Susan came down with a cold with Sunday night. With the temperatures of yesterday that was not good. Fortunately it seems to be improving. We did not do the usual walking around outside all day that might have worsened her health.
Today was to be an education for the children and us. We left for the school in time to be there to record several boys playing their saxophones for Jacob Macbeth. That done, I was coaxed into playing a game of indoor soccer with Stan, Toli and some other boys. At my first stretch for the ball within 10 seconds of beginning I pulled a muscle in my calf. It was unthinkable to shame the boys by exiting that soon from the game, so I toughed it out for another 45 minutes or so. I felt bad because the boys were probably hoping they would have a dad with 45 years of soccer experience who could make them proud. Rather, they have a fat, gimpy old man.
After I had cooled down Susan invited the children to go with us to the little store behind the school. On our way back to the school with our treats Dasha began giving Toli a tongue-lashing that escalated to a shouting match, a chase and quite an altercation. This was a side of Dasha to which we had not yet been exposed. What was it all about? Who was out of control there? We wanted and even briefly tried to quell the conflict, but Dasha was not finished. Eventually, Toli skulked away out of sight by himself. When Susan asked Dasha what had happened she explained it in clear Ukrainian exasperation. So the mystery remained. We soon found Natalie, our interpreter, and asked her to inquire of Dasha regarding the confrontation. Evidently Toli had said some bad words. His sweet behavior had changed while at the other orphanage the past few months. Dasha was not going to have it and was trying to rein him in. Exactly what she told him can only be imagined, with their long hoped-for parents right there witnessing this and the children’s future apparently hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, Stan had tried to intercede and defuse the situation. He tried to indicate to us that it was no big deal. Susan and I went around behind the school building to find Toli. On the one hand we wanted to let him know we love him. Alternatively, we were willing to let him feel the heat of Dasha’s diatribe for a period of time. When Toli saw us coming he headed out of sight.
From this encounter we learned some significant things about their personalities and the family dynamic that has existed over the past years. Dasha, primarily, and Stan to some extent have been trying to keep this family threesome together. Others have expressed that they are the benchmark for sibling closeness at the orphanage.
We had Natalie explain to Dasha what our standards are with respect to foul language and that we will not allow it. We soon hugged and expressed our love for her. As we were about to leave for the day Dasha asked, “You come tomorrow?” We surmised that she was concerned that the conflagration today would dissuade us from accepting them into our family. We answered emphatically, “Yes! Every day!”
Toli had shown up again and was venturing closer to us as he played ball. We saw Natalie approach him and hopefully tell him what we had asked her to convey: that we do not tolerate bad language in our home. After we felt that statement had been made we wanted to let him know that we love him, and did so.
This was an eye-opener to the potential problems we could encounter when we get home with the language barrier. We do have some resources to call on if (when) it does happen.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Monday, April 9, 2007
On our way to the school on Saturday, Vladimir told ys that our court date would probably be Monday the 16th. Then we would wait 10 calendar days for court approval. Then the Russian business would begin. But he warned us that some regions of Russia wait two months to themselves the court action and allow us to get birth certificates for Dasha and Toli. Susan teared up as she contemplated the implications of this. We continue to pray for a more favorable outcome. Leaving those two dears here would be near unbearable for her. After I have seen the conditions here I would be very hesitant to send Susan here alone. So I would probably have to return with her. The time for strength in faith is here.
When we arrive at the school Toli showed up and gave us each a big hug and clung onto each one of us. Things had changed overnight and we realized it would be OK with him. We gave him his birthday presents we had brought. Soon after, Toli asked me to play basketball with him. He, I and a couple of other boys his age were pitted against the music teacher and three boys. We lost 40-28, but I held up OK until my "prayer" was answered that the game would end soon. I didn't want to let Toli down more than a fat old guy doing what I was doing would do anyway. My joints were screaming that night, but all was good in the morning. Then Toli wanted to play soccer and I asserted my old age and other maladies as a case to postpone that activity.
