Sunday, June 26, 2005

Our Last Sunday in Kazakhstan

Today was our final Sunday in Kazakhstan, God willing. Who knows when we'll actually leave, but worst case has us in Moscow one week from yesterday, and over the Atlantic on Sunday.

Today, we only had a few major meltdowns…before breakfast! Lena had another hard day. I imagine that their not being able to express themselves makes it tough on them to express themselves. Frustration leads to meltdowns, and we had a few today, but ended on a good note.


At least they both melted down at the same time. Saves a lot of time, you see.

We went to the park again this morning, since it was so nice and cool. Still can’t get around the rude pre-teens who run over our kids, though. This time, Angel caught up to one, just as he left Dub on his face. From then on, I followed them around, and got in the faces of these pre-pubescent urchins, and made it clear that they were to act like humans and not animals, at least while we are there. No idea what their parents thought of me yelling “NYET!!” at their kids every 5 minutes. D&L had fun, got dirty, and had a nice long nap to show for it.


This could have been a major catastrophe, but Mama’s mommy touch averted that one. Note Dub’s expression, which occurs just before he explodes. Funny, but it takes 5-10 seconds for this look to fully develop, and then a few seconds after that for the sound to emanate from his lungs. It’s a good warning system.


We think this animal is some sort of deer, but we’re not sure. L&D love them (there are two) and we finally got a chance to get a shot of them riding it. The other one looks as if it is grazing, with its nose close to the ground, so everyone piles up grass pullings from around the area and puts them under its nose, L&D included.

After nap time we went for a good hunting (my kind of shopping) at Tsum (pron: zoom) for all kinds of neat local Kazakh stuff.

Lena melted down for the 17th time on the way home, so only Dub got to spend a few minutes before dinner playing on the playground at the apartment with Chelsea and Alec Morin. So Dub got even dirtier!


This is the view from our bedroom window. Kinda gray today, but cool. We asked Marina where something was located relative to the hotel, and she said, “It’s the gray building.” Oh, that helps.

All in all, a good, full, fun Sunday. Blessings to all. Please pray for our safe and uneventful passage home this week, whenever that might turn out to be.

kevangelenadub

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just love that scrunched up gonna have a snit face on Dub - he must spend hours figuring out how to make it really, really good! He just has to have a bigger fit than sister Lena, who has hers perfected already with the head to knees sobs. Aren't kids funny? Also think the deer statue would be a great photo for a Christmas card - but they would already look so much different than they do now. Dub is definitely putting on a belly - must be those good American snacks!

Anonymous said...

Been fishing in the mountains of Steamboat. Just got here and had to get a quick update. Whoever called this the reality show of the summer hit it right on.
Wow, this time has flown by - I'm sure you're ready to come home. It's hard to imagine all the "little things" the kids are doing - that we have all grown up adjusting to day by day-you get them all in your lap at once - not for just one child, but for two. Very special gift you have been given!!
Someone up above knew how strong you both are. Sounds like you have plenty of family/friend support when you get back.
They're beautiful children, cherish every moment.They grow up fast. Praying for your safe return. Kathy

Anonymous said...

Blessings on you all as you await the final leg of your homeward-bound journey! I am not one to get overly excited about the unknown, and if you're any bit the same, and maybe even if you're not, by now you're quite ready to know that flight plan and get going with it! Though the children cannot possibly imagine what's about to take place, they do sense emotions/thoughts of folks around them incredibly well, so they likely have some idea of how you're feeling about everything these days, and that something's "a-brewin'." You all are so precious!!! What a blessing you and your children continue to be to so many! How grateful I am God has blessed each of you with the other!!! What a grand match! May God's grace and peace, love and strength - and JOY - be with you all through the remainder of your travels on this the BEGINNING of your life's journey together!
Thanks, again, for letting us all share in your beautiful story!
Blessings! Jennifer B. Bonner (and Wallace)