We are stuck in Moscow and having a bit of deja vu. Didn't we just do this a few months ago? Yes, yes we did! Last time it was snow, this time we are battling a ginormous volcanic ash dust plume. It is almost laughable - we could not have made that up!
We were supposed to fly out of Moscow early this morning to London (of all places!) to make our connection to the U.S. Last night both of our flights to and from London were canceled. Zac immediately got on the phone to the airlines, but the only option for us was a flight leaving on Monday. It is the same flight as today's, so it will have to go through London. We are praying that the dust will be gone by then so that Monday's flight will not be canceled as well. In reading several things online, it is looking like this could be a problem for a while. Another option for us is a flight that connects through Spain, but as you can imagine this flight is full. We are calling the airline several times a day to see if anything opens up, but so far there is nothing but Monday's flight.
It is very disappointing and frustrating to be stuck in Moscow. The good news is that we are still in our hotel in Moscow city and not near the airport. This gives us the availability of places to eat, stores, and a bigger room. In December we had to stay at the airport hotel, and it would not have worked with a two year old! The other good thing is that at least we are in Moscow now, where people speak English and everything is a little nicer.
Also, I am sure that you all have heard that Russia is suspending adoptions to U.S. citizens until an agreement can be reached between the two countries. Yesterday, the same day this decision was made, we were granted Rebekah's visa to come to the U.S. It is truly a miracle that we have our girl, and we are so thankful. We'll feel even better when we get on the plane! In light of that news, it helps to put having to be delayed a few days in Moscow in perspective.
We would appreciate your prayers for strength to keep pressing on, bonding to continue with Rebekah, and for us to be able to leave on the soonest possible flight home. We cannot express how truly thankful we are for all of your prayers and support. You have been amazing!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Quick Update
While Rebekah is sleeping I thought I'd try and write a quick update. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. We are feeling them, but so ready to get home! We are still in Astrakhan waiting on Rebekah's passport that is supposed to be ready on Tuesday. We are scheduled to fly back to Moscow on Tuesday night, and very much looking forward to a change of scenery.
Things have been going pretty well, all things considered. I feel that Rebekah is doing better than I expected, so that is a praise! Probably the hardest thing is the language barrier and not being able to communicate with Rebekah as well as we'd like. It makes it hard to avoid some meltdowns! We are also very thankful that she is taking naps and sleeping pretty good at night. I am prayerful that things will continue to go well once we arrive home.
Once we get to Moscow, Rebekah will have to have a medical exam on Wednesday and then we'll have an interview at the U.S. Embassy to receive her visa on Thursday. Our flight home is scheduled for Friday!!!!! It will be the longest day ever, but just knowing that we're headed home makes it all worth it.
If all goes according to plan, our plane should arrive in Atlanta on Friday (16th) at 9:00pm eastern/8:00pm central time. Our first stop in the U.S. is in Dallas, so when we arrive in Atlanta we'll be in a domestic terminal (American Airlines) and just have to get our baggage. We want to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to greet us at the airport. We would love to see you! You are more than welcome to come - Rebekah will have to stay with me, but she can certainly watch everyone's smiles and waves.
Thank you again for your prayers and encouragement. Please continue to pray for Rebekah's adjustment, and grace and strength for all of us to keep pressing on.
Things have been going pretty well, all things considered. I feel that Rebekah is doing better than I expected, so that is a praise! Probably the hardest thing is the language barrier and not being able to communicate with Rebekah as well as we'd like. It makes it hard to avoid some meltdowns! We are also very thankful that she is taking naps and sleeping pretty good at night. I am prayerful that things will continue to go well once we arrive home.
Once we get to Moscow, Rebekah will have to have a medical exam on Wednesday and then we'll have an interview at the U.S. Embassy to receive her visa on Thursday. Our flight home is scheduled for Friday!!!!! It will be the longest day ever, but just knowing that we're headed home makes it all worth it.
If all goes according to plan, our plane should arrive in Atlanta on Friday (16th) at 9:00pm eastern/8:00pm central time. Our first stop in the U.S. is in Dallas, so when we arrive in Atlanta we'll be in a domestic terminal (American Airlines) and just have to get our baggage. We want to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to greet us at the airport. We would love to see you! You are more than welcome to come - Rebekah will have to stay with me, but she can certainly watch everyone's smiles and waves.
