Well, we are almost two thirds of the way through this journey. Things are really picking up. We worked with our guide/interpreter to set up some better rewards and....PUNISHMENT! What a tremendous improvement. It is still very difficult not being able to fully converse, but it is light years better. Who would have guessed, standing in the corner is VERY Upsetting to them. Apparently at the orphanage this is the method commonly used.
A few battles with the little guy but he has been able to go swimming the last few days. Today Emilia got a pretty good dog paddle down, but it is amazing how fast then can go down. I have to keep a very close eye. They always pop up 3 times, right? Once she got a little dog paddling down she didn't want to wear the arm floats. But then later she put them back on. It is good fun, but I am glad the next hotel may not have a pool.
We went to the zoo yesterday and that was a good day. The middle guy wanted to choose where to walk and was getting a little upiddy, but then the lion roared at us and Tato's way was OK! There is a pretty good picture attached.
So things are improving, I can't imagine the battles we are going to have at home over the next bunch of years, but laughter is really nice too. I am coming around some.....
Wish me luck, Wrotzwa is a really nice town compared to Bailystok!
3 comments:
Hi Beth, Tim and children,
I am enjoying your reports and feeling for you. Just remember even children that you have from birth can be trying at times, but the rewards outweigh the frustrations! Love the picture of Mom and the kids. The area you are walking in is beautiful. Have a safe trip to your next destination. Will continue to keep you all in our prayers.
Love, Judy and Tom
Hi Bethie and Tim:
I love reading your updates. I feel like it's a series of episodes of Startrek, "seeking out new civilizations, boldly going where no Wisconsinites have gone before, Captain's log," etc.
I especially enjoy reading how both of you are working together to maneuver your way along this new journey of adoption and parenting. I wish I had some helpful hints but none come to mind, other than counting to 3, that always worked with my kids or counting to 10 works for me when I need to cool down. Give yourselves a break, have a sign you give each other when you need a time-out.
I was trying to think of things that the kids would enjoy that might help pass the time. Marble games, finger painting with shaving cream on the table is fun. Also, I have a great recipe for playdough if you have access to a microwave or stovetop (boiling water, flour, oil, salt and Koolaid for scent, if you can buy it there.) Let me know if you'd like the recipe.
Bethie, Mary Lou sends her best wishes and would love to talk with you when you get back. She has 3 lovely girls from China about the same ages of yours.
I love how God is using you as an instrument of his love. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am so looking forward to meeting the children.
Love, Jill
Hi, Beth, Tim, and family, So good to get your posts. Thank you for sharing with us. Just think a year from now when you look back and realize the love you are bringing to these children is coming back to you ten-fold and then some. You are special. Love, Kathie and Jim
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