Today Oxana and I hung out. Our men folk left early for Kiev and we slept in, then took the bus and stopped for lunch on the way to the school. Lunch was slow and the bus was slower and Alex called wondering where I was. (It was close to three and I’ve got specific instructions to be there each day at 2:10! Alex and I have terrific phone calls. I have no idea what he’s saying and he has no idea what I’m saying!)
I had ordered fish for lunch as I’ve seen so many yummy fish dishes and so I thought I’d be healthy and brave and order grilled fish. I had about 3 bites and then Oxana mentioned it was CATFISH! That’s all I ate. She could tell that I was alarmed and I told her we don’t eat Catfish in Utah-they’re garbage fish-she said not to worry, these are raised on farms- EVEN WORSE!! FARM RAISED CATFISH…bleck!! (Side note: I had Catfish confused with Carp! Opps.) I took the rest to go thinking Alex might eat it? I mean he drinks the water without a problem, this fish is probably something he's use to too. But he didn’t eat it either (and I just threw it away). He did eat all my fried potatoes and loved them.
It was just me today so I thought I’d just have Alex but Julia came too and that was okay. We played some cards and I certainly felt outnumbered one English speaker to two Russians. Then Alex convinced me to go to the “mahazing” (store) as he had two grivyna’s (40 cents) burning a hole in his pocket. We walked to four stores buying a few treats and looking at toys. We then ended up at a little store where I bought him a Lego helicopter set and Julia domino's’. My idea was to find quiet things they could do as opposed to throwing tennis balls at me for hours on end. And the toys here are so inexpensive compared to home. I think I spent about $12 total.
Then we had to rush back as I got a call that they had homework. (I had asked before we left and Lex told me he didn’t need to be back until six and it was 5:30-I’m trying to be a responsible parent!)
Lex was so sad as we were cleaning up and packing up. He was trying hard not to show it but his eyes were tearing and something was defiantly wrong. I thought-the sweet mother heart of mine-“Oh, he’s so sad I’m leaving.” Then I realized it was the Lego’s! He didn’t have a chance to play with his Lego’s. Naydia had said to take the toys with me and bring them back tomorrow as the other children might steal them. Without saying a word, I handed him his Lego’s and he immediately brightened. How can you buy a child a toy who has owned so few and then expect him not to play with it until tomorrow? If the other kids steal it, oh well. I think he holds his own pretty well here anyway. He was so sweet and thanked me and hugged me goodbye about four times. He kept waving as I left. I blew him a kiss and in a boyish way he sort of tossed one back. Each day I just love him a little more. I’ve always know he was ours and loved him from the start but I’m sincerely enjoying him and understanding him a little more each day. It’s a bit scary to add a little person to your family-a family has a balance and sometimes I'd get a little panicky feeling that I’m disrupting this balance and things will never be okay again. I'd worry about him adjusting and all of us adjusting to him. But whenever I got that panicky feeling while preparing for this adventure just as soon as I had it, I’d get a calm feeling that everything would be okay-just move forward. And now-no more panicky feelings! He’s our boy, he was meant to be with us and I have no doubt we will come to a new balance in our family dynamics. Do I think it will be a piece of cake? Heck no-I’m not delusional! I know we’ll have our struggles but I also know that the Lord has lead us this far, he’ll see us through.
Let me take a minute here to thank the Lord for the blessings we’ve received. I know you all hear me complain each day and yes, the wait seems like forever before we can get home but I really must give thanks. We are blessed to be here so quickly, to have so little problems with our paper work, to have such a wonderful facilitator & adoption coordinator, orphanage director, parents taking care of our home grown children, children willing to love an accept another sibling, friends and family support, time off work, funds to be here, an older brother supportive of this adoption and that we found this one little boy half way around the world that will complete and make our family whole.
When my mother in law was alive she did this little superstitious thing with a string and a pencil that she'd balanced over a woman's wrist. Depending on the way the pencil moved she could determine how many children she would have and the sex and order of her children. (This is just an old wives tale and I really don’t put that much merit in it-nor did she-it was just for fun.) But she told me through this process that I would have a girl, a boy, a girl, a boy, and a girl. I already had four at that time and assumed that my miscarriage in between my last two girls was my boy? Maybe not, maybe this pencil string trick has more merit that I thought?
