Another day closer to home...

Yesterday was fun! When we, Derek and I, (we share the cab daily to save on expenses) arrived at the orphanage, the kids told us a program was about to begin and asked us to be the "international judges" of hte judging panel. We said "yes" without knowing what we were judging. As we made our way to the gym, we noticed there were many soldiers present. We learned that the older boys from the orphanage were challenged to compete with the soldiers in a fun, physical contest. It was very fun and quite entertaining. Some of the challenges were pull ups (who could do the most...one from each team). The boys only lost by 3 in this round...this kid had much determination! Then sack races. This round was a tie because the soldiers sack tore and the last few soldiers decided to run to the finish line as there was no bottom to the sack. (We panel of judges penalized them for cheating!) Then a team challenge as to the most basketball goals.Then a race passing the basketball overhead. Then a race across the gym and back with a somersault on the way down. The somersault was more challenging for the soldiers since one tends to lose flexibility as he ages. The next race was VERY funny. Each team had to carry a small girl across the gym and back while their arms were locked in a 'bench" position, pass her to the next pair, and so on...the team that finished in the fastest time was declared the winner. The boys were faster. However, mid way through they lost their "bench" and carried the girl by one hand and one foot. At first the crowd gasped as she fell into this "pose", but the boys did not drop her. She actually laughed the entire time her head was about two inches from the floor as the last few groups ran with her. (We judges penalized the boys for their "cheating" in maintaining their "bench".)

In addition to the challenges, their was local entertainment. Three orphange girls sang karaoke. (I recognized one song. (The place when we frequently dine has this video playing overhead.) Kateryna was quite excited about the singing and music. She was dancing and trying to immitate their "moves" while the 3 girls performed. (Confirmation she is taking dance classes back in America. Maybe this can help as therapy.)

By the time the competition was over, it was time for us to leave...going back today to visit...

Wishing you all a great day!