Friday, Dec 22nd Post

Dear Friends and Family

Today has been a pretty good day so far. We talked to the director finally with a translator (another couple's), and learned a bit more about her concerns. She's not mad or disappointed in us at all, but does want us to discipline the children more. We are comfortable with her telling us this, but we were very surprised to hear what she meant in particular terms. She encouraged me to tell them that if they're not good I'll take them outside and leave them there (apparently she frequently tells them this herself), or that I'll throw them out of the plane. She also encouraged me to buy a good belt for their butts. Kelly and I do not feel sorry for a minute that we've not taken these extreme measures, and are not at all surprised that the children perceive a lack of discipline from us, given what they're used to.

The boys were also very good this morning, especially after receiving "The Talk" from the director. Lawrence seemed to enjoy sitting on my lap the whole time, and William was relatively quiet as well. We scored a minor victory with him last night when we for the first time were successful in persuading him to give his borrowed items back to their owners at the end of the afternoon visit.

In other good news, we have secured an appointment at the embassy for Tuesday. This wasn't supposed to be difficult, but it's nonetheless nice that we got it squared away, especially since they will be operating with a reduced staff and for reduced hours.

Kelly and I are very excited that our translator has arrived in town. She's the one that encouraged us to get out and enjoy ourselves. We're paying her $35 per day for a couple of days of shopping to get stuff for the boys and for souvenirs. Of course, we'd be happy spending time with Stalin if it meant killing some of the boredom! We expect that she will also take us out at night, too.

Either tomorrow or Sunday, we will host parties for each of the children's grupas. We've learned from some of the other families that have preceded us that this consists of fruit and candy and some token presents. Each of the children will stand up and wish the departing child something nice, like: "I hope you grow as big as Papa," or "I wish you good health." If they allow it, you know I'll have the video recorder rolling!

Lunch was interesting, yet again. I thought I ordered a steak hoagie (I should have known it was too good to be true...) as depicted in the picture I was pointing to, but received instead a wrap filled with chopped hot dog, ketchup and mayonnaise. I can't complain about the large beer I received for fifty cents, though.

Since our translator is here and we'll be shopping during the times between visits, we will probably miss a day or two in posting. Also, we'll be traveling to Kiev on Monday, and aren't sure how often we'll be posting once we're there.

TOP TEN MYSTERIES OF UKRAINE

10. Why do all buildings have multiple doors, but all but one are locked?
9. Why can you see ice on the river and women's' bare legs on the same day?
8. Why are all trees painted white at their base?
7. Why is it impolite to cross your legs, but not to spit anywhere outside that you like?
6. Why are there no traffic laws?
5. What happened to all those cool big furry hats you see in the movies?
4. Why do nearly all women wear fancy leather spiked shoes and boots?
3. What exactly do they put in the sausages here (besides horse, of course)?
2. Where does the hot water go between 11 pm and 6 am every day?
1. Why is Ukraine fascinated with dance music, but we've not heard a single BeeGees song, the greatest dance musicians ever?

We hope everyone is enjoying their Christmas preparations, and once again would like to thank everyone for writing to us and giving us well wishes. If you don't hear from us until then...MERRY CHRISTMAS!


Peace and Love,

Bill & Kelly