Yesterday we purchased two outfits, including shoes, for Jacob to wear when his escorts takes him from the orphanage in July to meet us in Almaty. To be safe, we decided to try everything on today. He looked sooooo cute in his new digs and was pretty happy about them… until the shoes… It’s safe to say Jacob doesn’t like his new shoes. After putting them on his chunky little feet, he wailed so loud we were concerned the caregivers might think us unfit parents. The shoes fit, but we discovered this was his very first time to have anything other than socks on his feet. By the end of our time together, he was OK with the shoes but not loving them. His wonderful caregivers offered to keep them and let him wear them often so they won’t be so foreign when the time comes to leave and he’ll need shoes.
We had an amazing experience this afternoon. We were offered a chance to visit a special group home for children who have parents but their parents cannot take care of them, mostly due to financial reasons. Twenty-five children live as one big family in a large, very clean building run by several women working for the town’s mayor. The youngest child is four and the oldest is seventeen. Apparently, the children were recently divided and the group leaving the home took with them the DVD player. The kids were missing it, as most American kids would be, and really wanted a replacement. That being said, we were happy to present a new
DVD/Game/Karaoke/MP4 player complete with speakers and a microphone to the children. It was awesome to see how excited they all were with the gift. After the gift’s presentation, we were treated to a tour of the very clean and well appointed home and a wonderful tea, including one of the best apple pies we’d ever tasted. Truly delicious! A great afternoon!
Tonight we took a driving tour of Arkalyk. We were able to take pictures of the hospital where Jacob was born and see the sites. To be honest, there is just not that much to see. About 10 years ago, Arkalyk boasted 70,000 citizens. Today, the population hovers around 30,000. As you drive through one end of town, all you see are rows upon rows of 6 – 8 story abandoned apartment buildings. Some had occupants at one time others were never completed. It’s a bit eerie. The tour ended and our Kazakh hosts asked “Vodka”? We exclaimed “No Way”! But invited them in to split our one beer. Somehow, our hosts happen to have three more beers in their trunk so we had a small beer party with us sipping very, very slowly. I think Tim & I shared ¼ of a beer while our hosts and our flat’s owner consumed the rest. We think they were also a little relieved to keep the party short and sweet. We are starting to feel pretty much at home here but if we have to endure any more Kazakh hospitality we might not be able to survive much longer.
That’s it for now! We have two more days until we start the long journey home. We land in St. Louis late Sunday night! Whooo Hooooo! Can’t wait to see everyone, including JC and Abby-the-dog!
Cheers!
We had an amazing experience this afternoon. We were offered a chance to visit a special group home for children who have parents but their parents cannot take care of them, mostly due to financial reasons. Twenty-five children live as one big family in a large, very clean building run by several women working for the town’s mayor. The youngest child is four and the oldest is seventeen. Apparently, the children were recently divided and the group leaving the home took with them the DVD player. The kids were missing it, as most American kids would be, and really wanted a replacement. That being said, we were happy to present a new
DVD/Game/Karaoke/MP4 player complete with speakers and a microphone to the children. It was awesome to see how excited they all were with the gift. After the gift’s presentation, we were treated to a tour of the very clean and well appointed home and a wonderful tea, including one of the best apple pies we’d ever tasted. Truly delicious! A great afternoon!Tonight we took a driving tour of Arkalyk. We were able to take pictures of the hospital where Jacob was born and see the sites. To be honest, there is just not that much to see. About 10 years ago, Arkalyk boasted 70,000 citizens. Today, the population hovers around 30,000. As you drive through one end of town, all you see are rows upon rows of 6 – 8 story abandoned apartment buildings. Some had occupants at one time others were never completed. It’s a bit eerie. The tour ended and our Kazakh hosts asked “Vodka”? We exclaimed “No Way”! But invited them in to split our one beer. Somehow, our hosts happen to have three more beers in their trunk so we had a small beer party with us sipping very, very slowly. I think Tim & I shared ¼ of a beer while our hosts and our flat’s owner consumed the rest. We think they were also a little relieved to keep the party short and sweet. We are starting to feel pretty much at home here but if we have to endure any more Kazakh hospitality we might not be able to survive much longer.
That’s it for now! We have two more days until we start the long journey home. We land in St. Louis late Sunday night! Whooo Hooooo! Can’t wait to see everyone, including JC and Abby-the-dog!
Cheers!
3 comments:
I never really like shoes or socks, well mostly socks, but that's okay, because I still really don't wear socks that often. Maybe Jake will just be a shoeless kid. Just kidding. I am glad that you both had a good trip and picked up the cutest boy there. I can't wait to see you at home! Love, Laura
Yes I/we will pick you up Sunday. No problemo. I hate shoes too.
Give em ---- Jacob! We will see you Sunday be safe.
Love Debby
At least you know that JC and Jacob will not be fighting over shoes as we all know that JC enjoys his shoes!
Cannot wait to see you all again.
Katie
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