Sunday morning, we met the children at the local branch which meets on an upper floor in a business buildingin downtown Sumy about a mile from our apartment. Natalie had picked up our families' children at the orphanage and had arrived before us. We pulled up a couple of chairs next to our children. Stan and Toli were dresses as usual, except that Stan had nice slacks on. Dasha was wearing a nice blouse, skirt heels. Hymnals in Ukrainian were available and the children handed one to us. We knew the music and enjoyed trying to sing the Ukrainian words. A couple of women spoke on the Resurrection. For one it was her first time speaking in church as she was baptized only several months ago. Our children paid pretty good attention, although we had to shush Toli a couple of times, as did his brother and sister. Stan seems to have a strong sense of propriety. There were about 20 regular attendees, including half a dozen missionaries. For Sunday School we attended the youth class which was taught by Anna the Ukrainian returned missionary. The lesson was on prophets, the Book of Mormon and the Word of Wisdom. She was able to keep the children's attention and drew participation from them, especially Dasha and Toli. I watched fascinatedly as Dasha's attention was fixed on the teacher throughout the lesson. Seeds are being planted. Because most of the children being adopted by our four families are Young Women there was a class for them which Susan attend with Dasha. STan,Toli and I attended the combined priesthood meeting. The nature of the meetings for the 2nd and 3rd hours varies according to the make-up of the attendees. A younger man, probably in his early 20s presented the lesson of the S. W. Kimball teachings manual by having one person read each full section and then leading a brief discussion after each. Stan right away pointed out to Toli that his new first name appeared on the front of the manual. I watched Stan follow along in the Ukrainian manual throughout the lesson. Who knows what these children are thinking. Someday we may know.
By the end of the meetings the weather had turned and we were confronted by a cold, stiff, dust-swirling wind that cut to the center. The weather here had been quilte pleasant until then. This should last a couple of more days and then warm up a bit. We woke up to snow on the rooftpos this morning.
Back to Sunday.... We had a lunch get-together at Garrett's apartment after church and then rode out to the orphanage where the teachers of the children being adopted wanted to have an Easter celebration and send-off. Before it began Larissa, the wife of the school's director who, among other responsiblities, has been teaching Toli's class through the years, which includes three other children being adopted in this group, spent some time talking to me and Susan about Toli. Clearly a very kind-hearted, gracious and dignified woman, she explained how she felt about Toli, about his strengths and weaknesses, and how happy she is for his finding a family. We were warmly affected by this. After we had eaten colored Easter eggs, Ukrainian Easter bread and cakes that the children, Larissa and the teacher of Stan's and Dasha's group spoke to the gathering, expressing their love and wishes for the children, their appreciation for the adopting families, and advised the children to be good citizens in their new second homeland. They urged them to be honest and good. Each woman was overcome with emotion as she spoke. We are grateful to these good women who have truly cared for these children over the years and helped to make them what they are.
Then some of the children performed musical numbers. Dasha, Stan and Toli sang a rousing folk song and Stand played his trumpet. They were followed by a sopilka-maker (sopilka is a Ukrainian flute) who played about eight varieties of sopilka that he pulled out of various parts of his clothing. They were made of various woods, metal and plastic. He was then joined by the school's music teacher and a hight tenor, who consititute a professional folk sing trio that will soon tour Europe. With their accordion, bass violin and guitar they performed six or sevenxfolk songs. They were excellent! Dasha did not want to play her sopilka for the program but did so for Susan and me later.
Such was the end of a long day. We feel so very good about these children of ours and love them dearly. They are good children. We are anxious to share them with their new huge family. We thank all for your support and prayers. We have some tough hills to climb before we get them out of here.
When we arrive at the school Toli showed up and gave us each a big hug and clung onto each one of us. Things had changed overnight and we realized it would be OK with him. We gave him his birthday presents we had brought. Soon after, Toli asked me to play basketball with him. He, I and a couple of other boys his age were pitted against the music teacher and three boys. We lost 40-28, but I held up OK until my "prayer" was answered that the game would end soon. I didn't want to let Toli down more than a fat old guy doing what I was doing would do anyway. My joints were screaming that night, but all was good in the morning. Then Toli wanted to play soccer and I asserted my old age and other maladies as a case to postpone that activity.
Sunday morning, we met the children at the local branch which meets on an upper floor in a business buildingin downtown Sumy about a mile from our apartment. Natalie had picked up our families' children at the orphanage and had arrived before us. We pulled up a couple of chairs next to our children. Stan and Toli were dresses as usual, except that Stan had nice slacks on. Dasha was wearing a nice blouse, skirt heels. Hymnals in Ukrainian were available and the children handed one to us. We knew the music and enjoyed trying to sing the Ukrainian words. A couple of women spoke on the Resurrection. For one it was her first time speaking in church as she was baptized only several months ago. Our children paid pretty good attention, although we had to shush Toli a couple of times, as did his brother and sister. Stan seems to have a strong sense of propriety. There were about 20 regular attendees, including half a dozen missionaries. For Sunday School we attended the youth class which was taught by Anna the Ukrainian returned missionary. The lesson was on prophets, the Book of Mormon and the Word of Wisdom. She was able to keep the children's attention and drew participation from them, especially Dasha and Toli. I watched fascinatedly as Dasha's attention was fixed on the teacher throughout the lesson. Seeds are being planted. Because most of the children being adopted by our four families are Young Women there was a class for them which Susan attend with Dasha. STan,Toli and I attended the combined priesthood meeting. The nature of the meetings for the 2nd and 3rd hours varies according to the make-up of the attendees. A younger man, probably in his early 20s presented the lesson of the S. W. Kimball teachings manual by having one person read each full section and then leading a brief discussion after each. Stan right away pointed out to Toli that his new first name appeared on the front of the manual. I watched Stan follow along in the Ukrainian manual throughout the lesson. Who knows what these children are thinking. Someday we may know.
