We were up, ready and packed by 4:20AM. Breakfast of rice and peaches (sounds good, huh?) and we were out the door by 4:50 AM.
We arrived at the orphanage and all was dark. In Timothy's group, a bed had been made for him in the main living area. There was not much of a production. We brought the mama's flowers and a card and dressed Timothy in his new clothes and were on our way. I was very teary and the mama's were a bit choked up too. Lydia seemed to take it the hardest and cried for much of the ride to the airport. She has such a tremendously tender heart.
The airport was a particularly harrowing experience. Timothy was not a happy boy. He only has a few sounds that he can make and he made them ALL! Non stop! I had some chalk in my purse and I kept him busy with that, but then it was time for security. Oh boy. The entire place came to a stand still.
This poor child does not really want to be with us. He wants to be at the detsky dom eating hot cereal and playing with the other children. But instead, he is being searched by a stranger and lugged around by people who have been coming daily for a short visit with treats. We were much more appealing to him then, I am sure!
I can only imagine that the people on the plane were getting annoyed with us, but once take off was over, Timothy finally settled down. We played with his socks. We played with one crayon. We played with his seat belt. We played with anything I was certain either could not be thrown or at least would not hurt anyone if it were to be thrown.
Once we landed in Kiev, we raced to the US embassy. Our appointment was scheduled for 10 AM and they stop receiving people after 11 AM. We arrived at 10:53 AM. I was really worried. But Ed and Peter were received and they stayed behind to do paperwork while Olga, Lydia, myself and Timothy went to the Dr. for the appointment that is required for visa approval.
Timothy made his presence known there as well, many, many, many times! The poor kid. Every time a woman with a white coat and pale blue pants walked past him he raised his arms to her and looked up only to look quickly down again. This is the dress that many of the orphanage staff wears. I'm sure it looked so familiar to him. My heart broke for him while at the same time I was trying to keep my wits about me.
Somehow we made it through that dr.s appointment. Only by the grace of God. Ed and Peter were waiting for us to come back and pick them up. Our interview at the embassy will be tomorrow at 2:00 pm and the visa should be ready that same day. Then we meet with Timothy's hearing doctors on Thursday and fly home Friday afternoon.
We fly "home." Such a welcoming place to 4 of us and hopefully it will be soon to the 5th. We are praying for a restful sleep and renewed spirits tomorrow. Adjusting on all our parts is tiring! Thoughts of the final process and the trip home keep us going.
Everyone with something to do... reading, playing Star Wars and playing with cars. Quiet and so darn cute!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Brought tears to my eyes...poor Timothy...so frightening I'm sure. But soon, very soon, he'll find security and love in your arms and he'll become more familiar with you all as well. Good luck with the next few days, I hope all goes as planned and you all get some rest and quality bonding time before the long journey home. Gods Blessings! Julie
ReplyDeleteHey Ed and Erica! At Baldwin w/ a bunch of people reading your incredible blog! So happy to hear you are on your way home. In reading today's blog aloud to our co-workers, some suggested that maybe it would be comforting to Timothy if you start wearing the blue/white that the mamma's wore. Jeff and I will keep you all in our prayers, and pray specifically for Timothy to begin to feel the love and security of his new family.
ReplyDeleteHi Erica, Ed, Lydia, Peter and Timothy, So good to hear you made it to Kiev. I feel bad for you all but know that it is only for a short time and Timothy will adjust to his new surroundings. I can't imagine what he was feeling...give him lots of hugs and reasure him always that all will be fine. I am sure the bond he has made with Peter and Lydia will help him alot to adjust too. Know that you are great parents and Timothy will come to know just how much you both love and will care for him. Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way. Love you lots.. mom and dad
ReplyDeleteI have waited all day for this post! We are so excited for you and glad that your journey is almost completed. You tell your stories so well, it makes us feel like we are there with you! Our thoughts are with you all and know that your story has only started as you return as the Gillis 5! Safe travels! -Dave, Misty, Cohyn and Harper Crable
ReplyDeleteHello All,As we read your post it made us cry-for Timothy for all of his confusion and fear, for Lydia for her sensitivity, for all of you for feeling so helpless in the face of high stress. Hang in there....before you know it you will be on your own soil... Much love, Dad and Linda
ReplyDeleteguys, Wow what a morning and i am so glad that he is with you All! I was not so sure after reading yesterday's blog! There is a god! We will be thinking of you and hoping for safe travels and smooth paper work. Lydia and Peter way to be in mom and dad's camp, even if you may not know it you have been helping them through this, GOOD JOB! Hang in there because Friday is going to be here before you know it! Sleep tight to all!!!!!!! Kyle, Paula, Braeden, Owyne:}
ReplyDeleteHi Erica,Ed, lydia, Peter and Timothy, These last two days are just amazing to us. You are really a strong family with so much love and support of each other and strong faith in God and what you are doing. We pray for you daily. God bless you all and safe journey back home to us. Love, Kathy and Lenny
ReplyDeleteErica and Ed,
ReplyDeleteI was reading in a book today and felt that what I was reading applied to your daily blogs and your journey you are on. "Following Jesus requires more than calling oneself a Christian, or being a passive member of a church, or learning a lot about Christianity, or obeying a moral code. Following Jesus involves entering into a personal relationship with him, acknowledging him as our Lord and Savior. We are not invited to be repectful spectators of Jesus's life from a distance; Jesus invites us to walk alongside him and to obey him. To accept the call to follow Jesus means to make him the focus of our lives, the image constantly before our eyes. He must become our way of life."
In your journey and reflected in your blogs you are showing us blog readers how to put Jesus as the focus of our lives.
May you continue to be blessed with God's guidence, feelings of calmness, and expressions of love.
Take care on your return trip. GRR
Amen Gary....Hang in there Ed and Erica. We're all praying for you!
DeleteJSB