Gorodnia – 03 Feb 07- Saturday
Dateline – Chernigov Ukraine, 1000 03 Feb 07 – We have settled into something of a routine here as we mark 1 week in Ukraine. Up at the crack of dawn (it cracks a little later here), breakfast at 0900, in the taxi at 1000 for an hour ride to Gorodnia. Arrive at the orphanage and go to Sophia Alyona Quiram’s room (oh did I mention that Mom and Alyona have settled on her American name?). Spend some time getting to know her & her getting to know us, then back in the taxi, usually some business stops on the way back to the hotel then it’s time for supper! Whew – doesn’t seem like much when I write it, but it makes for a full day!
Close-up on Sophie – Today we spent some time learning about what she likes and doesn’t and Charlene gave an English lesson using one of her books. The interaction that led to her new name was very interesting; I mentioned part of it in a previous post, but here’s the unabridged version. We first asked if she wanted to keep her current name, she said “no” she wanted a new name. We asked what she had in mind and she gave the universal kid answer (shrugged shoulders). Charlene presented the possibilities we had come up with. I was rooting for my choice (Kathryn), thinking I was on a roll since she had just told us she liked dogs better than cats. She didn’t like Kathryn, next was Marie – “no”, Sophia - she smiled and shock her head yes. We said we would call her Sonya as the nickname and she didn’t like that; she told Oles that Sonya meant “lazy” – sharp girl, doesn’t want to be called lazy! Oles asked her what she wanted to be called and she said, “Whatever Mama Charlene wants.” So there you have it Frieda Quiram (just kidding) the final decision was Sophia (Sophie day-to-day) Alyona Quiram.
Close-up on Orphanage life – here’s the daily schedule. Up at 0700 – make bed, clean room, etc. 0800 – breakfast – this morning’s was something like oatmeal (we’re not sure exactly what), orange juice, strawberry yogurt. 0900 – school until 1400 then lunch (not sure what they have). Free time until 1600 (watch TV of all sorts, play outside in the sneg, etc.). 1600 back in the classroom for homework until about 1900. Supper, free time, bed at 2100. Sophie has 3 roommates in a pretty small room. They all share one closet and have some things under their bed.
Friends – Sophie has a best friend, Katya, who sleeps in the bed next to her, sets next to her in school, and is in every class. She’s very sad that Sophie is leaving. Not sure of her status, but do know her sister and mom came today to take her out for awhile. We will get some self addressed and stamped envelopes so she can write Sophie in America.
Interesting observations – We have been so excited that it’s hard not to shower her with gifts. Oles (our facilitator and part time child psychologist) suggested we take it slow with the gifts – one a day max and maybe skip some days so she doesn’t begin to think that we’re Mama and Papa Claus! It’s hard to follow his advice when we’re so blessed. We have scaled back the magnitude of what we bring. Yulia, our Kyiv facilitator, suggested brining her some fresh fruit because she probably never gets any. Today’s present was some fresh bananas (Sophie’s favorite fruit). It doesn’t seem like much to us, but she was genuinely happy with it! We’ve also been impressed with the warmth of the people here. Even on the coldest days, the streets a full of people walking, riding bikes, horse-drawn sleds, parents pulling children on wooden sleds, motorcycles with side cars, etc.; the people here are very hardy! Every day is a living illustration of the importance of community in our lives.
We’re very thankful for our community of friends in the U.S.A and now here in Ukraine.
Thank you for your prayers – we want to make the most of our time here, but can’t wait to get home and have our family together.
Tim & Charlene
Dateline – Chernigov Ukraine, 1000 03 Feb 07 – We have settled into something of a routine here as we mark 1 week in Ukraine. Up at the crack of dawn (it cracks a little later here), breakfast at 0900, in the taxi at 1000 for an hour ride to Gorodnia. Arrive at the orphanage and go to Sophia Alyona Quiram’s room (oh did I mention that Mom and Alyona have settled on her American name?). Spend some time getting to know her & her getting to know us, then back in the taxi, usually some business stops on the way back to the hotel then it’s time for supper! Whew – doesn’t seem like much when I write it, but it makes for a full day!
