The regional director was unavailable so someone from the Inspector's office came to meet us and the local director. The grounds were cheerful and the director was pleasant and polite. She had few questions for us and asked if we had questions for her. We asked a few and then she led us to a small classroom where we waited in tiny childrens chairs for Andrei. He had been napping and came in with a sheepish grin. We introduced ourselves and showed him the photo of us with Lyonya, Pasha and Galia. He smiled and was happy to see that we had photos of his siblings.
The gentleman from the Inspector's office asked Andrei if he would like to be adopted by us. He smiled but looked uncertain what to say. Steve told him it was an important decision and not to rush, but to take his time and think about it, that we were in no hurry. We sent him for a snack and then he joined us again and we visited in the play yard for several hours. It took him all of 5 minutes to figure out our camera and he had a great time photographing his friends, us, flowers, etc. He looked through all our photos twice and then came and asked for our large family photo again to show to his friends. He seems very excited. We finally parted and told him we would return the next day and try to arrange a meeting with his brothers and sister.
What more can we say! Praise God!
I can see this playing out in my mind. A little boy with no one (esp. since Galia moved) being told he was not just wanted by a family, but one of such large proportions! I will never forget that the photographer said we were the largest family she had ever photographed.... should we go for another visit not too long after your return...hmmmmmm? Wonder what she'd say then?
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