We continue to visit twice a day and it is going well. We've totally fallen for this little guy! The visits can get a little long, stressful and hot as we've pulled about every trick of amusement out of our (big fur)hats. I have a hard time figuring out if we're doing something wrong or if the caregivers like us. Our translator has been working with another family all week so we've been going alone. Its amazing how adults can be saying something perfectly clear to each other but neither has any idea what the other is saying. We are planning on going back to the mall this weekend with our translator - I booked him in advance - so we can get out of our routine a little.
We did listen to some great music tonight during dinner. It was Folklor - the different types of instruments were amazing. We really enjoyed it.
We've been gone so long we can't even believe it. We miss D so much but now are starting to dread leaving Cody. We need to keep thinking someday we will all be home together! That is our continued motivation as we keep trudging forward, uphill both ways, in the snow, and barefoot! HA
Please continue to send your comments and prayers our way. We need to remain healthy and strong!
Love to all!
Steve &
Julie, I know I must sound like a broken record, but I swear to you that we were in your exact same shoes -- no translator (she quit and we never got another one), feeling very limited "love" from anyone else on our "team", and Max was extremely disinterested in us and was always so happy to be back in his group at the end of our visits. If not for visiting with another single woman and her son, the boredom would have done us in. It is a challenge to entertain someone for 2 hours who has no interest in being entertained! :-) I was sure I would stay the entire 9-10 weeks, and then changed my mind after being in country for two weeks. I accepted that the real bonding would happen when we were all home together (or at least "home" in Kaz as one unit). And that's exactly what happened. We still can't believe that our totally well-adjusted toddler today is the same little boy that we attempted to bond with in Kaz. I promise to cheer you along during your time at home between visits, as it is indeed difficult. With each day you are inching another step towards all being home together and it will be soooooo amazing and wonderful. In the meantime, try to make the best of it as you can, and try to rest and relax. You'll need that stored-up energy when you have both sons playing around your feet at home! :-) We continue to pray for you all every night.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that things are going well.
ReplyDeleteHang in there! Each day that goes by brings you closer to your dream.
Allison
The best advise I can give is live in the moment. You have this opportunity to embrace the rhythm of Karaganda. You'll be back home sooner than you think.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't already, try the Georgian or Ukranian restaurants just a short walk from the Tsum.
Hi Julie!
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy to read every one of your posts. We actually keep your blog on our screen while we are at work and his "refresh" every so often to see if you have updated yet.
Glad to know that things are going so well for you. You all look so great together.
Our prayers continue to be with you!
Please post often and include lots of pictures!
Jim & Michelle
We are so excited for you!! Julie you look so happy and Cody is lucky to have found you guys. Kayla can't wait to babysit. We miss you and we can't wait to see you all. With love, Lori, Doug, Jenna, Eric and Kayla
ReplyDelete