We went to the orphanage this afternoon to meet Karina and Victoria. As soon as we walked in, they were waiting for us in the main hall. They are darling! Karina is quite tall! She just turned 11 and is probably almost 5' feet. Victoria is still a petite 8-yr. old.
We were escorted into a special meeting room where about five staff members, along with the regional chief of the CPS, plus Irina, followed. Karina and Victoria said a few things in English to us! Just easy stuff like their names and their ages, but it was very cute. They smiled easily and often and had adorable expressions. They both seem so sweet and funny, too.
Karina braided & decorated Victoria's hair with the hair accessories we'd brought and they enjoyed painting the little ceramic magnets we had for them, too. They were especially interested in our dogs, Kane and Kandy, and delighted in looking at all the photos of them and the whole family. We talked about art and singing and dancing and sports - all of which the girls enjoy!
We then said we'd see them again tomorrow and the girls both gave us big hugs goodbye, not once, but twice. So sweet. As we mentioned, though, Karina and Victoria have turned down two offers for adoption- one from a Ukrainian family and one from a foreign family- so they may simply enjoy meeting people! ;)
We made a point to ask that we be introduced only as friends as we do not want the girls to feel any pressure, nor do we, until we all are sure we are on the same page.
We hope to meet with the orphanage doctor and the girls' childcare workers and teachers to get more specific and detailed information about them tomorrow.
All in all, it was all that we could have hoped for, and more, in a first meeting. We will see how things progress.
Your continued prayers for true peace and clarity for both Blake and me and for Karina and Victoria are still and always appreciated.
Love you all!
xoox
Wow! It sounds like it went so well and I am so hopeful that this works out well for you and Blake. They sound like great little girls and they have undoubtedly just met two of the most generous and loving people on the planet. I am praying for all four of you.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine that you must be physically and emotionally exhausted at times -- just reading the updates is a whirlwind! Rest up and deep breaths! Thinking of you...
xo,
Angie
Ang, it means a lot to be in your thoughts and prayers and thanks so much for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteNow that we're at least a little settled in, and staying at a great place, our hope is to be able to concentrate solely on the girls. It'll be nice to continue to get to know them and see how things progress. Time will tell!
Love u! xo