Monday, May 30, 2011- A Boundaries and Waters Weekend!

It was Jason's first full weekend together as a family over Memorial Day Weekend.  First, thank you all who have directly served in our branches of the military or have family members who have or are serving our country in this way.

Our Blog Post title may give the impression we canoed and camped this weekend...well, we didn't.  The title really reflects, in part, boundaries in the sense of helping Jason to establish new and healthy ones in our family.  Not that he didn't have healthy ones before but they were totally different because he lived in an orphanage and without a family.  He lived according to orphanage rules and expectations as well as using his own innate abilities to survive emotionally and mentally. 

He now lives with a family who'll be his family forever...he's in that uphill climb of trusting that we won't abandon him no matter what.  It's legal and now and becoming real for Jason as well as us collectively as family.  After a successful and much enjoyed week of school, this weekend we continued communicating and establishing boundaries in the smallest of ways as to convey to Jason he's safe, loved and belongs.  

The other part or theme of the weekend, on a lighter note, was "water."

Along with the picture above, Lucas and Jason really enjoyed the rain after school Friday. It was a blessing to let them fully clothed go run and play in the rain and no holding back.  They laughed and enjoyed each other and the freedom to get completely soaked...with parents smiling the entire time.

Saturday morning we all headed up north to the cabin to spend the day with Grandma Jan as well as some aunts, uncles and cousins.  The boys helped a bit in picking up sticks while older cousins and adults did leaves and put the dock and pontoon in.  Beautiful day of sun and 70 degree weather.  The water was a little cool but no worries...Jason and Lucas were swimming, fishing with cousin Alex and paddle boating,

They also rode bikes and generally hung out in the water most of the day with the exception of a couple great meals.

Monday was Water Park of America...more water!  Yay!!  the day looked gloomy at first with a threat of rain.  Since Jeanne and Jason never made the hydropark in Kyiv, so why not here.  What a great time! Everyone's first time in fact.  From slides, lazy rivers, body tubes and kickboard "surfing" as well as general water park fun.  A good way to spend the day...bonding and creating further attachment, a critical need for adopted orphan children.  We are blessed of the Lord for His wisdom and resources.  We were blessed also to have a weekend of great attachment opportunities with "boundaries and waters."

Thursday, May 26, 2011: Navigating through Transition

Hoping there is always such enthusiasm for school! Getting dressed, fed and out the door (way earlier than necessary) with no prodding from Mom........that's when we say "right here, right now, enjoy this moment"!

There is always temptation, or maybe it's hope, to wish a honeymoon period would last forever. Reality usually says, that's just not possible. The best thing to do, then, is enjoy the honeymoon as long as possible. The tranisition for all of us - and those around us - is in full swing. Everyone is getting used to the real and the new.

As parents, we have been educated and trained to be watchful (as in observant), prayerful (as in our own D.E.A.P.* strategy)  and thoughtful (as in 'stop and think'). New groups and teams go through four stages of development: the forming stage, the storming stage, the norming stage, the performing stage. These phases are crucial for successful teams and we believe successful families. In our newly joined (or formed) family, we guess that we won't see the new normal (or norming stage) for about six months - maybe longer.

Of course, the one most effected by the tranisition is Jason. The most vocal is Lucas. The most attentive is Jeanne. The most sturdy is Dave.

The one that has the most the gain also had to lose the most. Jason left his homeland, is changing his language, adapting to new classmates, adjusting to new culture, adopting to new rules and expectations and discovering a family kind of love.

During this honeymoon period, we are both enjoying the new dimension in our family experience as well as listening, observing and praying. Based our research of numerous resources, we've been preparing since last year for this time in our family. We know that the skills and strategies can be and even need to be very different for parenting a child from birth than parenting an orphaned child. The goals are the same but the methods for getting there are different. We have to adjust our parenting to best meet the needs of the child. We prepare for the worst and pray for the best!

In some cases, others may be critical of our parenting approach or even reject our decisions. Ones that supported us before may now be unsupportive. We may even not look like we know what we're doing!

While we enjoy the remaining time of the honeymoon period, we also celebrate. The journey has been outstanding in so many ways. We bless the people that made it happen - especially those that prayed. We exalt the Lord that saw fit to give us His dream.

