Day 35

When we got to the orphanage this morning, Babushka and Dedushka were there with Danila already.  After some coaxing, he ran up to us and gave Bryan a giant hug (he is the favorite right now!) and I got one, too...eventually!  I think that he associates our arrival with their departure, since they had packed up and left a couple times to give us time on our own before.  Danila LOVES them, and I'm happy for that, so we don't take offense :)

Today they stayed, though, and we all hung out (no interpreter!) and visited.  We did the typical things (it may be time to explore the toy store again to figure out something new to keep us all occupied), but towards the end of our visit we saw a bunch of children waiting in line for donkey rides!  Apparently there is a little hippotherapy going on at this orphanage!  Who knew?

Danila did NOT want to wait his turn, but his grandmother was so patient with him, always a reassuring voice, and he waited until it was his turn for a ride...and he LOVED it.  He sits so well, and was gentle with the donkey...and now we know that they donkey is not likely to bite any fingers off the next time that we get close enough to pet him :)

This evening we had a gourmet McDonald's dinner, and then went to the Thursday night worship at Calvary Chapel. Funny story about church- it is a very small congregation at Calvary, and we walked into the room about 2 minutes before they started.  When we opened the door, the pastor says, "We were just wondering if the Americans were going to come tonight...!"  LOL.  Making a name for ourselves wherever we go, I guess :)

PS- no news on a court date yet.  *sigh*