Football and Horse Jerky

For some of you who thought I was kidding, here is a photo of the horse jerky right alongside the beef jerky in our store. I have not had the courage to try it yet (that is knowingly),although something tells me I probably have. Things have slowed down dramatically since the director signed our papers and the Judge approved our adoption. We have to wait until May 29 before the 10 day waiting period passes (2 extra days for the weekend) and things then really pick up speed. Until then, our routine is: sleep in, go for a run, get coffee, have lunch, look around town and then catch a taxi to the orphanage when school is out around 3:00 in the afternoon. We play with the kids until 6:00 p.m. which is the time we have to leave. Vova then calls us a taxi which takes us back to our apartment. We then unwind sitting outside the Irish pub which is below us, and drink a few beers and re-hash the days events. We then go to the market to get some groceries, come back to the apartment and make dinner. After that it is already 9:00 pm. Then we head to our respective computers. Since things have slowed down, my posts will probably occur every other day barring some event that merits attention.

The past few days we have introduced the boys at Kherson orphanage to American Football. I brought a plastic nerf outdoor football and a regular football with us, and the boys just can't get enough. We have posted some videos on facebook. Basic stuff: How to hold the football on the laces when you throw it, pass catching routes, how to defend the pass. They love it. When they see me come in the afternoon with the footballs, it doesn't take long for a crowd to form.

Today, a Christian missionary group called "Agape" (Greek for "Love") staged a play about Jesus for all the orphans in Kherson. It was pretty amazing and CBN ("Christian Broadcasting Network") was there filming. I did not get a photo, but did get a video which I will post on facebook later. After the play, the "Agape" soccer team played the Kherson orphanage team. Below is a photo of the "Agape" soccer team after the match.

The following are some more photos of some of the beautiful children here at the Kherson orphanage available for adoption if anyone is interested.

Vlad and his little sister Tanya

Judi and Sophia

Sophia's brother Andrea. I will close with this observation. It is clear Vova is the leader of his group and he is not one to show his emotions easily (carrying on with a Jacobsen tradition). That being said, he is very protective of Judi. And whenever they walk anywhere, Vova does not hesitate to either hold Judi's hand or put his arm around her. Unashamedly! And his friends think nothing of it.

Don't think you would see a boy this age doing this in the U.S. very often. I don't think this is a specific reflection on Vova, but rather on all the orphans as a whole. These kids are starving for affection! And when they get it, they are not ashamed to return it in kind. Kind of nice!