Thank you again for your prayers and encouragement. Please continue to pray for Rebekah's adjustment, and grace and strength for all of us to keep pressing on.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Gotcha
Rebekah Grace Boman was born into the Boman family at 10:58am Moscow Daylight Time. Mother and daughter are doing fine. We gotcha precious girl, we gotcha.
After we picked her up from the orphanage we had to go by the notary, then purchase our plane tickets to depart Astrakhan next Tuesday and then finally we came back to the hotel and ate some lunch, we got her changed into her pj's and then used the potty, and she went down with very little fuss for her afternoon nap. She is sleeping soundly, so far so good. It probably will not remain this easy, but for now we are holding the line.
After we picked her up from the orphanage we had to go by the notary, then purchase our plane tickets to depart Astrakhan next Tuesday and then finally we came back to the hotel and ate some lunch, we got her changed into her pj's and then used the potty, and she went down with very little fuss for her afternoon nap. She is sleeping soundly, so far so good. It probably will not remain this easy, but for now we are holding the line.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Day 13 - Monday
Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers for today!
However, things did not go as we had hoped, and we were unable to pick up Rebekah. Our court documents were not ready until really late this afternoon - too late for us to get Rebekah today. So, we were told that we would have to wait until tomorrow. We are frustrated, to say the least! We feel that in some way this may be an attempt from Satan to really try and wear us down and take away our joy. But we also know that God is Sovereign overall, His timing is perfect, and there is a reason for this delay.
We did get to see Rebekah today. She did not cry even though it had been since Saturday that we were together. We are hopeful that seeing her today will make tomorrow's transition even better.
Rebekah loved this Dora phone that we brought today!
She also enjoyed "reading" her Hello Kitty coloring book...,
and watching Zac color!
Please pray that we would be strengthened and renewed, and that nothing would hinder us from getting Rebekah tomorrow!
We will be picked up tomorrow morning at 8:30am (11:30pm Central time), and should be back at the hotel with Rebekah no later than 1:00pm (4am).
Thank you very much for your continued prayers on our behalf!
However, things did not go as we had hoped, and we were unable to pick up Rebekah. Our court documents were not ready until really late this afternoon - too late for us to get Rebekah today. So, we were told that we would have to wait until tomorrow. We are frustrated, to say the least! We feel that in some way this may be an attempt from Satan to really try and wear us down and take away our joy. But we also know that God is Sovereign overall, His timing is perfect, and there is a reason for this delay.
We did get to see Rebekah today. She did not cry even though it had been since Saturday that we were together. We are hopeful that seeing her today will make tomorrow's transition even better.
Rebekah loved this Dora phone that we brought today!
She also enjoyed "reading" her Hello Kitty coloring book...,
and watching Zac color!Please pray that we would be strengthened and renewed, and that nothing would hinder us from getting Rebekah tomorrow!
We will be picked up tomorrow morning at 8:30am (11:30pm Central time), and should be back at the hotel with Rebekah no later than 1:00pm (4am).
Thank you very much for your continued prayers on our behalf!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter and Fatherhood Eve
We stood in the Moscow Holiday Inn lobby and waited on our driver, Vitali, to pick us up and head to the airport. We were to catch our flight to Astrakhan, Russia to see our daughter for the first time in three months and finish the process of bringing her home. Like I usually do I looked through the big rack of tourist brochures while we waited. I noticed several pamphlets for “gentlemen’s clubs” and “escort services”. And I guess it was the daddy welling up in me, but I couldn’t help but ask myself “wonder how many of those girls were orphans?”
Had Rebekah remained instutionalized and never received a family, she would be turned out on the street at 16. A reality that could keep me awake at night. The little girl we have loved and cherished for the past three months, years from now, alone in this dimly lit place. Now, some will tell you that after the age of 16 there are opportunities for housing and further education and a variety of other benefits available to the children, but I doubt seriously that there are many successful transitions into the world outside the orphanage through those means. In all reality, prostitution or organized crime is a likely destination for the young men and women that institutions produce, not because the Russian government steers them there, but because a lack of parenting does. I am so thankful that God has brought us here to rescue her from things like that.
