Another Day

Today was a good day. For the first time, it wasn't snowing! We ventured out in search of a viewing platform that overlooks the city and the Baltic Sea. It was a long walk. We had to go up a ton of stairs. It took a while, but we reached the top, and that's when my vertigo hit. I had to squat down and hold on to the railing until my stomach stopped whirling and my vision stopped spinning. All the while I had to hold A's coat because he was trying to throw his leg over the rail! We were at least 4-5 stories up!!! He had kicked off all the snow he could reach, and there was more on the other side.:) After a couple minutes, I was fine. Dan was taking pictures which we will eventually post. I had to see the Baltic Sea. We travelled half-way round the world, and I want to take in as much as possible! By the way, the vertigo thing is totally unpredictable with me. If I had thought it would happen, I would have done things differently. Usually it only happens when I lose my footing.

We decided not to walk back down all those slippery stairs. Besides, the sun was within sight. I couldn't resist chasing it down. We made our way between all the government building on the hilltop and turned a corner. The beautiful golden sun blasted me full in the face. It was pure delight. I could just barely feel its warmth. I wanted to stop and stand there, but the foot traffic was pushing us forward and down. Within a few minutes we were back in shadow. I hadn't even realized how much I missed the sun!

A wanted to go back outside after lunch, but I was feeling cold and tired. He needed something to do, so we used empty water and soda bottles for bowling pins. He had a blast! After a while, I was tired of playing. I curled up with a puzzle book, and he kept playing for over an hour! He invented games of his own. It was fun to watch. He practiced his counting the whole time, too. He learns so quickly!!

After dinner, he was WOUND UP. Not in a bad way, just active and loud. He seemed very happy, but then he started asking to go home to Onika again. He was practically begging me. I felt so bad. I just pretended I didn't understand. He tends to get "stuck" on things, and I didn't want to encourage him to keep going on about it. I am so worried about going back to the orphanage for his party. He will NOT want to leave with us! Please pray about this situation. It is weighing heavily on our hearts. I think it would be better for us to skip the party. I wanted to get pictures of his "brothers" and caregivers, but it will be so hard for him!!! I am honestly not worried about us. We understand that it is his home and family that he is missing, just as we are missing our home and family. I believe his bond to us will eventually be just as strong. I know he already loves us as much as he is able. Poor baby.

Just before bedtime, Connor and Gavin joined us on Skype. It is the first time I have seen Gavin since we left. I have talked to him, but the camera wasn't working. As wonderful as it was to see and feel the sun, it was nothing compared to the joy of seeing and hearing my precious boys!!!! Skype is a MUST-HAVE for anyone travelling. Hopefully, I will get to chat with Meredith and Garrett tonight. That would be a perfect ending to a very good day.