You can't see the dry land and water, or much of the plants, but they're down there. Jaan's showing off the clouds.
Seryozha helped Raia, and Julie helped Jaan.
At least, that's what they said they were doing. All I could see was a lovely view of the moon through the window.
Friday we arrived home in Kovrov and just rested all day. Saturday we went for a short walk in the forest; it was too cold for anything long! That evening the youth came over for a fellowship time. Today we went to church, of course. It's been wonderful to share our daily life with Julie and let her meet our friends.
We had lots of adventures in Moscow, but now we're safely home in Kovrov. . . with Julie! And I think I'm too tired and busy to write anything more now.
God is very good!
(He was a little scary!)
One of the boys who especially thinks the world of Will, leaned over to me when Will started and whispered, "He's such a great actor! He talks just like a real donkey!"
I haven't had much to post lately. The Old New Year was a few days ago, so the holidays are officially over.
Oh, we are going to "our" orphanage tonight for another performance by "Super Donkey," and then tomorrow night will be the same thing at another orphanage, which is usually closed to us.
Raia's newest words reflect some of the things she loves. She says "mocha" when she wants to nurse. We guess that comes from молочко/milk. Or have I been drinking too much coffee lately? Her other new word is "ee-ah," which does not mean donkey; it means book! That took us a while to figure out. She must just be saying the vowels in книга. For a while we thought she was talking about Will's recent part as Monsieur Ee-Ah the Donkey, but now we've figured out that it only means donkey when she says it long and loud. Usually "ee-ah" refers to the books that she loves to read with Papa.
He was tired of driving the American group around and not being able to communicate with them. Even though Will got home really late, I was glad that he could go. When we jumped into the van on the way to the shelter, the group turned to us and said, "You speak English, right? Then tell us, where are we?!?" I was confused for a minute, and then I realized they were asking what city this was. And then they wanted to know where they had been earlier in the day!
This photo got the most votes. Thank you for all your input! Because of your suggestions, I changed the layout of the names a little, too. Also, did anyone notice the change up at the top of our blog? Or at the very bottom:
Julie's visit is the next big event in our lives, and we're so excited! The holidays are almost over now. Only Will has been able to go to the events of the last few days. Today we hope to go all together to give out presents at a children's shelter, if everything works out, though.
Jaan went and had a wonderful time, though. Will was a donkey, who told part of the Christmas story. The other adults were different animals, who each told their part.
(I know it's dark. Sorry.)
I was sad about it, but then the sunshine came out, and we decided that was in honor of Jesus' birthday. So, we had our own celebration at home. At church. . .
. . . and another little boy played his cello. All that must have inspired Will, because he came home. . .
. . . and played Christmas carols for us.
When she started saying Papa, she also started asking Will for milk and digging around in his shirt when she's hungry. Confused! If you don't usually like to comment, remember you can leave an anonymous comment, and then we'll have your vote, too. Thanks!
(Although, it's hard to tell who's holding whom sometimes.)
Today we're just staying home. We still have two invitations of "be sure to come over during the holidays," but we'll have to get back to that tomorrow. Also, three African students who study at the institute across the street from the church apartment came in. I had actually met them and talked to them before, so I was especially glad to see them. Please pray that they will come again and be able to understand. (Their Russian isn't all that good yet.)
