When we entered, Sveta headed in a different direction than what we were used to doing. She walked to the Deputy Director’s office (Helen) who led us to the computer lab again. The lab was in the process of becoming occupied as the computer teacher had 6 young girls with her that were about ages 14-17. I recognized the one girl with the short arms. They were going to computer class.
We got bumped to a classroom that was half the size complete with a small shelf area that had educational materials. There was a Russian alphabet on the wall in the front near the green chalkboard. Olga, the other Deputy Director, came to the room and had a young girl get on the counter area to open the large glass window. It was stifling hot in this room. I waited near the front and Kenny was in the back with the video camera waiting to get Julianna’s reaction recorded.
Upon being escorted to the room, Julianna looked at me and I said, “Oh Julianna, I have missed you.” She came running to me and I picked her up, hugging, and kissing her. As I put her down, Kenny passed the camera to Sveta and Julianna came running to Daddy. She was very happy to see us and told us that she missed us. We asked her if she wanted to go home with us and she said “Da.” The good news is she likes the color purple and butterflies - color scheme of her bedroom with Francesca and her comforter on her bed at home.
We played with a pegboard for awhile, and then moved to a squishy ball. We had to keep telling her gentle because she got very excited and would whip the ball or hit Kenny on the head. It was great seeing how she had grown since our visit in April….and a good feeling to know that she was so happy and accepting of us wanting to be her parents.
Julianna’s teeth are growing in the front. She has lost some of the babyfat look on her face. She has thinned out a little in her torso area. I think her clothes will fit well. I also was happy to see that her bad haircut is growing quickly. Her personal hygiene will need some attention.
She seems to be obstinate - a trait that is found in many people with Down Syndrome and even those without the diagnosis suffer from this characteristic. She attempted to say some words with us but not many. Julianna was just so happy that we were back. When asked if she wanted to fly on a plane and go home, she said, “Da” and pointed to the outside. We explained it would be a few days before we could ride the plane.
We played with play dough. After taking off the wrapper and opening the lid, Julianna attempted to put the play dough in her mouth. Of course, we stopped her and redirected her to make snakes. She loved the smell and had great fun with this activity. When we were finished, she tried to put the wrapper back on the play dough….again, her ignorance of having no experience with this concept.
We only stayed 30 minutes since the whole place is “quarantined.” They have one (1) isolated case of chicken pox and you would think the whole place is infested. Why wouldn’t they isolate the one child and not the entire group…? Anyway…
Our plan is that tomorrow after we go to court and with much prayer and intervention from the Holy Spirit we are able to have our 10 days waived, then we are going tomorrow to get Julianna! We decided if she is our legal responsibility tomorrow, then we want her with us so that we can begin the bonding process and start to help her with her skills. It will be a challenge in the small room that we are in…but we have some ideas.
When we left, Julianna kissed my arm many times as she sat on my lap. Sveta said that Julianna probably doesn’t get to kiss anybody at the orphanage…that is very sad!! L She hugged us both and we told her we would be returning tomorrow.
See the pictures that we took. They are great!
More later. Have to work on our court presentation…I am glad there is no need for powerpoint, but it would probably be better if there were visuals for the hearing.