How is that for a title!
When we leave Germany I have the option of having this web diary printed into a book. And I plan on doing that for me and each of the kids so they have something to remember their time in Europe. We have a lot of activities coming up this summer so my goal is to be on target with photo opportunities that involve the whole family!
But the kids will still love this post because they really like these strange men that dad bring home! haha-- not really strange but different. They loved Auri our Lithuanian friend we sponsored at Fort Lee. I remember on several occasions we had other countries (other soldier's sponsoree's) hanging out with us also. Keith has always been very active in inviting new people over or taking them to different places. One of the highlights of my life was putting Auri and the kids on their first roller coaster ride together. It was soooo fun.
Anyhow... Keith has the opportunity at this Army post to interact with many different countries that come here to train. Sometimes he hits it off with them, sometimes he doesn't. This time I think he hit the jackpot because Pasha seemed to be Keith's siamese twin. We sure did enjoy his company of several occasions.
We took the opportunity to invite several other friends over to bask in the Ukrainian Love. (too bad every single one of these people are leaving Germany in the next week to go on vacation! I will miss them!!)
See their faces glowing! Keith looks 10 years younger. (I'm teasing!)
Pasha and many others gave Keith some little gifts over the last couple of weeks. I was told by my friend above that it is customary to have trinkets on you to give to 'hosts' who treat you. So these guys came prepared.
National flags, calendar, bottle of liquor, uniform patches, magnets, etc.
I got the 2 little figurines that represent the traditional dress. Keith also got a coin from the General with instructions to keep doing whatever it is he is doing.
But Keith's favorite thing is this man purse! He loves it! We have toyed with the idea of buying Keith a man purse for a couple of months now because I hate being the family mule.
Well, I don't know if this will fit the bill- it is actually a Map Bag and Russian in origin. Keith said he thought it was about 40 years old.
I got a full explanation of what this little tool is, but I don't remember now. Keith even showed me all the markings on the bag that tells its whereabouts. AGain, don't remember all those details- but he is very proud of it.
After 3 weeks, Keith put them all on a bus and said 'good-bye'! I am not convinced that there wasn't a tear or two shed.