Friday, March 5, 2010

Last Full Day in Moscow

Tonight, I am excited to be going home, but also feeling a little emotional about what we leave behind here. We leave behind a rich and interesting culture, our baby's homeland, the best translator/coordinator we could ever have (she's been like family), and thousands of other children who need homes. To see Ira Joy experience freedom in a way she never has before makes me sad for those that may never know it.

On a happier note, we saw lots of the city today. We toured St. Basil's Cathedral. It is so colorful with domes that almost look like candy. I wondered today how it compares to the grandness of Solomon's Temple from the Bible. Matt said Solomon's was probably grander, so that gave me an interesting perspective. We could have toured the Kremlin but I did not think Ira Joy would think the 1 and 1/2 hour tour very interesting. When we walked to Red Square today it was snowing quite a bit, and began again as we were leaving. Matt bought a Russian hat, as the vendors were thinking his bare head funny with scarf on top of it. There must have been around five different men that tried to sell him one before he gave in.

There is a very fancy mall on Red Square. I've never in my life seen such a place. Lots of the stores had English names, so I would imagine my dear sisters would have recognized those high dollar designers for clothes, shoes, and purses. For me, I wouldn't know a $1,000.00 purse from a $30.00 purse. We didn't bother going in any of the stores except a Russian gift shop, and a drug store. Matt remembered we like to pick up ornaments on our travels (Our travels are so many, right? Ha-Ha). So he had me pick out a couple. They will be a sweet memory for us every year for our tree. I also bought a picture of Russian folksy story-book type children for Ira Joy's room.

This afternoon, I had to leave the little cupcake with her Papa. She cried when she saw me put my coat on and figured out she could not go. There was a problem with the power of attorney we had prepared to have her government account go to the orphanage. So, our translator came and got me. We walked quite a ways (mind you, I'd already walked for hours today), got on the subway. She knew I'd never been on a subway, so she held on to my arm so as not to lose me. We went and had the whole document done over with a new signature at the notary, rode subway back, and she got me back to the hotel. I am for SURE not a BIG CITY girl! When I returned, the Papa and his "Moushka" (Mouse) (his knickname for her) had gone out gallavanting again. They found a grocery and bought some "malko" (milk) and enough water to last us our remaining time here.

She teared up tonight at bedtime, but didn't actually cry tonight. So, that is good. She is so happy when walking. She just sings a little tune all the time walking, and looking frontwards, and backwards, everywhere!

I brought a bunny that sings "Jesus Loves Me" with us. Some dear friends from home gave it as a shower gift. Thanks, Phyllis, Grace, and Caroline if you're reading this. She loves it and has been singing along with it. It is absolutely precious. Matt took video of it from his cell phone, and is going to try to post it tonight on facebook. When we get home we can put pictures on the blog.

Well, that is about it for tonight. We'll leave the hotel at 8:30 in the morning for our 12:30 flight. USA here we come!

1 comment:

  1. I think only Snortney would recognize brand names that expensive ;o) I'm glad you will be headed home soon! See you monday!!!!!

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