On Wednesday the 29th we had to travel approximately 2 hours to receive Olivia's original birth certificate along with her new one. We then returned back to Vinnitsya with the new birth certificate to prepare to file for her passport. With all the business to take care of we were not able to visit with Olivia on Wednesday. Thursday we picked her up from the orphanage along with one of her teachers to go to the passport office for a new picture and documents for the passport. Unfortunately, this area does not have the advanced technology that we have, so processing anything takes forever!!!! Olivia did great. The ride in the car was less frightening to her this time and she seemed to enjoy the new experiences. After completing all business, the teacher, Olivia and I went to the toy store to purchase some needed items for her group at the orphanage. Another new experience for Olivia at the toy store. She was in awe of all the toys. She did not know where to look. The teacher chose some new toys and wooden puzzles that I was happy to purchase for such a worthy cause. This store was limited on items needed so we headed to another store. At this store we would purchase teaching material that would benefit the kids in learning. Unfortunately, the teachers are not provided with any material that can help them teach the children at preschool age. Children at the orphanages do not receive the same kind of teaching that we provide for our children at preschool age. They do not have the means to purchase any material. Children in general do not start learning their colors and abc's until they start kindergarten at age 5-6.
Before our final stop we went to a small cafe for lunch. Once again, a first for Olivia. She was very quite and well mannered while she waited for her food. In all her new experiences so far she has done exceptionally well. Let's hope the plane ride home will be the same!!
At the 2nd store, the teacher was able to find lots of material that will be so good for the children. She was uncomfortable with this process but Alla told her that I said we were happy to be able to help in such a small way. The cost of goods is much less in Ukraine to our US dollar.
We returned to the orphanage, it was time for Olivia's afternoon nap. She had had a very busy morning. The teachers of her group were very happy for our help and were in tears, hugging and kissing me on the cheeks. Great feeling to help Olivia's group and the people that have been taking care of her.
Well, now for the next few days I will visit with Olivia and spend as much time as possible while we wait for her passport. We hope to receive her passport by Wednesday of next week. We will then leave for Kiev for our appointment at the American Embassy. There they we will get her visa and final medical exam. Then we will finally be headed home. At that time I will be sooo.... happy!! Like I said earlier, it is not easy being here away from my family. I miss them sooo... much. I love and miss Herbert and Ethan, Drew & Gabrielle very,very... much!!!!
Off to the orphanage...talk with you all later.
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