Road Trip

We returned this evening from our annual trip to PA to visit Darin's family for Christmas. With a little help from google translate, a match box car and US map we explained to Ira where we were going. I drew pictures with stick figures, arrows, pictures of houses and hotels and I think she knew the plan. And for good measure, I had her on the phone with a translator just to be sure. She was ready and excited for our trip.

On our way with Mishka and her new favorite fuzzy pink blanket from Grammy & Poppy.

The car ride to Pennsylvania took about seven hours with only a 15 minute bathroom stop. We had heavy rain, slushy roads and lots of traffic. It should have only taken 5, but let me say all 4 kids did remarkably well in light of the extended drive. A little whining from our littlest traveling buddy during the last 20 minutes or so, but I was so pleased and thankful we arrived safely. (And it sure was helpful to have Ira in the middle row to pass things back to the two oldest boys in the third row!) Irina spent her time reading her Jesus Storybook Bible, coloring and enjoying Leap Frog alphabet videos with Aaron. She is learning her alphabet and she wasn't too old to be amused.

There is one word I would use to describe Ira over the last couple days... ADAPTABLE!! She quickly meshed into the throng of people. (Aunts, uncles, great aunts & uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc.) There were lots of people. At one point I noticed a change in her behavior and was able to pull her aside and talk with her privately. We determined that she was nervous and our little chat seemed to help so much. This was a direct answer to prayer! So thankful that we were somehow able to communicate successfully despite the language barrier. Thank you God!

Each day we learn a little more about her personality. She is outgoing and friendly. A little shyness, but warms up quickly. Many thanks to the Smith family for so warmly welcoming her into the fold. She graciously accepted the generous gifts with "Spasibo" (thank you) for everyone. In Grandpa's words, "She is a gem!" Aunt Margi gave her princess stickers and she was quick to run around sharing them with everyone. Stickers were everywhere, including on Uncle Dale's nose. Thanks for being such a great sport Uncle Dale!!

Happy about her doll from Grandma and Grandpa!

On Thursday, Ira began calling my sister-in-law Momma too, which was a bit of a relief (takes the pressure off a bit!) And Darin finally has a name. Up until yesterday, whenever she wanted his attention she would grunt and now she calls him Papa.

Thursday afternoon, we took her to the hotel swimming pool. She was thrilled! She didn't know how to swim so I braved the freezing cold pool water to keep her safe. Such joy and excitement for her! As I was reaching my limit with the cold water, I told her five minutes by holding up five fingers and pointing to my watch. To which she held up 10 fingers, pointed to her wrist and said, "Please!" in english. This girl is learning to negotiate!!

For the two nights we stayed in PA we slept at a hotel. She is used to sharing a room at the orphanage and has had her own room at our house. Imagine her delight when all six of us stayed in the same hotel suite! She was so excited that her air mattress was at the foot of our bed and lovingly shared her Mishka (teddy bear) with Papa.

She really is a remarkable girl. A quick learner, great imagination, long attention span, very generous and helpful. Her first 8 years of life before going to the orphanage are a mystery, but I have noticed certain skills she has never been taught. Basic skills that a child begins learning at an early age in a functioning home, which through no fault of her own she clearly has not been taught. In twelve days, we've done our best to teach her many things (which she has soaked up like a sponge), but it grieves my heart to realize and see how many simple things she doesn't know. (Like not to touch the stove, etc.)

Driving through Lights in the Parkway.

I discovered yesterday how much she likes doing addition math problems. A girl after this math major's heart! She would write out a problem on her notepad for me to solve and giggle with delight when I solved it. Then, I would give her a problem and she would happily solve it for me. Back and forth the game would go! Every now and then, she had Darin join in. That's my kind of dorky fun.

Please continue to pray for a forever family for Irina as well as for our last 6 days with her. Please pray that we have made a lasting difference in her life during this visit.