Update - We are not in Texas anymore Toto!

Ok this is an update of the last four days. One day the phone went out (I miss ma bell), the next day the internet didn't want to cooperate (I miss Time Warner - high speed), yesterday Blogger wasn't working and David and I have been extremely under the weather. So today the gods are with us and it looks like everything may be cooperating.

Thursday we hung out at home, David has been very sick with a major cold. Unfortunately, our winter coats are good for Texas winters but not the bone chilling, freezing temperatures of Almaty. It is a wet cold, not just cold. So pack a parka if you are from a southern state and not used to this cold stuff. If you are like our adoption buddies who are from Minnesota, I am sure you will feel right at home.

Friday we went to the grocery store, woohoo...big excitement.

Saturday we went to the 28 Panfilov Soldiers Park, where the big yellow wooden church is that everyone takes pictures of when they come here. The park was very nice. We took lots of pictures. It was freezing out though, so of course now I am sick also. Well between the cold air yesterday and David trying to hack up a lung, I am sick now.

Sunday (today) we had a visit from the pipe workers who come to clean out the pipes if there is a problem. And of course, yesterday evening we had a problem. The kitchen sink backed up, the toilet would back up and almost overflow when we flushed. Then we noticed that the kitchen floor was getting flooded with water. We called An, and of course she had to call someone else. Then we were basically told that the pipe workers only work until 6:00pm and it was 8:00pm, so they wouldn't be here until the morning, just don't use any water until then. We spent and interesting evening trying to figure out how to go to the bathroom, wash dishes, wash our hands.

The pipe worker came, he spoke no English, we very little Russian, but with the point to the issues method and 1,000 tenge later we were able to use the facilities again. By the way, they don't have plungers here. He wrapped a hand towel around his hand and shoved his arm as far as he could get it down the toilet as the plunger, then graciously tried to hand David the towel.....lol. David graciously pointed to the trash can to put the towel in.

Ok we are off for now. We truly, truly miss everyone at home, and the little conveniences that we take for granted. Lauren and Brandon, Uncle David said it was great to talk to you both, we miss you so much.