Back Into the Fire

Vacation is OVER.

Firstly, follow up to the break in.  We have had several visits from the housekeeper and the apartment manager.  Their English is about as good as my Russian but Eli actually did a pretty good job of translating.  At first, the housekeeper was extremely apologetic and concerned about our safety.  On a later visit with the apartment manager, they pointed out that the window by the fire escape was unlocked...SURELY the burglar came in that way.  He obviously scaled the fire escape, took the heater and iron, put them in my duffel bag, and went out the front door and that's why the front door was unlocked.  Hmmmm.  I was nervous about where this could go so I got Anya on the phone and had her explain that I was strictly instructed by the rep from the gas company several weeks ago that I had to leave that window cracked so the apartment wouldn't explode.  Or something like that.  After a few more visits from the manager and housekeeper, making sure that the heater and iron were sufficiently replaced and that next week's rent was collected, I don't think they are trying to pin anything on me, but are more concerned that I will try to hold them liable for MY losses, which I am not.  I am happy to stay here for the remainder of my time in Donetsk, making absolutely sure that all doors and windows are securely locked at all times.  Eli tried to explain to me today that I don't have to worry because he will protect me.  :)  What a sweet kid.

The boys and I got to sleep in today while Victor and Anya went to Enakievo to review our court papers.  They corrected all of the mistakes, and all fifteen copies of the final court decision will be ready for us to pick up Tuesday morning.  Then we'll be off to the races to obtain new birth certificates with their new names, listing us as the parents, and Ukrainian passports.

But first, tomorrow.  Tomorrow will be a difficult day.  We are going to visit the 15 year old brother.  His name is Sasha.  Every time I ask Eli and Isaac about him, either directly or through Anya, Den, or Victor, they wave him off.  We don't know him, we won't be sad, he won't be sad, they keep saying.  When Sasha was asked to sign the document agreeing to the adoption, he requested a couple of things.  First, he wanted to talk to his brothers directly on the phone and hear from them that they really did want to be adopted.  Second, he asked that he get to see his brothers one last time and to meet me.  That's what tomorrow is about.  Sigh.  This will probably be pretty hard.  For me if no one else.  Anya called Sasha's orphanage today to ask for his clothes and shoe size, as I want to buy him a warm coat and shoes.  The rep at the orphanage told Anya that Sasha is SO very excited about us coming to visit.  Cynical, Anya thinks he's excited because he knows we'll bring gifts for him.  I guess we'll find out tomorrow.  Yes, I am bringing the camera.  Even if Eli and Isaac say they don't care now, down the road they might.

Eli and Isaac may be right.  Maybe Sasha doesn't care about them and tomorrow will be quick and painless.  There may have been a time though when Sasha looked out for and protected his little brothers the way Eli has had to do for Isaac. They were all taken out of their home six and a half years ago.  Sasha would have been eight or nine, Eli was five and Isaac about to turn three.  We don't know what the dynamic was then between all the brothers.  I guess it does no good to speculate now.  I'll just pray for guidance, wisdom, and peace for tomorrow and I ask that you do the same.