By the end of the meetings the weather had turned and we were confronted by a cold, stiff, dust-swirling wind that cut to the center. The weather here had been quilte pleasant until then. This should last a couple of more days and then warm up a bit. We woke up to snow on the rooftpos this morning.
Back to Sunday.... We had a lunch get-together at Garrett's apartment after church and then rode out to the orphanage where the teachers of the children being adopted wanted to have an Easter celebration and send-off. Before it began Larissa, the wife of the school's director who, among other responsiblities, has been teaching Toli's class through the years, which includes three other children being adopted in this group, spent some time talking to me and Susan about Toli. Clearly a very kind-hearted, gracious and dignified woman, she explained how she felt about Toli, about his strengths and weaknesses, and how happy she is for his finding a family. We were warmly affected by this. After we had eaten colored Easter eggs, Ukrainian Easter bread and cakes that the children, Larissa and the teacher of Stan's and Dasha's group spoke to the gathering, expressing their love and wishes for the children, their appreciation for the adopting families, and advised the children to be good citizens in their new second homeland. They urged them to be honest and good. Each woman was overcome with emotion as she spoke. We are grateful to these good women who have truly cared for these children over the years and helped to make them what they are.
Then some of the children performed musical numbers. Dasha, Stan and Toli sang a rousing folk song and Stand played his trumpet. They were followed by a sopilka-maker (sopilka is a Ukrainian flute) who played about eight varieties of sopilka that he pulled out of various parts of his clothing. They were made of various woods, metal and plastic. He was then joined by the school's music teacher and a hight tenor, who consititute a professional folk sing trio that will soon tour Europe. With their accordion, bass violin and guitar they performed six or sevenxfolk songs. They were excellent! Dasha did not want to play her sopilka for the program but did so for Susan and me later.
Such was the end of a long day. We feel so very good about these children of ours and love them dearly. They are good children. We are anxious to share them with their new huge family. We thank all for your support and prayers. We have some tough hills to climb before we get them out of here.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
We had heard from Natalie on Thursday that she and the Dodges would be arriving from Kiev at about 1 am Friday morning because we both had an appointment with The Inspector (some local government official who must approve our application for a court date) at 8 am Friday. We did not sleep well anticipating their arrival so we would hear to unlock the doors for them. They did show up at that time. We slept little the remainder of the night anticipating arising early and trying to get all of the showers in. Dodges began showring at 5 am and we awaited what might be our turns. Anyway, we were picked up at 7:40 and driven to the school where we were ushered to the office of the school's director (Viktor Ivanovich). He had been very cordial with us at our two previous meetings. So we had no real concerns with him.
On the side, first let me tell you a little of the Dodge family for a moment. Paul and Patty are probably a few years older than we. They have seven children, five girls and two boys, the youngest of whom is a 10-year old with Down Syndrome named Jeffrey. He of necessity has traveled here with them. He is adorable but needs constant attention.
Joining us in the director's office was Natalie, our interpreter, and the Inspector who would interview us. There were pleasant introductions, some friendly chatting. Of particular interest was the director's interest and concern to make Jeffrey comfortable. This was fascinating as Down Syndrome children are usually institutionalized early on and not encountered in society. However, the director tried to get Jeffrey's attention by sketching with the touch of an experienced artist , his own profile with his bushy black mustache and all. When that didn't quite work he sketched a running horse, which he handed to Jeffrey. Viktor did not seem alarmed at all that Dodges had brought Jeffrey with them and clearly involve him in all aspects of normal life. That was touching.
Then the questions began. First the Dodges. What was his occupation; what was the nature of his business (at this point I was beginning to get nervous about where this line of questioning would go with what I do and how I would respond); what specific services did they provide; did Patty work outside the home; etc. When it came to our turn I intended to downplay the engineering for an aerospace company a bit and couch it delicately, especially as I was instructed beforehand by the company to be careful about discussing it. Well, when I responded to the Inspector's questions, Viktor was pleasantly fascinated with it because much of the Soviet rocketry of the past was built in the Ukraine republic, and had I seen the picture of the cosmonaut in the hallway- which I had. He seemed proud of Ukraine's involvement in space, but not in an antagonistic manner. I was grateful when the subject moved to Susan's occupation at home. Suddenly we learned the interview was over because the Inspector was satisfied and Viktor had to speak at an assembly of the children downstairs. We can tell that he genuinely cares about the welfare of the children.