My heart is full and overflowing with emotion that our “gotcha day” for Rebekah will coincide very nicely with Easter. We were hoping we would get her on Good Friday, but in a way I find it fitting that her new life will follow the celebration of the resurrection, and not before. Adoption is in so many ways a resurrection. Our adoption and salvation in Christ is the crucifixion of our old self, and the being raised to new life in Him. An event not at all possible had Jesus Himself not been raised.
Tomorrow will likely break Rebekah’s little heart and she will be removed and separated from the only safe and stable thing she has ever known, Baby Home #2. She will be with us forever and she will never again see the wrinkly faces of the Russian caregivers, or the belligerent orphanage director, or the bubbly social worker, all of whom kept her emotional life support until God could bring us to her. Her old life will pass away and a new life will begin, and if she could only know what waits for her on the other side of the Atlantic. The family, the friends, the warmth of her quiet home on Crossley Avenue, and two parents that love her and will pursue her little heart as long as it takes. When that plane lands, an earthly resurrection will be complete.
When Allison and I came here on our first trip in December we went through hell. I have never known fear, trial, and fatigue like I knew it then. We faced many challenges and were subject to many attacks by the enemy. And we came frighteningly close to saying “this is too much” and walking away. And it was only through wise counsel and support of family and the light of God’s grace that we had the clarity to do what God had called us here to do, begin the process of bringing this child home. Now it is my shame that we almost failed to stay the course, but praise be to God that He did not allow us to fall. The Grace of God came with every lost hour of sleep, every frightening diagnosis, every meal missed, every blister on our feet, every tear shed, and every night we lay awake in our own personal Gethsemane asking God “If you are willing, remove this cup from me…”. And that same Grace sits here with me now. Praise be to God Almighty who ushers us through when we are too afraid to go any further.
When we left from that first trip, we left a small picture album, with pictures of Allison and I, and Family, and even Gracie the hound with Rebekah. We wanted her new home to at least be familiar to her in picture. We were told when we came back this trip that it had become her favorite thing. That she would sit in the corner and look at it again and again and again. Allison and I fought back the tears on the playground that day, I have never been filled with more love and heartbreak than I was that day. Oh how I wanted to pick her up and tell her “precious girl, if you only knew...” Little does she know that with those pictures she is merely looking at a mirror dimly, but soon she shall see it all face to face. It will be real, the past will be gone, and she will receive a new life. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
And now Allison and I stand together, holding onto each other and a Resurrected Savior. I am fearless about tomorrow, it will be hard, but in the end we will see the Glory of God unfold in the life of this beautiful little girl.
So, this Easter is special, we will celebrate Christ’s resurrection today, and in a practical way we will celebrate it tomorrow as well. Rebekah will leave everything behind, and we will dress her in new clothes and finally we will step, as a family, beyond those rusty iron gates forever.
Rebekah Grace Boman will walk out of an orphanage tomorrow, because Jesus Christ walked out of a tomb today.
Day 11 - Saturday
Saturday was our LAST visit with Rebekah!!! No more visits!! When we see her on Monday, she'll be leaving with us never to return.
Rebekah has just been doing great! Today, we were in the lobby when we saw her walk by on the way to the room where we play. She was with a caregiver and she just looked at us and then walked right to me. No tears or anything! It was wonderful. You can tell that we are no longer strangers to her and she has learned that we are safe people. It has been a long 11 days, but I really do think it has helped.
Today we played inside. Rebekah was very interested in playing with some toys today (usually she isn't very interested, mostly b/c she feels unsure of us)! She colored for the first time and played with a soft purse (from Aunt Natalie) that we brought. We had only been playing for about 30 minutes (maybe less) when the caregiver came back to pick her up. We couldn't believe it! She was doing so good, too. She cried when she left because she had to give back the purse. I hated that, but I didn't know if they would have let her have it and if we would have gotten it back. I did get the translator to tell Rebekah that we won't be coming tomorrow, but we will see her on Monday. She may not really understand exactly what that means, but I did want her to know that we aren't going to see her tomorrow.
We played with the stacking cups.
And colored.
There was another family playing in the room and she enjoyed watching them interact.
Rebekah's new purse!
We then went to the grocery store with our translator to buy some food for Rebekah. We bought some milk, flavored milk, juice, jar baby food (their suggestion), yogurt, soft cheeses - like cottage cheese, some ham, crackers, and canned meat. Many of these things are their suggestion based on things she may be familiar with eating. We just got a few of each to try and see what she likes. We also got some pears, bananas, apples, and oranges.
