Michelle’s Apartment – Lunch & Games

Today, Renee spent the morning working and catching up on email while Paul bought supplies and searched downtown Odessa to purchase the correct phone and internet cards (a major accomplishment). In the afternoon, Renee, Nataliya and I met Yuri and Michelle at the Internot. We signed the appropriate papers granting us the right to “check out” Yuri for a few hours. Then, we walked to Michelle’s apartment where she served us lunch. Using Michelle’s laptop, Yuri was able to view the blog for the first time (Nataliya translated for him). We spent the next few hours playing games and had a great time while sharing several laughs and smiles. We had to return Yuri to the Internot by 6 p.m. Tomorrow, we get to check him out all day and plan a walking tour of Odessa’s historic sights. Tonight, we had dinner with Nataliya at Mario's, an Italian diner near our apartment. They have English menu's, familiar cuisine and friendly wait staff. This is why we have had three meals in two days at this fine establishment. ;-)


Michelle Maly, Renee, Yuri and Paul at Michelle's apartment. Michelle is a missionary from Omaha who volunteers at Internot #4.


We played several rounds of "Jenga". This game was a great ice breaker because it allowed for fun and laughs but did not require a lot of language translation.


Michelle invited a group of 10th graders from the orphanage to her home for an evening of games and a spaghetti dinner--where the kids prepare and clean up the meal. Sorry, I did not get all the names of the kids. Yuri is sitting at Michelle's right. There are many more kids, like Yuri, who need families to love them and help provide an opportunity for a brighter future.



We played a game with the 10th graders where you had to balance on one foot and bend over to pick up a grocery sack with your teeth. With each round, you cut about 2 inches off the top of the sack and make it shorter, and harder, to grab! Yuri demonstrates his technique (above). Sadly, this game was beyond my athletic skill as I only made it through the first round. Renee did very well and survived deep into the game. I have photographic proof that she played but, for some reason, she will not allow me to post it. ;-)