We asked for a tour of the orphanage yesterday, to see Joseph's world.
We have been told by our facilitator that this is one of the nicest orphanages in Ukraine. It is very clean, painted brightly, and the children really do seem to be very well cared for. I wonder if being in the city has something to do with the amount of funding, or what. It is a huge orphanage but eerily quiet. We walked through one room which was lined with cribs. I thought surely the cribs were empty with how quiet it was in there, but there were many content babies lying on their backs looking up at the ceiling. I would love to understand how this is possible. We have also noticed that Joseph is very obedient. He does exactly as he is told (when he understands of course...we will have our work cut out for us with the language barrier). The staff seem to expect order and obedience, but they really appear to love the kids very much. We are so blessed, and so grateful to these nannies who have loved him, cared for him, and taught him so many things.
Here is the ramp up to the second story. At the top of the ramp, down the hall is where Joseph lives.
Here he is pointing to his bed....
Standing in front of his locker....
And sitting at his table in the dining/play area. He did exactly as his nannies asked him to do, so I could take his photo. How adorable!
While we were playing outside yesterday he motioned for us to "come" and we followed him all the way over to this parked car. Would you believe he climbed right up into the driver's lap? I guess he's ready to go somewhere! I wonder if he's ever actually ridden in a vehicle or been outside of this orphanage....
14 comments:
Wow! Joseph's orphanage is VERY new looking compared to Nadia's. Although I will say that it is clean for the most part and the orderliness you described is evident here as well. All the kids walk around in their underwear and hats because of the heat but they seem, for the most part, ok with the routine. Enjoy your visits!!
Kristin
I am so so stinking excited for you and your family! Love these pictures and stories about Joseph's life and how much he has been loved while waiting for you! And yes, I too would like to know how they were able to make all the babies be quiet as well as little boys obey so well.
Praying for you! This is the same baby house as my two were in. I am so glad you are bringing Joseph home. I know where he would go after this and the option is unbearable! HUGS for you and your process. God's blessings on you today and each day!
The silent babies on their backs in their cribs is one of the saddest things to me. Sam's orphanage was the exact same way.... they were well taken care of, but never cried and just laid there. They learned young, I guess, that crying gets you nowhere, people respond on a schedule, not in response to you. Very sad. I thought of this last night when Sam woke up crying for "Mommy!" it actually made me happy :)
It looks like a bright, clean orphanage. I am so glad that J has been loved and well-cared for. I simply cannot wait to see him at home with a family. It only took 5 months for me and my family to teach Andreas how to disobey, so watch out.:)
Cheering you all on Charissa! Joseph is amazing! The photo of the man with his daughter visiting the orphanage was AMAZING... what a story.
That looks rather nice. Glad he is in a good orphanage. Nice photos of showing us the inside of where he lives.
Wow, that's so great that the orphanage is so well-cared for. Although being in an orphanage is not an ideal situation for a child, the fact that it is so fresh and clean surely makes a world of difference for the kiddos that have to live there. Thanks for giving us a little peek into Joseph's world. He's such a cute little guy! I'm praying that there are no problems with his paperwork and that he'll be home with you guys in his forever family before too long!
How nice everything looks there. Great for the children. It was nice meeting up with you. Looking forward to seeing you again tomorrow.
hey! did we forget something at your place? oh wait, we didnt want those roaches anyways! you can keep them!
Charissa, I am enjoying following along with your adoption of Joseph. How different it is than Ava's!!! I'm so glad to see a nice orphanage where the children are loved and cared for.
Joseph is absolutely adorable!! What a love bug you have there! Sending you prayers and blessings for ease in bonding and quick/smooth paperwork.
wow!! so glad to see how nice this orphanage turned out...we walked up that ramp when it was under contruction...just plywood boards and no railing! no lights either!! joseph is so very cute..you must be thrilled!!....as is joseph I'm sure!!
Best wishes!
Kerri
Hm, that orphanage looks REALLY familiar, I'm thinking if it's the same one from where my cousin and his wife adopted one of their children last year. In that case they do get out of the orphanage quite a bit to different activities, zoo, etc, which is one of the perks of a city orphanage.
Charissa, I just read all of your travel posts so feel more caught up. That Joseph is sooo cute. Reminds me that Caleb USED TO obey, too :) I love that city but know from experience how ssllooww things can be. Bless your hearts. I am praying right now about Joseph's paperwork. And I know you are a blessing to the other families there like you were to us. I'd have to say I would have chosen the internet, too, roach or no roach. The connection is vital. Love you both, Joy
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