*D.E.A.P. Drop Everthing And Pray.

Saturday, May 21, 2011...The Eagle has Landed!

Brotherly love...the real thing!

Oh happy day...oh happy day ah ay...when Jesus walked...yeah when He walk-a-alked...He took my cares away.  That song was in my spirit again all day Saturday.  Praise the Lord...Jeanne and Jason arrived a little early Saturday at 6:16 pm at MSP after a 24 hour door-to-door trip...whew!  

It was a happy, joyous and much anticipated reuniting of the Ritzman family--the Ukraine side and the U.S. side...and the two shall become one!  There was a lot of hugs, kisses and tears of incredible joy along with exchanges of gifts.  Check out Lucas's fedora given to him by Jason.

It was really a gift from God for the Boehrs and the Ritzmans to share the last leg of the adoption journey, travel the same flights back together and that the boys--Jason and Nathan were close friends in the orphanage and are now close friends as U.S. citizens in the Twin Cities. I believe the families will get closer too.  God is good!

Jason was greeted by every immediate family member via a hanging decorative banner with colorful balloons attached (thanks for helping Uncle Joel!).  Every grandparent, aunt, uncle and 14 cousins + Sadie (his dog) from the Twin Cities to Sioux Falls to Mississippi to Seoul, Korea expressed their heart-felt love and warm welcome to the family.

More decorations...cards...flowers inside and oh yeah...chocolate cake!!!

...and a huge chocolate chip cookie...nice!  Thanks Aunt Julie!

...and this is what it's all about...brothers playing with Lucas's gift from Jason...Bionicles...they picked up immediately where they left off three weeks ago.  We now transition to new life as a family forever.

Praise God for all He's done and all He will do!

Friday, May 20, 2011

At this writing (10:07 PM...6:07 AM Sat-Kyiv), Jeanne and Jason as well as Bruce Boehrs and Nathan are one hour in their flight (arriving Sat, 6:29 @ MSP).  Jeanne should be writing this but a full Friday and a need to pack and sleep by 9:00 only to awake at 2:30 am to get ready and have Sergei drive to KBP airport at 3:00 AM to be 2 hours early for a 5:30 AM flight understandably put a damper on the blog writing.  I'll do my best based on the brief Skype recap of the day and what I know from experience. Jeanne can detail later.

If I got it right...Jeanne said, "there was incredible joy in a place of mourning," as describing their last day in Kyiv (at least for a good while). Saying goodbye to close friends or family you won't see'til the next holiday or vacation has brought my nieces and nephews to tears over the years and yet they were esctatic to be with one another for awhile and anticipating the next time.

I can't imagine the feelings Jeanne and especially, Jason (Sasha) felt looking forward to the next chapter in life with great joy yet saying goodbye to friends, children and staff at the orphanage whose hearts are knitted with ours over the past couple months and years for Sasha.  Fortunately, his closest friend Ilya, now Nathan, and his father Bruce are on the same flights returning home and friendship continues in a new land with their forever families.

It was a day of "lasts" that brought a dichotomy of joy and mourning in the very same experience for Jeanne and Sasha...Last walk to and from Maidan, last subway ride, last bus ride, last visit to school, last visit to orphange, last conversations, last laughs, last tears shared, etc. 

Children gathered, children set alone, children celebrated, children cried, children hoped.
It was an awesome day according to Jeanne...just one full of joy and mourning experienced within each child and adult in the same celebration and goodbye.

Sergei drove Jeanne and Bruce to the "big" market where four traditional Kyiv cakes the children love and chocolate eauclairs were purchased for the party.  The women at the orphanage kitchen prepared everything and chai with love and care as they always do.  Tables were set for everyone...children, staff, teachers, counselors and five MN families (Ritzmans, Boehrs, Moores, Dilners and Landrys).

It was a party...a celebration and a mourning of relationships changing all at the same time. Everyone talked and laughed and embraced. Nathan, coming home with Sasha and not extroverted by nature, stood up at one point saying, I hope all the kids here find famillies. Amen, we pray they all do for they are good children.

Below are few pictures from the awesome day and celebration at the Children of Cradles Hope Orphanage.

Girl on left (Natasha) and girl on right (Anjelica) both need a forever family.