Zac went to the gym this afternoon with Sasha, and I stayed at the hotel and worked on unpacking Rebekah's things and getting our room ready. We ordered some pizza from downstairs and enjoyed a quiet evening watching a movie and talking on Skype.
Rebekah has just been doing great! Today, we were in the lobby when we saw her walk by on the way to the room where we play. She was with a caregiver and she just looked at us and then walked right to me. No tears or anything! It was wonderful. You can tell that we are no longer strangers to her and she has learned that we are safe people. It has been a long 11 days, but I really do think it has helped.
Today we played inside. Rebekah was very interested in playing with some toys today (usually she isn't very interested, mostly b/c she feels unsure of us)! She colored for the first time and played with a soft purse (from Aunt Natalie) that we brought. We had only been playing for about 30 minutes (maybe less) when the caregiver came back to pick her up. We couldn't believe it! She was doing so good, too. She cried when she left because she had to give back the purse. I hated that, but I didn't know if they would have let her have it and if we would have gotten it back. I did get the translator to tell Rebekah that we won't be coming tomorrow, but we will see her on Monday. She may not really understand exactly what that means, but I did want her to know that we aren't going to see her tomorrow.
We played with the stacking cups.
And colored.
There was another family playing in the room and she enjoyed watching them interact.
Rebekah's new purse!We then went to the grocery store with our translator to buy some food for Rebekah. We bought some milk, flavored milk, juice, jar baby food (their suggestion), yogurt, soft cheeses - like cottage cheese, some ham, crackers, and canned meat. Many of these things are their suggestion based on things she may be familiar with eating. We just got a few of each to try and see what she likes. We also got some pears, bananas, apples, and oranges.
Zac went to the gym this afternoon with Sasha, and I stayed at the hotel and worked on unpacking Rebekah's things and getting our room ready. We ordered some pizza from downstairs and enjoyed a quiet evening watching a movie and talking on Skype.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Day 10 - Friday
(I posted several day's worth of posts today, so be sure and scroll down if you'd like to read the rest of them.)
We had a very good visit on Friday with Rebekah! She went to us again without any tears!! It was a beautiful day - really nice Spring weather - so we went outside. First, though, we went to take her passport picture!! She had her first ride in a car in a very long time (probably since she arrived at the orphanage). She did great - no tears. She was just very interested in looking at everything. You could tell her wheels were really turning. It was a short drive, and when we got to the picture place the orphanage worker (who came with us) sat with her while she had her picture taken. You could tell she was kind of scared, but she didn't cry and even looked at the camera. Later we went back and picked up her picture - it was really sweet. Of course, she had that serious look, but it was still a sweet picture.
Rebekah's first car ride in a long time.
Rebekah with an orphanage director about to have her picture taken.
We then drove back to the orphanage and played outside. We did a lot of walking around. She also wanted to swing for a minute. And, we saw another cat that she really wanted to pet. We were unsure if it was a nice cat, but she was determined to pet him, so we let her give him one quick pat. She also found a plastic wheel from a toy on the ground that she had to pick up and hold.
She found a wheel!
Swinging and holding onto the tire at the same time.
The only time she cried was when it was time to go inside. Right as it was time to leave, she decided she wanted to ride on this "rocking" horse. Needless to say, she did NOT want to get off. Finally, Zac had to just pick her up and boy did she pitch a fit! Legs and arms flailing - lots of tears. I thought maybe she'd do better if Zac put her down and let her walk. But, she pulled the classic "legs going limp" trick and sat on the ground. Then she tried to flail on the ground for a second before I picked her back up. It was pretty funny to see her act like any other 2 1/2 year old. I would have to say that she may be a little strong-willed. :)
We also did some "laundry" now that we had our big bathtub with jets back! It was interesting, but worked great. Our room looked like a laundry mat with all of our clothes lying around, but they were mostly dry by morning - and, most importantly, CLEAN!
We put the clothes in the bathtub, filled it with water and detergent, and turned on the jets for about five minutes.
After we drained the soapy water, we rinsed off the clothes with the bathtub sprayer, wrung them out by hand and laid them all around our room to dry.
We then headed to McDonald's for dinner. It was so good! We could just about eat there everyday. It is a good thing, too, that we have to walk three miles round trip!
