Visit to Green Forest Internat

We ended up going a day early due to scheduling changes. (Went on WED. afternoon) They scrambled to make it work for us.  Turns out it was Natasha's 50th birthday.  That made for a perfect chance to give her the notebook computer Natalie sent.  She was nearly in tears to receive this.  It means a lot to her to be able to keep the sponsors updated more timely.  We discussed how she would access the internet and it was decided Wi-Fi (some say WEE-FEE) was not the best option but instead she will get some kind of a 'stick' and use wireless.  (Sorry, I know nothing about this stuff).

Then the director gave a speech...he is extremely happy w/the grad. program.  He gushed about it..no small feat for a big, loud, Russian guy.  We found out he is a GFI grad. and has been there longer than any other director in that oblast.

Next we discussed all the questions for OBS/GFI and needs.  Dana Thompson's class will be helping w/ Christmas this year and a list for that was obtained.  If anyone has old IPOD's or MP3 players, the kids would like them...don't have to be expensive...would like some American music and they can put UA songs on somehow. 

We toured around the orphanage and it is really improving over older photos.  They have mostly all new windows, wallpaper, furniture, playground etc.  They have done away with the large sleeping rooms and have redone them to have only 2 kids per room.  It is a much better way, esp. for the teens.  The entry room Natalie worked on is all new w/ new floors, furniture and even a big fish tank ! 

When we walked into the kids rooms, they stood up .  We had that happen in the classrooms at Potoki, but here it was in the bedrooms too.

One girl is being adopted from Natalie's special group to the USA...she is waiting on the parents to come back after court.  Natalie's family photos are on the walls of her special group...it is clear they remember and love her family.

They had many requests but we decided to get them desks and chairs for their rooms (Natalie's group).  Galya was given the money and will oversee order and delivery.  THANK YOU GALYA !

Oh, they had a little party for us/Natasha's bday...cookies, fruit and champagne were enjoyed by all.  The director left early , so Pascal enjoyed the company of 7 ladies. He is a man of extreme patience to be certain !

On the road to the orphanage we noticed many, many new and large homes.  We felt- and Pascal and Vika agreed- that with these types of people moving so near the orphanage, it is likely their water problems would be solved by the town.  For now, this project will be put on hold.