Boy along wall in red (Andrej) and boy on left sitting in Blue & White (Shani) both need a family.

Spending 5 weeks and Jeanne even longer with the children mentioned, I know these children and know they would not only be hugely blessed to find a forever family but they would be a blessing to that family.  Let God speak to your heart.

Tommorrow, we welcome Jeanne and Jason Shasha Ritzman home!  Lucas and I are excited!

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

Every morning as the sun rises gently in the sky and the cool Spring breeze welcomes a new day; a query from a young man floats from the recesses of a quiet apartment somewhere in Kiev:
                "Mom, what day we go America?"

This morning the mother of the boy was genuinely pleased to say: "The day after tomorrow."

This afternoon the second appointment at the U.S Embassy produced the Visa! It was a glorious time. The staff declared the documents to be in order. The interview lasted about 3 minutes. The Visa computer worked (a 24 hour wait if it had not) and all toll we were there about an hour.

We got to go with the Boehrs' and we played Uno (according to orphanage rules) while we sat in the waiting room between the interview processing. Mom dutifully lost both games of Uno much to the joy and jousting of Jason and Nathan.

When the visa was presented in his passport he hooted and hollered!

The other continuous question is: "When we go to orphanage?" The good-byes at Children's Cradle of Hope are scheduled for tomorrow.  And the transition continues.



The newest legalized immigrants to the U.S.

It was our final appointment in the process of adopting Jason Sasha Ritzman. We celebrated at a cafe with sweets and tea before catching the trolley for home.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Had big plans to start this blog with a picture of the U.S. Embassy Consulate for Foreign Affairs Office (because that is where we started the day) but security stepped in and stopped us.  We had 2 pics on the camera already but Jason obediently deleted the photos when security hollered at us.

Even with (or maybe because of) the strict and stern security inside and outside the building - the feeling of being in American territory was overwhelming. Safe, protected, welcome. The first appointment where an interpreter or interpretation was not required.

The U.S. State Department in Ukraine requires two appointments in order to issue an immigrant visa to an adopted children. This first appointment accomplished two things: 1) Examined the portolio to ensure that every necessary document was translated, copied and prepared. 2) Received payment for services being rendered. The staff was very helpful in getting us prepared for tomorrow's appointment (the long one with an interview) as they guided on how to fill out certain applications, which documents to get copied and which don't need to come back.

The afternoon was taken with the medical exam necessary for tomorrow's appointment. Both Jason and Nathan had individual examinations with the U.S. State Department approved Dr. Uriy. The process took most of the afternoon by the time we took the subway to meet Sergei, drove to the clinic and went through the process from room to room. On the way home, Sergei found a place for us to make copies mentioned earlier.

Big day. Big accomplishments. Another step closer to home. Thank you, Lord.


Psalm 130:5-  I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The Day of Tours:

• Skype Tour
• Deli Tour
• Kiev Tour
• Tour of Duty

Skype Tour. A daily highlight for the family bonding is for the Ukraine Ritzmans is to get to skype with the U.S. Ritzmans each day at 4:00p Kiev time (8:00a Central). We look forward to the big Skype. Today, Lucas gave Jason a tour of the house while dad 'drove' the laptop from room to room. Jason kept saying "Where my room?" and when he saw it he was pretty thrilled it had been painted from white to khaki - thank your Grandma Jan!!

Deli Tour. Our first visit to the Ukrainian deli was hosted by Bruce and we all liked the real Ukrainian food and atmosphere. Jason and Nathan were in food heaven sampling the traditional dishes.

Kiev Tour. Since Paul and Karla experienced the city with a tour guide over the weekend, they took us to some sights we have seen and sights we haven't seen and gave us insight on both. We got a lot of walking in and the boys played photographers the whole way.

Tour of duty. We got what we have been waiting & praying for; and need for the U.S. Embassy tomorrow:

And, inside, the stamp that was labored for on Friday last.

The one that proudly showed the gem to his new brother over skype today.

Thank you, God!

Monday, May 16, 2011

The place of transition has begun. The air is so thick it's uncomfortable!

Jason seems to be expressing the internal conflict of his transition in two ways:

1) Asks the same questions over about what his life in America will be like.

