Stahlke Adoption

Acculturation

Fall 2005--I made sandwiches with either ketchup or no condiments at all.
Today--All of today's sandwiches except one have condiments.

In Ukraine, Jonathan and I noticed immediately that bread is usually served without butter. The bread is quite delicious, which helps.
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Fall 2005--Mornings were often derailed when the children saw sandwiches with peanut butter and jelly, or cheese, or salami, or tuna. It was hard to find anything they liked.
Today--They calmly check to see what I'm making, and I no longer have to finish lunches before they're out of bed.

In Ukraine at the orphanage, a typical lunch for school was a bun and cold hot dog. The children still love hot dogs.
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Fall 2005--A wonderful dessert once a week as a gift from our friend Susan. She made "adult" desserts (e.g., chocolate, cheesecake, etc.) for Jonathan and me to enjoy every afternoon at snack/coffee time. The kids didn't like them, which meant more for us! I often gave the children fruit, cookies, or something light like poundcake.
Today--Susan is still sending her fantastic weekly desserts, but they only last a day or two since almost every child now eats them. Today there are two pieces of cake left for this afternoon, so I'll make jello for the kids and save Susan's dessert for Jonathan and me.
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Fall 2005--Our girls were willing to wear only pastels and light colors.
Today--Olena is proudly wearing black jeans to school, and last Saturday Luda dressed in all black and white for a band contest.
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Fall 2005--In the morning, Jonathan would dress the children, tieing their shoes and buttoning their shirts. All five were quite capable of doing this, since they had been so independent in Ukraine, but he wanted them to have this special attention that they had missed for so long.
Today--Jonathan and I overslept (we just couldn't get out of bed), and while the kids dressed themselves, he took a shower and I made breakfast and lunches.
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Fall 2005--Jonathan and I both walked with all five kids to school so we wouldn't have to face the "seatbelt" fight in the car. Once at Garfield, we both circulated on the playground either to comfort a child or keep them from leaving the premises.
Today--We each drive, one to Grace and the other to Garfield. Some of the children race each other to see who can get their seatbelt buckled first. We drop the kids off from the car!
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Fall 2005--The kids love vegetables, but only raw ones.
Today--The kids love vegetables, but only raw ones.
Some things have not yet changed.

posted by Stahlkes @ 8:50 AM