What a Day!

Major events of the day: Travel from Petropavlovsk to Airtau. First visit to Airtau orphanage.

What a day! It started pretty early for us. Although we hit the sack at 9 pm, we didn't make it through the night. Neighbor upstairs decided to have a disco party at 11 pm. Neighbor next door was up at 3 am. And given our excitement at the events of the day to come, we finally got out of bed at 5:30 am, although we were both up around 4-ish...

Masha and Sahsa arrived promptly at 8:30 am, but we had been packed and pacing as bad as an expectant father since 6:30. Since we brought a little more than the average number of bags, 6 to be exact, Sasha figured he could rig the trunk to hold them all instead of having any in the car. However, a light rain was falling. Also, we had condenses 6 bags into 5 through strategic use of space-bags. (what a great invention!)

The trek from Petro to Airtau was a grueling 4 hour adventure. The back roads of America would put the main roads here to shame! The road surface appeared to be mostly sprayed tar with gravel and some places had huge pot holed. Watching the speedometer in Sasha's Lada 1.5i indicated our average speed was 80 km.h (~50 mph). There were a lot of Audi's and Mercede's passing us, but the suspension in the car wouldn't handle anything faster on the rough surface.

Leaving Petro we drove through a birch forest area. The leaves are turning yellow, but still on the trees. Then we were in the open plains area. It reminded me a lot of western Kansas or eastern Colorado. Once we passed through Kokshetau we really headed out into the boondocks. Sasha had to keep an eye out for wandering cattle, geese and chickens as we passed through a few small villages. The cities and villages are very compact, and far between one another. We made a quick pit sop for gas and a potty break. Ye olde out house with just a hole cut in the floor. Not a problem for me, but Cathe didn’t even want to look in. I’m not sure how Masha handled the ergonomics or held her breath long enough, but she managed.

On arrival in Airtau we went directly to our new "Hotel" which reminds me of an old college dorm style building. At least there is a bathroom in the room. We weren't here 5 minutes and discovered several things needing repair, such as the toilet seat which was not attached. The price per night is not bad though. I suppose you get what you pay for.

After dropping our bags, we went to pick up the local director of guardianship then headed to the orpahanage. It looks pretty rough on the outside, but very nice inside. We gathered in the director's office with our attorney, translator, director, guardianship director, and caretakers for a quick question and answer session. I have to say that it felt like an inquest. Talking with our translator later, we understood a little more about the situation. Although everything is legally clear, there are some relatives who visit which could complicate things.

We did get to meet two very nice children. Both are very shy and understandable confused about being called to the director's office with a bunch of strange people in the room. We had an opportunity to introduce ourselves and to show them some pictures. We asked if they would like to see us tomorrow and they answered shyly, "Da." Given the potential complications, we have decided to see them for 3 days and if things are not working out, to pursue other options. Cathe and I ask for your prayers that we find the children God has intended for us and that our personal desires don't get in the way of doing the right thing for the children.

After the children were dismissed, the director invited us to stay for tea. Well, it was tea and a whole lot more! We had a full dinner and opportunity to spend time with the director and caretakers. From what I understand, it was more like the celebration dinner families enjoy after court. We hope it is a good sign.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers that we will know if these are the two children we are looking for.