2) Wants to visit and say good-bye to every person he has known in Kiev.

The irrestible pull of the future and the anchor-like tug of the past.

Being around someone going through this kind of life change perspective has deepened and as well as heightened my parental awareness of the turmoil he may be experiencing. It's unsettling to imagine the amount of trust it must take. Of course, it's exciting to think about the new life because it's been lived with "small tastes" of Americana on two previous visits to the U.S. So, he has a touchpoint of sorts to connect with regarding his expectations.

And, at the same time, it must also be frightening. With nothing but a shoe box of treasures and memories, everything else will be new, different or strange. Where will you run if you need to? Who will help if you need it? Right here everyone speaks your language (but one), soon no one but you will speak it. How will you be understood when you want or need something?

It may be like a prisoner after many years of institutionalization soon to be released into full freedom of life.  The fear of the new and uncomfortable. The "what I know" is more comfortable than the "what I don't know." 
Like the place of transition when the baby is about to birthed - everything goes into a whole different place (for the whole family) - the exictement is heightened, the anticipation and dreams increase, the warfare and pain mazimize all the while pushing into the new thing. 

AH! The tranisition must occur, will occur and is occurring - how long will it last? No one ever knows! All we know is that it's worth it because it is God's plan. 

Lord, we know that this adoption is part of your great big plan. We know that you love Jason so much that you would rescue him and guide him to exactly where you have today. Your word says: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Sunday, May 15 (MN Edition)

A wheel came off the mower...but "all four are (still) on the bus, baby."  I'll start with the end of the weekend first and explain the quasi-metaphor as well re-capping the EaganRitzman (as opposed to those Ukrainian Ritzmans) weekend...a.k.a. Dave and Lucas.

In an earlier post (Mothers Day), I said we were in a groove...that is,keeping the wheels on the bus ...and rollin'.  I reminded myself of this and thanked God for His grace and provsion to keep the wheels on the bus after the wheel on my lawn mower broke 10 minutes into cutting the backyard for the first time this season. 

Unbeknownst to my neighbor, I call their house but spoke to a neighbor girl babysitting. I borrowed his lawn mower (I owe you one , Mike)...you see, after a long weekend of Scout camping, Lucas's friend Jagger and his father Jack brought him back to their house to play...I had 90 minutes to cut a lawn I desparately wanted to cut all week but couldn't due to weather or no time...this was my opportunity...so,  I clandestinely "borrowed" the neighbors lawn mower. It may seem strange but then, as I cut the lawn, I began to think about all I'm thankful to God for this past week.  I'm thankful to Him for:

• being  another week closer to reuniting with my wife and both sons (together) after 3 weeks
• progress in Ukraine, albeit draining for Jeanne and Jason on Friday, to keep us on track
• Jeanne and Jason having friends nearby in Kyiv (Boehrs, Moores, etc.) and to enjoy the city and final days
• an excellent Adoption Team in Kyiv (Igor, Viktor, etc.) as well as our agency in MN- ECAS
• family and friends who stand by us in prayer as well as offer their support in tangible ways, although I don't always take you up on it...I greatly appreciate knowing you care
• Wahoskes for having us over for a "mamma meal" (as Lucas put it) Tuesday and then, inviting us to see their daughter's dance recital Friday
• Zuzeks for the use of camping gear and having Jake over last Saturday to play with Lucas
• Pintz's for watching our beloved pooch-Sadie as Lucas and I do scout camp...and the mower
• Thompsons for having Lucas over to play with Jagger and then, have me by later for a pizza dinner
• continued business and new opportunities after being gone 5 weeks in Kyiv and out of the sales cycle
• Lucas's resilience to all the change in 2 months, especially without momma, that most adults don't even fare well at, yet he's only 7 years old...he's done well in every aspect of his life...I'm proud of him...thank you God
• a reprieve in the rain early Saturday morning to get the tent up before the next rain...a great Scout Camp in spite of weather with boys and parents making the best of it and making it the best for their boys...a lot of excellence in leadership and service as well as fun time
• the privilege and responsibility to conduct Sunday worship at Scout camp
• and again, six days 'til our family reunion and the next chapter of life we'll enjoy with many of you

Here are some highlights from Scout Camp at Kiwanas Boy Scout Camp in Marine-on-the-St. Croix on fishing opener weekend.  Hoo-ah Den 7 Bears!  Hoo-ah Pack 455!