I ran to the market all on my own when we got back to the apartment. We were out of milk because I had once again bought buttermilk and not regular milk. I put my headphones during my walk and realized this way I could ignore the people around me like they ignore me. Making me more Ukrainian and less conspicuous.
On the way home Dixie Chicks “Wide Open Spaces” came on-very appropriate for my walk home to this cramped, run down apartment complex brimming with stray dogs and litter.
I had ordered fish for lunch as I’ve seen so many yummy fish dishes and so I thought I’d be healthy and brave and order grilled fish. I had about 3 bites and then Oxana mentioned it was CATFISH! That’s all I ate. She could tell that I was alarmed and I told her we don’t eat Catfish in Utah-they’re garbage fish-she said not to worry, these are raised on farms- EVEN WORSE!! FARM RAISED CATFISH…bleck!! (Side note: I had Catfish confused with Carp! Opps.) I took the rest to go thinking Alex might eat it? I mean he drinks the water without a problem, this fish is probably something he's use to too. But he didn’t eat it either (and I just threw it away). He did eat all my fried potatoes and loved them.
It was just me today so I thought I’d just have Alex but Julia came too and that was okay. We played some cards and I certainly felt outnumbered one English speaker to two Russians. Then Alex convinced me to go to the “mahazing” (store) as he had two grivyna’s (40 cents) burning a hole in his pocket. We walked to four stores buying a few treats and looking at toys. We then ended up at a little store where I bought him a Lego helicopter set and Julia domino's’. My idea was to find quiet things they could do as opposed to throwing tennis balls at me for hours on end. And the toys here are so inexpensive compared to home. I think I spent about $12 total.
Then we had to rush back as I got a call that they had homework. (I had asked before we left and Lex told me he didn’t need to be back until six and it was 5:30-I’m trying to be a responsible parent!)
Lex was so sad as we were cleaning up and packing up. He was trying hard not to show it but his eyes were tearing and something was defiantly wrong. I thought-the sweet mother heart of mine-“Oh, he’s so sad I’m leaving.” Then I realized it was the Lego’s! He didn’t have a chance to play with his Lego’s. Naydia had said to take the toys with me and bring them back tomorrow as the other children might steal them. Without saying a word, I handed him his Lego’s and he immediately brightened. How can you buy a child a toy who has owned so few and then expect him not to play with it until tomorrow? If the other kids steal it, oh well. I think he holds his own pretty well here anyway. He was so sweet and thanked me and hugged me goodbye about four times. He kept waving as I left. I blew him a kiss and in a boyish way he sort of tossed one back. Each day I just love him a little more. I’ve always know he was ours and loved him from the start but I’m sincerely enjoying him and understanding him a little more each day. It’s a bit scary to add a little person to your family-a family has a balance and sometimes I'd get a little panicky feeling that I’m disrupting this balance and things will never be okay again. I'd worry about him adjusting and all of us adjusting to him. But whenever I got that panicky feeling while preparing for this adventure just as soon as I had it, I’d get a calm feeling that everything would be okay-just move forward. And now-no more panicky feelings! He’s our boy, he was meant to be with us and I have no doubt we will come to a new balance in our family dynamics. Do I think it will be a piece of cake? Heck no-I’m not delusional! I know we’ll have our struggles but I also know that the Lord has lead us this far, he’ll see us through.
Let me take a minute here to thank the Lord for the blessings we’ve received. I know you all hear me complain each day and yes, the wait seems like forever before we can get home but I really must give thanks. We are blessed to be here so quickly, to have so little problems with our paper work, to have such a wonderful facilitator & adoption coordinator, orphanage director, parents taking care of our home grown children, children willing to love an accept another sibling, friends and family support, time off work, funds to be here, an older brother supportive of this adoption and that we found this one little boy half way around the world that will complete and make our family whole.
