Day 2 On the Move in UB.......

So we were picked up at 930 this morning and went straight to load up the vehicle with the suitcases of goodies for the orphanages we were going to visit. We visited the Kindergarten which currently houses 68 children, although the director is planning for 100 by Christmas. As the temps fall and people can not afford to heat their Gers, they will come bring their children to the orphanage rather than have their child freeze to death. We had a great visit with her and many positive changes have taken place since Seth's adoption. We did not get to visit with the children as it was the morning school session. When asked what the children needed, she mentioned some warm felt slippers and warm Mongolian vest for each child. These are usually wool lined so they really maintain heat. Because of your generosity, we were able to give her a monetary gift so she could purchase these items for the children. As much as we would have loved to shop and give the gifts ourselves, it is just not possible to size and shop for 68 children. She will send me pictures of the holiday celebration where the gifts will be given and I will post them.

Then we were on to infant/special needs orphanage which currently houses 73 children but she too expctes to see that number rise in the coming weeks. We arrived to a very quiet orphanage as all of the children were taking an afternoon nap:( I was very sad as I was hoping to see the special needs children that we loved on last year. We did get to tour the building and see all the wonderful improvements they are making and lots of sleeping, sweet faces. She did allow me to go in and hold a few hands and say hello to the special needs boys, most of them we lying in their cribs awake. The director spoke praises about the the donations from last year and how much progress the boys with CP have made....again, thank you!!! We also asked her how we could meet needs this year. She is quite savvy and so she does well with her budget but she mentioned antibiotics for the winter so the children don't suffer from infections and how she had hoped to have a party for the children with special food that they don't normally get, maybe a treat (things our kids get daily), and some singing and fun!! So, we were able to give her the funds to do this and she to will also send photos of the celebration and smiles.....

Next, we were straight off to the black market to shop for the street children that we sized on Tuesday. You have to be prepared and diligent and move quickly or you freeze. Well, we froze anyway but we left with more bags than the 5 of us could handle. These will be distributed today at a special lunch we are hosting at the community center. We still have lots to do and time is passing quickly but our days have been very productive, not always going the way we them to (I would have rather held kids today than looked at them sleeping in cribs) but it is all good!!

OK, gotta go....we are off to breakfast and I will try to download a few pics at the Children's Place this afternoon.

Stacy & Kate