Almost A Month

The greenhouse at the orphanage.

No news in particular for the week. We are getting used to the bus system, and aside from some longer waits than expected at times, we haven't had any problems. The stops are a quick walk from the flat and the orphanage, so very convenient to get back and forth this way. As far as grabbing a bus to just take off around the city, we haven't tackled that, and don't really need to. The Internet cafe, grocery market, museums and anything else we're really needed/wanted is close enough to walk. It's nice to get the fresh air and exercise anyway.

This morning, we took Maxim into the greenhouse on the orphanage premises. We have noticed it many times but never stepped inside. It's not very large, but there were some really neat plants inside. Cactus, lilies, a lemon tree, and several other things that were beautiful but we would need my sister-in-law, Shannon the trusty master gardener, to identify (Shannon, Daniel took several pictures for you). Maxim liked this and wanted to go back inside when we were finished.

The other day, Daniel pulled a coin out and did a little slight of hand with Maxim, making it appear that the coin had somehow gone from Daniel's hand to behind Maxim's ear. He really liked that. As soon as Daniel was done, Maxim used the coin to "repeat" the trick back to Daniel. He didn't miss a beat. Just went right into it and had obviously watched closely. Of course, we could see the coin while Maxim was doing it, but it was fun to see him try. He really has a sweet personality and very quick sense of humor.

We have also noticed that he enjoys music. He hums a lot when we're just doing something simple like coloring together on the floor. Sometimes, he gets up on all fours the best he can, raises his little bum in the air as far as he can, and just happily wiggles and hums. Love it.

A couple of days ago, a man that Daniel and I sometimes call the mad scientist (wears a white lab coat and has a wild frenzy of white hair) came to Maxim's group. He played his accordion and the boys sang with him for quite awhile. I think just some traditional folk songs. They sounded really good, singing very loud and happily. They were asking for more. When the boys have things to focus on, they're happy and well behaved. Things get more complicated when they are bored. Makes sense, right? Anyway, we enjoyed hearing them sing and I hope the man comes to their group again sometime while we're here.

We enjoyed a very nice Thanksgiving with several other Americans. Thank you to James and Julia Thornton for welcoming us into your home, and to everyone else for including us so warmly. It was a really pleasant time together. A piece of the U.S. for just a little while.

Blessings to you all.