Since today is Sunday and the Internet Cafe is closed, I am writing from the Chagala Hotel. Though it is more expensive, it is a really nice environment (the internet cafe can be quite on the loud side). Today is a day in Uralsk that would make Currier and Ives giddy. Well, provided they were the giddy types. It has snowed very hard non-stop since yesterday afternoon and continues to do so as I type. It is incredibly beautiful. I wonder if we are now walking on many feet of snow as the snow never melts and the new snow just gets added on top. The temperature actually feels very mild to me now.

Today is my birthday and if someone had told me even 13 months ago that I would be spending this birthday in Uralsk, I would have stared at them with the look I usually reserve for the people who work at the Georgia Pacific building post office. Those of you who ever visited this post office know the look I mean. For those of you who have not had this, um, honor, the look is one of incredulity.

One year ago yesterday I filled out my application for World Partners Adoption. It has been quite the year. The first 3 months I spent filling out more paperwork than I could have imagined. Then came the wait. Oh the wait. I am a patient person but this wait nearly killed me. One of the hardest parts of international adoption is how much is out of your hands. You are totally relying on people you don't know and generally the information you receive is, well, non-existent. And yet, the moment I saw Abby's picture, the wait just evaporated for me. And the first moment I met her in person, I knew every agonizing part of this year of wait was worth it.

Alright, enough of my birthday retrospection. :-) On to Abby! The last 2 visits were just great. I don't know how else to say it. I'm sure it sounds boring reading what we do but every time I see her, there is more recognition in her face. She is content to let me hold and walk with her longer (rather than always playing). Each day I also see new parts of her personality. I think she is very funny and yet has a serious side. She loves music. She likes to attempt things herself but is willing to let me help her if the task is too hard. She has learned to make a fish face which is absolutely priceless. She babbles a lot. She is very fascinated with her feet. As I have mentioned many times before, anything that makes a good loud noise is a hit. I'm sure people on all the planes we will be on hope I am able to find something else to entertain her as much. :-) And she has a great little appetite. And I am already teaching her to be a Braves fan, Uwe! :-) We worked on the tomahawk chop today.

One thing I have enjoyed very much during my time in Uralsk is the driving. They know how to do it here. :-) Basically, if someone is going too slow, you pass them. Right side, left side? Your call. Someone getting on your nerves? Honk, and then move on. No road rage, no fingers, no words I can't repeat here for all audiences. Who knows how many lanes the roads are intended to have (I have not seen pavement in a week and a half), but sometimes there are 4 cars across, sometimes 6. Sometimes you are so close to the car next to you that you can reach over and tossle their hair. Not that I have done this yet. Those darn hats get in the way. :-) Igor is a wonderful driver. No panicking from home, but I have not worn a seat belt in 2 weeks now. They just don't wear them here. I'm not even sure his car has them. Now in the U.S., there is no way I would go out without wearing a seat belt. Drivers are too scary at home. And too busy doing other things. Here, they focus on driving. I have yet to see a driver here worry with makeup, shaving, reading, talking on a cell phone, or eating - all things I see on a daily basis when driving in the states.

Buses. This is pretty cool. They have different levels of service. There are large minivans everywhere. These are the nicer buses and cost more but you have a more pleasant ride. They even have curtains on some. The big (and thus cheaper) buses are more like you would imagine. Big, loud, and crowded.

Dogs. Since I commented on cats this week I must give my first love, dogs, equal billing. Dogs are everywhere. Many are with their people but also many are just out on their own. They seem very well fed so I'm not sure they are strays but they do not have any apparent leash laws. The thing that is funny is the dogs that are by themselves are on a mission. It is like they have a watch, a schedule, and someplace they must be. If you pass one, it will scarcely look at you. Instead, they will fast trot right on by. American dogs seem to just meander more. Sniffing, checking out the scenery, and just hanging out.

My time in Uralsk is actually winding to an end. In some ways this is hard to believe, in others, it feels I have been here a lifetime. This trip has so far been simulaneously difficult, memorable, wonderful and rewarding. I am very good at finding ways to entertain myself but there have been moments that this was hard for me here. I can't imagine this trip would be easy for anyone who needs to constantly have others around them. Well, I have others around me, but they are rarely saying anything I understand. :-) Even in the car when we are leaving the baby house, everyone will be speaking Russian. I try to pretend I know what they are talking about. Sometimes I can even sort of guess (as I discover if they happen to later translate for me). I think this is the closest I have ever known what it felt like to be illiterate. At least when I have traveled through European countries, the alphabet is where I could sound out words - or recognize them. Here the alphabet is completely different, so things like street signs mean nothing to me. It has been quite the learning experience for me. It is very humbling!

Alright everyone - I hope the rest of your weekend is a good one. I'm off to have a birthday lunch on a birthday in which my greatest gift is one precious baby girl.