The Visits Begin

We had a wonderful time yesterday at the market. It was amazing . . . . much better than 7-mile fair. The whole thing is organzied by tools, housewares, clothes, shoes, cleaning supplies, etc. Amazing! We found Hailee's black yarn there and ha a fun time "talking" to the people at the booth. We are a novelty here and if they know English they can't wait to try it out on us. (Yarn is cheap here all you knitters & crocheters 180 tenge for a skein (that's about $1.40))

We found something we had seen and planned to buy (can't tell you what) and it was about 1/2 price at the open market. So, we bought 2 -- the gentleman at the booth was so excited -- he opened up the boxes, took them out, repacked them and bought a bag from a vendor there so we could carry them. We felt so good buying those two items from him. The total of the two things was about $20 and you would have thought we had just spent $1000.

The fruit available was incredible -- every thing looked so yummy. Hailee couldn't pass up the kiwi -- and just so you know kiwi is kiwi in Russian too! The amount of candy they have available is something else too -- we had to get some of that too!

Now on to today - another day of waiting -- until 4:00. We actually cleaned the apartment -- no one would believe the amount of dust that comes in. It's everywhere. We visited Hailee's orphanage today and met a 10, almost 11, year old girl. She's so tiny and shy, but she smiled and answered questions. She did get scared and started to cry when the social worker asked her about her home before the orphanage. They took her out of the room then but we met up with her again out in the yard. When we walked and talked she opened up a bit. Tomorrow we will visit at 10 a.m. again and bring some things to do (and a treat) and see how it goes.

We also were shown an even tinier 9 year old who is just as cute. But at this time we are hoping that the older girl will be the one. Time will tell. There is also a sibling set here available -- 10 & 11 year old girls who we did not meet today. We both feel that bringing 2 home might be more than we can handle, but we have not closed the door on it either.

We believe, as most of you do, that there is a child here for us -- we just have to find her.

We also love reading about the things that are happening at home.

Maria we really laughed at your story (and missed pancake day too - that's the one thing Jack consistently says he's missing - PANCAKES) and I can picture you smiling and walking away!! Ann, I meant to reassure you a while back that yes, we're changing ........ and thank you also for the support you've given -- keep it coming!! Mrs. H. your post is not too long -- right now I don't think anything can be too long, except maybe our stay here. And Karen, we think we may beat your 50 day record stay in Uralsk! Kyle - Hailee really appreciated your comments, she's really missing school and everyone there. Mary, I love the reference to the song, I'd love to hear it when we get home. (home, doesn't that sound wonderful???)

Till tomorrow -- love & hugs!