License Plates

Thurs., Nov. 12/15
We had to go for another interview and to sign papers today.  The interview wasn't difficult or long.  They asked about our family, why we wanted to adopt, what were our plans for the kids ...

Déjà vu with the medical paperwork:(  The medical paperwork for our new kids has been a challenge.  Most of last week was spent trying to see the doctors and get forms completed correctly and stamped with the proper seal/stamp. We hope to have it all completed tomorrow so that they can be all be submitted.

Fri., Nov. 13/15
We visited with both  Slavik and Vica at the House of Hope.  (Vica is visiting her brother this weekend.)  The Qwirkle game was a hit again.  Igor and Ira, house parents, are so welcoming.  We admire them for what they do with the orphans who stay there after they leave the orphanage.  They live out their faith.  Rodger was very pleased when Igor presented him with an Ukrainian license plate to add to his collection:)

Most people use public transit, either city buses or streetcars/trams, or taxis.  When we compare the prices to what we pay in Winnipeg, it is dirt cheap.  The city buses remind us of Puerto Vallarta.  Most often it seems that there is standing room only.  You pay just before you get off the bus.  If you aren't at the front of the bus, you pass your money to someone ahead of you and tell them where you want to get off, that person passes it on to another person, until your fare and message get up to the front!  The taxis have been interesting.  Usually you call ahead, they give you the colour and make of the taxi along with the license plate number.  When the taxi arrives the driver sends you a text to say it's there.  On Friday evening we didn't have great luck as the taxi stalled several times and at one point died altogether.  The driver coasted to the side of the road and did something under the hood before we could go again.

Sat., Nov. 14/15
Today we went with our translator (and pizzas) to visit the kids again.  A lunch of pizzas was appreciated by all.  We brought Skip-Bo which Vica enjoys playing.  Since we were there in the afternoon we were given a tour of the yard and surrounding area.  This property is a little higher up so we had a nice view of the surrounding area.

It seems that Slavik understands quite a bit of English but is hesitant to try it out on us.  We have to watch what we say because he'll probably figure it out.  Vica is very quiet and shy.

Sun., Nov. 15/15
This morning we thought we'd go to Slavik's church since both of the kids would be there.  It is a Baptist church and the service was in Russian.  It was an interesting experience and gave us a taste of what church is like for a visitor who doesn't know the language.  Hearing the choir sing was the part I most enjoyed.

We spent most of the day relaxing.  We went to the grocery store on our own to pick up a few things for lunch.  It's challenging when you can't read the labels or signs but we managed.  It was one of MJ's roommates' birthday today so we got to sample a homemade layered torte.  Delicious!

Please pray that the medical paperwork will be completed tomorrow and other paperwork signed so that we can apply for a court date.  This is needed before we can proceed to the next step.