Two years ago tonight, we were passengers in the back an Ukrainian van with a driver named Vassili. We were traveling in the dark late night for hours on bumpy roads on our way to see our new daughter in the morning and pick up our missionary son at the bus station in a remote city in Ukr.
March 21, 2007
It seems hard to believe that two years have already past. Many families from last years hosting program are now in the process. A few families are there now and facing some real heartbreaking obstacles. In those two years, many things have happened. Many family changes. Laina has progressed very well in her English, friends, school, spiritually. A week or two ago when driving home from picking her up from school, she said "mom, you know those things that they vote on, for like the yearbook?" "Superlatives?" "yeah, well I got three." Lain's favorite words are "OH MY!" which is exactly what I thought. So I asked her which 3 - best hair, best dressed and best next top model (she admitted she's to short to be a model though). Here is one of many of her self portrait she took of herself. Lexi's comment, "Like she's not in to herself enough?"
She's anxious to get another letter from Ukrainian mom. (not sure how to feel about this) The beginning of February she received one after about year since the last, informing her that her Ukrainian dad had been killed.She still is hesitant with real affection toward me. She does like me to scratch her back, especially in church. I have come to my own observation, that the girls that have been adopted whose birth moms are still alive are less affection and open to their mothers and those whose birth moms have died are much more open and affectionate to their mothers now. Lain goes through ups and downs of opening up in conversation, sometimes she will go on and on and tell me lots of things, other times she acts put out to answer a question or carry on a conversation. At school this hasn't been a problem, her teachers at PTC said she is quite chatty. I am encouraging her to run for sophomore class office. I think it will be a great opportunity for her to get her involved with school and a real learning experience for her and open the doors for scholarships maybe. She's liking boys - and the boys are liking her back, agh. Not quite ready for the drama.
OH MY!
Next week I'll have to update on the rest of the fam. :-)
5 comments:
Really two years?! I am so glad she is part of the family now!! I love her tons.
Wow...2 years! It's been fun reading your blog during this time. Since we're bringing a girl home, it's given us some idea of what lies in store.
It seems like we were just at the airport picking her and Cort up. I have so enjoyed her as the new family member and hope that with time she will warm up.
Ukraine mom? I didn't know. One day in the future she'll realize what a sacrifice you guys have made and the impact you have had on her life.
That is interesting to hear about her mother. I bet that has been hard at times. The kids we are now adopting, their mother has passed away, Tatiana will hug Troy and I, but it is pulling teeth to get Anastasia to touch us. She won't even hold my hand, so i've been a little nervous about how she'll be after a while here. She is really affectionate with Tatiana and doesn't seem to have any issues with other kids or the teachers... I guess time will tell.
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