March 20
March 20, 2005
We were invited over to the Westbrook’s house today where all the Interlink families were gathering. It was an enjoyable time, we’re always happy to spend time with them. We had to leave a little early to get back to the apartment for our sightseeing tour. Sergei arranged another driver with an older vanagon. It had the back seat and 2 dining room armchairs in it along with the front bench seat. Not something you’d find in the US, but hey, we aren’t in the US!
Vasya and Julia didn’t know we were going anywhere so this was pretty exciting for them. We went to a small park where we rode Ferris wheel, the bumper cars and a swing ride. They are very polite here in the bumper cars, barely touching one another. Vasya will LOVE the American version!!!
Then we were off to several architectural sites in the Taraz area. First we stopped at a Russian Orthodox Church. There were several old ladies sitting outside along the fence. Vasya came running up to me saying “Mom, Mom – coins!”. So I gave him the few coins I had and he immediately ran up and gave them to the first old lady. Interesting that an orphan would recognize the needs of an old woman.
Inside the church was beautiful. They were holding a service, so we couldn’t take any pictures. The singing was wonderful. I had to cover my head once inside. Then we were off to the Muslim sites.
The first site was a small drive outside of town. The architecture on this place was remarkable when you think it was built 1,000 years ago. It’s in perfect condition so they must be maintaining it. There were numerous people listening as the leader chanted the Koran and prayed. Then we went inside and he chanted and prayed and gave us 7 loaves of bread and wished us peace (Bibi our translator is Muslim so she provided an explanation after we left the site). Then we went outside and asked someone to take our picture. After that they asked if they could have their picture taken with us, so we were feeling like celebrities. I guess we were the first Americans they had seen.
I was impressed with all the children’s behavior. We spent a large part of the day visiting religious sites where they had to sit or stand and remain perfectly quiet. They all did very well.
At the last site back in town, Vasya became excited because it was near a place where they used to live. He showed us the place and then got a chance to say goodbye to some old neighbors. The neighbors thanked us for taking care of them.
After we dropped the children off at the orphanage, we came back to the flat where the New Year clean-up continues. We’re happy to report that almost all the trash is gone from around this complex of 3 apartments. We think they should have New Years once a month!! And with all the sunshine, the mud is gone.
Wendy
We were invited over to the Westbrook’s house today where all the Interlink families were gathering. It was an enjoyable time, we’re always happy to spend time with them. We had to leave a little early to get back to the apartment for our sightseeing tour. Sergei arranged another driver with an older vanagon. It had the back seat and 2 dining room armchairs in it along with the front bench seat. Not something you’d find in the US, but hey, we aren’t in the US!
Vasya and Julia didn’t know we were going anywhere so this was pretty exciting for them. We went to a small park where we rode Ferris wheel, the bumper cars and a swing ride. They are very polite here in the bumper cars, barely touching one another. Vasya will LOVE the American version!!!
Then we were off to several architectural sites in the Taraz area. First we stopped at a Russian Orthodox Church. There were several old ladies sitting outside along the fence. Vasya came running up to me saying “Mom, Mom – coins!”. So I gave him the few coins I had and he immediately ran up and gave them to the first old lady. Interesting that an orphan would recognize the needs of an old woman.
Inside the church was beautiful. They were holding a service, so we couldn’t take any pictures. The singing was wonderful. I had to cover my head once inside. Then we were off to the Muslim sites.
The first site was a small drive outside of town. The architecture on this place was remarkable when you think it was built 1,000 years ago. It’s in perfect condition so they must be maintaining it. There were numerous people listening as the leader chanted the Koran and prayed. Then we went inside and he chanted and prayed and gave us 7 loaves of bread and wished us peace (Bibi our translator is Muslim so she provided an explanation after we left the site). Then we went outside and asked someone to take our picture. After that they asked if they could have their picture taken with us, so we were feeling like celebrities. I guess we were the first Americans they had seen.
I was impressed with all the children’s behavior. We spent a large part of the day visiting religious sites where they had to sit or stand and remain perfectly quiet. They all did very well.
At the last site back in town, Vasya became excited because it was near a place where they used to live. He showed us the place and then got a chance to say goodbye to some old neighbors. The neighbors thanked us for taking care of them.
After we dropped the children off at the orphanage, we came back to the flat where the New Year clean-up continues. We’re happy to report that almost all the trash is gone from around this complex of 3 apartments. We think they should have New Years once a month!! And with all the sunshine, the mud is gone.
Wendy
posted by The Petersons at 7:29 PM
2 Comments:
Wendy,
did you take a picture from on top of the ferris wheel?
I am so glad you are able to spend time with the kids away from the orphanage.
Love you all
Papa Jack
Hi Petersons! What a wonderful experience you are all having. Reminds us of our years in Germany, figuring everything out. Sounds like Jack and Julia are going to fit it wonderfully. Can't wait to meet them.
The Acres
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