When we got to the orphanage some of the kids were outside. The caretakers would walk around the building with the kids occasionally stopping to let them play on the playground equipment. It was kind of wet and cool out so they were bundled up in true Russian style. Russians are crazy about staying warm. Always dressed in layers and the kids always seem to have too much on often sweating underneath it all.
Dima had a coat and hat on. He seemed comfortable enough but it seemed a little overkill. He saw us and instantly his face lit up like a Christmas tree! We took him over to a playground away from his group. I heard the kids all asking the caretaker questions and the word Dima kept coming up. Our interpreter said the caretaker said that Dima was going to spend time with his new momma and poppa.
Dima instantly started asking for his "Machina" or car. We had left it with the orphanage and were kicking ourselves for it. Everything in the orphanage becomes public property. He may likely never see it again. I made a mental note to hit Target when we got home to get another one just like it for the next trip. We took him over to the swings. He seemed very distressed the whole time he was on it so I took him over to the merry go round. He was much more comfortable here. He spun around with us and laughed.
Some men were doing some construction work at the apartment building next door. They started up a chain saw and it got Dima's attention right away. He stood up, started pointing and saying something in Russian toddlernese... Willem was very excited, his boy loved power tools and the tractor that was tearing up the ground. I got that smile from Willem that I've seen before when Derek does something Willem loves. So proud.
We pulled out bubbles which fascinated him. I wonder if he had ever seen them before. He figured out how to do it on his own in a short time. He laughed hysterically as he'd bat them away.
We went for a walk around the building. Willem would hop up on a step, Dima would hop up on a step, Willem would tap a manhole with his foot, Dima would tap a manhole with his foot. It was adorable. I can see who the favorite parent is going to be for Dima. :) Dima would make comments about the birds, the trees, everything excited him and he wanted us to see it all with him.
We were so much more relaxed with him that the time flew by. When it was time to say goodbye i started to panic. i realized he knew nothing about what was happening. I wanted him to know who we are, what we wanted for him but there was no time to explain. Let alone the fact that he wouldn't understand...
I pulled out a picture book of our family and gave it to him and a stuffed elephant. We had to beg the social worker to let him have it. Hopefully they will let him sleep with it and explain to him the picture book. As the social worker led him back up the steps into the orphanage she stopped and told him to turn around and wave to his momma. He did which broke my heart. She looked down and him and said something and Dima responded. Our interpreter told us she said "You're momma and poppa will be back soon to see you again" he looked up at her and said "I know."
Whether he knows or not doesn't matter, it made me feel good. He is comfortable where he is. Well fed, looked after. It isn't optimum but it isn't awful. He has no idea what will happen to him and how his life is going to change! We can't wait to get back to him!
No comments:
Post a Comment