The Girls Looking “Clauss” (Cool) In their New Outfits

We were able to take the children out of the orphanage on Saturday and again today.
To do this we first had to meet with the director and sign a paper of responsibility. She was so concerned that the children not get colds so she made them each wear a hat and take one of her supply of handkerchiefs with them as well as made us promise not to buy them anything cold. The thinking here is that cold foods and drinks could encourage an illness when the weather is cold.

We went to the big outdoor market, which the children hadn’t been to since entering the orphanage. Some of them know the market from when they had to live on the streets. So it was exciting to see their faces as they were shopping. They are normal children as their likes and dislikes were clearly evident as we looked for shoes, a coat for Erin and jean outfits (very popular here) for both girls. We followed them as we wandered through the maize of venders to a little shop (one of the few indoors) that had just the right jeans jackets and pants. They were so cute modeling their outfits and insisting on wearing them home afterwards. (The director told us that they could take to the US anything that we had bought for them either here or in America.)

After the market we returned to the hotel. Our room was a big hit as they flopped right away on our big bed with the curtain around it! They were hungry so we went to the café and had what is common here to do- a large mid-afternoon meal and very small dinner. They ate until they were stuffed. When we were all finished eating- you truly get your meals fresh as the cook takes them as they are ordered and sends them out in that order so one person is just getting their meal as everyone else is finishing. (Victor said the way around this is to make your order ahead of time before you come to eat.)

We went back to the room and Victor brought us some Russian cartoons to watch. The funny thing was that the girls wanted to take a bath in our large bathtub (there are no bathtubs at the orphanage and only get a shower every 3 days) so the adults watched the cartoons while the girls locked themselves away in the bathroom for a bubble bath! Afterwards, they asked mama to blow dry and style their hair just like she did when they were in the states. They also enjoyed playing in mama’s makeup while they were having their hair done. They were gorgeous and delighted in modeling their hair and makeup to papa who now needs to be ready to protect his beautiful girls both here and at home.

All and all it was the perfect day except for missing the rest of our family. That is probably the most difficult part to being in this process. We appreciate all our good friends who are caring for our children and pray that we will be together as soon as possible.
God has been so gracious to us and we are thankful for his grace and mercy as we continue our journey.