When we arrived at the orphanage, "K" was outside of the caged off area with 2 of the mama's. I am assuming they had him out there so that he would be ready when we came. I personally like being able to watch him interact with the other kids before we go to get him. Gives us a little more insight to his personality.
Today "K" was allowed to bring a toy with him. He had a HUGE car - think barbie mobile. We wonder if the mama's have watched us playing with rocks, leaves and sticks the last few days and thought they better send something with "K" this time! Of course the first thing "K" did when we got to our little area was find rocks to pile in the front seat. Ah, we are rubbing off on him already!
We were having a fun game of catch when one of the mama's came racing over to us and motioned for "K" to leave. We were a bit more than an hour into our visit. She seemed to be saying something about water - and we made swimming motions. Yes, the kids seemed to be going swimming. Where exactly this was to take place could be anyone's guess. I really don't think the kids leave the grounds of the orphanage and there is only a concrete kiddie pool in their play area, but it is empty and seems in disrepair. Regardless, our visit was short.
As the mama swiftly left with "K", he turned and gave a pathetic little wave good bye with a huge pout on his face and just starting to cry. Remember that he had no idea he had a fun adventure waiting for him. So far we have not been able to get him to definitively respond to any words. We have been able to get him to copy one sound. But we believe that he really is unfamiliar with any words, Russian or English. In a way this will be good for our teaching. We will not have to erase one language to learn another. Thinking positive here!
On to another topic:
If you ask the kids what their favorite thing is about our apartment, they will tell you - "Hanging the clothes on the line." We have a little front load washing machine and a clothes line that stretches from our balcony, out over the parking lot, and attaches into the wall opposite the apartment building.
The first time I did a load of laundry the kids were so excited to see the clothes being tumbled in the machine. I will leave you now with a few pictures of this new fascination.
Thank you all for your prayers. We need them. Olga will come back to town tomorrow to take our new paperwork from Kiev to the judge to prepare for our court date on Friday. Every day brings us closer! Love to all.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Dear Erica, Ed, Lydia, Peter and little "K. We have been enjoying your blogs that your mom brings us. Sounds like everything is going good and things are progressing rapidly. We miss you and say a prayer for you everyday. Little "K" sounds very special. We love you very much and will be happy when you all get back home. We know God will take care of all of you. Love, Grandma and Grandpa O'Brien
ReplyDeletewow friday will be here bfore you know it! I hope all will be well with that and that the gillis four then becomes five! Until then we will wait until the next blog we here from you! Mikyle is staying with the boys tonight and they are busy playing bugs! Have a good night! kyle, paula, and the boys:}
ReplyDeleteHello everyone, Sure love the pictures of the balcony and clothes line. Reminds me of those of old. Peter and Lydia, I bet you love reeling in the lines. Ed do you get in on the action too?? It's too bad your day was cut short with little "K". You must not know what they have planned for each day? Hope tomorrow you can spend more time with him because I am sure on Friday you will be busy with your court date. What time is that? Grandpa is doing well with his hand. Grandma says he hasn't even had to take any pain medicine yet other than his tylenol. That is a good thing. Well I better sign off for now. Take care...love you all very much.
ReplyDeleteYou are always in our prayers. Love, mom and dad
Ed,Erica, Lydia and Peter--Rose was here and showed me how to reply to your blog. Wow, what an adventure you are on! Sounds like everything is going well and ahead of schedule. Hopefully things will keep on this path. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and can't wait until you are home and we all can meet your new addition! Take care and God Bless! Bonnie and Steve
ReplyDeleteHi everyone I saw grandpa and grandma today and he is all smiles. I am sure it hurts, but our grandpa is tough as nails. By the time you get back he will feel even better. We are so lucky with the technology these days to be able to communicate in these ways. What a blessing that is too! Mom and I went to beth's graduation tonight and it was sure enjoyable, mom really cracks me up! For example I said, " looks like they have remodeled a little bit since I say the gonda last." Mom replied, " yeah they did, they put in that zig-zaggy thing in over there next to the stairs on that side of the room. I don't know why they did that..... maybe to control the traffic of people coming in so it doesn't get to crowded." I then glanced over to look at mom and saw the perplexed look on her face trying to figure out why that "zig-zaggy thing" was there, I simply said "maybe they put it there so people who are handicap can get down here, because it's a handicap ramp." She looked at me and we both started laughing so hard!! She even had her famous silent laugh!! What a classic moment!! love you guys lots hope you have fun today!! - love jessie and wilmer
ReplyDeleteHi All, Love the clothes lines. What fun for Lydia and Peter! We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers as you go to court tomorrow. Hang in there.....Dad and Linda
ReplyDeleteNote to Kyle and Paula: Love to read your posts. Would love to connect with you....
Tomorrow is the big day for you! We are driving to the North Shore for a long weekend with our friends, but will say a rosary along the way for you. I'll be anxious to read your blog when we get home. God bless you all! Love, kathy and Lenny
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