Activities: Kick Ball, BB Guns, Archery, Fishing, Leather work, Whittling, Camp Fire, Skits, Great food

St Croix River was very high and beautiful as you look across to Wisconsin. It was probably too cold for our friends the ticks.

Lucas just became a Bear Scout...here are some Bears helping to serve at dinner.

We were mostly outside with steady light rain (9-5) and a healthy, constant breeze which made the high of 45 degrees feel much colder.  We still enjoyed the activites and we're glad to have a main lodge for refuge.  Bear Cub is the first time you can earn a Whittling Chip...your right to carry a pocket knife and whittle.  You can lose it too without properly following safety rules and have to re-earn it.  8 year old, excited boys with knives...Mom, you gotta love it!

After passing the instruction by Cubmaster Ron, each boy earns their whittling chip (an "official card" with rules) and every violation results in a corner of the card cut off.  Four corners means a "do-over" in your training.  With no time to waste, Lucas grabs the nearest stick and...look mom, no blood!

Why whittle alone when you can be with a friend...Lucas and Sean whittling...I can see these guys as old men in their rockers on the porch...whittling...check out the Coke

After a rather warm (inside the sleeping bag and tent) night of sleeping, we had a beautiful day, Sunday...sunny, 60s, light breeze.  Thank you, God. 

The worship service message was based on 2 Samuel 22:2, The Lord is my rock, my fortress and deliverer and Psalm 28:7.  I had some older scouts read, lots of inter-change with the group asking for examples in life where God was a helper, a healer, a deliverer, etc.  We also had unplanned guests...a group of about 20 developmentally disabled adults camping elsewhere, walked in, sat down and participated too.  Very cool! Everyone gave testimony on God's goodness in their lives for how He provided, He healed, He saved, etc.  I ended by praying over the group for God's help in their needs.

Some awards earned as well as other Scouts as well as Lucas's leather work.

Praise God for an awesome week and weekend!

Saturday, May 14

With a day off from documents chasing what is a parent to do? In Kiev there are many choices! This was today's:

The sign begs the question: Does the name imply 'reverie' for kids or for grown ups?

For starters, the first two levels are filled with store after fabulous store interspersed with coffee and tea shops, cafes and restaurants and, I almost forgot (this is Kiev) bars.

But then there's the top or third level starting with a roller blade rink - where Jason with friend Nathan roller bladed for the first time.

And the ice skating rink where Jason and Nathan ice skated for the first time. (And enjoyed it - once the parents realized a lesson on tying skates was in order!)

What indoor amusement park is complete without jumping domes?

(Okay, other than the MOA.)

For the more adventurous - bungee jumping.

It was easy to tell they enjoyed the ride simulator - we could here every shriek, giggle and exclamation while they were locked inside. This machine rolled and tumbled in mid-air.

Don't have room for the videos of bumper cars!

Plus we didn't have time to partake in: bowling, the arcades and the climbing arena!

The question as concluded from the top of the blog: the name "Dream Town" implies reverie for both kids and grownups - and not because there is wealth of entertainment - but just because an afternoon of complete fun is like a dream coming true......

Friday, May 13, 2011

Another day, another 2 documents!

It is very easy (for me anyway) to underestimate the length of time it takes to get business done in Kiev. Driving time (on a Friday) can be daunting as people take their cars they haven't driven all week and drive to the Black Sea or the mountains and other places of respite.

On top of transportation challenges, things can change governmentally. That makes it hard (even for the best coordinator and lawyer) to keep up with which office or agency handles what procedure. Not to mention their office hours and lunch break time.

In order for Jason to obtain a new Ukrainian passport his residency at the district and regional records offices had to be relinquished. This process requires finding the correct office locations (not an easy task -most departments are tucked away in obscure buildings on ambiguous streets). Once inside a worker's office sitting is mandatory and if there are not enough chairs the participants they will not begin business until there are. Sitting may sound pleasant but days like today can hav to much. Plus the chairs are rather utilitarian and therefore not very comfortable!

