Babushka

Every orphan's story is different. For some they are truely orphans whose parents have passed away. For others, parent's rights have been deprived/revoked. Some of these children have other family members that can't care for them, but will visit them in the orphanage. Such is the case for Misha and Anna.

Misha and Anna's grandmother would like nothing better than to raise her grandchildren. But, she has cancer. With any illness, comes many medical bills, and with cancer, the illness is often terminal. She knows that she can not care for them. Misha, having a very caring heart, would like to take care of his grandmother, but he knows that he cannot. He is a child, still. The grandmother has written a letter for the courts saying that she gives permission for us to adopt Misha and Anna. I can only imagine the love needed to willinging give those you love into someone else's care so that they will prosper and be happy. It reminds me of the love God has for us and his sacrifice of His Son so that we may live.

At the orphanage today we met Babushka. The children clearly have a deep love for her and were excited to see her. The orphanage director joined us and explained that we wanted to adopt the children and did she agree. Yes. The director also asked Misha, did he want to be adopted by us. Yes. Did we promise to let the children call Babushka often? We promise. Do we promise to send pictures and letters? We promise. Our coordinator was with us translating.

After the director left, Babushka asked us many questions. What is school like? How will they learn English? What kinds of activities will they get to do? We also showed her the copy of pictures that we had sent in with our dossier: pictures of the house - inside (each room) & out, the dogs, Emily & Mason, extended family. This packet was for her to keep - to imagine her grandchildren there. We showed here pictures of Misha visiting our home and riding the scooter. We told her about children in the neighborhood that the children would get to play with.

We also shared why we wanted to adopt Misha and Anna. William shared (very emotionally), that having been adopted himself, being able to have this special opportunity meant very much to him. Needless to say, all the adults were in tears. So many emotions. It's hard to describe. Our coordinator said that it was a good interview, though. Babushka felt happiness about the future of her grandchildren.

Time was up. We all moved outside to wait for our ride. There were hugs and kisses between Babushka and us. Simply said, she is family. While were outside, there was time to play keep away with Misha and his soccer ball. It was good for Babushka to see us interacting with the kids. The car came. More hugs and kisses.

From there it was time for our daily Internet Club time. On the way home we bought minutes for our phone. We learned later that you must buy the brand that matches your SIM card and that not all plans charge the same amount for international calls. We'll figure it all out eventually...just in time to go home.

Tomorrow is our court day and very busy, I will probably not be able to post another blog until we get home.