Gangbusters in Gorodnya

It was a busy and action-packed day (by Ukrainian standards). We headed out to Gorodnya early to go to court for the court decree. Katya and I explored the library and some of the downtown, while Oles did the notary and court stuff. Then we met Katya’s English teacher on our walk to the orphanage. While we were conversing with Maya, whose English is not bad for never having been to an English-speaking country, Oles called, picked us up and we went to the inspector’s office to sign some documents. Then off to the orphanage to sign more documents. Oles had to take an elderly grandmother of one of the children (on two stick canes) to the bus station, so we went in search of Tanya. We ran into Mr. Orphanage Director and he was friendly (fyoo!). I had to take this picture of Tanya wearing Sophie’s pants from two years ago that are too small for Sophie and falling off of Tanya’s tiny body!

While we waited with Tanya in the hall for Oles’ return, classes let out for lunch and I was able to meet many of the girls’ friends. Katya is here hugging the Katya that has become her good friend since Sophie left the orphanage two years ago.
I also met the notorious “Artyom”, who Katya insists is only her friend since he is 17 and clearly too old for her.

We ran into the teacher, Maria, who says she is no longer afraid we will sell the childrens’ body parts. I asked if I could photograph her on her motorcycle, but she said it’s too cold—maybe next week if it warms up. Ochen klass!

After we signed more documents, Oles drove us to the local banking institution, where we met our friend, Olga, the caregiver. Olga opened an account that we can use to help the children in Katya’s class (and Tanya while she’s still here).

Afterwards, we had a relaxing lunch and went to visit our darling Sabachka, who was not there at first, but when I whistled for him and yelled his name, he came running to us. We made it worth his while, by feeding him. We miss you all and send our love.

SDG
Charlene and Katya