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I’ve read many personal blogs and websites that write about the frustrations of being away from home for so long. Lets face it – we typically take one maybe two week vacations during the year. To put our lives on “hold” for 5 to 7 weeks – just seems impossible – frustrating. But – as hard and impossible as it seems – take a deep breath and count the blessings that come out of all this:
1.) Never in your life will a time come again that the world ’stops’ and you get to spend such one on one time with your child. You’re getting to know him or her on their “turf” and this should ease their transition – when they have to take in all those other changes in their life.
2.) You may or may not ever return to Kazakhstan, explore, learn and collect as many memories as you can to share with your child about their birth country.
3.) Read a book, watch a movie, finish a craft or take that afternoon nap. Your days will soon be back to full speed ahead.
4.) Start a good exercise program – it says it takes one month to make it “stick” – use this time to start a program that you can continue at home.
Some things that I miss about my time in Kazakhstan – the long walks I took twice a day, the time I had to read some books, my husband and I having one on one time, the yogurt (yes I hate it at home), the salads – I really LOVED them, the afternoon naps and the friends I made while there.
I know – it is REALLY hard to be away from home – emotionally, financially and you begin to miss the simplest of things – but you’ll be back – you’re life will be filled with joy and happiness because of the most beautiful gift of a child. 
What a wonderful outlook on your time in Kazakhstan. I completely agree. We have yet to take our trip to meet and adopt our little one but my husband and I feel like this is one big adventure. We want to soak it up while we are there so we have a taste of our child’s culture and remember this time with fondness. I know we will miss the comforts of home, I know we’ll be homesick and petsick, but we are going to make the most of this time. It’s great to hear a like minded voice with good tips for passing the time positively.
Thanks!