We enjoyed a pretty sunset walk home.
We had a very good visit on Friday with Rebekah! She went to us again without any tears!! It was a beautiful day - really nice Spring weather - so we went outside. First, though, we went to take her passport picture!! She had her first ride in a car in a very long time (probably since she arrived at the orphanage). She did great - no tears. She was just very interested in looking at everything. You could tell her wheels were really turning. It was a short drive, and when we got to the picture place the orphanage worker (who came with us) sat with her while she had her picture taken. You could tell she was kind of scared, but she didn't cry and even looked at the camera. Later we went back and picked up her picture - it was really sweet. Of course, she had that serious look, but it was still a sweet picture.
Rebekah's first car ride in a long time.
Rebekah with an orphanage director about to have her picture taken.We then drove back to the orphanage and played outside. We did a lot of walking around. She also wanted to swing for a minute. And, we saw another cat that she really wanted to pet. We were unsure if it was a nice cat, but she was determined to pet him, so we let her give him one quick pat. She also found a plastic wheel from a toy on the ground that she had to pick up and hold.
She found a wheel!
Swinging and holding onto the tire at the same time.The only time she cried was when it was time to go inside. Right as it was time to leave, she decided she wanted to ride on this "rocking" horse. Needless to say, she did NOT want to get off. Finally, Zac had to just pick her up and boy did she pitch a fit! Legs and arms flailing - lots of tears. I thought maybe she'd do better if Zac put her down and let her walk. But, she pulled the classic "legs going limp" trick and sat on the ground. Then she tried to flail on the ground for a second before I picked her back up. It was pretty funny to see her act like any other 2 1/2 year old. I would have to say that she may be a little strong-willed. :)
We also did some "laundry" now that we had our big bathtub with jets back! It was interesting, but worked great. Our room looked like a laundry mat with all of our clothes lying around, but they were mostly dry by morning - and, most importantly, CLEAN!
We put the clothes in the bathtub, filled it with water and detergent, and turned on the jets for about five minutes.
After we drained the soapy water, we rinsed off the clothes with the bathtub sprayer, wrung them out by hand and laid them all around our room to dry.We then headed to McDonald's for dinner. It was so good! We could just about eat there everyday. It is a good thing, too, that we have to walk three miles round trip!
We enjoyed a pretty sunset walk home.Day 9 - Thursday
We went to visit Rebekah in the afternoon instead of the morning on Thursday. We had a very good visit! She didn't hardly cry when we arrived - just whimpered some. But she calmed down right away. We stayed inside, too. She would let us hold her, but didn't want us to sit down with her at all. So, our arms got a little tired, but we just passed her back and forth. She even played with some toys today, which she hasn't done much. She LOVED the cell phone that CHI has given us - it occupied her for a long time. Kids love a real "toy". :) Overall, it went really well. I was worried about playing inside since Monday she cried so much. But, the only time she cried was when we sat down in a chair with her, so that was MUCH better than Monday.
Loving the cell phone!
We finally captured her looking at the camera.
We also were just able to move back into our first room - the apartment-type room! Man, have we missed it! It is so much better than the other rooms!
Later that evening we had dinner with our friend, Inna. We met Inna on our first trip when we got stuck in Moscow trying to get to Astrakhan. Inna was a great help to us then as she translated so we could know what was happening with our flight. We weren't able to see her after we arrived in Astrakhan on our first trip, but I emailed her a few days ago and we decided to have dinner. She seemed very happy to see us again. We talked to her for about 3 hours. Inna is a Buddhist and she really wants us to be Buddhists - she'd say a few things about it here and there. We didn't really have a good opportunity in the conversation, though, to talk more about our faith. We are going to see her again, though, this weekend. We are also trying to convince her to come visit us and go to an Auburn football game!
Zac and me with Inna
Loving the cell phone!
We finally captured her looking at the camera.We also were just able to move back into our first room - the apartment-type room! Man, have we missed it! It is so much better than the other rooms!
Later that evening we had dinner with our friend, Inna. We met Inna on our first trip when we got stuck in Moscow trying to get to Astrakhan. Inna was a great help to us then as she translated so we could know what was happening with our flight. We weren't able to see her after we arrived in Astrakhan on our first trip, but I emailed her a few days ago and we decided to have dinner. She seemed very happy to see us again. We talked to her for about 3 hours. Inna is a Buddhist and she really wants us to be Buddhists - she'd say a few things about it here and there. We didn't really have a good opportunity in the conversation, though, to talk more about our faith. We are going to see her again, though, this weekend. We are also trying to convince her to come visit us and go to an Auburn football game!
