‘What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men …… That is what love looks like.’ - St. Augustine

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

'Ok, I'm Ready!'


So, tonight Nastia and I got a call from D. He wanted to tell us that he is ready to go to America, and can we pick him up tomorrow. 'Early!' he added. Way to break my heart, kid!

D has diminished cognitive skills, as we knew and continue to see as we get to know him. That's ok with me, but it does make it difficult to explain things to him. We explained that it is a long process and he won't be coming home with us just yet.

'What do you need to do?' He asked. Nastia told him that it involved lots of paperwork, and also Russia saying yes and him saying yes. " I say yes!" he said enthusiastically. Yes, Nastia explained, but there is more that needs to be done.

" So, we will leave next week then?" He asked. Ugh. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I laughed.

Nastia explained that, no, we would not leave next week.

" Oh, Novom Godom, then..." He thought he was figuring it out.

No, Daniel , not Novom Godom either. Later. Nastia told him.

Nastia very patiently explained that it is a long, long wait, but he must be a good boy and know we will eventually bring him home.

' Ok. ' He then asked if he could visit us here in Kemerovo this week. We told him we'll ask. He said " Nastia, the girls really want earrings." She told him we knew that. " They keep asking me to tell you about earrings!" He said and laughed. I think he is enjoying his new celebrity status.

We asked if he needed anything. ' No' he said. ' Well, maybe pants. I think I need pants.'

Do you or don't you? Nastia asked with the audible frustration of a true older sister. It was a little comedy routine for awhile. He asked if he would sleep on a bed or a couch in America. He asked if the people were as nice as they are in the movies. He asked if the food was good. They went back and forth about a good number of things, until Nastia finally said she was tired.

"Ok! Then I will call you back in the morning. Spokone Noche Mama and Nastia!" He said cheerfully, and let us go.

And he called me mama:)


11 comments:

  1. Still waiting for your email with an address where I can ship to. Is there anything specific I should concentrate on? You mentioned ear rings. I am hoping some of my facebook friends will get involved as well.
    Odie

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  2. keri,
    I sent you a msg on fb but thought this was important enough to double post.
    I NEED pics of "orphans" for orphan sunday. Our church kids will be making frames and placing pics inside of kids to pray for. No names, or countries need appear at all! Can you help??? I think your photos are so true and beautiful!
    My books are ready to ship to Krasnoyarsk...
    Praying for you all!

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  3. Oh... I would love to send earrings. I don't know how long mail takes, could I get them there in time for you to give them out? How many girls want them? What kind of earrings are popular there? Is this a silly idea, would it just be much easier to send you money so you could buy them there? I think I could probably get all the women at my church to donate a pair of earrings!

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  4. Im just thrilled that Daniel may be joining your family. He has the face of an angel. Im going to be praying for you all daily, until he comes home!!!

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  5. OH dear! Now your post made ME cry! :( May the Lord protect him while you are gone, and bring your family together soon! VERY SOON!

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  6. Keri, I've stumbled upon your blog (from FRUA) - can you please email me: fliesbyseatofpants@gmail.com

    Many Thanks,
    Teresa

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  7. I donated $$ to your fund for earrings (or anything else)for the kids.
    Daniel sounds adorable! :-)

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  8. Love his dear heart.

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  9. Anonymous6:27 PM

    We are sending boxes of toys to the orphans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And there are stickers!!!!!!!!!

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  10. I wonder if he realizes that his celebrity status is extending beyond the Orphanage! There are people throughout the country who are already in love with him and can't wait to meet him! (including ME!)

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  11. I hope everyone can find peace with the long process and he never gives up hope! I can't wait to someday open your blog and see a picture of him in the US!

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