May 6th Update

Our paperwork is finally on its way to Kazakhstan and we are very excited! Should arrive next Friday the 14th or sooner. Yesterday we were able to visit 2 churches here in Pavlodar and it was interesting to see both of them. At first we stopped by the only Catholic Church and were greeted by a very friendly staff that gave us a tour and allowed us to take as many pictures as we wanted. After that, we stopped by the Russian Orthodox Church and things were not as friendly. The church reminded me more of a museum than a church and they allowed us to take pictures, if we made a donation.


We’ve still been visiting with D every day and love the time that we get with him each day. It’s amazing how many hours of fun a $1 bottle of bubbles can create! Today we brought a kite that we got for him last weekend, but there was no wind. Every other day is sooo windy, but not even a breeze today… the one day we bring a kite. He didn’t care and said that he didn’t need wind, so he just ran up and down the road in Kids Village flying his kite. It was so cute to see how much the simple things in life make him so happy. He kept cracking up and laughing at himself, and us, running up and down the street with him. He is such a joy and brings so many smiles to our faces daily! Every time that he was ready to go again, he’d say “OK…one, two, three!” and start running.

After our visit today we went back to the Bazaar and bought a couple soccer balls for the kids to play with and found a little store that sold Kazakh souvenirs and items. I had a field day in there and the little old ladies loved me to pieces and kept bringing out more and more things to look at! So excited about all the presents we are bringing home for D to enjoy over the years!

I’m reading a great book right now about Kazakhstan and if anyone is interested in learning more about this country, check it out. Apples Are From Kazakhstan By: Christopher Robbins

-Cortney

PS – Still no high speed internet…

Russian Lemonade...Dust liked it, but I wasn't too fond.  Tastes sort of like cream soda with a hint of banana (to me).  Not the lemonade we're used to!

During art time, Dustin created this to show D our trip home with him.  Starts with all of us getting in a taxi, flying on the airplane and arriving home. Then D can go for a ride in Papa's truck, with Sadie (the red thing next to the taxi).  :)

Inside the Catholic Church in Pavlodar

Russian Orthodox Church

Catholic Church

Inside the Russian Orthodox Church

Inside the Russian Orthodox Church

On the grounds of the Russian Orthodox Church