The Pitman's Journey To Russia

Our journey to adopt three beautiful children from Vladivostok, Russia

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Day 4

Day 4. What an awesome day. Alec picked us up at 9 am, we went to pick up Lana then we went to the toy store. It is not like the Toys R Us back home. They had a few toys but very generic and not a whole lot of selection. We got a little Lego robot guy, a soccer ball, a bigger lego thing that can be made into a bobcat tractor and a bunch of other things, a ball for the little ones and some hot wheel cars to. Then we picked up a snack at the grocery store. Now for the hour and half drive to see the oldest boy. We get there and he is playing in the sand box with 3 other boys. He sees us and walks over. We say hello and handed him a brand new soccer ball so we went to an open area and played a little soccer. We had a great time. He loved to kick the ball around and we think he is going to be our sports kid. He is very coordinated and has a pretty good kick. It was then time to eat lunch with him. We were served Russian borsch, which is a soup made out of beets, noodles with patty of meat (which was really good), a bowl of mixed vegetables and warm tea. After lunch we went back out to play soccer and some of the other boys joined us. The oldest boy did not want them to play with us, he wanted us all to himself which was very cute. After a while Lana told us to come over in the shade and put together the Legos (please don’t ever buy him Legos!). He was interested at first but it did not take him long to loose interest so Eric and I tried to entertain him and put together this thing. Needless to say it did not get done and tonight we disassembled it and are giving it to the orphanage tomorrow. Max was really warming up to us but it was time to go. We gave him his black lab stuffed animal, which he loved and named Jack. He told Lana he wanted us to be his parents but he is not ready to leave the orphanage. We think he just wants us to come live there with him! He gave us both a kiss when we left and said he would see us tomorrow. We wish we had more time to spend with him. He is a very good boy and if we could understand him we think he would be very funny. He is kind of a clown. Our drive to see the little ones was pretty uneventful, except for the guy standing on the side of the road openly peeing facing traffic! Lana told us after we got to the baby home that the little girl asked one of the caretakers if her parents were going to be there today to see her. Hopefully she will understand that we are coming back for them. Lana seemed to think that the girl is very smart also (so it isn’t just us bragging!). Again, she went right to Eric! We brought a big trash bag this time with all of the stuff we had for them and she really wanted to go through it to see what was in it. The little boy on the other hand was delighted just to play with the ball, he is a very happy boy and smiles a lot. The girl stopped when she saw the photo album we put together. Eric went through the pictures with her and from that moment on she did not let go of it. We went outside and she would not put it down. Any of the caretakers that went by she would flag them down and show her Papa & Mama! We had dinner here with a nice couple from Branson that are on their first trip to adopt a son. They are leaving tomorrow so we are on our own Friday, Saturday then home on Sunday. Hopefully you aren’t getting too bored with all of our details.

12 comments:

Jane said...

I was so excited to see another update today and so very happy that everything seems to be going so well for you. I could almost feel Eric's excitement regarding the oldest boy's soccer/sports ability! :) They all sound like wonderful children! We'll be anxious to talk with you when you return.
Love,
Dan & Jane

Bill and Myra said...

I am so glad it is going well. We would have loved to eat with Ruslan at the orphanage but they didn't offer. I think it is great.

I think it is only natural that your one child wants to stay at the orphanage. It is safe for him. The unknown is scary. I would have Lana explain to him about his new life and how great it will be. She helped Ruslan with some of that just by reassuring him.

Blessings to you!

Myra

Anonymous said...

I look forward each morning to reading the adventures of your first trip as you get to know your children. Our son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Clarion, anxiously await word of their second trip to pick up their little boys. God's blessings to you and all the those who wait to beome families through international adoption.

Cheryl Fritsche

Joel and Clarion said...

Keep the details coming! They are delightful! We are really pleased to hear that things are going well. We look forward to hearing in person all about your trip. (After you've rested of course.) Have fun with those little ones!

Pat said...

I have really enjoyed reading about your trip and about the kids. I can't wait to meet them and see them. Mom has been at my house and I have printed them off so she can read them also. Enjoy them.
Aunt Pat

Shannon said...

Love all the details... Keep them coming. The kids all sound very sweet and adorable. Hope you have a great day with them again tomorrow.
Shannon

Cindy said...

It sounds like it's progressing wonderfully for you. I'm so glad. Enjoy every moment! It will be very hard to wait for that court date when you return now that those little ones are in your heart!

Cindy

Meghan, Bill and Nick said...

Reading your blog this week has been such a joy, thanks for sharing the wonderful details. You're going to have an amazing family.

Have a safe trip back to the states!

True Story said...

Bored with the details??? No way! I have so enjoyed reading your blog. Congratulations on your three blessings!!!
Sandy

True Story said...

I have soo enjoyed reading your blog...keep all of those details coming : )
Congratulations on your three blessings!
Sandy

True Story said...

Bored with the details??? No way! I have so enjoyed reading your blog. Congratulations on your three blessings!!!
Sandy

True Story said...

I have soo enjoyed reading your blog.. keep those details coming!!! Congratulations on your three blessings!
Sandy