Vast Contrast

This morning I went inside to Ivanna's groupa first, as I typically do. I usually get her first then head over to Maxim's groupa with Phillip to get him. Then we all go outside to the playground and meet Isaac and Justus there to spend time together. Well, this morning they were doing some kind of medical procedure with her - of which I am not entirely sure. I was told to come back in twenty minutes. I did, and was not permitted to take Ivanna outside. So, we stayed just outside of her groupa door in the hallway and spent time together while the others (Phillip, Maxim and Justus) played outside.

While I fed Ivanna her juice, I looked around me and was reminded of the thought that had occurred to me a couple of days ago: how different Maxim's and Ivanna's groupa were from one another. I speak about the waiting area just outside the groupas. Maxim's groupa had various pictures on the walls in the waiting area. All pictures of children from within these walls, playing or smiling. Ivanna's groupa: not one picture of a child. Maxim's groupa had a carpet down on it so it gave it a more "homey" feel - Ivanna's has a cold hard cement floor with no covering (this is in the waiting area). Ivanna's groupa has a terrible smell as soon as you open the doors. It assaults your senses and reminds you that you are indeed in an institution type setting. The surroundings are a bit dull, and depressing just outside the groupa - as you can tell from the pictures. Maxim's groupa, while very modest - is surrounded with typical things you see that would accompany that of having children around. The pictures, the toys, the carpet on the floor, and the little cubbies to keep their items in. Both of these "waiting" areas serve the same purpose - but one is more welcoming, and the other is stark, as if there isn't a need to welcome visitors, or ready children to play outside.

A vast contrast in both.

Also of difference is how each child, both with Ds, are faring. Ivanna has been raised with all pretty disabled children. Alot of moaning in her groupa. Children rocking back and forth, or crying. There is no music being played. No going outside. No need to get dressed in day clothes.

None of that.

Maxim has been raised in a groupa that consists of children with a range of abilities. When we greet Maxim, he is usually playing, snacking or doing something else that requires activity. We have even met him, while he is still outside with his groupa.

It is difficult to get some of the ladies to smile in Ivanna's groupa.

For the most part, Maxim's caretakers are full of joy, and you can tell they try and love on these kiddos.

How has the difference affected each child? I truly don't know. I think it interesting though. I see a big delay in Ivanna. Maxim, is doing much better. Will I ever be able to pinpoint why Ivanna is so much more delayed? Not sure. It doesn't even matter anymore, because from this point on - her little world is about to change. However, I think the differences in environment for each child does vouch for the importance of investment in each child. How small things, like smiling, touch, a pleasant home - can affect children.

And lest you think that Maxim would have been better off left to his loving caretakers. Let me remind you - that this little boy turns six in February. What does that mean? Well, that means that he would have been taken from this groupa that smiles, plays and snacks and placed into a mental institution. His sentence for life. All the joy you see in his eyes - would have been forever locked away - all because he has Down syndrome.

Here are some pictures that I was able to snap while Ivanna and I played in the hallway.

This is a picture of the doors to Ivanna's groupa. These doors open into a "waiting area" of which I describe above. Her groupa is number six. She has that number on all her clothing. Won't it be nice when she no longer has to wear a number?

This is a picture that I snapped that is out of a window just prior to opening those doors into her groupa. It is at the top of stairs. Looking down you see rubble. That is quite common here. Buildings are very ... run down looking. Just about every building looks as if it needs repair ... except the cathedrals. They all have pretty brass rooves.

Again, looking out the window at a different groupa playing outside. This is just below Ivanna's groupa. You can hear the cries coming out of the windows if you are outside here.

The long hallway to my right. I think this goes into a type of sick room or area. Anyhow, it is where all the nurses and doctors come from carrying boxes of medication for the children.

Another outside picture just showing the roof, etc.

You might get the idea from these pictures that the orphanage is in dire need of repair. However, this is how most buildings look here. The orphanage is actually VERY clean inside. It is older looking inside, with old cement floors and very primitive looking structure. However, they are doing the best with what they have.

We have a great relationship with the staff here. We were reminded that after our court hearing. The representative from the orphanage told us that they liked us very much. Another lady from Maxim's groupa jokingly implied to us in Russian that we should adopt the other two sweetpeas from his groupa. Oh my, if I could I would - they make my heart melt.

Again, this region is a great one as far as our adoption has been concerned. We are thankful.

*someone asked about clothing sizes for Maxim and Ivanna* - I think I am set for Ivanna. I have lot's of things leftover from Chloe and Ellie. They have her in 24 month clothing here, but it is short in the legs. So, I think size 3T will be big - but will work. Maxim will probably wear a size three also.

Thank you to all those who continue to pray. This is not over yet. There is much to accomplish by way of passports, visas etc. Every prayer uttered on our behalf is appreciated.