Our first visit to the Orphanage

Monday evening here in Oskemen, Kazakhstan. What a day...first we had some documents notarized, then to a government agency, and then finally to the orphanage to meet the director and were introduced to three boys.

Then we went back in the afternoon to visit one on one with Daniel. He is five and has lots of energy and seems very active, polite, and courteous. Tho' we were not speaking Russian, nor was he understanding English, we were able to communicate - thanks in big part to our translator, Ilena. We played frisbee and climbed up and down the playground equipment. Daniel was very proud of his ability to climb up and around and over and jump...wore us out just watching him....LOL LOL.

We also sat down and looked at book that had some pictures. It was amazing how he came up with a story for each one....the bear in the cage, the people left at the dock by the big boat, and the like. Starting on Tuesday, we will be visiting with him twice a day...10-12 in the AM, and then 4-5 in the afternoon. This is our schedule for each day, except Sunday...that is only one morning visit.

We are very excited to have found Daniel and look forward to the days and weeks ahead to see him and bond more and more everyday.

Thanks for all your posts and prayers.

Becky and Steve.....pinching ourselves that in Kaz' we can.