It was "K's" birthday today, August 10th. He is now 3 years old. We went to visit him at our normal time of 10 am and then surprised him and his group at 4 pm with a host of goodies including: apples, animal crackers, bananas and apple juice. They were finishing their routine "2nd Lunch" which was some kind of cookie and really thick milk?? All the little ones had big milk mustaches! All sat at their assigned 4 person tables, the plates were put in the middle and each child told which was their's. Then they each took their portion. The "mamas" were so good to us and Lydia and Peter. They set up a small chair on each side of "K" for Peter and Lydia and poured them their apple juice and gave them their portions separately. You could just see the pride in "K" as he smiled and made sure they got their share too. He seemed so happy to have his new "friends" sit by him. While the kids were eating we got to see where the little guy sleeps and it was nice to get a glimpse into what it is like for him when we are not there. This is still his home.....for a little while longer.
When we first arrived, "K" came running to greet us with a huge smile on his face and really lit up when he saw the group of balloons and a pinwheel we had for him. I showed him how the pinwheel worked and when he tried his attempt always came out as blowing spit bubbles on his lips, cute as can be!! We will post pictures of this next week once we are able.
Back to the Party: After eating, "K" was last to finish (probably because he is a rather neat and orderly eater and makes sure everyone else is eating their share), the "mamas" began getting the kids ready for a Birthday dance for "K". She had them all stand in a circle and put "K" in the middle they sang a song as they went around and did motions with their hands Up and then Down, then clapped. She had Lydia dance with him and we all joined in for another round. The kids all had fun. We then took "K" out for a bit to have some "us" time and the kids played and played with the balloons and pinwheel. "K" absolutely loved all of it. We went for a walk outside following his group with a short stop at "our" spot on the playground, he knew exactly which, and then it was time for us to go as our driver Vitaly has a son whose birthday was today as well and we didn't want him to be late for that. "K" was very sad to see us go but he got to keep his new prized possessions and we will see him tomorrow. I hope he is looking forward to it as much as we are.
"K" seems to be really bonding with us I believe and it was precious to be able to spend this time with him and his friends at the orphanage, he being unaware of what is coming in the near future. Hopefully this is all leading to a smooth transition into our family with the Lord leading the way. May He be speaking to his heart in the gentle way only He can.
I wish to leave you now with a poem I wrote after our first couple visits with "K"; a look into what maybe he could have been thinking or feeling at that time, totally amateur I know but it's what my heart asked me to do:
Through "K's" Eyes
Awakening to a world of sound
Strangers in a small group now are found
Strolling through a familiar land
These strangers take me by the hand
A brief encounter then they are gone
Shall I see them again before too long
Yes, here they are again
They truly wish to be my friend
In the mid day heat they quench my thirst
Sometimes.....I even drink first
Stand and sit, run and jump, throw a ball
Push a car, have a swing, color on the wa....in the hall
Days come and days go
Each time they leave I wish NO!
Stay and play some more I pray
Let Love grow from near and far away
So much to say...once I learn
A Family to Love, my heart yearns
When Love surrounds you'll hear my heart song
These strangers no more will now sing along
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you who, along with God, have been our strength and support. I can't thank you enough.
Until next time...let the Lord guide you and be true to yourself.
Sincerely,
Ed
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Happy birthday "K"! What a special memory for all of you to have. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us. You continue to be in my prayers!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday K! I am glad the journey is going your way and that k is finding his way into your heart. What a special day for him! I think a good interpretation of what he might have and still feels. Take it easy and take care! Kyle, Paula, & Boys:}
ReplyDeleteHi Kids...what a wonderful blog Ed and I love the poem. Sounds like little "K" had a very special birthday...a day I am sure he will always remember. Next week is going to be an awesome week too, I just know it. Take care until then. Our prayers are with you every step of the way. Hugs and kisses to all. Love, mom and dad.
ReplyDeleteDear Erica, Ed, Lydia and Peter, Glad your court session was good news. Reading about your clothesline brought back memories when grandpa and I were first married. We lived in a third story apartment in Philadelphia where his ship was and we had a clothesline just like that, but you guys are lucky to have a washing machine. We had to wash our clothes in the bath tub. Imagine washing sheets and towels in the tub, wringing the water out by hand, getting them to the window and hanging them on the line. Quite a chore. Grandpa's hand is coming along. saw the Dr. yesterday. He still has the pins in and is in a cast. We're happy everything is going well. God certainly has been watching over you. Can't wait till you get back home and we can see all 5 of you. Happy Birthday little "K". We love you. Grandma and Grandpa O'Brien
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to K and happy birthday to Vlad! What a wonderful gift to be able to share K's birthday with him at the detsky dom, so glad you were there for it. Just imagine what next year will be like when he spends his birthday surrounded by his forever family! Love your poem! Blessings to all of you and prayers for a smooth transition next week.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday k!!!!!!!! Here's to many more with your loving family in the states. Another wonderful poem from the poet in the family:)! Mikyle is very excited to have another cousin in the family to play with! Best wishes and lots of love!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAndrea and mikyle
Happy Birthday k!!!! What a wonderful poem, Ed! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Safe travels and good luck! See you when you get home:) Steve and Bonnie
ReplyDeleteYay!! Happy birthday "k" can't wait to squeeze you in my arms when I give you your birthday hug!! Great blog ed!! loved the poem, it brought tears to my eyes!! So did you win the arm wrestling contest today ed, since you got to write on the blog this time? just kidding!! I am sure that peter and lydia enjoyed watching that all happen! what a special moment for all of you to share together! The weather has been pretty nice here it is starting to get that chill in the air right when you know the seasons are about to change. I am afraid that fall may be a short season this year. When you come home you will see that the golden rods are in bloom and I am sure that you might actually get cold too. Crazy isn't it!! well I am off to bed! Love you all - Jessie and Wilmer
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful birthday for "K". I love the poem.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday "K" a day late! We already feel like we know him with your wonderful descriptions. He will feel like he's back at the orphanage when he meets all our family with all the kids! It will be fund to see him play with everyone. Wonder if he'll talk with Yanna any? Take care, be safe on your journey home. You are in our prayers every day. Love, Kathy and Lenny
ReplyDeleteI am sure "K" had the best birthday ever! So glad you got to spend it with him. Can't wait to meet him and hopefully sing Happy Birthday to him in person next year! Ed, loved the poem--what a great way to express yourself.
ReplyDeleteMichele
Dear Ed and Family,
ReplyDeleteWow, what an experience! Your writing has been so full with emotion, experience, wisdom, joy, and faith. Thank you for sharing this life changing trip. Ed this poem is so thoughtful. May you all continue to tap into the Lord's promise's.
Praying for wisdom, patience, safety and acceptance of all that is to come.
Sincerely,
MaryAnn (one of your many "Echo lab family members")