We spent most of the rest of the day with the children. We first took them to McDonalds for lunch and then to our apartment where they watched some cartoons while we waited to meet up with the McGintys later to visit the local art museum. When we discovered the museum was closed on Fridays we walked to the large shopping center and let the children do some window shopping. Today is Stan's 15th birthday. We found it would be possible to have party with his group at the school this evening. So we bought his choice of a cake and some other treats for them.
Returning to the school we anticipated our first meeting with Toli. We soon found him there. He was shy about the meeting but was willing to be hugged. Any ball that happened to be around seemed to be distraction to him. Nevertheless, we gradually managed to interact with him more over the nex hour or so, and by the time we were leaving the school he was riding his bike past, calling out to Susan for her to watch his skids, bike-hopping and other tricks. He's going to be all right.
We had a nice party with Stan's group, of which Dasha is also a member. Then it was time to go - another sad parting, but knowing that we would of a certainty reunite the next day.
In retrospect on the day Susan and I thought back on the what we had learned paricularly about Dasha and Stan that day. Dasha again loved to cling onto Susan and whispered to her a couple of times in English, "I love you, Mama." We also witnessed her take an interest in caring for Jeffrey. He was certainly a handful and she had been keeping track of him for a long time. After his mother told her she didn't have to keep taking care of him, Dasha insisted, "Nyet, nyet", and watched him for the duration. What a gem! Stan and I stuck together most of the day and had bonded pretty well by the end of the day. I observed some surprisingly mature behaviors on his part and responsibilities with which he is entrusted at the school, and have a newfound respect for him. It is good that we have had this time to spend with Dasha and Stan. Now we must give some attention to Toli. It is good that our relationship is fairly well established with the older two. Trying to do so with all three at the beginning might have been a challenge.
These children will be wonderful addition to our other six wonderful children.
When we
On the side, first let me tell you a little of the Dodge family for a moment. Paul and Patty are probably a few years older than we. They have seven children, five girls and two boys, the youngest of whom is a 10-year old with Down Syndrome named Jeffrey. He of necessity has traveled here with them. He is adorable but needs constant attention.
Joining us in the director's office was Natalie, our interpreter, and the Inspector who would interview us. There were pleasant introductions, some friendly chatting. Of particular interest was the director's interest and concern to make Jeffrey comfortable. This was fascinating as Down Syndrome children are usually institutionalized early on and not encountered in society. However, the director tried to get Jeffrey's attention by sketching with the touch of an experienced artist , his own profile with his bushy black mustache and all. When that didn't quite work he sketched a running horse, which he handed to Jeffrey. Viktor did not seem alarmed at all that Dodges had brought Jeffrey with them and clearly involve him in all aspects of normal life. That was touching.
Then the questions began. First the Dodges. What was his occupation; what was the nature of his business (at this point I was beginning to get nervous about where this line of questioning would go with what I do and how I would respond); what specific services did they provide; did Patty work outside the home; etc. When it came to our turn I intended to downplay the engineering for an aerospace company a bit and couch it delicately, especially as I was instructed beforehand by the company to be careful about discussing it. Well, when I responded to the Inspector's questions, Viktor was pleasantly fascinated with it because much of the Soviet rocketry of the past was built in the Ukraine republic, and had I seen the picture of the cosmonaut in the hallway- which I had. He seemed proud of Ukraine's involvement in space, but not in an antagonistic manner. I was grateful when the subject moved to Susan's occupation at home. Suddenly we learned the interview was over because the Inspector was satisfied and Viktor had to speak at an assembly of the children downstairs. We can tell that he genuinely cares about the welfare of the children.
We spent most of the rest of the day with the children. We first took them to McDonalds for lunch and then to our apartment where they watched some cartoons while we waited to meet up with the McGintys later to visit the local art museum. When we discovered the museum was closed on Fridays we walked to the large shopping center and let the children do some window shopping. Today is Stan's 15th birthday. We found it would be possible to have party with his group at the school this evening. So we bought his choice of a cake and some other treats for them.
Returning to the school we anticipated our first meeting with Toli. We soon found him there. He was shy about the meeting but was willing to be hugged. Any ball that happened to be around seemed to be distraction to him. Nevertheless, we gradually managed to interact with him more over the nex hour or so, and by the time we were leaving the school he was riding his bike past, calling out to Susan for her to watch his skids, bike-hopping and other tricks. He's going to be all right.
We had a nice party with Stan's group, of which Dasha is also a member. Then it was time to go - another sad parting, but knowing that we would of a certainty reunite the next day.
