Thank you to those that have emailed us off line! It’s been great hearing from you and getting the updates on the primaries, the weather and the “going-ons” in your lives…..
Lynn, the woman who owns our apartment here in Sevastopol, said that her adoption a few years ago reminded her of ground hogs day…… oh she is SO right! Bill Murray has nothing on us! It seems like we do the same thing, at the same time, with the same amount of energy each day. The energy seems to drain by 8:00pm as we if have worked a full day!!!
Monday
On our morning stroll to get flowers, I commented to Len that being here feels as if we’re illiterate. We can’t read signs, menus, any paperwork anyone puts in front of us, etc……. Helps us relate to what Angella will feel once she is home, but at least she knows the English alphabet! The Russian alphabet is the one thing I wish I had spent more time on before we left the States…… Oh well, we have learned over 100 words, per Len, in Russian and are expanding our vocabulary with each passing day.
Had a meeting with Lubov this afternoon. Offered our donation that per her suggestion will provide a new sofa to the young girls area. We’re happy that our donation will go to something that they need. In addition, we are also hoping to find some swings for the “swingless playground” and a few soccer and volleyballs.
Tuesday
Had some errands to run regarding the adoption so we forewarned Angella that we would not see her today. (we’re learning!) Galya accompanied us and on our way she took us to another orphanage that is a 5minute walk from our apartment. It was immaculate and colorful….. we were somewhat envious and wondered how this environment would have affected Angella had she been fortunate to have been placed there…… no need to think about it, what is, is. Galya shared with us that our orphanage has an HIV ward. We did not realize this was the case…… then she told us about the (5) little boys that we had seen last week, so sweet and adorable, playing outside…… they are from there as well as (1) 7 year old girl. They are not eligible for adoption to the States (not sure whose ruling this is) and will probably live the remainder of their lives in confinement…… Heartbreaking…… Again, another reminder of the reality of the world in which we live.
Wednesday
On a happier note….. Today we requested to get Angella out for a bit. We picked her up at 2:00 to have her passport picture taken. A wonderful sign to all of us that the journey does have an ending! And went to a bookstore to get her some books in Russian for the first few months at home. Next, we headed to the Sevastopol Art Museum. It was a great collection, although small. We both noted that it was obvious Angella was enjoying the visit. She went off on her own and was studying each piece with great attention. We were thrilled to see this! Len made the comment that the Germans had probably destroyed most of what they found in WWII. Galya confirmed this with a stern nod! We also recently learned that all but 9 buildings were destroyed in 274 days of continued attack on the city. The city committed to rebuilding in the Neo Classical style that we are now seeing here today. It’s impressive. If you didn’t know that, you certainly wouldn’t realize it.
I’ve uploaded a few previous pictures for your viewing pleasure! I know how much you all like the photos! Will write again soon!
Lynn, the woman who owns our apartment here in Sevastopol, said that her adoption a few years ago reminded her of ground hogs day…… oh she is SO right! Bill Murray has nothing on us! It seems like we do the same thing, at the same time, with the same amount of energy each day. The energy seems to drain by 8:00pm as we if have worked a full day!!!
Monday
On our morning stroll to get flowers, I commented to Len that being here feels as if we’re illiterate. We can’t read signs, menus, any paperwork anyone puts in front of us, etc……. Helps us relate to what Angella will feel once she is home, but at least she knows the English alphabet! The Russian alphabet is the one thing I wish I had spent more time on before we left the States…… Oh well, we have learned over 100 words, per Len, in Russian and are expanding our vocabulary with each passing day.
Had a meeting with Lubov this afternoon. Offered our donation that per her suggestion will provide a new sofa to the young girls area. We’re happy that our donation will go to something that they need. In addition, we are also hoping to find some swings for the “swingless playground” and a few soccer and volleyballs.
Tuesday
Had some errands to run regarding the adoption so we forewarned Angella that we would not see her today. (we’re learning!) Galya accompanied us and on our way she took us to another orphanage that is a 5minute walk from our apartment. It was immaculate and colorful….. we were somewhat envious and wondered how this environment would have affected Angella had she been fortunate to have been placed there…… no need to think about it, what is, is. Galya shared with us that our orphanage has an HIV ward. We did not realize this was the case…… then she told us about the (5) little boys that we had seen last week, so sweet and adorable, playing outside…… they are from there as well as (1) 7 year old girl. They are not eligible for adoption to the States (not sure whose ruling this is) and will probably live the remainder of their lives in confinement…… Heartbreaking…… Again, another reminder of the reality of the world in which we live.
Wednesday
On a happier note….. Today we requested to get Angella out for a bit. We picked her up at 2:00 to have her passport picture taken. A wonderful sign to all of us that the journey does have an ending! And went to a bookstore to get her some books in Russian for the first few months at home. Next, we headed to the Sevastopol Art Museum. It was a great collection, although small. We both noted that it was obvious Angella was enjoying the visit. She went off on her own and was studying each piece with great attention. We were thrilled to see this! Len made the comment that the Germans had probably destroyed most of what they found in WWII. Galya confirmed this with a stern nod! We also recently learned that all but 9 buildings were destroyed in 274 days of continued attack on the city. The city committed to rebuilding in the Neo Classical style that we are now seeing here today. It’s impressive. If you didn’t know that, you certainly wouldn’t realize it.
I’ve uploaded a few previous pictures for your viewing pleasure! I know how much you all like the photos! Will write again soon!
4 comments:
The outfit looks just adorable on her! She photographs very well. What, no entwined scarf? The scenery is gorgeous and the little piece of Greece in the middle of the city is so unique! Nice to be by the sea, I envy you for that!
March 12 is coming so soon, so glad you are learning the language a bit. Nice that you realize how "foreign" the US will be just by being there and not being able to read or understand the Russian. That is a great advantage for all of you, in that you will indeed relate to her perception and experience when she gets here.
til I read again,
Love, teri
Hi Angela,Pammy and Lenny,
I have been waiting to hear from you guys but no news...so I thought I would say 'hi' while I can still see the keyboard. What a cute mother and daughter!!! The father can use a bit of work but he'll do in a pinch. If there is anything I can get together for Angela before you all come home just let me know. Also, let me know what you have done as far as making the language transition a bit easier for all of you. I look forward to meeting the new addition to the household or maybe just a random email. Until later...das vidanya
t. barnett
Сезон гольфа будет здесь скоро!
Who knew my dad knew russian! He said " Season of a golf here it will be fast"
Makes enough sense to get the message across I suppose - I know a couple friends who know russian if you're ever in a pinch :)
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