Saturday, October 23, 2010
We see the girls today @ 3pm. They somehow appear, knowing exactly where we’re at. Rita & Natasha are together, both spending their Saturday free time w/us. It is such a joy to be with these two together.
We spend the next hour and 30 minutes playing ping pong with our new paddles we bought last night. We’re waiting for 4pm., when Yana will call us thru our home computer on skype. Rita seemed delighted Yana wanted to talk to her.
Ping pong degenerated into a weird “free for all” causing the hall monitor woman to sit in the room with us till closing. Mom finally used our cell phone to call Yana, it was well past 4pm., this call was going to cost us…
Rita had slipped out for just a moment so Natasha took the call. In a few minutes our phone had given up all the time it had and we were cut off. Just as well, we’ll try again tomorrow. Natasha relayed to Rita something Yana had said. Rita responds with a beautiful smile.
The restrictions to bond with Rita are much more difficult than ever before. Galina is not budging an inch on relaxing restrictions. Seems she got in hot water this summer over this and was reprimanded.
No longer are we able to take a child off the grounds. We are not to be seen with any orphan children outside the orphanage. You will not be able to have overnights with Rita after the court awards her to you. You will wait the 10 days after before you are allowed to leave with her, then you will leave for good.
There is a new 7 day waiting period. Passports used to be made on location in Zap. Now they are shipped to Kiev & processed there. Then they are shipped back to Zap. However, for $500.00 U.S. we’ll look around for some of the “old” passport material that may still be hanging around, allowing you to leave the next day…
I grow weary of the process. Rita needs more time w/us than a couple hours a day. She also needs to get out of her familiarity & experience who we are outside the orphanage. The quality of bonding time could be much richer, and quantity of time would reduce the certain, “cultural shock” of life outside the Berdyansk orphanage.
Our friends Dave & Heather share the same restrictions. They’re adopting 2 kids, 11 & 8yrs. old. Those children are like playful puppies, soaking up the attention, living for the moment, seeking love & acceptance, hugging & kissing, looking for their return every day.
When I look into the faces of Natasha, Rita, & Vika I see the eyes of puppies.
Each one is expert @ living for the moment. Each one longing for acceptance & love. They can live a long time on the smallest of affection. I delight in giving them a hug & a kiss, not because I get a kiss & a hug back. It is a kiss & embrace. It is in the embrace where real work is being done.
To hold a teenager who is melting in your arms is a rare privilege. I am convinced GOD is using us. For it’s not me who is loving up this young adult in my arms, kissing her & holding her tightly, but GOD through me. He is using me in this very moment to love his child, imparting into her love, joy, peace, faithfulness, gentleness, kindness, goodness, patience, and self control.
We break up for the day, lock the ping pong room up & leave. We’ll see each other tomorrow. It’s then that I realize I’m melting too….
Pop
6 comments:
Oh, gosh, I know exactly how you feel! Connecting and creating a solid bond, a foundation for these teens to find out who they are...it's an incredible and awe-inspiring task. Don't quit. Keep reaching and connecting. The hard part is when they kick you in the teeth (figuratively, although that's what it feels like)and then you're called to love in return. But it's what Christ did for us, and what we're called to do, too. You guys are amazing, as is your Father!
Your descriptions are dead-on! Praying for the process to keep moving along. I can empathize with being weary of the process - I'm getting weary already and we're not leaving for Ukraine until January. It wears you down. We paid an expediting fee when adopting our first three kids in the Kiev region - and it took around two weeks to get the passports. There were lots of tears.
Hugs!!
Rick and Fran,you are spending such quality time with Rita as restricted as it is.
God is shining through you. Praying for peace throughout the process as you continue to walk by faith.
Love & Blessings,
Debbie
Wonderful description. Loved hearing about how things are going. At least you can spend as much time as possible with them. It would be great to have themoutside the orphanage but that will come soon enough. Praying for a speedy process and good day in court. Love and miss you :)
Rick and Fran,
You're hope and trust in Him shows throughout your post...the process is alot more restrictive, but when you've got your darling Rita home...it will all seem like a dream in the past. We can't wait to meet her! charlene and Tim
Dear Fran and Rick, I am always inspired with how you press through life's challenges knowing God's hand/will is at work. Your trust (and surrender) helps you remain strong and introspective!! Miss Rita Rose sounds like a lovely young woman, and will blossom in your care. What joy you must feel as she begins to trust and accept your love. …maybe being sequestered at the orphanage is comforting for your daughter as you grow as a family (???). Thanks for the posts! Peace, Blessings, and Godspeed as you continue your amazing journey! Terri and Stan
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