Zac and me with InnaDay 8 - Wednesday
Wednesday was another hazy, pleasantly cool day in Astrakhan. The temperature got up to about 62 degrees. We went back outside today with Rebekah. She calmed down pretty quickly when we saw her. I really don't think she felt that great today, though. Both her eyes were runny and she had a runny nose, too. It was hard for her to be in the bright sunshine, I think, because it bothered her eyes. They don't look too bad, though, just runny.
She was mostly content to just walk around. She was walking pretty fast today! So, we just walked around a lot and carried her some, too. She just holds onto our hand and pulls us where she wants to go. The psychologist gave her a book to take to read with us, I'm assuming. But, she was afraid to let it go and so she just carried it around the whole time. A few times she opened it up, but only for a second. We saw a few more cats that she pointed to and watched some people play on a nearby playground. Nothing too exciting, but I'm sure it helps being there consistently each day.
Lots of walking!
Watching some children play.
Zac and me with a not-feeling-so-good little girl.
No more bars soon, baby girl.
We went to the market after wards and got some groceries and ate a meat pie for lunch. After lunch and a nap we walked around the boardwalk for a little while and then ordered a pizza from the cafe downstairs for supper. It was a good, cheap meal.
Our new room (the one we moved into yesterday) is bigger, which is nice. But, it is on the front side of the hotel by the river and incredibly noisy. It sounds like we are in NYC at night with all of the honking and screeching tires and loud music. So, we really didn't sleep too well. Tomorrow we move back to the "apartment" - so happy about that!
She was mostly content to just walk around. She was walking pretty fast today! So, we just walked around a lot and carried her some, too. She just holds onto our hand and pulls us where she wants to go. The psychologist gave her a book to take to read with us, I'm assuming. But, she was afraid to let it go and so she just carried it around the whole time. A few times she opened it up, but only for a second. We saw a few more cats that she pointed to and watched some people play on a nearby playground. Nothing too exciting, but I'm sure it helps being there consistently each day.
Lots of walking!
Watching some children play.
Zac and me with a not-feeling-so-good little girl.
No more bars soon, baby girl.We went to the market after wards and got some groceries and ate a meat pie for lunch. After lunch and a nap we walked around the boardwalk for a little while and then ordered a pizza from the cafe downstairs for supper. It was a good, cheap meal.
Our new room (the one we moved into yesterday) is bigger, which is nice. But, it is on the front side of the hotel by the river and incredibly noisy. It sounds like we are in NYC at night with all of the honking and screeching tires and loud music. So, we really didn't sleep too well. Tomorrow we move back to the "apartment" - so happy about that!
Day 7 - Tuesday
Tuesday started off interestingly when we had a knock on the door as we were getting ready from a lady at the reception desk. She informed us that we were going to have to change rooms...again. Apparently the person staying directly above us ripped off a sink last night and there was now a leak. We didn't hear anything in the night as we slept, so who knows? They felt our room would be okay, but just in case felt better if we changed rooms. This room was nicer and bigger than the room we were in, so that was nice. It is just a pain to have to keep moving. Needless to say - we decided to live out of our suitcases until it is time to move back to the big room.
We then went to the orphanage with Sasha (Zac's new workout buddy). It was a hazy day, but the warmest so far, so we went outside for our visit. Rebekah did sooooo much better than on Monday. She just cried a little bit when she saw us. You can tell she really likes being outside. They did tell us that she has a little conjunctivitis in her right eye, and we noticed it was a little runny. It is kind of crazy, but Zac got that a few weeks ago and so we brought his eye medicine. If she still has it on Monday, we'll have some medicine for her!
We walked around the playground with another group of children that were playing - they were about a year older than Rebekah. Zac got out the bubbles and they all LOVED them, so much so that they were being loud and chasing them too much, I guess, and they made us put the bubbles up. It brought about lots of smiles, though, for a few minutes.
At one point Rebekah decided she wanted to play on the see-saw. So, I held her on while she see-sawed with another girl, and Zac saw some BIG smiles (with teeth) from her! It was so sweet - she loved it and was very brave!
