Day 28 - Goodbye

It's taken me all week to write this post. I've just been "blah." We all have. This journey has been wonderful and we've all loved every minute. If my family and The Preacher would let me, I would do this again in a heartbeat . . . especially with a kiddo from the same place Denys lives. And we are completely at peace with God's sovereignty and sending him home to the amazing Larysa. But, the fact remains, we miss him. He added something to our home and without him here we're just sad.

Three a.m. came very early Tuesday morning. We had clothes laid out and Denys was packed. A quick shower, everyone dressed and off to the ATL we rode. Surprisingly most everyone remained awake on our trip over. Check-in was a breeze and the NHFC staffer on-site was incredibly helpful. I took a couple of pictures of the crew and it wasn't until I was home that I saw the face.

(Oh, and do you see this? I made sure to get a picture just for all of you who prayed so diligently those last few hours. The bag came in at FIFTY POUNDS - even. Thank you, Jesus!)

I knew he wasn't thrilled about going home, but I was surprised at the pouty face he gave in those last moments. What he couldn't say in words I think he was trying to tell us by his looks. When asked via Google Translate was he ready to return to Ukraine, he always said, "No." But was unable to elaborate on what he was really feeling. But, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. (Can you see the humor here, too? He's such a funny kid!)

 Then we waited.

At first we were a solemn bunch, but then Denys pulled out the juggle balls (Koosh balls are WONDERFUL for juggling) and he and J quickly began playing. In a short while he caught a glimpse of some of his buddies and was absolutely THRILLED to see those boys. They began talking non-stop and introducing us all to one another. Interestingly, their families had the same things to say about them we had to say about Denys. I believe their director, Larysa, does a fabulous job with her her children. She has taught them to be polite and loving. They are respectful and joyful and love to have fun.

From the time the friends arrived, he was involved with them and then it was time for them to leave. My children were broken hearted. J wept. We thought Jason was going to have to carry him to the vehicle. MG began sobbing also and AR chased Denys down and kept saying, "Bye, Denys." They were certainly a sad crew and it broke this mama's heart to see her babies hurt.

We watched them descend the escalator and turn the corner into security. And that was that.

We headed home and have all be mopey ever since. We know that God is BIG and will have his will accomplished in the life of Denys.

We would love to see Denys find a forever family here, in the USA. And if you're interested in learning more about Ukrainian orphans we would love to help you get into contact with the right people. Also, we have found out that Denys will be available for summer hosting. We have decided to opt out (for now) since we don't want to deprive a family who may be very interesting in having him in their home on a long-term basis. (hint hint) There again, please let us know if you're interested in more information.

Before

After

Denys is a precious 14-year-old Ukrainian boy with a high-wattage ready smile. He is conservative in dress, but very ready to play and have a good time. He is energetic and is a bit of an acrobat and hip/hop dancer. He rides bikes, swims and likes fancy cars. Drawing is a passion for him and he can freehand nearly any illustration he sees. Denys plays well with children of any age and does an amazing job keeping a close watch on the youngest ones; making sure they stay safe and out of harm. He is empathetic and kind to others and animals. He was delighted to spend time with our extended family and loved on them as much as they loved on him. Video games are perhaps his favorite quiet time activity and he is quick to figure out any type of electronic device - even the ones in English. 

Please help us pass the word to anyone you think might be interesting in learning more about Denys or any other older Ukrainian orphan! He is a wonderful kiddo and certainly our favorite Ukrainian!

~Megan

Day 27 - The Final Hours

Solemn. Somber. Rather uneventful. These are the adjectives I would use to describe today. Monday's are always busy here and today was no exception: piano lessons, errands, gymnastics, and any number of other small necessaries that pop up.

Denys opted to stay with Mimi and the girls while I took Jonah to piano lessons early this morning. He has enjoyed playing with this piano during this trip. Were he here any longer we would be talking with Mrs. Sue about piano lessons times two!

Home to begin packing was next on the agenda. I finished all the ironing. We stuffed what we could into Space Bags. Those suckers are great for fitting just a few more things into a very cramped space, but too bad they can't do a thing in the world about weight!

Pouty faces packing 'cases.

And speaking of suitcase weight - Prayer Request - please pray now that his suitcase is not over weight. We got word this morning that the cases were supposed to weigh 44 lbs. That SIX pounds under 50. Six whole pounds. We are mighty close to being right in between those numbers. Please pray Delta's scales are kind in the morning.

He also packed his backpack and it is tight as a tick! A few more people have asked these last few days could they give him something for the return trip. We have been begging them not to give anything. We knew we were close and he doesn't even have an excessive amount of things to take back to Ukraine. I did find a cell phone in his backpack. Those are one of the "contraband" items, but this is one I am pretty sure came over with him. (I don't know where he's had it hidden all this time. I searched diligently for one when he arrived!) I've not seen one of these mp3/slim/flip phone styles in several years so no one I know gave it to him. In that case, it gets to return home!

Before gymnastics this evening we stopped by an auto parts store because Jason needed something for the truck. The kids and I knocked around just to see what was there. Denys found a display of key chains. He asked me to show him a "T" and then he asked for one. Please note that this is the first and ONLY thing he has asked for on this trip. When offered he would accept or decline something and might choose one style over another, but, other than water, he has not, outright, asked for a single solitary thing since arriving. And this "T" key chain was not for himself, but for a friend, Toni. Wow. (And of course it was purchased immediately!)

At the end of gymnastics the boys were given the opportunity to jump on the trampolines and into the "Pit" for a few minutes. They enjoyed it, but wanted more time to play. We headed back to Mimi and Pops for dinner. I finally had a chance to fix a Ukrainian-style meal. Well, it wasn't the cabbage rolls I was hoping to fix (btw - if you need some cabbage, I have plenty!), but a nice Kielbasa and veggie "roast" was easy and very good. He ate a plateful and promptly put his dirty plate into the sink. (I'm gonna miss this kid for more reasons than one! lol)

He did not want to leave when it was time to head home, but got into the vehicle anyway. We talked for bit, went through all his photograph and I marked them with people and places as best I could. (I had to explain that The Varsity was not McDonald's!) And he asked again were we leaving at four. I told him, "Yes," and he held up ten fingers and said, "No. Six!"

If my Ukrainian is incorrect just don't even tell me.

I finished up a little goodbye card and sneaked a couple of very small goodies into his backpack for him to find during the day tomorrow. The candy I purchased will not fit, so off to The Preacher's office it goes. We are heavy-hearted, but still holding up well. Prayer for the early a.m. appreciated.

~Meg