Monday in Sumy

It is Monday evening in Sumy.  Maury is visiting Kolya.  I am trying to get some work done.  

Maury and I have been blessed and have been able to go to some of the finest hotels/resorts.  I now know what it is like to go to the opposite of "fine resort".  We are staying at the 'HOTEL INTERNATIONAL' sounds impressive, right!!   It is a five story building with a restaurant that is only open between 1:00 and 10:00 (most people do not eat until after 1:00).  All the lights in the hotel are turned off with the exception of maybe one or two.   So most places are very dark.   I understand now why this country or area is so 'depressed' - it is because it is depressing!!!  The skies are almost always cloudy.  It snows or rains and it is cold.  The buildings are very old and falling down.  The pot holes in the streets are so big that a small car could get lost in one of them.  The sidewalks are so bad that you have to walk in the street.  Okay, am I depressing you too???   I think you get the visual.  We are missing home!!

Now that we have all that out of the way; we are enjoying our time with Koyla and the orphange.  We have been able to bring all of the kids snacks, movies and other goodies.  The love playing with me and Maury.  We wished we could adopt all of them.  There are two little girls that are the sweetest little things.  Their names are Natasha and Anina.  They are both six and just beautiful and loving.  I called the department in Kieve to see if there was any way we could adopt one of them since we approved for two children.  They not only said "no" but more or less "hell no."  They shot me down like I asked them to take them to the US to work in a factory.  I just don't get it - there are so many kids that need a good home.  Oh well, I guess that is Ukraine and the government here.

Kolya is learning to write his name and learning a few American words.  He talked to Memaw, Kyle, Karmon, Aunt Tina and Nana on the phone.  He doesn't know what they are saying but knows they will be apart of his family soon.

He is the sweetest little thing.  We are allowed to visit with him twice a day.  We go into a room (like a gym) and write, draw, dance and play.  When we bring him food, candy or toys, he always ask to share it with the other kids in his class.  Of course, we want him to do that.  We enjoy seeing the other kids too!  He has a kind heart and some how in his six year old little mind understands what is happening to him.

Kyle and Karmon seem excited.  They think it is cool that their little brother's name will start with a "K" like their names and mine.   They are excited to learn about him and for him to learn about our family and culture.  Karmon remembers so much Russian from Kristan and Maxim's visit.  She is able to talk to Kolya (well, say a few things any way).

Our hotel, remember, HOTEL INTERNATIONAL, (ha) is the hot spot for wedding receptions.  They had several a day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Last night, we arrived after our visit at the orphange.  The wedding reception was over and several people were  standing outside talking and smoking (which everyone does here).  If you have seen movies where Russian guys are singing with their arms around each other and laughing loudly then you can imagine the scene.  They spotted Maury and immediatly began singing and arm restling and begging for him to come take pictures with the wedding party - which of course he did!  He put is arms around the groom and bestman and took individual pictures with the bride.  I had to remind him that I WAS HIS BRIDE (ha) a few times before they would let him go.  I think he enjoyed it more than they did.   

We are waiting to hear about our appointment with the department of children welfare - we hope it is this Wednesday but fear that it will be next Wednesday.  We will keep you all updated.

We have met two really nice couples from the US that are adopting.  One is adopting a six year old boy from the orphange where Kolya lives.  The other couple is adopting in a town South of Sumy.  It has been wonderful getting to know them and enjoying this "journey" with them.

It sounds like everyone had a wonderful holiday.  Again, we miss you all and wished we could have shared the time with you.

Kim, Maury and Kolya (Kol Christopher Strausman)