She also saw a cat on the playground and wanted to follow it around. I was holding her so she kept pointing to it and we'd keep following after him. I heard her say three times, very clearly, a word that sounded like "kitty" (in Russian one of the words for cat sounds like kee-she). It was really neat to hear her speak so plain and clear. She never pet the cat, but she loved looking at it. She also pointed out several other cats that were nearby. I think she really likes a cat!
Pointing to the "kee-she".
Leaning down to try and pet the cat (he's under the bench).
Pointing out more cats
Rebekah's new friend.
Our visit on Tuesday was the best one yet!! It was so wonderful to see her little personality finally come out some.
Tuesday afternoon we went to eat dinner at Subway and then went to a small grocery store to buy a few snacks. We were trying to find something that resembled a baked good, but they just don't have things like that in their stores. We settled on some "Choco-Pies" that we were hoping would be like a "Little Debbie" cake. Sadly, they just didn't compare! Oh, well.
We then went to the orphanage with Sasha (Zac's new workout buddy). It was a hazy day, but the warmest so far, so we went outside for our visit. Rebekah did sooooo much better than on Monday. She just cried a little bit when she saw us. You can tell she really likes being outside. They did tell us that she has a little conjunctivitis in her right eye, and we noticed it was a little runny. It is kind of crazy, but Zac got that a few weeks ago and so we brought his eye medicine. If she still has it on Monday, we'll have some medicine for her!
We walked around the playground with another group of children that were playing - they were about a year older than Rebekah. Zac got out the bubbles and they all LOVED them, so much so that they were being loud and chasing them too much, I guess, and they made us put the bubbles up. It brought about lots of smiles, though, for a few minutes.
At one point Rebekah decided she wanted to play on the see-saw. So, I held her on while she see-sawed with another girl, and Zac saw some BIG smiles (with teeth) from her! It was so sweet - she loved it and was very brave!
She also saw a cat on the playground and wanted to follow it around. I was holding her so she kept pointing to it and we'd keep following after him. I heard her say three times, very clearly, a word that sounded like "kitty" (in Russian one of the words for cat sounds like kee-she). It was really neat to hear her speak so plain and clear. She never pet the cat, but she loved looking at it. She also pointed out several other cats that were nearby. I think she really likes a cat!
Pointing to the "kee-she".
Leaning down to try and pet the cat (he's under the bench).
Pointing out more cats
Rebekah's new friend.Our visit on Tuesday was the best one yet!! It was so wonderful to see her little personality finally come out some.
Tuesday afternoon we went to eat dinner at Subway and then went to a small grocery store to buy a few snacks. We were trying to find something that resembled a baked good, but they just don't have things like that in their stores. We settled on some "Choco-Pies" that we were hoping would be like a "Little Debbie" cake. Sadly, they just didn't compare! Oh, well.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Day 6 - Monday
(I just posted Sunday's post, so don't forget to scroll down if you want to read about Sunday.)
We went to the orphanage around 10 on Monday, but played inside because it was very windy. Sweet Rebekah cried more than she ever has, bless her heart. She is a different child when someone is speaking to her in Russian. We really think the language barrier is a big factor in causing her to be so upset. I certainly don't blame her - I can only imagine how scary and strange it must feel. She just doesn't know this is the best thing for her and really won't understand that for a long time. Another reason I think she had such a hard time was because one of the orphanage workers stayed in the room with us. Anytime Rebekah would spot her, she'd start crying again. It was like dropping your child off in the nursery and then staying in the room! But, she loved looking out the window so we did a lot of that! She looked very pretty and was wearing a sweet little dress. Please pray for God to prepare her little heart to leave the orphanage and begin bonding with us. One more week!
What child doesn't like to look out the window?!
She finally just rested her head on Zac and closed her eyes.
Also, we ran into Dan the taxi cab driver!! We met him on our first trip when we needed to find a pharmacy that was open late at night. He was so nice to us and even returned Zac's wallet to our hotel room that Zac had accidentally left in the cab. We really thought he might have been an angel!
We went to McDonald's for supper and Dan parks his cab near that area. We were headed out of McDonald's to walk home and then we heard, "Zac, Zac". Dan had totally recognized us and even remembered Zac's name! It was really neat!
