Our day at the Liberty Park in Salt Lake City reminded me of our time in Petro's "Central" Park so I thought I'd write a quick note. The weather was somewhat overcast, the temperate a tad nippy, and the kids running from attraction to attraction. We played together on the swings, explored the duck pond and even sampled the very small amusement park rides. Coming together as a family, I find, has to have many such activities.
Five months have come since all seven of us have been together on American soil. Our home is no different than any other with ups and downs, smiles and frowns, etc. But certainly progress cannot be denied. The girls have thrived in school. Julia's last report card put her on on grade level in almost every subject. There has been basketball, tumbling, learning to swim, learning to rides bikes and rollerblades, and Little Miss Olivia's true love, ballet!
Thankfully the language has come very quickly. Julia gave a 5 minute verbal report to her 4th grade class, complete with a power point program. She did a wonderful job. Olivia loves to sing along with the radio to all her favorite songs and both can express themselves on demand. Gratefully, they have been willing to continue cultivating their native language. Both have taught me to pray in Russian and love to help me with new ways to say thanks. Gratitude is a powerful thing. As I look back on the events of 2007 they seem as a dream, a very powerful dream. Sacrifice, along with untold effort have brought the sweetest blessing of all, to love and be loved.
guy
