Flashback Part 3

Introducing, flashback part three........

Day 3

This morning, was a little different. We were cherishing our hour with Levi, as always, during visits. My mom, dad, Levi and I were right next to the playground your groupa goes almost everyday. I remember it like it was yesterday- Levi and I were being spun on a spinning wheel type thing we usually see at parks, here in America. This time, not the entire groupa came out, but thank goodness, you happen to be one of them in there :) As soon as I saw you all there, I tried convincing my mom to go over with me. She told me to go, and that I would be fine, about 10 feet away. So I walked between the small, green bushes, and stepped foot on the other play area, with a camera in my hand. Now of course, being around, basic strangers, who don't speak your language and are who knows how nice, get's an 11 year old a little nervous. And on top of that, I'm not the most outgoing person. But your caretakers are really sweet and you kiddos, are more then welcoming! After interacting with you guys for a few minutes, I unzipped the camera case and took out my (aunt's) camera, and began to take pictures of you. I got some pretty adorable snapshots ;) It got later, our visiting hour was ending, and so was your groupa "outdoor time". That ride back to the church (in which we were staying in Zap) , was a bidder-sweet 20 minutes. I had spent 2 hours with my amazing little brothers and held your hand for the last time. Saw your adorable face for the last time...hugged you for the last time...experienced your eye-opening smile for the very last time. I knew it would be a day of "lasts" for us, as far as being able to play with you because we were suppose to leave with Levi and Gabe to Kiev the next day. So knowing that this would be the last day we would be visiting Artem and Vitalik from the orphanage was a overwhelming, happy feeling. Yet, knowing that I wouldn't get to see you anymore, that, that was the bitter part. After the 3rd time seeing you, I felt like we had a connection. Almost like you were another brother we came to bring home. And knowing that we couldn't bring you back, felt like we left a family member behind. BUT! If it's God Will, we will meet again <3

Love you dear! 

Genesis

Flashback Part 2

From the last post, I explained I'd be writing letters to you, as if I were in Ukraine. Flashbacks.  

Day Two 

Dear Sunshine,

Today was amazing. I will never forget it. We again, used Levi as our 'navigator' and walked to the same play area where your groupa goes (almost) everyday. As we approached the corner, I heard kids screaming with laughter and running toward us. I kept walking and saw your sweet smile on your chubby little body, sitting on a painted tree stump. I waved, and once again, my eyes met your heart melting grin. I got down on my knees and you grabbed my hands. This time I brought the flip camera...I started recording your giggle. Your nannies, who did not speak one bit of English, tried asking me what time it was. They pointed to the video camera, than their wrist, as if they were wearing a watch. While babbling Russian- I had absolutely no idea what they were saying. I tried telling them that the camera wasn't a watch and I asked my dad what time is was. When he answered me I gave them the time and heard a word I could understand- Spaseeba which means thank you. Shortly afterwords, more nannies came out with several cups of what I believed, hot tea. That, or dirty hot water. They held the cup to your mouth and expected you to chug it down quickly. That was done with each and every child outside, including Levi. You all seemed to enjoy it, like it was a treat, yet I still feel bad for the way they quickly poured it down your throat. Along with the beverages, came trays of bread. A loaf of bread was spilt between the ten of you. After you all ate and drank, some of the kiddos went and sat in the metal, toy car.

I sat next to you and Levi a.k.a. Vitalik on one of the benches inside the car. You were holding my hands when my mom walked over to take pictures. I have a few photos of you holding my hand and hugging me. I tried reaching for you, I thought you'd want to sit on my lap. But you didn't respond. We spent a great amount of time in there, taking pictures together and sitting next to each other :) Eventually, your groupa had to go inside and we had to bring Levi back so we could spent the other hour with Gabe. I can't wait to see you again tomorrow!

Love,
Genesis