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Loading ...Goodbye, Hello and the Tears In Between
We said goodbye to the eight other children in Guanna-Now-Julia’s pod today with two cakes, juice boxes and lots of presents for everybody. Some of the presents included pens and pencils enscribed, “Guanna Is Your Friend in Texas.” The big hits were dolphin necklaces, Matchbox cars (“Machinas! Machinas!”), mini Etch-A-Sketches, Play Doh and dolphin-themed pencil sharpeners.
We dressed Guanna-now-Julia in her choice of clothing: Old Navy jeans with flowers on the bottom, a Guess shirt & sweatshirt (gotta love that Sam’s clearance), pink socks and – wonder of wonders – light up tennis shoes. We left the too-big socks and underwear (wasn’t sure exactly what size to buy) and two pairs of light-up shoes that didn’t fit.
She stomped her feet all through lunch to see the lights.
Her friend Dimitri offered the group’s “wishes” for her - to be happy, to be healthy, to remember Russia, to love her sisters and obey her grandmother.
“Guanna is going to the United States with Mama and Papa.”
“Remember Russia. Be happy.”
The orphanage director – who left her sick bed yesterday to testify for us – inscribed a book of Russian fairy tales for her, and talked to her before we left. Much hugging; many good wishes; those transcend all language barriers.
We have had a teary afternoon since the translator left. I am so glad. We called the translator after about an hour of constant sobbing to ensure there wasn’t anything physically wrong – she spoke directly to Guanna-now-Julia. We’d figured out potty and juice (“sock”) but she was so upset. It was what we wanted it to be - she missed her friends, she missed “home.” Good. That is so normal. That is so desired. We’d been saying since we first started reading about adoption that we wanted her to cry her eyes out when she left the orphanage. And she has. And she will again. And we are glad. And we will just deal with the tears as they come – because they should. She bonded to them, she can bond to us. It would only be scary if she weren’t crying.
Sometimes you have to say “goodbye” before you can really say “hello.” Eventually, you will remember Russia. And be happy.
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I was so touched by Dmitiri’s wishes for Julia. What a precious moment! I’m sure it’s what everyone is wishing and hoping and praying for. It’s good to know she was so loved and so loving at the Dvetsky Dom. I know that soon she will feel the same doma (at home)! Praying that you all have a safe and speedy return.
We can’t wait to meet her! Come home soon
Light up shoes break all cultural barriers. A universal source of happiness… if only everyone could have them. Do they make them in a woman’s 9.5? Surely you need me to pick you up from the airport!
awww. i dont want her to cry. but i know i would. just make sure that you tell her rachel’s at home, she’ll perk right up. works every time. yupppp:]] –rachel fizzachel
Bawling…AGAIN! I made sure that prayer meeting and our KOW class knew that your 10 days were waived. I left word that they needed to say a prayer of thanks. I’m bawling! Guanna-to-be-Julia can share my kleenex! Her new mommy is happens to own the most comfortable shoulder I know!! Godspeed!
Natalya and I are happy and excited for you. Call us when you return. We want to bring you some Russian dishes so you don’t have to cook the minute you get home.