Day 2 Second day at the orphanage was similar to the first. We spent the whole two hours in Ludmila's group, while the mama's were checking homework and the children were reading, watching television, gymnastics etc. When we arrived, she was reading a book in English about colors to Anna. We joined in the reading and quickly moved on to making stuffed animals and sharing brightly colored stickers with her friends. After that, we pulled out the laptop and took a photo tour of our home, losers and Walland elementary.  Her memory was amazing--she pointed out to her friends her bedroom, her new horse Gabriel, each of the losers and the backyard of her new "dom" (home).  To the delight of her friends, we then reviewed the photos Ludmila had taken the day before. They were enamored with the images of themselves in the laptop. This led to another photo session with Ludmila as chief photographer, snapping off about 50 photos of staff, friends and new family. Upon leaving, we were surprised to be invited to "tea" with the director of the orphanage. We were even more surprised to discover that tea was an incredible spread of food presented to us for lunch, complete with a server that waited on us hand and foot. The food was traditional Kazakh food, complete with liver & onions, fish, a great homemade vegetable soup, mashed potatos, several salads, homemade bread, cheese and about six wonderful desserts. We rolled to the car and returned to the hotel feeling content with the days events. We are indeed blessed.

Day 3 (Third day was a bit disjointed--we didn't have our interpreter or regular driver. And then there were internet issues at the Beibar, no driver to go to the internet cafe--sorry to be late!) The day at the orphanage began with a presentation by the students on manners & "politeness".  The mamas scurried us along down to a room on the lower floor where Luda was to be a part of this presentation. They gave us the seats of honor, in the middle with the best view and attempted to explain what was happening. The children were in their best clothes as they entered the room and proceeded to participate in a discussion about the usage of polite terminology. Next they demonstrated how they would use it by pretending to make purchases at a department store. They ended with class discussion, including reference to how the little boys should offer to carry packages for the older ladies, open doors for all ladies etc.  The class also wished Luda health, happiness and "big love" in America. Her response was that she knew she was going to be happy living with her new mama & papa, but that she would miss everyone at the orphanage very much. After the demonstration, we went back up to her group room and participated in a number of dance games with fifteen little girls who have watched a lot of videos and know all the latest dances. Interesting to be playing musical chairs to "Toxic" by Brittany Spears...  Following Dance Fever, as we were all in an exhausted heap (or Kevin & I anyway), the polaroid camera made it's appearance. This created quite a sensation.  Lots of posing, hamming it up for the camera etc. Everyone got a souvenir picture.  It was quite an exhilarating two hours at the House of Hope.

Day 4 Still no translator or regular driver, although it sounds like they will be back on Friday.  The director of the orphanage sent her secretary and a driver to transport us these two days. Today began with a big hug and kiss from Ludmila, and a 10-15 minute rocking session with her mom. Dad made funny faces and stroked her hair. Then it was on to a jewelry making session, which soon involved the entire group. Pink and blue bracelets everywhere with intense concentration on the creative process.  After a bit, Kevin brought out the laptop--with Ludmila at the helm, they shared the photos from the day before with all the girls in the group. At noon, we usually leave--so we began to gather our things, but instead were told that we would be eating lunch at the orphanage today.  Delighted at the opportunity to spend more time with Luda and the girls, we returned to the activities at hand. Two of the mamas led us in a series of games that lasted for an hour--Cat & Mouse, Marco Polo (dry land version), relay games and more.  Another good workout for Kevin and I. Lunch with the director was a traditional Kazakh meal with Five Fingers (beef, onions & noodles), the great vegetable soup again, a variety of salads & desserts. Too much, but delicious. No one else a the table spoke English, but we managed to have a delightful conversation anyway. We talked about travel to America, parties, wine, beer & vodka, hangovers...the usual charade dinner talk.  The director, whose name is Myra, said that she loves us and would come to visit in Tennessee (but we don't think she really knows where that is!). She has been to Portland, Oregon as part of an exchange. After lunch, we returned to the Beibar hotel and found someone who knew how to operate the computer and get us logged on to the internet. Hurray!!

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