Day Thirty-Seven

It's been forty days and forty nights and I'm beginning to understand Noah's plight, on a boat packed with non-English speaking couples! Actually, I am still fine and enjoying the novelties of life amidst this very foreign culture. For those of you who have lived or visited abroad for an extended period, you will understand that the most inspiring moments are the subtle ones. Like walking "home" from the market, carrying bags of groceries, feeling momentarily like everybody else.

Today started out rainy and cold, reminiscent of a damp November morning in New Jersey. Julia was happy to see me and we talk now, before, during and after breakfast. She is consistently more relaxed with me during mealtime, no longer straining for her next bite before swallowing what's in her mouth! She still let's me know that she's not happy when the food is gone but recovers more quickly and we move into the next activity of the day. This usually involves crawling on the sofa, playing with her vibrating teether-dog and stacking cups, sitting and standing with Mommy's support and singing songs like "This Old Man," "The Itsy, Bitsy Spider," "Someone's in The Kitchen With Dinah" and "The Barney Song". I need some help here 'cause I'm making up words as I go along! No one told me to bring a baby song book! After digesting, Julia and I mingle with the other babies. Julia then begins to rub her eyes and pull her ear, signaling that nap time is around the bend. When I'm holding her, she will rub her whole face into mine, not unlike Lil' Buddy when it's time for me to wake up! Julia doesn't yet cry when I leave but I am hopeful that phase is approaching, just not until we get home! It's hard enough to leave when she's so happy...

We had our final farewell luncheon for the Mullins who headed for home to south Jersey this afternoon. I didn't think I would say this again but I had the BEST perrogies ever! It was a special meal and one that reminded me of the last day at overnight camp, saying good-bye to new friends who'd shared a brief but significant life experience. I walked in the light rain to the indoor mall and then to the "Gros" for diapers, water, "Leibniz" (German Butter Biscuits), grape juice and a great Kazak cup-of-soup mix. It's there that I enjoy trying out a new Russian phrase with the older, bag-check ladies whom, by their facial expressions, appear to reciprocate my enthusiasm. Today it was, "meen- YAH zah- VOOT Carrie. YAH OH- chin pree- AHT- na." OR, "My name is Carrie. I am pleased to meet you." They correct my pronunciation of EACH AND EVERY WORD but seem to get the message! This is an impossible language and I'm not getting any better at it, despite my fruitless efforts!

At 7:30 PM, the sun is now shining brightly and there is a fierce wind howling! I am the happy, NEW recipient of the "community DVD player" replete with the complete collection of Bruce Willis movies! Does life get any better than this??? Austin leaves for Italy with his 8th grade Latin and Art teachers and a few other kids on Friday. I am thrilled for him and only wish that I were there to obsess about his packing and general safety! I am really proud of his independence and self-confidence and can't wait to hear about his trip when we both get home! I am thinking about all of you on the adventures of YOUR lives. Keep me posted! Love Y'all~ Carrie