Joe accross Kazakhstan

I just finished my last blog, and wow, it is as harried as our life! Isn't this a pain, no blogs forever, and now two in one day! Sorry folks, spread the word, as these will be coming fast and furious.

Joe had a good night at the seismically stable Hotel Kazakhstan. He said room 1750, smoky, old but ok. That usually sums it up with Kazakhstan hotels. Everyone smokes over there. We are sure they do not understand the second hand smoke thing and old is really the norm.

Anyhoo, he made it through the night and is on his way to get Alena. He is about two hours into his trip and just found out that our translator still wants to come to America, and she may be coming with him!!!! How funny is this, Joe, our fourteen year old daughter and our 25 year old translator. If for nothing else, I know if anyone can handle it, Joe is the man.

So not only will he have our beautiful daughter, but he will have Zhanara. That is if she gets a visa. We shall see. Our goverment does not like to give single women visa's. They are afraid that they will get married and never leave. Don't laugh..... ok, I did. It sounds so much like a cartoon, but this is a real problem for our country. See for all the neigh sayers out there, who complain about America, most people do not want to leave our beautiful country once they get here. Immigration is a real problem because everyone is trying to get in, not get out!

So we shall see. Zhanara will have major culture shock, as here women are treated so differently. It will be great having her, so hopefully she will come.

Now as for Joe and what he is up for, I just want to put this in perspective for you. Alena is living in a small city, about 50,000-70,000 if that. She has never been anywhere else. She has not even taken a shower. In Kazakhstan the kids get on a bus, really a little van, and go to the Banya. A banya is a sauna that they throw water on rocks and thrash themselves with reeds. So coming to Almaty a city of millions will be unbelievable. Just think everything will be new. Everything. From the time Joe gets her she will be experiencing all new things. Just riding in a car for more than a few miles will be tough. All of our everyday things will be really new. Teeth, hair, everyday hygene will be different.

Our daughter is truly a child when it comes to her experiences. It will be amazing. And Joe gets to show her everything. A plane, a bathroom in a plane will be a challenge to her. He is going to receive a gift by being with her this week. How amazing. You know, I think I am jealous!!!! No, just kidding, I am actually thrilled that they have this time. She will know what having a dad is, and there is no better dad than Joe Moss.

Also, he heard that the other families should get their decree Tuesday. That is what we are praying for. We shall see. Joe is going to update the blog as he goes, so hopefully we shall get more information tomorrow.

Thanks for checking,
Kelly