A year ago today we arrived in Ukraine. It was the beginning of a wonderful adventure full of many growing eperiences for many people. Despite the trials we can say that "Yes" this was a good decision and "Yes" we would do it again.
The boys we adopted are doing fantastic. Their progress has been incredible. It is hard to imagine that there will be another year in their future when they will face as many changes and make as much progress as they have this year. They went from being skin and bones little guys to skin, bones and muscle little boys. Although they are still as skinny as I aspire to be, they have each gained about 30 lbs and grown several inches. They are both doing well in school and getting good grades and actually earning them without special allowances from the teachers.
Their english is great. They still have accents and don't know every word in our English language but the challenge at the present time is trying to make sure that Spencer keeps his Ukrainian/Russian. Vitaly still rattles it off well, but Spencer is starting to forget words and phrases. He talks a lot about wanting to be in the air force or being a pilot and we think that he will have great opportunities in life if he can hold on to his bilingual abilities.
We talked to Bryan (our son who is a missionary in Ukraine) today for Mother's day. As he talked about the country that he has grown to love, I actually didn't experience nausea. I am losing my distaste for Ukraine as time passes and I don't flinch at the thought of returning there someday. Amazing how memories tend to sweeten with time.
Vitaly and Spencer like to go to church and have been able to manage other actiivities like scouts and sports and they are integrated into the family just like the rest of the kids. They shower everyday and don't hoard or tattle or display the other inappropriate behaviors that rattled us at first. They are not afraid to pitch in and help with family chores and they have stopped trying to show their willful talents and have come to sincerely appreciate the blessings and security of life in a family.
Today for Mother's day the kids made a special book with letters from and pictures of each of them. Vitaliy signed his entry "your adopted son" It actually struck me funny to read that. Maybe he is just afraid that I may be forgetting that he is adopted or something. It is possible that I may have had a few too many Mother's day treats today but I have to say that Family blending can be a beautiful thing.....a year later.
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Time does sweeten things doesn't it? Sort of like pregnancy. When you're in the thick of it there is no way you want to do it again!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your boys are doing so well. Of course how could they not with a mom like you?
Sweet post. I hope you had a fabulous Mom's day!
~W
LOL I love the, "a year later." :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so encouraging for me to hear things like that though. I've definitely had my moments this week where I wanted to stick a sign on her and send her back. Not that I ever would, but I could see why someone would do that.
Which mission in Ukraine is your son serving?
Bryan is in the Kiev Mission. We were able to see him in Ukraine last Mother's day instead of "the call" it was awesome.
ReplyDeleteErica, I feel your pain. As my blog entries the first couple months home can attest we had a very rough beginning. I promise that it will get better. I remember sypathizing with the woman who sent her son back to Russia and thinking that she was nice to send him with a backpack full of cookies :) It is really hard in the beginning but after a couple of months you will begin to see light at the end of the tunnel.
I think the older children have learned that all they really have in life is their free will. They protect it ferociously (not sure on how to spell that word, but it fits what I am trying to say) Finally they realize that you genuinely want the best for THEM and when they accept that the trust can begin and things get way better, fast. Hang in there, I can't wait to read your post a year into this adventure.
Christy
Thanks. :) I hope they really are better posts by then instead of just frustrated! LOL
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