We were welcomed to the home to go directly to the computer lab, which was probably the nicest room in the building. We played for 1.5 hours with Julianna. She really warmed up even more to us today. Julianna was laughing and giggling when Kenny and I played catch with a ball with her. She quickly knew how to get our attention with her gestures and hand motions. Julianna stroked Kenny’s beard; I think she’s quickly learning how to wrap Daddy around her finger and if not, Francesca and Gabby will give her tips when she gets home!
This little angel is not severely mentally delayed. She has been deprived of a family and early intervention. The program that they have her in is quite interesting. I spoke with her speech teacher, who cried and begged me not to take her. The teacher explained the program and she works on identification of objects and two word sentences right now. She does have language skills! We heard her talking at the computer which was showing a video clip of the Christmas Party at the Children’s Home.
We played with the lion puppet and shape sorter. Julianna didn’t care much for the stuffed bears we brought for her. So, we moved on to a few rounds of “Ring-around-the-rosy.” She knew after two times to drop to the ground at the end. Of course, going around in small circles made Mommy and Daddy dizzy, so we went on to other activities. Julianna showed us how to jump and hop and stand on one foot. She kicked the ball and caught the ball. Her hand-eye coordination looks very good. However, her close vision remains a concern.
The “inmates” as these children are referred to do not have access to optometrist or ophthalmologist. So, Angelo’s Dr. McManaway will be seeing Julianna when we get home. She has four front permanent teeth. The others look like baby teeth. Kenny said he thought she had some cavities. Sveta said these children only see dentists when they have toothaches. So, Dr. Kramer will be paid a visit, too.
After our visit with Julianna, we were invited to lunch with the Director, Deputy Director, Social Worker, & Computer Teacher. We were treated like royalty with Russian borscht -soup w/meat, cabbage, beets, celery, onions, broth, and we also had pork chops, potatoes, & corn. The director toasted wine to his “kind guests” or something like this…We also got gifts - two books of Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia.
The employees were concerned about where Julianna will go and what kind of care she would be getting. We took our book w/lots of pictures. They soon settled down when they saw for themselves what our family looks like…We explained the education system and the therapies she would receive in school. My education background helped them to feel better knowing that I would be able to advocate for Julianna.
Praise God for a wonderful morning with Julianna and the people who give such kind care to the 180 “inmates”. Michael, the Director, should also be lifted up in prayer for the outstanding work he is trying to accomplish with little support.
More to come in future blogs about our Catholic Church adventures and friends that we are meeting in Nizhniy Novgorod….stay tuned…Annie