Our life in Kazakhstan.

Were not in Kansas anymore Toto! We got the internet hooked up so we just had to share what our home away from home looks like. Please don't worry, it isn't as bad as you might think. We have the A/C working. It cools only the living room. The landlord asked us to turn it off after running it for two hours and give it a break. We gave up on the washing machine. It took two days to do one load and they came out worse then when we put them in. We are now hand washing a load a day and letting them hang dry on the balcony. The water was hot yesterday but not so hot today. We're told that since it's summer the government will be turning off the hot water within the next few days. Maybe they did so early. At least now we have a small kitchen if we decide to cook. Cheerios has been a daily favorite so far. We have been eating out at least one meal a day with our in country coordinator, Olyssa. She is the blonde in the pictures. She is a gift from God. We would be so lost without her. Now for Melissa's drink of choice, Snow Queen vodka.

Bonding with Sophia has been going well. We can really see improvements with her daily. She has started to really smile when we walk in the room. She has been giving us kisses and we have to say we love the big sloppy baby kisses. They're the best. She has been pulling herself up well and will walk when your holding both of her hands. Today Melissa was playing Twilight for Sophia on the iPod. She really seemed into it too. Melissa thinks she loves Edward. We confimed today that Sophia's birthday is July 21, 2008 and her given name is Nayda.

Views from our apartment.




Melissa's saving grace.



Sophia watching Twilight

Olyssa and Sophia