At this time Giles is in Kiev with Zhenia doing paperwork at the embassy and changing plane tickets. They will arrive back to Alexandria by train tomorrow.
In the meantime, Ben and I continue to visit Anna in the orphanage. Chris, unfortunately is in the hospital because of a fever of 38C. He has been there for a week! Apparently this is what they do with any child who has a fever of 38 or above. We surely miss him.
The orphanage director, Marina, gave us coats and boots to wear as it has gotten cold outside. We purchased a space heater for the flat, and Mama is much happier to be warm!
We visited their church last Sunday. It is a small conservative protestant church consisting of about 70% of people 70 or older. Most of the children there were from the orphanage. The ladies sat on the left and the men on the right side of the church. Several men from the congregation spoke and in between, everyone got on their knees and prayed. Fervently! Even the babushkas.
The children sang songs acapella and then with a keyboard. (Their only instrument.) They knew that I occasionally sing in church and so asked me to sing on the spot. Being unprepared, I graciously declined, but wished I had some piano music with me, or even my flute.
After the service, the pastor and his wife invited us to a special celebration. It was called a "Slatkee Stol" or Sweet Table. The occasion was the recent marriage of a young couple in the and this congregation wanted to give them a celebration. It was held at the orphanage and most of the congregation came. They wrote and recited poems for them, sang songs to them, and presented humorous acts. It was quite a privilege to partake in their celebration and enjoy their Ukrainian cakes and fruits!
We'll put pics up tomorrow. That is Giles' job and he's not here!
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