WEDNESDAY MARCH 23, 2011
Today it rained and was cold but we got hot and sweaty in the orphanage playing soccer with “S”. We brought him a ball and it was Papa and “S” in a game of keep away from Mama. This kid never gets tired and is going to be a terror on the soccer field. He’s small, fast and can dribble around anyone (he also plays dirty!). I brought some of Gavin’s old clothes for him to try on since we cannot take any clothes away from the orphanage when he leaves with us. I brought various sizes from 4-7 and found he’s about a size 5 or small boys (top & bottom) and a size 12 kids shoe. He loved the cargo pants I brought and refused to take them off after trying them on for size. I think he liked them because they have lots of pockets where he can squirrel away goodies! Today I popped 2 bags of microwave popcorn (which I brought from the States since you can’t find it here) and shared it with the kids. “S” is super popular now with the other kids at the orphanage due to the “shwag” he gets from us. They call him by his last name (like he’s a teenager or something) when we approach, asking him to bring them some candy, etc. when our visit is over. Although it was drizzling, the kids were all outside playing. I’m bringing lots of Sidewalk Chalk next time since I saw kids writing on the asphalt with tiny pieces of chalk and rocks.
We spent time today asking “S” some questions. I intend to put this information in a “Lifebook” I’m making for “S”, sort of like a baby book you’d make for your child. Here’s our conversation;
Us: “S”, do you know that when we go to court, you’ll be given a new name to use in America?”
S: Da (yes).
Us: Remember us talking about Andris Shevchenko and what a great soccer player he is? You are a great soccer player too so we would like to name you after him. The name Andris in English is Andy. It means “man or warrior” which you are too! Your new name will be “S. Andrew Schork”. Do you like that?
S: Da.
Us: Now we want you to take some time and think about what you want to be called when you get to America. You can go by “Andy” or “S”, whatever you choose.
S: Andy.
Us: Are you sure? You can think about it?
S: Andy.
So Andy it is! We also learned his favorite color is red, but he didn’t have an answer for what his favorite dessert is or for what he wants to be when he grows up. He also doesn’t know when his birthday is. We'll make sure he learns it this year since we’ll have a party to make up for all those he’s missed. And you’ll all be invited!! We also found out who is his favorite caregiver here at the orphanage (we will take her picture) along with his (current) best friend.
Tonight we tried a Ukrainian restaurant for dinner which has become my new favorite! I’m a borscht addict now and order it whenever I can. The borscht at this restaurant was excellent – as were the traditional garlic rolls it’s served with. We were also given an appetizer of thin slices of salted lard with sliced fresh garlic. You dip these in a sort of sour cream sauce (not my favorite). Horse jerky was on the menu (sad). I had a traditional health drink called Honey Kvass made with fermented rye bread and honey (it was OK). Scott ordered an excellent stew served in a dark bread bowl and we also had a local favorite, cabbage rolls (yum)!
Although we’re having fun on this trip, it’s sure hard to be away from our kid back home!
Thank God for Skype!
You make it sound like you are a mobile party, ready to happen! I am thinking the energy level with the child (all boy!) and the parents (kids at heart!) are a good match! Your evident enjoyment of your trip is coming through very clearly! I commend you for grabbing the situation by the horns and turning it into a delightful time for yourselves, your new son, and for all of us with whom you are so kindly sharing your experiences! Thank you!
ReplyDeletelove it! Andy it is! Tina
ReplyDeleteAll the sudden it seems so real, so close to happening. For a child to pick a name, his name, his new name, it's a milestone. I don't know but it seemed so far off that you would bring Andy home, but now, I can see the plan (a boy accepting his new name, a boy learning the names of his soon to be new friends, a boy who knows he will play when he comes here and that life will different and exciting and fun) and that he is hearing the plan from you, seeing pictures of his new home, seeing the pictures of the neighborhood boys... I know, you've probably been showing him pictures and talking about life in CA, but somehow, when he chose his name, I just felt so happy for Andy. Like he is really choosing his new life and doing it with conviction. It's so important that he knows he has a voice too. You are allowing him to do that, and I am sure it feels wonderful and strange to him at the same time.
ReplyDeleteWhat an astute comment Ellen! This trip is REALLY different in that way. I can tell there is no hesitation on his part this time! I can't wait for him to read this comment when he's old enough!
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