In retrospect on the day Susan and I thought back on the what we had learned paricularly about Dasha and Stan that day. Dasha again loved to cling onto Susan and whispered to her a couple of times in English, "I love you, Mama." We also witnessed her take an interest in caring for Jeffrey. He was certainly a handful and she had been keeping track of him for a long time. After his mother told her she didn't have to keep taking care of him, Dasha insisted, "Nyet, nyet", and watched him for the duration. What a gem! Stan and I stuck together most of the day and had bonded pretty well by the end of the day. I observed some surprisingly mature behaviors on his part and responsibilities with which he is entrusted at the school, and have a newfound respect for him. It is good that we have had this time to spend with Dasha and Stan. Now we must give some attention to Toli. It is good that our relationship is fairly well established with the older two. Trying to do so with all three at the beginning might have been a challenge.
These children will be wonderful addition to our other six wonderful children.
When we
Thursday, April 5, 2007
On Tuesday we had a lazy morning. After running a few errands we visited St. Sophia's Cathedralnot far from our apartment. It was built in the 10th and 11th centuries and amazingly has survived where many other cathedrals in Kiev were either torn down by Stalin or were destroyed during the Patriotic War in 1940s. It contains dozens of frescoes of religious and national figures, some painted and some in mosaics of tiles as small as 2 millimeters on each side. It was so magnificent that we spent a great deal of time there and we suspect the outside world has probably overlooked this wonder due to the closed nature of this country over the last 90 years. At 5 pm we walked to the SDA for our appointment. We met with a psychologist and an unknown interpreter. We were invited to sit on a low, comfortable leather sofa opposite the two well-dressed women in wooden chairs. We had to look up at them, so it could have been intimidating. However, they were very cordial and polite. They asked us how we came to know the children. Then they asked why we wished to adopt the three children. We answered that we did not wish to split up the siblings. They liked that answer and wished us well. It was very brief.
The next family (the Dodges) were arriving at the airport that afternoon; so we would have to move out of the apartment and travel to Sumy that night. We arrived at our apartment here at about 2 am. This apartment is located in a delapidated Soviet era structure used to house factory workers. From the outside it appears as bad as any slum area we've seen. But it is done up very nicely inside.
After a short night's sleep we were taken to a grocery store by a young Ukrainian returned sister missionary. We rested for a little after that. At 2:15 the Garretts, who have one more week before they leave for the USA, picked us up and we all caught the bus to the orphanage about 25 minutes away. When we arrived someone went to let Stan know we were here. We have been a little nervous anticipating this reunion. But Stan ran out and into Susan's arms. Then he and I hugged. Now it was time to find Dasha. We were more nervous about meeting her and how she would relate to us. Would her shyness overcome her? When she saw us she walked out quickly with a smile and into Susan's arms. Then we all hugged. She is everything we imagined her to be through her letters to us. She is beautiful, considerate, respectful, sweet. She seems to be very gentle, expect when she's yelling at Stan to get his attention. Even then it's sweet. Through the rest of the afternoon you could see here hand-in-hand or arm-in-arm with Susan. And doubts about her affection melted away in moments. We all went with the Garretts and the McGintys and their children to McDonalds for dinner. On returning to the school Susan and I sat with Dasha and Stan and chatted, took pictures and just enjoyed each others' company. It was hard to leave them at the end of the day. I thought, OK, we've met them -- now can't we just take them home? However, we must go through this meeting and parting for several more weeks until the court date.
Today, Susan and I went for a walk around this part of town. We have been without an interpreter and trying to get along on our own. Susan did some grocery shopping successfully with her Ukrainian language skills (two words!). But it worked. She doesn't mind an adventure.
This afternoon we traveled alone to the orphanage and visited with Dasha and Stan. We found out that Toli will be brought to this orphanage tomorrow and we will all be together. It's great to be with the children. We manage to communicate adequately. Dasha is not shy in her efforts to speak English. She is all smiles. It is heartwarming to see her clutching on to her new Mama. She is a genuine, sincere person. Goodness exudes from her. Stan is the Stan we all remember.
Till tomorrow, adieu! (now that we've found the internet place)
The next family (the Dodges) were arriving at the airport that afternoon; so we would have to move out of the apartment and travel to Sumy that night. We arrived at our apartment here at about 2 am. This apartment is located in a delapidated Soviet era structure used to house factory workers. From the outside it appears as bad as any slum area we've seen. But it is done up very nicely inside.
