He smiled!

It was a new day in Taraz and we were excited because the night before Shirin had called and told us that we could go to Umit (the baby house) and see Timur. So, yesterday (Wednesday) in the morning, our driver Kanat, the third we’ve had on this trip, picked us up at the hotel, and took us to the orphanage. We went into one of the “bonding rooms” and Shirin brought Timur to us. This being our second time seeing him, we weren’t as much of a shock to him and he actually could look us without crying. There was a visible sense of seeing him relax as he reached out for the few toys that we brought for him to play with. We even saw just enough of a smile to see one dimple appear on his face. (look out Emma!)

The orphanage and most buildings in Taraz are quite warm and culturally, people seem to think that if you get cold, you will catch a cold so many precautionary measures are taken to avoid any sense of chill. Timur was brought to us in a thick pair of underwear (we aren’t sure if he is already potty-trained or if that’s just the way they do it here), thick pink quilted pants, and several layers on top as well which of course also had some pink on them. I guess you work with what you have. He also had thick socks with thick, fleece mouse slippers over top of his socks. The poor guy was sweating but I’m sure he wasn’t about to catch a cold! We’ll ease into the stripping off the layers as we don’t want to offend the cultural norm. Anyway, we had a great time with him although it was only a few short hours. He fell asleep in Wendy’s arms right at the end. All in all… a good bonding day. The bad news was that it wasn’t official “bonding” yet because he doesn’t come off the registry until the 15th despite some efforts to make that happen. So bonding will officially begin tomorrow which means we get to see him every day for two weeks. Our hope and prayer is that they can schedule the guardianship hearing on the same day that the bonding period ends. This would enable us to then fly home on Saturday the 30th or 31st. We’ll keep praying towards that end.

This morning, after Wendy slept for 13 hours (I think she better be recovered from jet-lag now) we had a light breakfast and took a long walk. It’s fun to people watch and to take in all the sights and sounds of Taraz. It’s very interesting to hear loud speakers boom out the Muslim “call to prayer” followed by a loud chanting recitation from the Koran. We saw some huge mosques and found a nice little shopping center a few blocks away. Tonight, the plan is to buy a rotisserie chicken and have potatoes and carrots on the single burner we brought along. I’m writing here in the hotel and then we are headed to the internet café a few blocks down to jump drive this onto their computers since we haven’t found a place yet that will let you use your own computers with their internet. Thank you for your prayers and support each day we are away. We have had some moments of homesickness but God has sustained us and strengthened us with his peace even here… half way around the world. -Shane