Lucky me, it's girl's day in Kazakhstan where it's custom for everyone to gather and celebrate the women in the family. So, of course, I'm expecting a big bouquet of flowers from Bob today (LOL). Because it's a holiday, there are no visits to the orphanage (plus none on Sundays) so it'll be close to 2-1/2 days before we see Garrett "Nurlan" again. (Hope he remembers his mama and papa.)
Some of my concerns about Kaz were unfounded. We were able to use our "beat up" dollar bills. Customs in Almaty was a breeze (the only question I was asked was "Did you come from Amsterdam?") My fears that Nurlan would be diagnosed with FAS were laid to rest. Temperatures are very balmy by Minnesota standards (so all thermal underwear and sweaters were unnecessary.) There are no rules of the road and as a result the drivers are crazy, yet for some odd reason I feel safe. I expected the children in the orphanage to look very sad but it's quite the opposite. What really haunts me are the wandering dogs. They look up with sad puppy dog eyes and no one pays any attention to them. They wander from street corner to street corner without bothering a soul. I have tears in my eyes as I write this. The dogs of Kaz desperately need homes too. But sadly, I cannot save the world.
12 comments:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm sorry you won't see Nurlan on Monday. I Ironically on women's day the one thing you probably wish for is to see him.
Be safe.
The dogs broke my heart too - I left scraps and food out everynight for the ones near our apartment.
In happier news - congratulations on saying yes! Sounds like the first few days have been a little rough, but hopefully once you start your official visitation all will be smooth sailing.
Continued best wishes
Jodi
Happy Women's day! SAndi arrived in Kostanai (her sister posted for us) and had 30 minutes to get ready before going out to celebrate. She can't meet her baby on Monday (same as Shannon) cuz of Women's day. IT's so cool having you all there together. I love it, but I am never going to get anything done because i spend way too much time on here computer. :)
I'm sure Garrett Nurlan will remember you-and I'm glad to hear some of your fears were unfounded. I'm glad Garrett cleared the fas test too. I'm glad the kids don't seem sad. It's the only life they know- but to think what happiness awaits Garrett home in the US as your son is mind boggling.
That is sad about the dogs. Poor things-but you have to remember that starfish story-you can't save them all, but just think of the miracle you are giving Garrett and he giving you.
In fact, here is the starfish story for you to read. I know you've seen it, but i think it must have new meaning for what all you've seen.
Once a man was walking along a beach. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. Off in the distance he could see a person going back and forth between the surf's edge and and the beach. Back and forth this person went. As the man approached he could see that there were hundreds of starfish stranded on the sand as the result of the natural action of the tide.
The man was stuck by the the apparent futility of the task. There were far too many starfish. Many of them were sure to perish. As he approached the person continued the task of picking up starfish one by one and throwing them into the surf.
As he came up to the person he said, "You must be crazy. There are thousands of miles of beach covered with starfish. You can't possibly make a difference." The person looked at the man. He then stooped down and pick up one more starfish and threw it back into the ocean. He turned back to the man and said, "It sure made a difference to that one!"
Please keep in touch with us and try to figure out the camera. :)
XOXOXOOX
So true! Kaz is not a scary place at all. Unless you are a stray dog. What is somewhat strange is that with all these packs of stray dogs running around, we see lots of people walking dogs all decked out in sweaters, bows and booties. There is a beautiful and pampered German Shepherd living in the apartment next to us. So Kazakhs obviously have dogs as pets and care for them very much. In spite of all the strays.
I have a really soft spot for dogs too. They are the most amazing, loyal, loving animals. It will break my heart as well to see so many wild strays who are fighting for survival and don't have that special relationship with a loving human.
But you are only 2 people and bringing your son home is more than doing your part to make the world a happier, brighter and more humane place!
I'm so glad to hear the children are not sad. Kids are really amazing and adaptable. They do have generally happy dispositions unless there is something horrible going on.
I really like the idea of Women's Day! Enjoy this special celebration of YOU!!! We look forward to hearing about your next visit and seeing photos soon!
Congratulations on taking the first step to becoming a new family! And make sure your husband lavishes attention and spoils you all weekend.
I know what you mean about the dogs - they seem to have them in all developing countries that can't afford to fund a Humane Society. When we were in Mexico on vacation, I decided to buy a large bag of dog food so we could feed them. My husband said 'what's the point' but I decided that even if I wasn't solving the problem I was able to make the day of at least one dog. I hope they sell dog food in Kaz!
THe dog thing really is throughout the country. We saw so much of that in Semey too. Wow. It is so sad. Glad you guys are getting settled in and happy Woman's Day! How cool!!!
Happy Woman's Day Karen,
Thanks for sharing the tidbits about Kaz--going to the unkown can be so scary so it is nice to hear that it's okay.
I feel sad for the dogs--that will be hard to see.
Keep thinking of Garrett Nurlan and all you will be doing for him. I bet he is waiting to see his mama and papa just as anxiously as you are waiting to see him.
Take care and God Bless
Happy Woman's Day! I think we Kaz adoptive parents should start celebrating this here. The dogs sound so sad. I am sorry. Also, I am sorry that you have to wait to see Garrett/Nurlan.
But, on the flip side, it sounds like things are calming down and everything is going well.
I've tried to post a couple of times a response without success. I hope that this works this time.
I wanted to say Happy Women's Day to you!
Also....I know I'm going to be pretty torn up about the dog thing. I've read about this before. I do love it that you have a special place in your heart for them.
We're enjoying following along your journey.
Eileen & Pat
Glad some of your fears have been laid to rest. Customs is way easier then we feared as well... we got asked the same question about Amsterdam. Wonder what' up with that?
You are so right in that the kids there are happy and not sad at all. I think maybe it gets different as they get older and realize their situation, but they are well cared for and are healthy and happy.
The city we were in did not have the dog problem. I have read about it in many other regions though. It is very sad.
Oh, the poor, poor animals. It was the one of the saddest things about the city we were in. You would see the same ones running in a pack day after day.
I am so glad that things are turning around for you and you are getting your "kaz legs"
Cant wait for pics.
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