After a short night's sleep we were taken to a grocery store by a young Ukrainian returned sister missionary. We rested for a little after that. At 2:15 the Garretts, who have one more week before they leave for the USA, picked us up and we all caught the bus to the orphanage about 25 minutes away. When we arrived someone went to let Stan know we were here. We have been a little nervous anticipating this reunion. But Stan ran out and into Susan's arms. Then he and I hugged. Now it was time to find Dasha. We were more nervous about meeting her and how she would relate to us. Would her shyness overcome her? When she saw us she walked out quickly with a smile and into Susan's arms. Then we all hugged. She is everything we imagined her to be through her letters to us. She is beautiful, considerate, respectful, sweet. She seems to be very gentle, expect when she's yelling at Stan to get his attention. Even then it's sweet. Through the rest of the afternoon you could see here hand-in-hand or arm-in-arm with Susan. And doubts about her affection melted away in moments. We all went with the Garretts and the McGintys and their children to McDonalds for dinner. On returning to the school Susan and I sat with Dasha and Stan and chatted, took pictures and just enjoyed each others' company. It was hard to leave them at the end of the day. I thought, OK, we've met them -- now can't we just take them home? However, we must go through this meeting and parting for several more weeks until the court date.
Today, Susan and I went for a walk around this part of town. We have been without an interpreter and trying to get along on our own. Susan did some grocery shopping successfully with her Ukrainian language skills (two words!). But it worked. She doesn't mind an adventure.
This afternoon we traveled alone to the orphanage and visited with Dasha and Stan. We found out that Toli will be brought to this orphanage tomorrow and we will all be together. It's great to be with the children. We manage to communicate adequately. Dasha is not shy in her efforts to speak English. She is all smiles. It is heartwarming to see her clutching on to her new Mama. She is a genuine, sincere person. Goodness exudes from her. Stan is the Stan we all remember.
Till tomorrow, adieu! (now that we've found the internet place)
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Yesterday we had another free day. Susan and I went for along in the morning around the park behid St. Michael's Cathedral. Natalie showed up later and took us on another walking tour of Kiev. For one thing, we wanted to see the Arch of Friendship between Russia and Ukraine. Natalie said that Ukrainians consider it more of a yoke on them as Russia's beast of burden. We talked much of politics here as we walked around the parliamentary buildings, the presidential palace and various other govenrment buildings. We passed around a large group gathering again to protest around these buildings. The various parties were represented and demonstratinf peacefully. The drive for liberty and freedom is strong. Yesterday the President fired the parliament and demanded new elections for them in tow months. He felt they were violating the constitution. They met late last night, refusing to step down and will be seeking redress through their supreme court insisting that the president is himself in violation of the constitution. It's fascinating to be in such close proximity to these goins-on.
We had long discussions yesterday with Natalie regarding the orphan issues. Evidently our prospective children and about 90% of all orphans here are categorized "social orphans"as there parents are still living. What usually occurs is that, for instance, neighbors of school teachers detect neglect on the part of parents and report them to state authorities, who then investigate the case. If there is indeed a problem, the state lays out conditions for the parents and a timetable. If those conditions are not met, the state takes custody of the children. For one year the children are available for adoption by Ukrainians only. Thereafter, it is opened up to foreigners. Natalie read one of the letters that Dasha wrote to us early on. She felt that Dasha has an unusual sense of respect and graciousness that she considered to be inborn. We suspect she may have developed it under her grandmother or even her parents at one time. This is very encouraging, because most orphans have been and will be handed most everything through their lives and will not have that sense.
We are anxious to get to the SDA today at 5 pm, travel to Sumy tonight, and meet with Dasha, Stan, adn hopefully Toli tomorrow. While I was sending the blog yesterday, Susan was talking to Vern Garrett on the phone who said that there is one excited little boy at the orphanage (referring to Stan). We know that Dasha will be shier about everything and we are anxious to let her know how we feel about her and that we will take care of her needs and provide her security, opportunities and refuge, etc., always!
We had long discussions yesterday with Natalie regarding the orphan issues. Evidently our prospective children and about 90% of all orphans here are categorized "social orphans"as there parents are still living. What usually occurs is that, for instance, neighbors of school teachers detect neglect on the part of parents and report them to state authorities, who then investigate the case. If there is indeed a problem, the state lays out conditions for the parents and a timetable. If those conditions are not met, the state takes custody of the children. For one year the children are available for adoption by Ukrainians only. Thereafter, it is opened up to foreigners. Natalie read one of the letters that Dasha wrote to us early on. She felt that Dasha has an unusual sense of respect and graciousness that she considered to be inborn. We suspect she may have developed it under her grandmother or even her parents at one time. This is very encouraging, because most orphans have been and will be handed most everything through their lives and will not have that sense.
