Thursday, September 03, 2009

Fun Time With Our Angel

Today we had a great time visiting with our Angel. We walked through the neighborhood by the orphanage. She played on the swings for a short time and then took us to a little toy store. She said she wanted to show us some "koo-klas" (dolls). She was especially fond of a Barbie Doll and a baby doll similar to a Cabbage Patch Doll. She told us she didn't have any dolls. That made me sad. We told her we would get her a doll when we get home.

After the toy shop, she took us to a lake. We walked across a footbridge and back. Then she decided we needed to have a throwing contest. She gathered rocks for us to throw and who ever threw the farthest won! Of course, she won every round. She laughed and giggled as we tried to throw farther than her. She also made sure she gave Don the smallest rocks. He would make faces at her and whine, "mah-lyen-kee" (small). She just laughed and giggled. I love hearing that giggle! It makes me smile.

We walked by a produce stand and she was looking at the watermelons. I asked her, "kak et ah pah RU ski?" and she answered "arBUS." My daughter taught me how to say watermelon in Russian!

As we walked back to the orphanage, we stopped at a market because she wanted to buy some treats for the other children at the orphanage (hmm, this is a good thing). We bought juice, pastries, and cookies. Oh, well, at least the juice was healthy!
As we approached the orphanage, several children were standing in the door waiting for us. Apparently, the caregivers told the children that our Angel was being adopted and that we were from America. As we walked up, they began saying "hello" in both English and Russian. They followed us down the hallway smiling and chattering. I recognized one of the little girls from our previous trip in January and I smiled at her. She walked with us and stuck by my side. It was time to say "goodbye" to our Angel again - I really hated that. We gave her hugs and kisses and told her we would see her again on Tuesday. She wasn't too forthcoming with her hugs - we'll work on that!

As we turned to leave, the other little girl was still by my side. She tugged at my arm and said, "I want to live in America too." Oh my goodness, I just about burst into tears. Don overheard and was touched by her as I was. This little child made an impression on us in January and here she was again tugging at our heart strings. There are so many children in the world wanting families - it makes my heart ache. Tonight, we are praying for all the orphaned children in the world - we pray that God will keep them safe and find them families.

For in this hope we were saved. But for hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8: 24-25.

Blessings,
Elizabeth



1 comment:

The Eisenga's said...

what a sweetheart. these precious children, it's so sad to think of any without parents. i am so excited for you and don and this precious child. i cannot wait to see some pictures of her, identifying ones! that shot of her in this post... my goodness. she looks beautiful and all i see is her body and hair. i can just imagine. =) my prayers for your transition. just a note about older children. i don't have an older daughter yet but my just turned 7 year old son is totally into the "i'm not really into kisses and hugs anymore mom" stage. i get them at select moments but they've become more rare. so part is her being russian and this whole adoption journey but part of it is just normal too. some girls i know still hug and kiss at that age. but just wanted to share it may not be ALL b/c of her surroundings. praying for you and her! kara