Day 25 (Thurs March 3rd) Dnepro - Woman's Day Program (Day 2)

Yesterday was AWESOME!  We were asked to show up to the orphanage at about 2 so we took the 11:20 bus instead of our usual 10:30 bus.  The weather actually resembled something pleasant.  It was cold, for sure, but not bitter cold.  We walked to the orphanage in relative comfort. :)  It was actually the first time I got to look around a little as well, since every other time I've walked I've been fighting the wind and/or watching my feet so as not to slip.

This is the road the orphanage is on

I thought it was hilarious that chickens were just out wondering in this yard

Some random field

Playground equipment at the orphanage

More playground equipment

When we got there, there was a bustle of activity as final preparations were made for the Woman's Day program.  Even though the actual holiday isn't until next Tuesday they celebrated it yesterday.  The usual workers have it off so they won't be there the actual holiday.  We waited while everything was finished up.  The director said I can take pictures and videos now.  Yea!  I was a little worried about Ira because she knew we were there, but wasn't coming out to say hi or anything.  When she did though, she was all smiles and luckily feeling better.

The program was ADORABLE!  And, since I can take pictures, I have lots. :)  The links are to YouTube videos.

These took part in the program

Some cross stitches 

The banner says something that doesn't translate well.  As close as Masha could get was Little Spring.

Little Ira

Little Masha

The Masha's

The director began the program and it was very nice.  There were judges (the older girls had a "competition") and they all got introduced.  I believe she told who a couple of the other people were and then she started talking about us.  We weren't guests.  We were part of the orphanage because we were Ira's family.  I was very touched.

The Director making announcements

The director had asked Husband to do a little speech congratulating all the women and girls on Women's Day.  He was kinda quiet so sorry. LOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMG5d4gSBoQ

The little kids reciting.  Unfortunately, I missed Little Ira's part on the video. :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXhAH58biSs

Here are the littles singing a couple of songs.  They weren't actually sung together, but I'm going to put them together on here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzWEQbLry8w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6kS2khj-00

Next the older girls introduced themselves for the competition.  I love these guys!

I have no idea how to spell her name, so just know that I know it. :)  For those in the hosting program, she stayed with Faber's.  SUCH a sweet girl!

Olga (She and Little Masha stayed with Jorgensen's)

Nastia

Shnirzana (she was very nervous!)

Nadia

Nadia

One of the things they had to do was count the peas in the shoes with their toes.

Next the little ones did a dance.  The older boy in the middle there (not part of the dance) is Kola.  LOVE him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRUVCLUSxAU

Here is them singing and dancing again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=272dA8kFQ84

Here is Little Ira and little boy singing together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4yPanCjDoo

The painter kind of intro-ed Ira's part

Ira and Vika reciting something

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3It4j7fiITw

Both Ira's watching

The each got a team together and did a relay race to make the girls beautiful by adding freckles until the music stopped.

The girls a freckeled up

While all that was going on, the judges were judging.  This was seeing how they did sewing on a button.

This was how well they made a sandwich

Then the contestants did a dance as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEAY1nIPN6A

After that we were each given a flower like the ones they had on and were to pick our favorite girl to win.  How could I pick??  I needed 6 flowers!  After the winners were announced they all got a stuffed animal of some kind.  So fun to watch!  I loved the program and wish they were doing another similar thing before we leave again.

After that, the little kids (since we are now allowed to see them and wonder the orphanage) were begging us to come see their area and play.

This is the room where they all sleep and yes, there are 16 beds in there

This little girl REALLY wanted to play with Little One so they played tag.  So cute!

I SOOO want to take this little girl home.  Talk about melt your heart!  She has a sis and bro too that I'd be happy to have as well. :)

Her sis is the one looking at Masha and her brother is as well...in the white shirt.  I really, really want to take them....

Isn't she ADORABLE?!  Masha was showing them where Utah is in relation to Ukraine.

Here she and her brother are with Husband.  Little Masha is there with her back to me.  They were showing him English books and wanting him to read/help...I'm not really sure what.

This is the little girl that loves Little One.  It was the cutest thing watching them play together.

 We got all ready to go and as we were leaving we came across the people that are teaching them English.  They are all from Poland, but live in Dnepro.  They speak very good English.  The guy offered us a ride and I thought he just meant to the bus station, but he meant all the way back to Dnepro!  We went ahead and waited for them, watching the class and visiting.  Kola came and enjoyed being able to talk to us finally as well.  Especially with someone there (Masha is usually surrounded by the girls) that could help us talk to each other.  He's really the only one of the boys that has shown much interest in us.  At least outwardly.  SUCH a sweet kid.  I'd take him home too, honestly.  I'm not exactly old enough to be his mom, but hey. LOL

English class - review for a test

Look at all those cuties learning English!

We had a very nice ride back to Dnepro with them.  Such good people!  I'm so glad we've gotten to know them, if even for a little bit!  We heard a little more about some of the kids and just had a very nice visit.  We talked about Mormon things and they had very kind things to say about the few LDS people they've met.

Ah...such a wonderful day!  Part of me worries for tomorrow since Ira seems to go from hot to cold each time we see her.  Since we had such a good day yesterday, what will tomorrow be like?? LOL  Na...I'm thinking it will be just fine.  We get to take her and Kristina with us to Dnepro for the holiday weekend and we're very much looking forward to that.  I'm actually very, very glad I didn't go home.  I think these last few days here are going to be the best, by far.