We are anxious to get to the SDA today at 5 pm, travel to Sumy tonight, and meet with Dasha, Stan, adn hopefully Toli tomorrow. While I was sending the blog yesterday, Susan was talking to Vern Garrett on the phone who said that there is one excited little boy at the orphanage (referring to Stan). We know that Dasha will be shier about everything and we are anxious to let her know how we feel about her and that we will take care of her needs and provide her security, opportunities and refuge, etc., always!
Monday, April 2, 2007
On Thursday, after bidding Edward and Richard farewell, we were driven by Laura-Leigh to the SLC airport. Our flight left at about midnight and arrived at JFK in New York City at about 6 am. We had a 10-hour layover there. So we decided to see what we could of NYC. We took the Air Train from the airport to Jamaica Station where we caught the “E” subway train. We were the only Caucasians in our car, at least. We got off at Penn Station and 34th St. It was a short walk to the Empire State Building where we rode the elevator to the Observatory on the 86th floor. It was very interesting to look around at so many buildings and other landmarks with which we’ve become familiar over the years. After a quick breakfast we walked along Broadway towards Times Square as I thought I recalled that the Manhattan Temple was somewhere up there. As we were unable to locate it we decided to ask around and discovered that it was farther up north near the southwest corner of Central Park. We finally found it and sought refuge for a brief while in the lobby, not having enough time to attend a session. There were impressive stained-glass depictions of Christ and some apostles in the lobby, and a peaceful relief from the hustle and bustle just a few feet away, outside.
We returned by subway to the airport and waited for our flight. Susan had begun to feel uneasy in her stomach, which feeling lasted until we arrived in Ukraine. At the gate of our departure we were two of only a few non-native Ukrainians. We observed that the Ukrainians were a handsome people.
Our flight departed at about 4:20 pm and arrived in Kiev about 10-1/2 hours later at 9:15 am (Kiev time). Surprisingly, we were both much more comfortable on that flight than with the much shorter flight to NYC. In total I got about an hour’s sleep over the two flights. I usually fall asleep while the plane is taxiing and during takeoff and did so for each flight this time. I enjoyed looking out the window at Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine. Southern Norway was covered with snow, except in the valleys where the populated areas were. I saw virtually no snow in southern Sweden, which surprised me; nor did I see any in the other countries following it. After our passport and Customs checks we were met by Vladimir (our facilitator) and Natalie (our translator), who gave Susan three long-stemmed yellow roses. We were driven across Kiev to our apartment and were introduced to the sights along the way.
After a couple of hours to get set up and rest, we were taken by Vladimir and Natalie for a walking tour of the area around here. We met Vladimir’s wife, Valerie and went to lunch at a Ukrainian restaurant. We had borsch, fried potatoes, beet salad, dumplings and other similarly delicious items -- all very good!
Our apartment is around the corner from Independence Square, where tens of thousands of people (mostly men) were gathering to demonstrate against the current government and parliament, including broken promises and an inflation-soured economy. At one time we inadvertently fell in line with the flag- and banner-bearing throngs.
We visited St.Michael’s Cathedral which is very near to our apartment (Archangel Michael is the patron saint of Kiev). We climbed to the top of the belfry where the bell ringers were engaged in an intensifying clamor to announce the emergence of the bishop and his eventual entry into the cathedral to conduct a special mass in conjunction with Willow Sunday the next day. This is equivalent to Palm Sunday but, of course, there are no palms here; so they bring bouquets of pussy willows to the churches to celebrate. Vendors strewn along the roads to the numerous cathedrals sell the willows to passers-by.
Having missed two nights’ sleep, Susan and I adjusted right away to the clocks here; i.e., no jet lag.
We were told that Toli (our youngest son here) was recently moved to another orphanage about 50 km from Sumy. It is a new orphanage whose patron is the son of the current Ukraine President. In order to populate it, about 25 children from the Sumy orphanage and many from others were selected and sent there. Vladimir will attempt to have him returned to the Sumy orphanage soon so we don’t have to shuttle between the two.
We have our appointment with the State Adoption Agency on Tuesday at 5 pm, after which we will be driven to Sumy, about 375 kilometers away. We should see the children on Wednesday morning and remain in Sumy until we receive the court decree making them our children in a few weeks.
