Friday morning we went to St. Nicholas day program at the school. Tania danced to a couple songs, some of the younger kids sang a couple of songs, the director spoke and a veteran spoke. The kids were then given some boxes of candy and a holiday card from the president of Ukraine. Just like in Utah, the kids were happy to give us their holiday card.

We spent the rest of Friday taking care of needed documents and getting passport pictures for the kids. Poor Sasha got really bored.

Saturday was an interesting day. We picked up the kids and thought we would have a day of shopping. We needed to get socks as part of our gift to the orphanage and clothes for the kids. David tried to exchange money. We tried at five different banks and no one would exchange our money. Marina finally loaned us some money. After lunch we were able to exchange some money and pay Marina back. We were a little worried for a little bit.


Sasha was in a hurry to go play computer games so we took care of his needs first. We really only needed to buy him a coat and some shoes. He probably needs a pair of pants but we will buy those when he is not around. He did not like us spending money on him. Tania had a great time looking for new boots. We were all so cold by time she finally picked out a pair. David, Marina and I started just pointing out boots and strongly encouraging her to pick something. Marina also told her we were all cold so she needed to hurry up and choose.

To warm us up, Marina took us to the place where her mother works. She bought us some hot foods, so we could warm up. After we warmed up we went to buy Tania a coat. We told her she had to make up her mind faster than when we were looking for the boots. We even picked out a pair of pants for her. She was quick.

Once again, Tania was extremely grateful. She had so much fun showing the kids at the orphanage her new clothes.