A video about our family

Pierce Family Adoption Registry

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Visit with Calvin

Last night I was feeling overwhelmed and emotional. I was wondering if I could handle 2 more children when I feel that I’m already busy with the 3 kids that I currently have. I spoke with Tyler about it and he gave me a priesthood blessing. The blessing confirmed our plan that we should adopt both boys and that it would be hard. However, God has promised us that we will be blessed and that our boys will be blessed eternally from this adoption. So, press forward we shall!

Today we had our best visit with Calvin, yet! When we arrived at the orphanage, all of the children were playing outside. It was a beautiful, sunny day. When Calvin saw us, he ran towards us and said “Mama! Papa!” It was so sweet to see that he remembered us, as it had been 5 days since we’d seen him last. J We played outside for 30 minutes and then went inside for another 30 minutes in the playroom. Anytime one of the workers at the orphanage walked by, Calvin would point at us and say “Mama! Papa!” He was so proud to introduce us to everyone. We got a lot of video and pictures with him. Calvin is such a happy boy. He was calmer today, which was nice. He is smart, too, trying to fit things together in a very engineer-like fashion. Of course Tyler was happy to see that. J When we said his name (we’re still using his Russian name while in country), sometimes he would respond and sometimes he wouldn’t. I wonder if he needs his hearing checked or if he gets in his little zone and doesn’t notice we’re talking to him.

At one point in the playroom, the director walked in and asked me if I would sing and play the piano for the children/staff. Soon the room was filled with sweet little children and their adoring caregivers. I sang about 4 songs from our church songbook for children and then I sang ZDES KHOROSHO by Rachmaninoff accapella. Everyone seemed to enjoy the music except for Calvin who was trying to play with some toys instead of listening. Nice, eh? Ha ha.

Sveta didn’t drive us today to the orphanage. She had her friend, Dmitri, drive us, instead. The good news is that we arrived there in 2 ½ hours instead of 3 hours. The bad news is that he is a speedy driver who came really close to crashing into other cars throughout the drives. I think I would rather have it take 3 hours than arrive 30 minutes earlier with my stomach tied up in knots. ::shudder::

We came back and I took an hour long nap. It was wonderful, but hard to get up afterward! I played some Mario Party wii with Anna and then Tyler, Sarah, Anna, & I played some Yahtzee. Tyler packed up his things and he & Keith are heading to the train station in an hour or so. I’m not thrilled about Tyler leaving early, but hopefully it will help us spread out his leave throughout the year. We’re even talking about me coming out early for the second trip to get some of the 7 visits in prior to Tyler flying out. I don’t know how anyone can afford to take off so much leave from work, but I guess not everyone adopts two children from orphanages that are 3 hours apart. I pray that God will open the way for us to do what we need to do to bring these boys home. I just want them home.

Observances: it is light here outside from 5:30am until 8:30pm.

The majority of women wear boots. Most are high heeled. All of them are black.

McDonald’s is a happenin’ place. It’s considered a nice date to treat your sweetheart to some McDonald’s food.

We stick out as foreigners wherever we go. In Ukraine I tried to fit in by wearing black and gray everyday. Not here. Today I wore my orange glasses and orange shirt with black pants, complete with my orange crocs. Oh yeah, I scream AMERIKANKA with my wardrobe.

They sell hazelnut m&ms here.




Outside with Calvin. Isn't he a doll? Don't you love the masculine pink scarf?



Calvin's orphanage.


It was the best visit yet!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think the fact that he was the only child not listening to you proves he is meant to be yours:)

Carina said...

What a great day! I'm glad you had such a good visit with Calvin. And how wonderful that you got a blessing from your Heavenly Father, letting you know that you are doing His will! Like was said, it will be hard, but He never gives us more than we can handle--just enough that we can't handle it without His help. Hugs to you!

Joseph and Kamber said...

It looks like he has a pretty nice orphanage and play yard. It's fun to see him bonding.

If it's possible I would try and send him letters/photos while you're waiting for court. When we went to visit our Daniel, then age 4, a few days before court and the first visit in months he said that he had been looking at the album while we were gone and wondering if we were ever going to come back for him. It's so hard for them to grasp the concept of it taking a long time.

Blogging Friend said...

He is really go cute. Both boys are cute and look like sweet little ones.

I know you said that Tyler and Keith are leaving soon. How long are the rest of you staying? I am glad your friend is going to stay with you too. That is really sweet of her to come with you and I am sure it helps to have someone to talk too as well.

God Bless all of you. I have enjoyed your blog so much. Cannot wait until these 2 little ones are home with their Mommy. The only thing I wish is that you could have adopted a little girl as well. Oh well must not have been the right thing to do at this time. Maybe next time. LOL!!

I sent you an email, hope you are able to access it while there. If not I can leave what I wrote here.

Love,
Sheila

Mamapierce said...

Joseph and Kamber - We made a book with family pictures that we are going to leave with him so he can look at it. :)

Blogging Friend (Sheila) - we (all four girls) will be here another week. Yes, Sarah is an amazing friend and help to me! Yes, I thought we would adopt a girl, too, but the only girls they have here have severe mental needs and I don't think I'm up for that this go-around. :)

Mamapierce said...

Joseph and Kamber - We made a book with family pictures that we are going to leave with him so he can look at it. :)

Blogging Friend (Sheila) - we (all four girls) will be here another week. Yes, Sarah is an amazing friend and help to me! Yes, I thought we would adopt a girl, too, but the only girls they have here have severe mental needs and I don't think I'm up for that this go-around. :)

Sarah C said...

I am glad you decided to wear orange!

You can do this Jill. Heavenly Father will help you. We are praying for you. Love ya!