Today we went to where the Church usually meets at the usual meeting time, not knowing what arrangements would be made regarding General Conference. We discovered after arriving there that a Saturday session of conference would be viewed there at 3 pm. Another couple not associated with the Save a Child foundation was there for the same reasons we were. They are from Grantsville and are adopting one or two children. We spent the next several hours with them and their facilitator touring some of Kiev, including the War Museum, which was an impressive display of Ukraine’s “Patriotic War” with Germany in the early 1940s. Above the museum is a statue of their Lady Liberty that is a little taller than ours in New York. It was a heart-wrenching exposure to the destruction and genocide of the time as Ukraine was the western front of that war. Much of Kiev was destroyed; but it has been nicely rebuilt. Interestingly, there are still some Soviet-era buildings around, clearly Soviet because of their size (huge), their shape (blocked and flat) their color (grey) and material (cement) – all very dull - all emblematic of power. In addition to walking we rode the subway today, to get to which we rode a series of rapid escalators down what was certainly well over 200 feet below the initial entry. This is due to the hilly nature of this side of Kiev – or the Dnipro River. The Germans occupied the hilly side of the river in contrast to the opposite flat side of the river which served to their advantage in its defense. Nevertheless, the Ukrainians ultimately prevailed and regained the city and the nation.
We returned by subway to the airport and waited for our flight. Susan had begun to feel uneasy in her stomach, which feeling lasted until we arrived in Ukraine. At the gate of our departure we were two of only a few non-native Ukrainians. We observed that the Ukrainians were a handsome people.
Our flight departed at about 4:20 pm and arrived in Kiev about 10-1/2 hours later at 9:15 am (Kiev time). Surprisingly, we were both much more comfortable on that flight than with the much shorter flight to NYC. In total I got about an hour’s sleep over the two flights. I usually fall asleep while the plane is taxiing and during takeoff and did so for each flight this time. I enjoyed looking out the window at Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine. Southern Norway was covered with snow, except in the valleys where the populated areas were. I saw virtually no snow in southern Sweden, which surprised me; nor did I see any in the other countries following it. After our passport and Customs checks we were met by Vladimir (our facilitator) and Natalie (our translator), who gave Susan three long-stemmed yellow roses. We were driven across Kiev to our apartment and were introduced to the sights along the way.
After a couple of hours to get set up and rest, we were taken by Vladimir and Natalie for a walking tour of the area around here. We met Vladimir’s wife, Valerie and went to lunch at a Ukrainian restaurant. We had borsch, fried potatoes, beet salad, dumplings and other similarly delicious items -- all very good!
Our apartment is around the corner from Independence Square, where tens of thousands of people (mostly men) were gathering to demonstrate against the current government and parliament, including broken promises and an inflation-soured economy. At one time we inadvertently fell in line with the flag- and banner-bearing throngs.
We visited St.Michael’s Cathedral which is very near to our apartment (Archangel Michael is the patron saint of Kiev). We climbed to the top of the belfry where the bell ringers were engaged in an intensifying clamor to announce the emergence of the bishop and his eventual entry into the cathedral to conduct a special mass in conjunction with Willow Sunday the next day. This is equivalent to Palm Sunday but, of course, there are no palms here; so they bring bouquets of pussy willows to the churches to celebrate. Vendors strewn along the roads to the numerous cathedrals sell the willows to passers-by.
Having missed two nights’ sleep, Susan and I adjusted right away to the clocks here; i.e., no jet lag.
We were told that Toli (our youngest son here) was recently moved to another orphanage about 50 km from Sumy. It is a new orphanage whose patron is the son of the current Ukraine President. In order to populate it, about 25 children from the Sumy orphanage and many from others were selected and sent there. Vladimir will attempt to have him returned to the Sumy orphanage soon so we don’t have to shuttle between the two.
We have our appointment with the State Adoption Agency on Tuesday at 5 pm, after which we will be driven to Sumy, about 375 kilometers away. We should see the children on Wednesday morning and remain in Sumy until we receive the court decree making them our children in a few weeks.
Today we went to where the Church usually meets at the usual meeting time, not knowing what arrangements would be made regarding General Conference. We discovered after arriving there that a Saturday session of conference would be viewed there at 3 pm. Another couple not associated with the Save a Child foundation was there for the same reasons we were. They are from Grantsville and are adopting one or two children. We spent the next several hours with them and their facilitator touring some of Kiev, including the War Museum, which was an impressive display of Ukraine’s “Patriotic War” with Germany in the early 1940s. Above the museum is a statue of their Lady Liberty that is a little taller than ours in New York. It was a heart-wrenching exposure to the destruction and genocide of the time as Ukraine was the western front of that war. Much of Kiev was destroyed; but it has been nicely rebuilt. Interestingly, there are still some Soviet-era buildings around, clearly Soviet because of their size (huge), their shape (blocked and flat) their color (grey) and material (cement) – all very dull - all emblematic of power. In addition to walking we rode the subway today, to get to which we rode a series of rapid escalators down what was certainly well over 200 feet below the initial entry. This is due to the hilly nature of this side of Kiev – or the Dnipro River. The Germans occupied the hilly side of the river in contrast to the opposite flat side of the river which served to their advantage in its defense. Nevertheless, the Ukrainians ultimately prevailed and regained the city and the nation.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)