Day Thirty-One

It was another great day in Kostanai that began with a surprise telephone call from Ginny and Austin! Thanks guys! What a wonderful way to start the day...

Julia was sleeping when we arrived at the Delfin Baby Home and awoke to find both parents' big heads smiling down on her in her crib. She was delighted and delightful! We dressed her and fed her then played for nearly an hour. She is definately in the crawling stage, pulling herself forward on her elbows toward any bright objects! Everything within reach goes directly into her mouth and this morning it was Bruce's nose. We played until nap time and she went down without a fuss.

We lunched with Oleysa and the Mullens at "The Russian Pub" and all ordered the stuffed cabbage, of local renown. It was terrific! After our meal, the "boys" walked to the ourdoor market and the "girls" went for coffee and then to visit Dr. Irina's Russian jeweler friend who had finished Carrie's made-to-order bracelet. It is magnificent, a piece of art and an heirloom for our daughter when her mother's done wearing it! The jeweler and his wife were again, hospitable and interesting as they told tales of growing up in Moscow. The girls returned to the hotel in the late afternoon when the balcony thermometer read 6° C. Although that may sound unseasonably cold, the temperature of our hotel room is in the mid to upper 80's so we are adequately prepared to return home to "spring."

Tomorrow morning we take Julia out of the Baby Home for her Passport photo! Tomorrow evening, Oleysa has planned a good-bye party for Bruce so "the Americans" will gather in the hotel lobby and carpool to a new discotheque for dinner, dancing and show girls. The fun never stops, right? First thing Thursday morning, we appear in "final court", then to the Baby Home for a brief visit with Julia before heading to the airport to put Bruce on a plane, eventually bound for home.

The time has passed quickly and this has been, so far, a remarkable journey! We are eternally grateful for the love and encouragement we have received from you, our family and friends back home. We are equally grateful for the support and attention that we have received from our new Russian, Kazak and American friends throughout our stay in Kostanai. May God bless you all with the generosity and kindness that you have showered upon us! With appreciation and love, C & B