Going Away Party

Well today was the farewell party at the orphanage. Dima, Ira and I headed over about 2pm. We arrived with 2 cakes, bags of chips, juice and party bags. The children were very excited and I’ve never seen about 12 kids devour 2 cakes so quickly!!! They ate, laughed, and played with the toys in their gift bags. Before I knew it about 45 minutes had passed and we were told that the kids had a “program” to attend. We were invited as well so off we went to the room where the kids perform their shows. We attended a play that lasted about 20 minutes. I’m not too sure what it was all about but – mostly caring for nature I believe, but what I could tell of it it was cute and the kids seemed to have fun with it.

By then it was about 3:30 and I stayed outside with Ira and the kids from her class while Dima met with the director for some final paperwork. We were out there for close to 2 hours and it was just a ball. The kids were wonderful. We all talked, laughed and played the whole time. I got my hair brushed, my back scratched and my shoulder massaged!! It was all a great time and I think having that much time was good as no one was upset when we left. Everyone seemed to take everything in stride.

When Dima came from the director’s office he had a gift for me. In his hand he had two photos. One of Ira as a toddler – maybe 18 mo. to 2 yrs old and one of her at about 5 yrs old. I was flabbergasted and thrilled beyond belief to get those two photos. I can’t wait to get them home and get them scanned for safe keeping as well as uploaded so you all can see them. She was just as beautiful then as she is now and I’ll treasure having those two photos forever!!!

We are all very tired tonight from the day but it is a good tired. We will be out of here about 8:45 in the morning to pick up the court decree, run by the orphanage to sign the final papers there and then hit the road. It will be another long day but a giant step forward to coming home!!! Will try to blog as we move through the week.