February 3, 2010
Part 2

Today was our 1st full day in Almaty. After a few hours of sleep we all seemed a little more alive. After a quick breakfast and large cup of coffee, we were set to take a walk. The weather was like a spring day, so different from the weather we left behind yesterday-COLD COLD AND COLDER. As we left Karaganda, just walking up the steps to the plane we ha never felt soooooo cold.

We walked about a mile to a local park where there was still a little snow left. We saw so many small children playing in the snow with buckets and shovels. They all looked so cute in their snow suits and warm winter hats. We also saw one of the most beautiful churches we had ever seen. We were told it was made without using any nails, so hard to believe. We were able to go inside and Isabel said she had never seen a church so beautiful. It was so peaceful I found myself sitting and saying a prayer that when we meet our child that we will have both open minds and hearts. it maybe as early as Thursday, wow that’s in a few hours!!!!!

As we are walking the streets and we see all the small children in strollers, I can’t help but wonder what our child is going to look like. It really does not matter. I’m just curious who is this special little person that we have worked so hard and travelled so far to meet? Soon we will have some of those answers and more.

We took a trip to the famous Green Market.  I cannot believe I remembered how to find it, but I did. I had told Isabel and Dominic so much about  it.  It is something you have to see - all the different meats, dried fruits and cheeses, and all the smells mingled together. You can see some of this in the photos. Next, we went to the chocolate factory. The smell was far better than the taste.

We are now back at the hotel to rest and repack as we are leaving for the airport early in the morning. Tomorrow could be one of the most wonderful days of our lives if (a big if) we get to meet our child in the morning.  We will find out after we land in Semey. I remember waiting for Isabel to be born I was only in labor 12 hours, but could not wait to meet her, to touch and smell her, and tell her I was her Mommy. I feel much the same today as I did that day 10 years ago. In some ways it feels like a dream, but a dream that is going to come true, maybe tomorrow!!!!!!

We are not sure if we are able to post any photos until after court. We hope we are because we know so many of you have been with us every step of the way. We just wish you were all right here. Even though the travel is a bear to get here, it's the prize we get that really counts. So, until tomorrow, we say good night or good morning where ever you may be, and please say a prayer that tomorrow is the day!

The Vigale Family
Adoption Journey to Kazakhstan
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Awaiting flight to Almay
Flight to Almaty
Lunch sampler
More lunch items
Church built without nails
Children in the snow
Green Market
Balloon Seller