At the start of this month, we were so privileged to host three wonderful ladies from Ukraine for dinner in our home. They were here with this year's summer hosting group, and we got to visit with them a few times while they were here. All were women Vitalik and Lera knew before coming to America. One was their very special friend Gulya. She had been the social worker in their old school. It was just such a joy to show all of the ladies how well things are going and how thankful we are to have these special kids in our lives. "Bolshoy Spuseebuh Bog" (Big thank you God). With the help of Marina, the lovely translator who accompanied the group, Gulya offered a toast and said such kind things to us. Eugene enjoyed showing the ladies the words he has learned in Russian since bringing our new kids home. Things like doveria (trust), oovajenia (respect), and nakazanya (punishment). The ladies laughed and said that these are very important words! ;-) Gulya asked us to tell her more about how and when we knew that we were going to adopt Vitalik and Lera. We told her our story (blogged here in case you missed that part: http://movin2marz.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-did-this-happen.html -- it's a good story!) while Vitalik listened with interest. We joked, as we always do, that if Eugene and I agree on anything, the only explanation is that it must be God! :-)
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| Gulya checking out Lera's bedroom. Only for such a special occasion would Lera let her brothers this close to her bed. :o) |
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| Gulya loved Lera and Vitalik and advocated for them long before we knew them. What an honor it was to have her in our home. She was excited and thankful - we were excited and thankful - it was a very special night. |
FUN AT HOME!
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| Fun at home... looks like Vitalik is about to bite Dad's ear off. Good times. |
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| At a party for our friend Nastya, Heath and Spencer diving for gumballs hidden in whipped cream. What fun! |
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| I think Lera and Nastya won this round of the gumball game! |
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| Water balloons! What did I do to deserve this?!?!?! |
SCHOOL STARTS!!
This month also included the long-awaited entry into the American school system for Vitalik and Lera. We are so thankful that they were able to have over 4 months at home to have a more relaxed schedule while learning English and getting accustomed to life in America before entering the big world of middle school. Getting them ready for school was a major focus this month, and when they finally left for the bus stop on that first day of school, they were as ready as they could have possibly been. Now, two and a half weeks into the school year, they are both doing really great and we are very proud of them! We are so thankful that they are feeling welcomed and supported by the staff and kids at their new school. Lera told me one evening that a nice girl had said she liked her accent. Then she asked me, "What is this accent?" When I explained, she beamed with pride at her effortless talent at sounding cool when she speaks English! :-) Another report we heard was that a girl approached Vitalik at lunch one day, asking, "Are you that hot Russian guy everybody is talking about?" We know that it won't last forever, but we are so thankful that for now, they are enjoying being the interesting new kids in school.
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| First day of school. Poor old Dad was given strict instructions to stay away from the bus stop. :o) |
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| Neighbors Jeni and Leah are good friends to Lera and Vitalik. They have been a big help as we learn the ropes with all things middle school. |
Today, Eugene informed me that his boss would be in town this week and was kind enough to invite me to a dinner with them. I called my mom and said, "One night this week I need to go to dinner with Eugene and I was wondering if you could watch my five children." ... then I just burst out laughing, because it sounded so ridiculous. Thankfully, she said, "yes." God bless her!
All-in-all, things just feel normal, life is good, it is amazing to think we are almost at the half-year mark. Bolshoy spuseebah, Bog!
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