Sunday, Monday February 13 & 14

We have grown a bit tired of the mall experiences, so we have been spending time reading, working puzzles and other creative endeavors in the hotel room. The television bounces back and forth between Russian and English, based upon who has control of the remote!  It is amazing how a person can watch television  in a foreign language and have a pretty good idea of what is going on, based solely on nonverbal communication.

We met with Oleg, our coordinator while here in Almaty, Sunday evening to finish paperwork. He is submitting it to the embassy on Monday and we will follow with exit interview and final details on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fingers crossed, we hope to be able to travel home on Thursday, February 17. Delays are still very likely, so we will keep you posted.

Today being Valentine's Day, Mama sneaked to the gift shop in the lobby and purchased chocolate, a battery operated flashing heart and a card for Luda and Papa. Although Luda doesn't understand the concept of Valentine's Day, she did understand the meaning of a card in the shape of a heart, enjoyed the chocolate and delighted in the flashing heart. She even pulled the curtains closed in the room and did a little dance with the heart.

Luda now seems accepting of the idea of going to America. I can only imagine what a scary, huge step it must be for one so young to leave life as she has known it to travel to a new country, not to mention having to learn a new language as well. She has been scared and a bit resistant to the idea--she wanted us to live here. Today was a turning point, she has been packing all her things, using English more, talking about her horse Gabriel and dog Maggie and inquiring about when we will leave.

Quite a Valentine's Day gift for us all!

What We Have Learned in Kazakhstan...

1. Parenting is indeed the hardest job in the world.

2. Warmth, good food and drink, and "Big Love" are the most importants things in life.

3. Love and healthly relationships can exist, thrive and change lives even in the most desperate of circumstances, such as losing one's parents and being placed in an orphanage.

4. Love and happiness have nothing to do with technological advances.

5. Those of us who live in the United States need to thank our blessings every day for the technological advances and conveniences we have.

6. This part of the world does disapprove of American politics, but the people are interested and generally like Americans.

7. There are people who live up to the "Ugly American" reputation. After witnessing spoiled, poor behavior on the part of some Americans at the hotel, I understand why much of the the rest of the world views us with suspicion.

8. A cold, rough exterior--whether it be in the form of a building or a person--may not reflect what lies inside, which can be great warmth, kindness and love.

9. There is no place like home!