Monday, August 27, 2007

Leaving Astrakhan

Astrakhan is a city that sits on the Volga river just before it slips into the Caspian Sea (the river not the city). It is almost 450 years old (the city not the river), and has it’s own Kremlin (the word Kremlin simply means fort). During the time of the Soviet Union it was known for its production of salt and vegetable, and, of course, oil. Today Astrakhan’s main production is gas. The gas production company here employs about 1/4 of Astrakhan’s 500,000 people. It’s the largest gas company in the world. The average salary is very low and only the very wealthy own a home. Most of Astrakhan lives in huge apartment buildings. The people of Astrakhan are very stylish and take pride in their appearance. This does not apply to the local fishermen that fish off the port in front of our hotel. Very few people own cars, there are taxis and buses. Astrakhan has 3 baby homes that house children from 0-4 years of age. I am not sure of how many children are in each home, but it’s more than we could take home in one trip. There are about 8-15 children in each “group” of the orphanage. Who knows how many groups there are! Today a little girl is leaving this region for the first time in her life. She doesn’t know it yet. Right now she is crying in her crib (it’s nap time). Everything she knows will disappear behind a cloud of jet fumes as we leave for Moscow. We are ready to leave, but we know that possibly the hardest part is yet to come. The big question is how will she do for the 2 hour flight to Moscow? I predict mucho crying. This is the end of our journey in Astrakhan. We talk about returning one day maybe when Lilia is a teenager. We are taking our last pictures and videos so we have some history for her. Andi is packing with a feverish pace. Lilia naps. I try to just stay out of the way. Here we go . . .

3 comments:

mother said...

Jonah and Andi I don't know if you are in the air now, or asleep in Moscow or what, but God keep you three in all that you do. We had a big family day yesterday, all went out to eat for Sarah's B-day (us and Nona and boys.) Hung out. Joshua goes to pre-school starting today. He can't wait. But if we brought up school I know it was hard on Justin who is not having such a great time. Jacob seems to be adapting to highschool. Sarah is off today and we are getting her prescription filled and going to the bank so she can get a debit card. A wild day I know. Tonight Mr. Matt and Katy are coming, and Laura Harris so we can go over music for the wedding which is in about three short weeks! We are also figuring out the service and Matt is deciding whether or not he wants to write vows. So it's been busy. Your place is in fine shape. All is waiting for your return.
Mother

Jody Saso said...

I'm so excited for you all to be taking those final steps towards being HOME! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jody

Mom Marie said...

We are at the river. Spent most of the day canoeing. Caleb went from "I don't want to", to "I want to stay longer" back and forth a hundred times or so. He & I are exhausted! Maybe we'll go to Dairy Shack for dinner. We're having a good time. It is very different to see everything through his eyes.

Glad you are on your way. Let us know if you can get out of Moscow early.