We are super excited to meet him and hope we can work out a way to understand each other quickly. He doesn't speak much English, and my Ukrainian is a little rusty. Oh wait, I don't know any Ukrainian. at. all. We have been having some fun trying to learn some Ukrainian words with an app on my iPod and we've ordered some real translation books as well. Google translate should help us out a lot, too, but I don't know how accurate it is. I guess we're about to find out! Libby has taken it upon herself to learn as much Ukrainian as she can before Kolya arrives. She spent almost an hour practicing her pronunciations with the iPod this evening. She and Caleb are very much looking forward to having Kolya come stay with us. They have all kinds of ideas of things they want to show him and teach him when he arrives. Hopefully, he won't mind their "help", too much. :)
We have a social worker coming on Saturday to do a home safety check and paperwork, and then we will be attending all day training on Sunday. This should be easier than all the hours and hours of training we went through to be foster parents, but basically covers the same type of information. We have a list of things to prepare before Kolya arrives, and are having fun getting everything ready.
Here is what we can share about Kolya from the writeup on his hosting photo listing:
Kolya is one of Le Ann and the whole team's favorites in this orphanage. He is just a sweet guy and so open to try and talk and communicate and share. He wanted to do so well with us and when it came to his turn, the translator was pulled aside. He tried to continue without the translator and laughed at himself in his efforts. This is a huge resilience factor in overcoming life struggles and a good sign of one who can build attachments! When a much younger boy came over to see us, who was on the winter program, he saw how much English the little boy had and kindly asked for him to help us translate as he so wanted to talk to us and share. He was very kind to the younger child, thankful for his help and so patient. He likes all foods especially apples and bananas. His hobbies are drawing, embroidery and making stuffed animals. He also plays soccer and likes pop music. He wore his favorite team's scarf to the interview in an attempt to dress up a bit for us. His favorite colors are blue, red and green together. His favorite class is English and this is why we think he was also eager to try and learn with us. He showed up early for his interview and was dressed to impress :> He was ready to talk and "jumped right in" with us without hesitation. He likes to ride a scooter and dreams to go to America and go fishing! He is a very gentle and quiet boy, but so kind! He also rides skateboard and bicycles and will wear a helmet in America! We can see him adding into a family with kids of just about any age, if they are also kind, thoughtful and open to share with Kolya.
Please pray for our family this summer as we host Kolya - for traveling safety for all of us, for the transition of having an extra child in the house, for language barriers to be broken down, for wisdom in parenting four kids, for Kolya's salvation, and for him to find his forever family. On that note, if you happen to meet Kolya while he is here for the summer, please do not mention the "A" word (adoption) or staying in America to him or in front of him. NHFC is a hosting agency, not an adoption agency, and they are not allowed to discuss the adoption of these children until AFTER they return home to their orphanages. Thanks!
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