Close-up on Sophie – Today we spent some time learning about what she likes and doesn’t and Charlene gave an English lesson using one of her books. The interaction that led to her new name was very interesting; I mentioned part of it in a previous post, but here’s the unabridged version. We first asked if she wanted to keep her current name, she said “no” she wanted a new name. We asked what she had in mind and she gave the universal kid answer (shrugged shoulders). Charlene presented the possibilities we had come up with. I was rooting for my choice (Kathryn), thinking I was on a roll since she had just told us she liked dogs better than cats. She didn’t like Kathryn, next was Marie – “no”, Sophia - she smiled and shock her head yes. We said we would call her Sonya as the nickname and she didn’t like that; she told Oles that Sonya meant “lazy” – sharp girl, doesn’t want to be called lazy! Oles asked her what she wanted to be called and she said, “Whatever Mama Charlene wants.” So there you have it Frieda Quiram (just kidding) the final decision was Sophia (Sophie day-to-day) Alyona Quiram.
Close-up on Orphanage life – here’s the daily schedule. Up at 0700 – make bed, clean room, etc. 0800 – breakfast – this morning’s was something like oatmeal (we’re not sure exactly what), orange juice, strawberry yogurt. 0900 – school until 1400 then lunch (not sure what they have). Free time until 1600 (watch TV of all sorts, play outside in the sneg, etc.). 1600 back in the classroom for homework until about 1900. Supper, free time, bed at 2100. Sophie has 3 roommates in a pretty small room. They all share one closet and have some things under their bed.
Friends – Sophie has a best friend, Katya, who sleeps in the bed next to her, sets next to her in school, and is in every class. She’s very sad that Sophie is leaving. Not sure of her status, but do know her sister and mom came today to take her out for awhile. We will get some self addressed and stamped envelopes so she can write Sophie in America.
Interesting observations – We have been so excited that it’s hard not to shower her with gifts. Oles (our facilitator and part time child psychologist) suggested we take it slow with the gifts – one a day max and maybe skip some days so she doesn’t begin to think that we’re Mama and Papa Claus! It’s hard to follow his advice when we’re so blessed. We have scaled back the magnitude of what we bring. Yulia, our Kyiv facilitator, suggested brining her some fresh fruit because she probably never gets any. Today’s present was some fresh bananas (Sophie’s favorite fruit). It doesn’t seem like much to us, but she was genuinely happy with it! We’ve also been impressed with the warmth of the people here. Even on the coldest days, the streets a full of people walking, riding bikes, horse-drawn sleds, parents pulling children on wooden sleds, motorcycles with side cars, etc.; the people here are very hardy! Every day is a living illustration of the importance of community in our lives.
We’re very thankful for our community of friends in the U.S.A and now here in Ukraine.
Thank you for your prayers – we want to make the most of our time here, but can’t wait to get home and have our family together.
Tim & Charlene
Posts
4 comments:
Great update! Coming from the Ukrainian culture, I would agree with your part-time psychologist's advice regarding gifts. By the way, bananas in Ukraine are fairly expensive and considered a treat. My Mom was shocked to find out that apples are much much more expensive in the U.S. than bananas--not ever a case in Ukraine. I would definitely continue taking fresh fruit to Sophie. What a beautiful name! And Ukrainian, too. To clarify, Sonya means "sleepyhead":
Blessings,
Iryna
I love your journey and beautiful pictures! Sophie is a beautiful name, how blessed you all are! Enjoy each day, prayers continue to cover you...Blessings, Debbie & Dale
To Sohpia
From Grandma Kitty and Grandpa Bill
Welcome to our family you have been in our prays even before we knew what your name was because we knew God had wanted you for our family. Mama Charlene and Papa Tim brothers Billy, Johnny, Will, and Ethan will find great joy with you in their family.
Love the pictures! Sophie already looks like a Quiram. Glad things are going so well. Sounds like you guys didn't need the speaking translator since Charlene seems to be doing great. Teaching English class; I'm impressed. Maybe you should come with us whenever we go! Enjoy your time there.
Laura and Rob
Post a Comment