When my mother in law was alive she did this little superstitious thing with a string and a pencil that she'd balanced over a woman's wrist. Depending on the way the pencil moved she could determine how many children she would have and the sex and order of her children. (This is just an old wives tale and I really don’t put that much merit in it-nor did she-it was just for fun.) But she told me through this process that I would have a girl, a boy, a girl, a boy, and a girl. I already had four at that time and assumed that my miscarriage in between my last two girls was my boy? Maybe not, maybe this pencil string trick has more merit that I thought?
I ran to the market all on my own when we got back to the apartment. We were out of milk because I had once again bought buttermilk and not regular milk. I put my headphones during my walk and realized this way I could ignore the people around me like they ignore me. Making me more Ukrainian and less conspicuous.
On the way home Dixie Chicks “Wide Open Spaces” came on-very appropriate for my walk home to this cramped, run down apartment complex brimming with stray dogs and litter.
I played the best April Fools joke today. I’d been waiting all day for a decent hour back home. Then I sent a text to my children’s phones and told them “I’m sorry but the Ukraine government has changed the 10 day wait to two months.” Immediately Dev sent a text back “What?” I told her I was sorry but Dad can come home but I’ll have to stay. Then I got a “No you can’t!’ and then I said April Fools! Half way around the world and I still got ‘em! Love you guys!!
My apologies, as you can tell I’m waxing a little poetic earlier on this post-forgive me if you’re just here for the details and not the contents of my heart.
Much love & blowing you kisses! Wendy
My apologies, as you can tell I’m waxing a little poetic earlier on this post-forgive me if you’re just here for the details and not the contents of my heart.
Much love & blowing you kisses! Wendy
7 of my blog friends said something...:
This was the best time of our stay in Ukraine. The bonding time is like none other. It will be a different kind of bonding time when you are back in your country with your other kids around. It is so sweet now though, so take in all in! Thanks for your posts, it helps me remember what it was like to have those moments alone with my new Sons. I see now how necessary it all was. Take care
I just got back from your house. Your children all look so great and happy. They told me about your joke and let me know it wasn't very funny! They sure are sweet. Devree helped me get onto your computer and the video was right there and worked great! I wonder what is wrong with my computer!? Anyway, thanks for taking some footage for me. It was so nice to see her in action and hear her voice. She did look good and healthy. I can't wait to get them both home. I hope you're able to see Nastia before you head out.:)
Oh, by the way, you can get catfish at very eligant restaurants in Utah as well! At least I think, I've never ordered it, but I know I've seen it. I forwarded an email to you, if you want to read it.
WOW ! that would be scary to stay 2 more months.... enjoy yourself,you seem to get a good grab at it....take care of yourself, and hugs to Alex and you
Its still April Fools here in the US, I have been told by Sami that I have a Spider in my hair about 50 bazillion times, just kidding, its April Fools! Sami turns 5 in July. I am so glad to get to know you Alex, your Dad and Mom are pretty special people, I called your house last night and your Mom said she forgot how much fun it is to be a Mom with kids at home! Shes cute!
Most of my kids are AIMS testing this week, Josh just started a new job, Emily is looking and my Emotion Works Company is starting to take serious root. I am so grateful for truth and light. What would I do without the comfort of a Heavenly Plan? I am grateful to have so much here.
Love to all the Richharts!
The Hainsworth's
Wendy & James - I have kept Matt up to date during your stay. Thanks for the cute comment. I have been reading every day. It sounds like a lifetime adventure. We are praying all goes well. We can't wait to meet this new addition soon! Good luck with all of the strange food and crazy days. Isn't it amazing how Heavenly Father works? You are awesome for doing this to have a little boy to round out your family. We love you! You'll be home before you knw it. If we can do anything to help let us know. Take care! Love - Matt & Molly
Your next post I'm sure will be entitled "Thursday's Thoughts," then "Friday's Feelings," then "Saturday's Scenario," and so on. Hee hee. I love your posts; so much more creative than mine. I'll bet it's lonely without James. Don't eat any unknown fish.
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