Farewell Party

Yesterday was another rich and full day!  I can not possibly do justice to all of the ways God is at work in our lives this week - let me just say that we are experiencing reminders of the great connectedness of all things, and that we are feeling blessed beyone our wildest dreams.  More on all of that later!

The big thing going on yesterday was a party at 3:00 pm!  I am told by our translater missionary friend that has been a serious buzz at the orphanage this week.  Everyone is so excited - party on Monday and the kids are leaving on Tuesday.  I think it is remarkably similar to living through the days leading up to a big highly-celebrated wedding, with Lera and Vitalik very happily at the center of the activity.  They are elated and excited (and I am sure they will soon realize that they are also emotionally exhausted)!!  This is an amazing time in their lives (In our lives as well obviously!) and we are all doing our best to enjoy each second of it!

The driver picked us up at 1pm and took us to a HUGE supermarket.  He is our dear friend now.  Although we can barely communicate using our very broken Russian, there is a clear mutual respect and affection going on, and it is rich.  He led us through the supermarket, helping us select the best cakes, fruits, and juices for the party.  Then we told him that we wanted to bring candy boxes for the kids to give to their teachers and caregivers.  He very carefully helped us select the best boxes of candy.  We trusted his instincts, because he is afterall, far more knowledgable about what is appropriate than we are!  It was fun!

I cut my thumb while slicing apples.  Vitalik helped me with a bandaid.  I had them in my backpack in case a kid got hurt - it was funny that I was the one who ended up needing to be patched up!

We stuffed all of the bountiful party supplies into the trunk and drove to the orphanage.  The kids met us at the car and were pretty delighted when we opened the trunk.  Lera put her hand on my shoulder and said with sweet delight in her voice, "Zaaavvvtraaa!" (tomorrow!)  The big day of coming home with her parents is finally almost here!  They were both dressed in nice white shirts and had clearly decided that today was a day to look their best.  They did, of course, look gorgeous!!  

The party was awesome.  Vitalik engaged in big negotiations and planning conversations with the social worker and driver about exactly where he wanted the party and how it would all work.  He has serious skills in figuring out what will work and then talking with everyone to make it so.  He is a born leader!  It was a bit of work to get it organized, but he was right - his plan for how and where the party should be was perfect.  We piled both kids classmates into Vitalik's classroom, with the tables and chairs arranged perfectly to accommodate the group.  The kids and a couple of close friends helped set the tables, cut the fruit, lay out all of the food and party favors, and blow up balloons.  It was a good atmosphere!  The kids (about 30) neatly filed in and took their seats.  Also present were both teachers and the translator missionary who is so dear to all of the kids.  She prayed for us and then translated a few sentences from us:  "We have so enjoyed our time at Lezevoyeh.  We think that Lezevoyeh is a very good place.  Thank you very much for making us feel welcome and being so kind to us while we were her.  Please enjoy the party!"  Then Eugene got the tunes buzzing on his ipad. 

Vitalik was a good host.  He went with the driver to take a separate cake, juice, and box of candy to the director's office.  Another time he took a plate down to the driver who ended up waiting outdoors so that he could visit with other kids while we were there.  He also left briefly once or twice to find a few missing friends and make sure they came to enjoy the party.  I refilled juice glasses and handed out extra bananas.  It was a day of bounty! 

The provisions were bountiful!  The tables looked much more festive after we spread out
 the party favors and balloons, but no pics of that!

The teachers said kind words, wishing the kids health and happiness for themselves and their new siblings and parents... telling them to study hard and have a long and happy life... and to never forget their friends at Lezevoyeh.  Vitalik's teacher said that she was so happy for us that we had come to Lezevoyeh to find our  children and bring them home. 

Pretty girl heading back to class after the party.

All-in-all it was an awesome celebration and just a fantastic send-off for the kids.  As I have said before, they have clearly been very well loved and we are just so thankful!

This morning, we will sign them out of Lezevoyeh and become their parents forever.  When they go to bed tonight, they will no longer be orphans.  Thank you God.