Tuesday, May 3, 2011



Foliage and Flowers at the orphanage today.



The Ukraine Labor Holiday closed school for the second and last (until next week) day. That meant that all of the children were present at the orphanage today. It's only been two weeks yet it was exciting and heartwarming to see those precious faces full of vim, vigor and curiousity.

And there was a lot of curiousity. As well as mixed reactions when they heard Jason's response to their question of when he was leaving the orphanage (tomorrow). Jason displayed moments of genuine understanding in his friend's feelings. At other moments he could hardly contain the joy and even seemed a bit immodest.

For the children at Cradle of Children's Hope, it doesn't take a lot of creativity to imagine what it must be like to see a fellow comrade move on. For those already in the process it probably heightens the expectations. For those without a plan it could have the opposite effect.

Last night as the unpacking progressed in the apartment it felt remarkably like nesting. Unpacking his suitcase for him and getting his belongings prepared his arrival (tomorrow!)was like bonding at a new level - anticipating his reaction and knowing he is very ready to join our family. This interim home is a place where he will find love, care and hope with a future. (Plus toys, games and food from the market!)