March 27, 2003 - meeting our sweet Natalie

Clarke:

Once inside the orphanage, we appreciate the better-maintained interior. It is much like the 1940’s institution for government care of people. We are told the ratio of workers to kids 2 to 3, and it shows. 

 Everything is clean and painted. A wonderful smell drifts in from the kitchen, as maids and “babushkas” are scurrying back and forth. We are seated in a large office with Georgiy and Inna, the director. They engage in a discussion, which becomes passionate for both. After about 10-15 minutes of this, we are afforded only a brief 1-minute summary of what is going on. The doctor and psychologist both tell us what they know about her health. We listened attentively and take notes.

Natalie is brought into to see Inna, but she is not aware of who we are. She is too shy to speak to Inna. She is in the 75% for height and 50% for weight in comparison to the U.S. growth charts. We are given a chance to get out a toy from our car before we meet her in private. We are both afraid that we have made the wrong choice in the doll we have brought.  

However, when we meet in the hall, 

Natalie runs toward us and nearly takes the yellow doll from Kris.

10 year old yellow dolly that was Natalie's first toy.

Our visit is a little challenging and awkward for all three of us.  She engages in eye contact and our motions constantly, but she is as quiet as a church mouse.  To break the ice, we make silly faces and gestures, but are feeling quite goofy.   Eventually she opens up to show interest in her doll and blocks we have brought.

One of our first pictures of Natalie

Precious first moments with Natalie.

Having seen no reason to use the only power of control we are given, (a Veto), we feel willing to accept God’s will for our life.

We decline a delay in our decision, and immediately tell Georgiy our desire to adopt. 

 It feels right, and so must be right.  

We have prayed about it, and trust that this is the Lords will.  

Kris:

We arrived at the orphanage.  After the train ride, I was so wiped and had the worst headache every!  Our driver, Sasha, who met us at the train station, has a very pleasant face and friendly eyes.  We lugged our baggage and squeezed into the car.  We drove into town.  It is so run down and depressing.  What a run down country this is.  Bruce Springsteen would have a lot to write about.  we stopped for champagne and chocolate to give to the director of the orphanage.  

Then we were off!  We were driving in what seemed like all the back alleys and drove up to a building with a blue painted fence.  My head was pounding!  Into the orphanage we went.  We went straight into the director's office.  Inna was an older lady and very over powering.  Inna and Georgiy talked and talked in the harshness that seems like they are yelling at each other.  Georgiy was pleading our paperwork dilemma and I know that he is looking out for our best interest.  

Clarke and I have had it in our hearts for so long to adopt 2 children.  We had the chance to meet our friends the Weston's newly adopted children in Kyiv before we embarked on our trip.  We were so encouraged by that but I guess God has different plans for us.  

Natalie is our gift, and we are very thankful for her!