Yushchenko? Mama?
Jonathan and I talked this afternoon, and we are both taking notes on all the events of this past week. I only have time for one story today. As a reminder, to put this story in context, remember that the First Lady of Ukraine (Kateryna Yushchenko) visited Kola's orphanage about a year ago. He and some of the other children sang and danced for her. The First Lady then talked directly with Kola, asking him about his situation.________________________
When I left Kirovohrad about three weeks ago, we told Kola that my journey would take me first to Kyiv and then to America. Today, Andrei (Masha's brother) drove Jonathan, Kola, and Masha on the long trip to Kyiv. When they came to the outskirts of town, Mikola asked if they had arrived in Kyiv. Jonathan said yes, and then the car proceeded through another hour of rush-hour traffic. When they arrived at the apartment, Mikola asked Jonathan if they had now arrived in America!
While driving through Kyiv, Mikola kept looking at the automobiles and asking, "Is that one Yushchenko's car? I know he lives here! Is that Yushchenko's house? I've seen it on TV!" He chattered on and on in his excitement, as he looked in vain for the First Lady's husband. I can imagine that Masha and Andrei were holding their tongues, for they come from a region of Ukraine that overwhelmingly supports the opposition political party.
Jonathan and Kola climbed the stairs to the apartment, and Kola got even more animated. "Papa, will Mama be here?" "No, Kola, she is in America taking care of your brothers and sisters." And later, "Will Mama cook supper for you, and me, and my brothers and sisters?" "No, Kola, they are in America."
When your entire world has been one building on grounds the size of one block, it's impossible to understand a city like Kyiv and a country like America. No matter how many times Masha and Jonathan explained it to him, Kola still asks where we are. He'll have to experience the trip for himself for any of this to make sense.
posted by Stahlkes @ 6:32 PM
4 Comments:
Glad to hear they are making progress on getting home. Hope things go quickly. Love to all
Tammy
Isn't that a precious story! It makes you realize how many of these children are experiening new things. What must be going on in their minds as they try to get a grasp on the changes they face?
That is so cute and I can only imagine how Masha and Andrew probably giggled. What a wonderful blessing he will be to your family!
i've been spending the last few days on it, and i would just like to say that i am now completely caught up. i'm sprry i couldnt pray for all of you before, but i can now, and i will, tonight and every day.
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