Today, we had two workers at two different offices whose curiosity had us answering a lot of questions. They expressed fascination in Jason being adopted by Americans. They wanted to know things like - why Ukraine and why adoption. They were also curious if adoption was something he wanted especially since, as they noted, it means learning English.  

Igor (and later Viktor) worked their tails off from 10:30 - 5:30 today - part of the time on Jason's behalf and part of the time on behalf of adoptee friend Nathan. Since both boys lived in different regions and districts before the orphanage this meant double the process, double the driving, double the fun.

Lots of prayer went out today! Glory to God his answers sustain us. The documents needed to issue the passport are in ready for delivery. With the passport in hand the exit medical exam can take place. These culminate the requirements for the U.S. Embassy appointment where Jason's visa to the America is issued.

We have been assured we are on track (document-wise) to keep the departure flight plan of Saturday, May 21st.

Matt 18:19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Not sure if we crossed off 2 items on the Documents Needed to Exit list or just one today. I am claiming 2.

In the morning we went to an office where Jason's (and Nathan - also there with his dad) image was scanned into a computer so that his new Ukrainian passport can be processed. This appointment is the most excited I have seen Igor (think Ukrainian-expression of excitement) and it was because of this new hi-tech scanning process. Since he has helped dozens with International adoption he would know the latest and greatest. If the process equates to faster passports that would make any coordinator happy!

Personally, I was impressed with how this office was decorated. The building itself was old and crumbly like most of the buildings in Kiev. But the actual office room was big and bright and very tidy. The 3 desks and furniture were a Scandinavian design - streamlined, modern and functional. Of course the cameras and equipment looked brand new but this office was too.

The other document we obtained was generated at the same place generated - a piece of paper with words, a notary stamp and a code. We have been waiting for some kind of 'code' as in a 'tax ID' number. I thought I understood it was the document with the code. (The challenge with the language barrier is that when I ask questions to get clarity I usually get more confused than if I didn't ask at all.)

We met at the orphanage before going to the appointment. Today we noticed new playground equipment ready to built and later played with. Doesn't look like much here but it's impressive in person:

Jason and Nathan enjoyed some ice cream and screen time together today. They speak Russian the entire time they are together - it must be a welcome release when they get together since moving to the apartment means learning time, computer games and movies are all English.

Jason misses Lucas. He asks about him and calls him "my bradda" and wants to know what we can buy for Lucas. He talks about things they did together last year and what they will do when he gets to America. Home sweet home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the sake of this chronicle; a recap of documents since arriving in Kiev on May 1st:
Receipt of Court Decree, Jason's release from the orphanage.
Regional office document for release.
Issuing of new birth certificate.
Passport process - notary office phase.
Orphanage medical history file.
Passport process - hardware store photo phase.
Passport process - scanned photo phase at government office.
Issuing of ID code at same office.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 (Happenings in Minnesota)

We are so blessed to be a part of COCH Orphanage's 100th adoption with Jason Sasha Ritzman.  It's an honor and to God be all the glory.

The Ritzman's here in Minnesota, specifically Lucas, had a graduation from Wolf cub to Bear cub at our Pack 455 Meeting last night.  Our Den 7 graduated 7 scouts (4 in attendance).  With only 1/2 the gang there, we managed to win the Best Den Cheer Award...pretty happy group...

Lucas also got to serve in the color guard with other Wolf (soon to be Bear) cubs...

He also was the 1st in the Pack this year to earn the World Conservation Award (cute panda on badge)...

Finally, with parent and his Den Leader, he graduates and receives his new blue Bear neckerchief & slide...

We really miss mom and Jason (Sasha). We've found our groove as have Jeanne and Jason.  The Lord has given each of us on both sides of the ocean His peace, protection and connection to Him and one another.  This time together is, in alot of ways, a special and lasting memory between a mother and child in the child's home country and a father and child in the child's home country...a special bond that is at the same time evolving into a forever-lasting and amazing bond as a family of four.  We look forward to the physical reunion as well.

On the way out from the Pack Meeting, I said, "Buddy, let's go see your art hanging in the hallway. We didn't get to do that together last week at Spring Arts Night." So we held hands and walked down the school hallway to his wonderful and colorful picture of "Bear face."