Tuesday

Hi Guys (and girls too) -- today has been another interesting day . . . . we took a long walk today and explored more of Uralsk. Trying to find yarn for Hailee's art project -- she doesn't have enough black. Do you know that yarn is not something that they have here? Lots of tatting thread but no yarn.

When we arrived at the orphanage today it was amazing and heartwarming -- kids were everywhere, following the car in. Our doors were opened and they wanted to shake our hands and talk with us -- everyone except our new daughter. She was in her classroom and when asked what she wanted to do would not answer. After much talking between Luba, our translator, and the caretaker it was decided that for our visit today we would go to the park. We thought that would be wonderful -- after all it's where we took Hailee on the magic day she finally showed us her happy, carefree self -- the day we knew she was right for our family. We piled into the car (literally - it's only a volkswagon passat - 4 is tight - 5 is really, really tight!) and drove the half hour to the park.

It's a beautiful day here -- warm and mostly sunny. The Chagala (spelling?) river is so nice we spent some time enjoying the doves that are milling around the water. They are very pretty - blues, purples and grays. The park doubles as an amusement park on the weekends complete with ferris wheel (known to them as the wheel of terror - course I can understand that, it's very old and rusty looking), there are other kiddie type rides and a few newer ones. I think we were grateful it's only Tuesday, not sure if we would have felt comfortable putting the kids on them.

As for the actual visit -- there was none really. No talking, no interaction, no smiling for pictures -- nothing. We're feeling very confused right now. When we returned to the orphanage she took off -- didn't turn around to say goodbye until Luba went to get her. Luba said that she seemed upset -- when asked why there was no answer ........... now we are struggling with what to do and feel ...........

After our internet session today we are going to talk with Yulia to see what her feelings are. We understand that Kiera Saltanat is a teenager and moods are part of it . . . . but it was like a different child today ..........

Any help or insights would be greatly appreciated at this time . . . . .