A fruitful morning

Our visit with "K" went so well today. His group was outside playing when we got there. They have individual group play areas. Each area has a little covered room with bars enclosing it. I assume so the kids can be outside and in the shade while at the same time keeping them in close quarters.

"K" saw us coming and stepped over the barrier the Mama's had set up to keep the kids inside the room. He had a small, empty bucket in his hand and I found some things from the ground to pick up and put in his bucket. He thought that was pretty neat and rewarded us with a big smile. We found a few more treasures and then it was time for the group to go in.

The Mama's tried to get all the kids to pick up their toys. We brought "K" back into the little room so that he could do his share and boy did he! He picked up every toy. Crawled under benches to get the last few things. All the other kids were long gone and he was trying to drag the toy basket into the closet. Such a worker. He will fit in very well with the kids - especially Peter. We have another worker for the church kitchen!

We stayed outside in the shade. With the breeze, it was so much cooler than going inside to that stuffy little room. We played on the "play ground" equipment. It amazes me that the entire orphanage has such few things to play on. I would think the kids have a ton of energy to wear off. There is one little one in "K's" group that certainly has a bunch. Squealing, he threw his arms around my legs 3 times this morning while "K" was picking up the toys.

We took "K" for walks and held him for quite a bit and then it was ready to go. The temps just make everyone miserable and all 3 kids get worn out quickly. We returned a crying "K" to his group. There were older mama's there today and they didn't seem too pleased to take him back all whiney. Can't say that I blame them.

After the orphanage, our driver Max took us to the food market. We loaded up. I bought a huge bag of veggies for $4. Awesome. Two vendors recognized us from two days before. Most people seem rather put out to try to help the Engliski's. I can "Excuse me please, how much?" in Russian but then need to ask for the number of grivneh to be said in English. Some smile, some turn away and let a younger person help or just show the number on a calculator. Either way, we came home with new sunglasses for Ed (his broke), a Lightning McQueen ball to play with "K" and a mess load of fruits and veggies. A very "fruitful" morning!

Tonight we plan to take a walk and see the harbor. It will hopefully be cooler by then. Take care. We miss you all.









dried whole fish


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