What a Day! Good Bye to the Orphanage

Lena with the Victor(s)

Yes they are just as fun to goof around with as they look in the picture. I have yet to see either one of them of them wear a shirt. Shoes always optional. The Victor on the left is at the orphanage with his two sisters and is always up for any game of any kind at any time. Great Kid! He is one of my favorite shadows.

Signing the release documents with the Lawyer

Yes I did have to sign another 9 documents today to officially release the kids from the orphanage. It is official at this point, they are now our responsibility. Are you ready for this Rebecca?

Teacher from the "8 and under orphanage"

Upon signing the 9 documents we walked outside and this teacher was standing there waiting to see the kids. She was their teacher about 6 years ago. She came to see them because she loved them so much. It was amazing again to see the bond between the student and teacher.

Celebration - Milestone

The kids talked me into taking them to McDonalds to celebrate the document signing. Masha, our translator is also in the picture. Food was OK but the air conditioning was awesome. Big Macs and air conditioning with 2 new kids.... wow.

ARE YOU KIDDING!

Pasha and Lena planned their own farewell party that was to be held at the orphanage at 6:00 PM. We were in charge of the food and of course yours truly was stuck with the bill. The kids kept asking me questions until I finally said, "You are the boss, I will wait for you at the check out". They obviously were not shy by this new found authority. There were 10 people in the store following the kids around, because no one ever fills 3 baskets of food. It was so fun to watch them have the joy of shopping and picking out whatever they wanted. This is a first, and really neat to see the joy it brought to them. There were sausages, imitation crap sticks, chips, bread, tons of fruit, drinks, pickles, candy, Chocolates and one Coca Cola light. A Ukrainian Feast.

Lena- She put dog and cat food in the basket

What else can I say, once again, I was the student and was taught by kids that know how to watch out and take care of others. The animals are going to miss here so much. This type of watching out for others is amazing to witness, especially by kids that have nothing monetarily.

Teachers slicing the Sausage Up

The director of the school told us after we bought all the food that someone had complained and we could not have a party. So one of the invited teachers took all the food to the lake and hosted the party and we all just happen to show up. " The party that didn't happen" wink... wink... Amazing! I didn't know that the kids had invited 8 teachers along with all the kids.

Lena, Dance Teacher, Rita and tears

There were many tears shed tonight and non-stop hugs between the kids and teachers. They really are one big family. They would all serve food to each other, share everything and were so kind. The teachers were more like that one special aunt or uncle that everybody loves. Great, hard, sad, happy, emotional night.

Pasha playing the Sopilka and Serge on the guitar

Pasha's former music teacher, Sergey came back for the party and to see the kids. He and Pasha played music and sang for about an hour. There is a great bond between these two.

Pasha and Lena at the Party that didn't happen

These are just a few of the great teachers that came tonight. As I have said all along, they take care of these kids like they were their own. To see a teacher cry for happiness because the kids finally have a home was priceless.

All those that "happened to just show up" by accident

Mom: "It's the last time you will see the orphan feet".

The kids are now here with me in the apartment and loving the AC. So far so good!

Oh my, their feet are so dirty and wouldn't trade this for anything. The picture really doesn't show how they really look. A sight to behold. Anyway, they have taken a shower, scrubbed their feet and are sound a sleep while I am writing this blog at 1:20 in the morning. We did throw their shoes away, since they are so hammered, broken and dirty. As requested by Mom, we will be getting a pedicure for the kids in the morning since we have a free day while waiting to meet with the US embassy tomorrow. More exciting details on this event tomorrow.

Personal Note: As I sit her trying to absorb the entire emotional swings of the today. I cannot get off my mind how simple the party (the one that didn't happen) was tonight and how enjoyable. There were no ipods, game boys, kids saying I'm bored or fancy clothes or cars to worry about. It really was all about being kind, enjoying the company and loving one another. We are too busy at home and our fast lifestyle most likely precludes us from these type of experiences. I am so grateful to have felt and witnessed such an evening. It was incredible! I may be missing a valuable part of life.

Schedule: waiting one more day for passports and will be at the US embassy Wednesday. Still plan on being home Saturday night (maybe sooner if the passport office speeds up the process.

I am ready to come home!