March 24
March 24, 2005
Today was the kid’s last day at the orphanage. I went over early in the day to go through the elaborate process of giving gifts. The kids each had 8 caregivers, the orphanage director, doctor, secretaries and the head nanny (who always wears a headscarf and is referred to as the “Muslim woman”).
We expressed a desire to do an orphanage gift, and the caregivers had a vigorous discussion about what they needed most. We gave them a budget of about $200, and I and two caregivers set off to the bazaar. The bazaar is an absolutely huge flea market and you can literally buy just about anything—rugs, fabric, bales of wool (fresh off the sheep) screws, clothes, light fixtures, homemade shovel handles, a rear leaf spring for a 1968 Lada. It also takes a long time to spend $200 there when you are getting “detsky dom” (children’s house) rates. We bought a huge carpet runner, 2 light fixtures, pillow fabric, probably 15 yards of upholstery fabric, a tea set, numerous bowls, buckets, doormats and brooms. The caregivers were having a ball, and I played the part of the illiterate, silent sugar daddy. They’d bargain, write down the numbers and I would pull bills from my pocket. I was definitely a stranger in a strange land, but it was nice to go back to the orphanage and see everything in place.
We went back to the orphanage at 3:00 to pick up the kids. I had a really nice untranslated conversation with one of Vasya’s caregivers—mostly in Russian with about 6 English words. I didn’t get the details, but the concept came through loud and clear. She sincerely thanked us for adopting these kids, especially because adoption is a foreign concept in Kazakhstan. She had two daughters and was interested in adopting a son, but her husband would not permit it.
The kids packed up and we left with all their possessions in a half full shopping bag. They took one change of clothes. We were happy to have that.
We went out to supper of shaslik, the kids were delighted to go out. By the way they act, I’d be surprised if they’ve been out to eat more than a half dozen times in their lives. We’re trying not to spoil them, but everything seem extravagant to someone who has had nothing. Things that we take for granted are a big deal to these kids. McDonalds drive thru will be a cause for celebration. Actually, McDonalds sounds pretty good to me right now too.
We did learn that if given the opportunity, these kids can eat. They may double their body weight by the time we get home.
Russ
Today was the kid’s last day at the orphanage. I went over early in the day to go through the elaborate process of giving gifts. The kids each had 8 caregivers, the orphanage director, doctor, secretaries and the head nanny (who always wears a headscarf and is referred to as the “Muslim woman”).
We expressed a desire to do an orphanage gift, and the caregivers had a vigorous discussion about what they needed most. We gave them a budget of about $200, and I and two caregivers set off to the bazaar. The bazaar is an absolutely huge flea market and you can literally buy just about anything—rugs, fabric, bales of wool (fresh off the sheep) screws, clothes, light fixtures, homemade shovel handles, a rear leaf spring for a 1968 Lada. It also takes a long time to spend $200 there when you are getting “detsky dom” (children’s house) rates. We bought a huge carpet runner, 2 light fixtures, pillow fabric, probably 15 yards of upholstery fabric, a tea set, numerous bowls, buckets, doormats and brooms. The caregivers were having a ball, and I played the part of the illiterate, silent sugar daddy. They’d bargain, write down the numbers and I would pull bills from my pocket. I was definitely a stranger in a strange land, but it was nice to go back to the orphanage and see everything in place.
We went back to the orphanage at 3:00 to pick up the kids. I had a really nice untranslated conversation with one of Vasya’s caregivers—mostly in Russian with about 6 English words. I didn’t get the details, but the concept came through loud and clear. She sincerely thanked us for adopting these kids, especially because adoption is a foreign concept in Kazakhstan. She had two daughters and was interested in adopting a son, but her husband would not permit it.
The kids packed up and we left with all their possessions in a half full shopping bag. They took one change of clothes. We were happy to have that.
We went out to supper of shaslik, the kids were delighted to go out. By the way they act, I’d be surprised if they’ve been out to eat more than a half dozen times in their lives. We’re trying not to spoil them, but everything seem extravagant to someone who has had nothing. Things that we take for granted are a big deal to these kids. McDonalds drive thru will be a cause for celebration. Actually, McDonalds sounds pretty good to me right now too.
We did learn that if given the opportunity, these kids can eat. They may double their body weight by the time we get home.
Russ
posted by The Petersons at 7:46 PM
4 Comments:
Russ,Wendy,Brooke,Paige, Julia and Jack,
We love you and can't wait to see you, We will be praying for your return trip.
I love the shopping spree, what great experiences.
Love and prayers
Grandpa and Grandma Mountz
Russ,
I love the description of your shopping day. I can just imagine you there, gently grinning and nodding your head as you always do. How fun that must have been for the two caregivers. I can't stop smiling at the thought.
We will be lifting Julia and Jack up as they adjust to leaving the orphanage. They will do well, I'm sure.
Laura Flanders
Wow ,. What a nice thing to do for the caregivers. Thrift shopping in Kazakhstan at the bazaar. I wish I could have been there with you.
Hope you have a wonderful Easter! You will be missed here.
Love to you all, Mom P.
Hello everyone,
it sounds like things are moving right along. We have been thinking and praying about all of you in your journey. Missy can't wait till she can see Paige.
We probably have some clothes that we can give to you for the boy. We just cleaned out Eric's room and we were planning on giving away his clothes that are too small for him. If you want them they are yours. We look forward to seeing you all soon. Take care
TheTombaughs
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