We Say Our Goodbyes to Lutugino

We got to the orphanage and had the boys called in. We had a new suitcase for each of them filled with a full set of new clothes. The boys were on cloud 9, spinning and squealing when they saw all the new stuff. They were so excited. I think they saw that the day to leave was finally here. I think their friends had been starting to wonder since we have been visiting for 4 weeks now.

We sent the boys off to change. Remember that they can't take any of their old clothes with them. Everything they had been wearing stays at the orphanage. While they were changing, we went in to see the director. We gave her an arrangement of orchids as well as a leather bound photo book. We had to sign about 10 final documents to get the boys paperwork complete there.

The director gave a wonderful speech to us about the children, her best and blessings and asked that we stay in touch. She said she could tell we were a good family and cared greatly for Colin and Claire as well as Ruslan and Valik by watching us interact. She then gave a gift to Nancy and me, one to Colin, and one to Claire. All had been made by children at the orphanage, so are very special to us. We got a candle in a nice festive arrangement. The candle is to represent a bright future for the children. She wants us to burn it one year from now to remember this day. To Claire she gave a small doll which she says has her (the director's) figure (It is round). She told Claire that as one of two females in a house with 4 boys, she would have a great responsibility. She gave Colin a Christmas tree as festive as his spirit.

We then gave her the gift to the orphanage. As is their custom, she did not open the card right away. But she got teary eyed and thanked us. She noted that their funding is always low, especially with the weak economy in Ukraine and especially in the local coal mining region. In addition, her budget is broken into different categories. She cannot use money from one category to spend in a different category. (In the Air Force, we used to call this different colors of money. For instance, we could not spend development money on travel, or travel money on operations. She has the same problem). She said she does not have enough money for sports equipment or games, so this gift would be a great help.

We also offered to make a small on-going donation on a monthly basis. She got very choked up about that offer. The monetary gift is welcome, but also expected. This was not. We told her that sending it directly was not a good option as we would not get a tax deduction for it (since they are not a US charity), so we could only send about 1/2 as much. Instead, we offered to send it through support to Bruce MacDonald's mission. We get the deduction, so can send more. Also, he has been trying to establish a relationship with the orphanage, but has been unable as he is Baptist and they are Orthodox. Hopefully, this will enable them to get to know and trust him so he can do even more with them.

After this, we took pictures with the boys and the director, and got our stuff together for the going-away party.

We brought cake, juice boxes, tangerines, and gifts to a classroom where Ruslan's group, Valik's group, and their supervisors were assembled. We had to keep it short as it was almost 5pm when we started. We passed out cake, juice, and tangerines to each child. This was also the only time we could take pictures of the other children, so we took a lot. Nancy took a picture of Valik with each child in his group (individually), and did the same with Ruslan's group.

Each child recited a poem for the boys.

Then we got the presents out. Originally, we were going to get each child a stuffed animal, but the director suggested we get a game for each group instead as it was a greater need. We found some good ones at the open air market this morning.

We got each group a game of "Tuectep" (Twister). We also got each group a small race track and cars (sort of like Hot Wheels).

Unfortunately due to the late hour, we had to cut it short. We got the boys and marched them out and received many blessings and well-wishes from the supervisors.

We buckled the boys into the car. They weren't too happy about that. Valik sat in Nancy's lap with a long buckle around. Then we drove off from Lutugino for the last time. The boys were ecstatic. As we drove past the orphanage, they kept saying "Bye-bye" over and over. I don't think they were the least bit sad.

I'll finish the story and add pictures later.