Tbilisi

Tbilisi

I thought I'd post a few pictures of sites in Tbilisi we took while driving around yesterday.

We never made it out of the house today. Just as we were getting ready to leave a wicked storm kicked up. Very very windy, rather chilly and rain. ;o(

Tamara didn't seem to mind.. she was happy to have us stay home and play.

I'm in the process of trying to upload some adorable video footage.. for some reason we're having real issues posting video from Georgia? Hopefully we'll figure it out.. if not we'll try again from Home (stateside).

Anyway... Tbilisi

A very interesting place, nice people. We tried the wine last night. One of the things Georgians are known for is their wine making. Excellent wine! Seriously if you find it locally grab it! If not ask your local liquor store if they can get it for you. It's that good.

Unfortunately I doubt we will be able to bring any home with us. With all the FAA security / customs regulations and the risk of breakage it would be a real challenge.

Below is a Georgian wooden balcony.. something else they're known for.

Beautiful.

The New Church

Can be seen from most points in Tbilisi.

The Georgian people are very religious and take great pride in their many wonderful churches.

When we visited "the Mothers" church. I was told it was made for women but man are allowed. Tamara had a rather odd reaction. When we walked out of the church she really really wanted to go back in. It was as if she had a magnet in her tiny tush?

More of those pretty balconies

Fountains every where. I'd love to have this one in our front yard. lol

The veggie market at yesterday's Bazaar.

Hopefully we can go back before we leave? I'd love to see what else they have. I especially loved the fact that it was for the locals. Not a tourist trap. It was odd seeing things like a woman selling bras and whole chickens. On display together? I guess you sell what ever works?

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I'd just like to clarify something as I did get several emails regarding the conditions at the orphanage. Over all the condition, cleanliness of the facility was better then I had expected. The baby section was very clean as were the children from what I could see.

The 3-5 year olds area was less sterile of an environment. Yes I really wanted to give them all a bubble bath. But we need to understand that although the conditions are not perfect the staff is limited due to lack of supplies and lack of staffing. All the children had at least one nanny assigned to their room. What these children need is one on one time for that you need staff or volunteers. In the orphanage and baby house there are children who have parents and are not available for adoption. This is due to lack of financial stability in the birth parent home. Several have regular visits from Mom, Dad or both. Some have parents that placed them there for safe keeping and have not returned to sign the papers giving up their parental rights.

This problem is not exclusive to Georgia. It happens in all countries including the USA.

Aside from adopting one yourself. The best way to help these children from a far is to keep the donations of supplies coming. Get involved .. whether in Georgia or some other country. The needs of the children are all alike. They all need a safe enviroment and someone to love them.

Working with an agency that has a constant flow of parents going over seas is often times the most secure way to donate. They are familiar with the orphanage staff and their needs. The adopting parent can usually provide some documentation in the form of video and or pictures upon their return. If going over seas.. why not volunteer your services? Help them with repairs, offer to cuddle babies, play with toddlers and older children. Make them feel loved .. wanted.

If you think charity starts at home? Do something state side for our children. There are many that would be thrilled to get to know you.

Remember there is no shame in being poor, ill or an orphan. But there is shame however in knowing you can help a child and choosing not to.

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