Dan and Zac
On Monday afternoon, we heard the news about the suicide bombs in the Moscow subway. Thankfully, we won't have to be taking any subway rides, but it is still scary. Please keep our safety in your prayers.
We went to the orphanage around 10 on Monday, but played inside because it was very windy. Sweet Rebekah cried more than she ever has, bless her heart. She is a different child when someone is speaking to her in Russian. We really think the language barrier is a big factor in causing her to be so upset. I certainly don't blame her - I can only imagine how scary and strange it must feel. She just doesn't know this is the best thing for her and really won't understand that for a long time. Another reason I think she had such a hard time was because one of the orphanage workers stayed in the room with us. Anytime Rebekah would spot her, she'd start crying again. It was like dropping your child off in the nursery and then staying in the room! But, she loved looking out the window so we did a lot of that! She looked very pretty and was wearing a sweet little dress. Please pray for God to prepare her little heart to leave the orphanage and begin bonding with us. One more week!
What child doesn't like to look out the window?!
She finally just rested her head on Zac and closed her eyes.Also, we ran into Dan the taxi cab driver!! We met him on our first trip when we needed to find a pharmacy that was open late at night. He was so nice to us and even returned Zac's wallet to our hotel room that Zac had accidentally left in the cab. We really thought he might have been an angel!
We went to McDonald's for supper and Dan parks his cab near that area. We were headed out of McDonald's to walk home and then we heard, "Zac, Zac". Dan had totally recognized us and even remembered Zac's name! It was really neat!
Dan and ZacOn Monday afternoon, we heard the news about the suicide bombs in the Moscow subway. Thankfully, we won't have to be taking any subway rides, but it is still scary. Please keep our safety in your prayers.
Day 5 - Sunday
We really didn't do very much on Sunday morning, since we weren't able to visit Rebekah. We had to move out of our big room and into a much smaller room. So, that took up some of our time. We had a quiet morning and then Zac went to work out at a Russian gym called "Vitamins" with our translator's (Lena) husband, Sasha. It was a very nice gym and Zac had a lot of fun!
Zac and Sasha
I read a little and then went walking along the boardwalk. I think it was nice for both of us to have some alone time! :) Zac was pretty tired when he got back so we just had dinner at the hotel Cafe downstairs.
Zac and SashaI read a little and then went walking along the boardwalk. I think it was nice for both of us to have some alone time! :) Zac was pretty tired when he got back so we just had dinner at the hotel Cafe downstairs.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Day 4 - Satuday
We played inside with Rebekah on Saturday and were glad for the change. She wore a dress that really looked like a dress up dress. It was kind of funny! I thought it was pretty, though. She wasn't wearing a hair band, so you could really see her hair well.
She did pretty good playing with us for a little while, though still unsure about it all. Her wheels are turning though. She did point to Georgia (one of our nieces) in a picture book of our family, which was neat. She also tried to pop a bubble when we blew some bubbles to her. She really liked them and even gave a half-way grin once or twice.
She loves to suck that thumb!
Zac took a few pictures of the room where we play with Rebekah. This dog is on top of a cabinet in the room and reminds him especially of Gracie!
We got out and went for a walk that afternoon, looked around a mall and a baby store and then ate supper at Krem Cafe. They have an English menu and some decent "American" like food. We had their version of onion rings, squid rings, and mozzerrella cheese sticks as an appetizer (or hot snack, as they call it!). It wasn't as good as we can get back home, but the familiarity was really nice!
A view of the Volga River near our hotel.
She did pretty good playing with us for a little while, though still unsure about it all. Her wheels are turning though. She did point to Georgia (one of our nieces) in a picture book of our family, which was neat. She also tried to pop a bubble when we blew some bubbles to her. She really liked them and even gave a half-way grin once or twice.
She loves to suck that thumb!
Zac took a few pictures of the room where we play with Rebekah. This dog is on top of a cabinet in the room and reminds him especially of Gracie!
We got out and went for a walk that afternoon, looked around a mall and a baby store and then ate supper at Krem Cafe. They have an English menu and some decent "American" like food. We had their version of onion rings, squid rings, and mozzerrella cheese sticks as an appetizer (or hot snack, as they call it!). It wasn't as good as we can get back home, but the familiarity was really nice!
A view of the Volga River near our hotel.
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