Day 7 – Saturday, 12 August, 2006
Mark and I got up early, Mark mowed the lawn and I worked a bit. When Masha got up, she went downstairs. Mark and Masha went to the store to get milk and a couple other things. They took Simon with and then put breakfast together when they got back. Masha brought me a handful of fruity cheerios and asked me if I wanted a bowl.
After breakfast, we did a few chores around the house…got laundry started, cleaned out the pond, and Masha learned how to use the pressure washer…she wrote her name on the driveway with it!
After the chores, we went over to Becky & Eric’s to swim and play. Masha got the camera on the way over and took about 100 photos on the 10 minute ride. She is either going to be a model or a photographer….or BOTH!
Once we got there, the kids immediately hopped in the pool, but quickly discovered that the water was very very cold! After a quick lunch of mac & cheese up in the playset, they all ran inside to play Barbie for a while. Before we left, they also got in several games of alphabet Go Fish in the play tent. Eric and Mark were able to get Masha to say Rhinoceros in English!!
We made it home just in time to meet Khrystyna and her host parents Lisa and Fred. Masha and Khrystyna played in the yard for a bit while the adults chatted, and then we all headed over to the Leo-Cedarville park to play on the amazing playground. The girls had a great time, while the adults hung out. Brats and hot dogs all around, and tons of playtime.
All was well until time to go. Khrystyna was having none of it, and threw a bit of a fit. Any time any of the adults tried to touch her or talk to her, she cried louder and pulled away. Masha was tremendous, and helped Khrystyna up and into the car. As soon as we got home, Masha asked to call Khrystyna. We gave them some time to get home, then the girls talked on the phone for about 40 minutes or so. Masha gave her an overview of the schedule for the next few days, and they chatted about pretty much everything. By the time they were done, Khrystyna was doing much better.
Masha drank a cup of tea, took a shower, and then we watched a few Schoolhouse Rock videos and crashed.
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About Christine
I am a writer, a project manager, and a corporate refugee with a heart for orphans around the world. My two daughters were adopted from Ukraine at ages 12 and 14. I post about writing, chasing dreams, and making a difference in the world, and sometimes I share fun snippets of fiction in-progress.