Weekend with Kiril

What a nice weekend we had. We got to spend everyday with Kiril, because he had no school. The director would not let him leave with us for dinner until the papers are signed. (whatever) We spent most of the days just hanging around with all the kids. It seems like we are hanging out more with the other kids than Kiril. I was told that was normal. Him and Jaclyn are having a blast together. Jaclyn loves it her she keeps saying "I would love to live here, all they do all day is play" The mind of a ten year old. She said "at least there is no parents always yelling at them, they get to do whatever they want to" I told her that is the problem here. These kids have no direction at all. Dont get me wrong Tatiana their caretaker really loves these children that is obvious. She is only one person. The one thing that really stands out to me here is that the children are always hungry. It is very sad. Their meals are very small and their snack is a roll or one cookie. The kids will get food and hide it under their pillows. One girl pulled out a little bag of seeds of some sort and the kids were jumping all over her for just a seed or two, very sad. When we go now we pick up a bunch of snacks for the children some fruit and some cookies and they love when we show up with bottles of soda, that is a real treat for them.
On Saturday Kiril was acting a little different he was a little more stand offish. He did a few things to test us. I have to say that we came home I was a little upset and nervous about everything. I saw some of his actions that made me a little concerned. Nothing major at all just little things. I have to remember that will all change with some love and guidance.
Sunday was a different day. It was snowing and all the kids were outside when we got there. Not Kiril's group. They go out in groups when they do things. Anyway so when we were walking up the sidewalk all the kids were running up to us wanting us to play in the snow with them. Let me tell you something you have never seen a snowball fight until you had one here. You need a suit of armor. They will pellet you from head to toe. Remember the movie ELF and Will Ferrell was helping out his little brother in the snowball fight that is how these kids throw. Jaclyn barely had a ball made and it was knocked out of her hands. I ran for cover!!! Once we made it upstairs to Kiril's room ALIVE, he was very glad to see us. We went into the TV room and set up the DVD player we bought with us because all 5 of theirs is broken. We put in Transformers and the kids gathered around they love movies, it doesn't matter what language it is in. Than Tatiana came in and said everyone has to go outside and play. Kiril didn't want to go. He doesn't seem to like the cold. Great future as a hockey player. LOL Everyone went outside including Stephane and Jaclyn. You know Stephane will not turn up a chance to pounce those kids outside with some major Quebec style snowballs. It was nice because it was only Kiril and myself there in the tv room. I pulled out my computer and got on Google translate as quick as I could. We had a very nice computer conversation. I asked him and told him many things about how his life will change in the US. I asked him if we getting cold feet (obviously i didn't say those exact words) He said not at all he is very excited to be with us forever and he cant wait to go! I told him that it will be very different at home than it is here many rules and school and homework. I don't want him to think it will be the beach everyday like it was in summer with us in Ocean City. He understood and is thrilled.
I left the orphanage in a much better mood on Sunday than I did on Saturday.
The one thing that is making me so happy is that everyday i am connecting some of the children here with their future families in America thru Skype. It makes me feel like I am doing something good while I am here.
Overall a great weekend with our son.
We also went to a wonderful restaurant with Zhanna Sunday night. The food was very good. We are really enjoying the food here in Ukraine. It does help that when we come home Zhanna has prepared a big dinner for us at night after the orphanage. She was sent from Heaven to us, that is for sure. Without her I can't imagine this experience. Niki will be home tomorrow from his hockey game he was gone for the weekend. That was a challenge because Zhanna does not speak English but she did great.
Things I don't like; I am NOT sleeping good. I might have to whip out the Ambien tonight. Only having two meals a day. Not having my tempura pedic bed. Not having my TV shows. Most of all not being with my dogs,friends and family at home.
Have to mention what would I do with out Brie? She is staying at my house taking care of all the pets. I am so grateful for her. She checks in with us everyday. THANK YOU BRIE!!!! xoxo

This is Zhanna's home behind them , the one with the green exterior . 

The shopping carts don't move once they are on the (flat) escalator  

The kids playing

Jaclyn with snowball army

Tatiana with the kids

She is skyping to a family in America., Valera being our translator!

They love to do my hair.

I love this little girl. She is attached to me at all times. 

Zhanna getting her hair done too.

Stephane can't wait to see what is under the dome!!