May 10, 2008

A Visit with Victor and Kristina

Mariya came over at 10:00 this morning to take me and Nick shopping.  We had a few gifts we still needed to purchase and some items the children will need for when they travel.  We were able to get almost everything taken care of and I felt good that we will be able to get everything done without running out of time.  As we mentioned before, the children leave the orphanage with basically nothing.  We need to make sure they have tooth brushes, tooth paste, shampoo, toys to keep them occupied on the plane and anything else they may need for the long flight.  We then left Mariya and went to our apartment for lunch.  Mariya and Sasha would then come to pick us up at 2:00.

The plan for the day was to pick Alyona up at the boarding school and then go to Poludino to see Victor and Kristina.  We knew that Alyona went to see her Aunt on Thursday and was supposed to return Friday evening.  Well, Mariya found out that Alyona had not returned from her Aunt’s house yet.  Mariya spoke with her and she said her Aunt was sick and had to go to the hospital and Alyona needed to stay and take care of her son as her husband had to work.  The first time we heard someone was taken to the hospital we thought it was serious but we have since found out that there are not doctor’s offices like we are used to.  All medical care is done at the hospital, so if someone goes to the hospital it does not necessarily mean they are real sick.  So at this point we are not sure exactly when Alyona will be back and we headed on to visit Victor and Kristina.

We had not been able to spend time with Victor the last two times because he was preparing for his concert and then he was performing in his concert.  It was nice to be able to be with Victor and Kristina today.  Victor said one of the boys in his group told him we would not be there because the weather was bad that day so he was happy we were there.  (It was rainy and windy that day)  We told him how proud we were of him and what a great job he did in his concert.  He had a huge smile for us.

Kristina loves bananas so we always make sure we bring them as a snack.  Today she ate two bananas.  We also brought a few chocolate candies for them, which they also finished.  When it is time to go Victor and Kristina always split what is left and take back to their groups.  Victor took the banana that was left and Kristina grabbed it away from him and Victor told her “But Beauty, you have already had two bananas and I have only had one.”  Victor is so sweet with her and watches over her.  Before Kristina went in her room she gave the banana to Victor.

We brought coloring books, paper and crayons today to play with.  After we played ball for a while we asked if they would like to draw.  We found out what an amazing artist Victor is.  I was truly amazed at how well he can draw and write.  Nick wrote his name for him in English and he copied it perfectly.  Victor turned the page and drew another picture and then wrote his name in English again from memory.  He drew a tank and helicopter and a castle with a dragon.  We knew what he was drawing and never had to ask what it was.  Kristina traced letters on a dry erase book and I worked with her on the letters and words in English.  She repeated most of the words I said and did a very good job. 

We talked some more to Victor about coming to America.  We asked if he knew anyone else that was coming and he said there is one girl there now that is getting ready to go and there is one boy that is getting ready to go to Spain.  As usual, the time to say good bye came too soon.  We said our good byes and headed home.

Mariya also found out she has another family coming from America on May 14.  We have court on May 15 so she will be juggling between two families for our last few days here. 

The Hrenko Family

Adoption Journey to Kazakhstan

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