Wednesday, Day 8 Today began with the same routine--breakfast, followed by 3 hours of home schooling and then the visit to the boarding school from 2-4:30. We started the visit by bringing out a paper doll making kit. The girls spent about an hour and a half crafting their dolls and were very creative--including effigies of Kevin & I.  Our visit was in the classroom again, so the girls eventually found the chalk and drew on the board. Luda practiced her penmanship while Luba drew a house with a hearth and "I love you". She asked Luda to help her write the words. Since the names Luba and Luda are so close and would most likely lead to confusion down the road, we aske Luba if she would like a new name. She indicated that she never liked the name Luba and wanted a new name, whatever we would wish for her. We asked how she liked Lily Louise Wilner and she replied that she liked it. Dinara double checked on this and she again stated that she liked it. So we are on the path to a new name, perhaps Lily Louise (after Kevin's mother)... For dinner tonight, we went to the Russian Pub with our new friends, a family from Michigan--Corey, Robin and their 3 year old son Hayden. It was quite beautiful to be out in Kostanai at night, with a light snow fall and almost a laser-type light show in the central square area. Dinner was good, although we aren't quite sure what we had to eat. :) Our new friends pointed out several new restaurants that have English menus, additional shopping and a new grocery or two.  Perhaps tomorrow we will some more exploring!

Thursday, Day 9 Today was a little bit of different day at the boarding school. We had a chance to speak with the dentist and the doctor. They reported that Luba (Lily)'s health is generally good, although she is periodically prone to a croupy cough. She does have issues with the enamel on her teeth, which we know can be dealt with by dentists at home. After visiting with the members of the medical profession, we had the opportunity to interview Mama Tatiana (Tanya) more in depth. They sent the girls to the library to play and we asked her questions about Luba (Lily).  She commented on school work, behavior, general health, interaction with others and her thoughts about what we could do to help this sweet little girl adapt to her new life. It was obvious that she cares deeply for her and wishes only the best. Ms. Luba  will be greatly missed by those who love her. We joined the girls in the library, and they were completely involved in playing with the Leapster, a little computer learning tool. Luda showed Luba how to use it and she was completely taken with it. The director of the boarding school, Leonid, came by the library to visit. Kevin managed to convince him to pose for a photo. He is such kindly person, you can tell by the photo. Later today, we went explored a new part of town and did a little shopping. We purchased additional pencil, paper and eraser for our little hotel school room. We also found a new grocery and a couple of new restaurants to try in the coming days.

Saturday, Day 10 Schedule is still much the same---breakfast, home school and our visit to the boarding school. We arrived a little early to Luba's room, they were just finishing lunch. You could hear her little feet on the stairs, full of purpose as she headed our way. The natural leader that she is, she had the key to the room in hand and the other children were just behind her. She unlocked the door, gave us all big hugs and then hung up our coats. There was a pink balloon on the shelf and she brought it over to Luda and they began to play. Kevin & I were on the periphery, along with some of the other children in the group. We all participated a little in the tossing of the balloon and there were many giggles of laughter. So as not to further interrupt naptime for the group, we went to the library for our visit. Today began with coloring of some felt "Good Night" door signs. I am not sure she knew what they were, but she seemed to have a lot of fun coloring them. Next we brought out a jewelry making kit. All the girls in the family making varying colored bracelets, necklaces, key chains and rings, while Kevin perused Russian books on Lenin.  Luba made a point to show the librarian her handiwork who made a big fuss over it. Mr. Leonid came to visit at the end of the day to see how things are going. He always makes a point to hug and pay attention to both girls. He has such a natural instinct for people, and is a wonderful director for this boarding school. We received double hugs from Luba as we left today. She practiced her "good-bye!" as we went out the door.

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