4/11/07 - Birth Certificate fiasco...

We are in a holding pattern trying to get this birth certificate thing corrected. It would take pages to explain the process, steps and offices that need to be involved to get this (what you might consider minor and easy to fix) thing resolved. We could only imagine what things were like here when it was Soviet controlled. However, the Soviet way of doing business is still a mind set that the people here have not been able to shake. It's like their rest rooms (if you can find one). For those who have been here know it reminds you of a WW II movie, "bombardier to pilot, bombs away, hope we are on target." Although most of the people here seem to be happy of their independence, their infrastructure is in dire need of attention. There is far more focus on individual appearance than anything around them... It is still beneficial to witness the cultural differences and to realize the rest of the world is not like the good old USA, with all of it's own misgivings. We are a blessed people and could only wish more in the US could realize that fact. We spent time with Irina yesterday after many trips and stops to move correcting the birth certificate situation. We spent most of our time doing English lessons with her and her friends. They all really got into it. Irina got a hold of our camera and went on a picture taking binge (dozens of pictures). She enjoyed it and so did her friends. This orphanage seems to be better off than most we have heard about. It appears as there may be some sponsorship coming from somewhere (we think Italy). There have been a number of kids adopted by Italians and they know many Italian phrases. These kids are mild, under control, respectful, neat and mindful of others. It makes you love them more each visit. We get to hug more and more on each visit. When we had Ira for the day on Easter Monday, we tried to get her some new clothes for the court date (???) and beyond. However, they take their Easter days off seriously here (a good thing for the Christians) and most shops and stores were closed. We did manage a new pair off sneakers (orange!!!) that she liked and a back pack to be able to bring home her personal things. Debbie gave her a bubble bath in the afternoon which she thoroughly enjoyed. She then watched a DVD movie in Russian (Ice Age 2) and then we played cards (UNO). She got a little tired and we spent a lot of time trying to communicate. Ira seems to understand quite a bit of English but as usual time and daily exposure will enhance her skills.

Pic. 1 - Easter Buns being blessed; Pic. 2 - Easter party at the orphanage; Pic. 3 - One of many group pics at the orphanage with Ira and her friends.