As I spoke with the orphanage workers, I mentioned that Zahar is sooo... and they said, "Energetik!!" Yes, he has lots of energy and loves to run. We saw him back way up in the playroom, pretend to spit on each hand (like a pro), and run like a bullet, ending with a handstand on the couch! He also has the ability to sit quietly, as we saw during lunch, and even pray out loud for God's blessing on the meal.
Anastasia has a sweet disposition. She tolerates her brother tackling her occasionally, and runs with the boys, but she also likes to do quieter things. Anna has shown us some of her finished clay art projects.
We stayed for lunch which was quite good. They served borsch, bread and gretchana (which is buckwheat). The orphanage workers ate at our table and we learned that they are college educated people who serve in the orphanage as a ministry.
The orphanage has no help from the government and they run on help from charities. They do the best they can on a shoestring. Even though they lack material things, the 11 children who live there are well loved, and the staff, from the orphanage director on down, have a real heart for children.
We explored the town today, and found a nice park. We sat at a shaded table while Ben went out to gather grasshoppers. Next to us were a table of 4 older gentlemen who had a double clock that they used as a timer to play chess. They were quite serious. The sight took us back to the Disney short animated feature from Toy Story where the old man with thick glasses was playing chess with himself. Giles had to sneak a picture!
We saw Abby's cousin in the park too :-)... Ben had to go over and pet her.
Living in the hotel is a bit challenging... I broke a saucer while washing dishes in the bathroom sink. And the toilet "shifts" whenever weight is applied. (Enough said) At least we have access to some nice shops in this area. We purchased some toys and games in the local toy store to bring with us tomorrow.
We found a good pizza place just down the street, so that's nice too.
Ben enjoys spending time with his brother and sister, and is still managing well with his homework. We are giving him some tougher addition and subtraction problems!
Zhenia is currently in Kiev, so we've been on our own here. He'll be back tonight as tomorrow he'll be running around town doing the paperwork needed to secure our court date (hopefully next week). It's nice to have things finally moving along!
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