The Last Marshrutka
I'm looking forward to the "last Marshrutka". I would love to have Zach star in a short film by the same name. It could encapsulate all the oddities of taking these yellow buses. Examples? Well, paying 3 grievna from the metro to Novoselki, but 2 on the way back. Now paying 2.50 grievna on the 507, but 3.00 on the 255. Hitting the speed bumps and literally lifting off the seat by a foot.
Next Monday or Tuesday should be our "last Marshrutka", because day 10 of the court mandated waiting period falls on Sunday. I understand we have to wait for a signed document. But oh, I'm looking forward to bringing the kids to the apartment. Why? Well, not only to be near them, but to transition them to family living. I've been requesting activities from the caregivers that could start to assimilate Samuel and Anya to city family living. It has been going well.
Anya is learning that the word "No" is oft repeated in the parental lexicon. I've been praying that God would give me eyes to see not only what is best for Anya, but to see things form her side. When I say no, I try to use a firm, but gentle and kind voice. With Samuel, same thing. And the bonding with Samuel has been amazing.
This boy is nothing short of a miracle. He is vastly different from the boy I first met last month. A good example is he looks back, with knowing glances, that say "Is this okay, Papa?". He learns so fast too. If I have to correct something, I have him sit in my lap. Then I explain it to him, and he listens. He listens so well. And he playfully mimics my antics. He laughs a lot, and he comes when I call to him (Nellie, have you been praying?). Today, when Zach and I arrived, Samuel spots us from the sandbox, and runs over to me, smiling the whole way, and runs into my arms for a big hug! Wow! Praise God! Another pinnacle.
Anya's English progress is amazing. I'm not giving her formal lessons. It is coming through play and through walks in the park. The girl just absorbs words. Today, she said, "upstairs". I was amazed. She said it so clearly. These and other words just keep coming from our amazing Anya.
There are frustrations too. The caregivers have a job to do, and having Anya and Samuel get out of that routine affects their day. I do feel their pain. They have been doling out a lot of advice, stuff I'm pretty familiar with, having 5 kids already. But they genuinely care about the well being of Anya and Samuel, and their reminders are an indication of their love for these children. In some ways, it has to be very hard for them, to see us come in and break the schedule with these kids, mess up their rooms a little, and put up with new faces. But they keep running that place like a top. They keep it so clean and orderly...what a staff!
I have to think of some parting gift for Anna. She is very close to Artium (Samuel). I have to think up some type of gift for her that will ease her sadness at his leaving. She already got the Randy Moss jersey, but that's not the same. I'll be praying about this.
Next Monday or Tuesday should be our "last Marshrutka", because day 10 of the court mandated waiting period falls on Sunday. I understand we have to wait for a signed document. But oh, I'm looking forward to bringing the kids to the apartment. Why? Well, not only to be near them, but to transition them to family living. I've been requesting activities from the caregivers that could start to assimilate Samuel and Anya to city family living. It has been going well.
Anya is learning that the word "No" is oft repeated in the parental lexicon. I've been praying that God would give me eyes to see not only what is best for Anya, but to see things form her side. When I say no, I try to use a firm, but gentle and kind voice. With Samuel, same thing. And the bonding with Samuel has been amazing.
This boy is nothing short of a miracle. He is vastly different from the boy I first met last month. A good example is he looks back, with knowing glances, that say "Is this okay, Papa?". He learns so fast too. If I have to correct something, I have him sit in my lap. Then I explain it to him, and he listens. He listens so well. And he playfully mimics my antics. He laughs a lot, and he comes when I call to him (Nellie, have you been praying?). Today, when Zach and I arrived, Samuel spots us from the sandbox, and runs over to me, smiling the whole way, and runs into my arms for a big hug! Wow! Praise God! Another pinnacle.
Anya's English progress is amazing. I'm not giving her formal lessons. It is coming through play and through walks in the park. The girl just absorbs words. Today, she said, "upstairs". I was amazed. She said it so clearly. These and other words just keep coming from our amazing Anya.
There are frustrations too. The caregivers have a job to do, and having Anya and Samuel get out of that routine affects their day. I do feel their pain. They have been doling out a lot of advice, stuff I'm pretty familiar with, having 5 kids already. But they genuinely care about the well being of Anya and Samuel, and their reminders are an indication of their love for these children. In some ways, it has to be very hard for them, to see us come in and break the schedule with these kids, mess up their rooms a little, and put up with new faces. But they keep running that place like a top. They keep it so clean and orderly...what a staff!
I have to think of some parting gift for Anna. She is very close to Artium (Samuel). I have to think up some type of gift for her that will ease her sadness at his leaving. She already got the Randy Moss jersey, but that's not the same. I'll be praying about this.
The 507 bus is the way to go and much quicker, I'm surprised that isn't the one everyone takes. You will be a busy beaver once you have the kids, but it might be a great time for exploring around Kyiv some. I'm pretty sure that you will be out to the orphanage a few more times once you have the kids, for sure to say goodbye as you get toward the very end. Soon it will be the tension of hurry up yet waiting patiently.
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