October 22 Fifth day in Ukraine

Yeah :) we got to sleep in today.  Some boys went to school and a couple did not.  All the schools here are going six days a week because of the European Cup that will be here in 2012.  They do plan ahead.

Alex and Andre  left this morning for a three day prayer and fast in another town.  Bill is in charge of getting us to church tomorrow and the boys to school on Monday.  Alona is here to guide us.

After lunch Bill and I took the van and got to do some exploring around Kherson.  We went to the downtown area and walked around.  

We found the mega farmers market.  Wow, wow, wow, you name it, it was being sold on the street.  It is fascinating how they set up.  One block was designated for the selling of dogs and cats, young and old.  

We started at the indoor market place where they sell all the food products.  I think Bill and I both walked in the doors and stood there with our mouths dropping open.  I am sure no one noticed we were not from around here; ha, ha.  It is set up like a big flea market where you rent your numbered space, the building was probably 40,000 square feet.  Lining the outer walls were the butchers.  First of all they were all women.  They all had a scale and raw, non-wrapped meat displayed; it was behind them, in front of them and hanging from above.  On one table were skinned rabbits, but with the fur left on the feet, and right next to that were geese (we think) that were plucked and cleaned, but with the beak and feet stuffed into the cavity.  Amazing.  No, we did not buy anything.

I do have pictures but of course I do not know how to attach them.  There were dairy products, pastries, candy..... everything.

After the market we just wondered around and found a Burger Club and had a burger and fries.  It did not taste the same, so we ate only about half of the burger; but the fries were good.

Before we left the house Alona asked if we would go to the grocery store.  Thank goodness for translators.  We thought we did pretty good until we saw the look on Alona's face when we showed her the mayonnaise.  She said to get two big packages, so we did.  As you know our mayonnaise comes in jars, so we got the biggest ones.  We think one tub equals two of our regular sized jars.  Oh well more laughs, especially Marina.

All the kids are so quick to laugh, the house is always full if laughter.  The kids that were shy about trying English words in the beginning are attempting new words.  It is funny how sometimes your tongue will not do what you want it to do.

We got home around 4:00 and Dima started dinner.  It has been a relaxing night; as relaxed as it can get with so many kids.

The number of kids for dinner changes all the time.  There are the kids that stay here plus whoever decides to drop by.  We heard during the weekend there can be 15-20 kids at the house; especially on Sunday.

I guess that is it for now, if anyone can tell me how to put pictures on our blog please e-mail me.

спокойной ночи, и Бог благословит
Goodnight and God bless
K & B