or so with Larissa. She decided to give us her point of view when raising these kids. Her basic message. Stand firm. When we say no stick to it. When we tell them to clean up their room, make certain that they do it. They are good kids. We listened to her philosophy and then watch Luba trade paperwork with her. Luba is always pushing paper.

Maria Oksana cried when we left her at the orphanage. She did not want us to leave.

We took the bus back to Zap and went to restaurant to finish dinner. This is our last night with a translator and hardly no one speaks English at this restaurant. The menu is in Cyrillic and Asa is our only hope in obtaining food at this place. Poor Asa, She gets a work out when we visit this place.

Now we are back at the hotel without kids. It is quiet again. Too quiet.
By the way, Luke we are so proud of you and your accomplishments with the Brain Game.