Day 4. He is the King

Today there are no pictures.  Sorry.  Asa is a very sensitive little boy and he really does not like the camera to be pointed at him.  We do have pictures that another mother took and when she shares them with me, I will pass them on, but I didn't take any pictures today.

Today we left for the orphanage at our normal 8:30 and arrived at 10.  We played inside with the kids and the orphanage psychologist visited with us more about our children.  When she came over to us, Asa was standing with his back to us and would not turn to us as we called to him. She explained to us that "when Vladik does not want to do something, there is nothing they can do to make him do it. And when he decides to do something, all of the children must do what he is doing."  He is the King.  We were told this when he was a baby, and it is holding true now!  She said, several times, in the conversation, that "He is the favorite child of the whole orphanage.  When workers get off of work, they go play with Vladik."  He is one special little boy and is truly loved and doted on.

It will be a hard adustment for all of us.  As bad as it appears for Asa to be somewhat spoiled in his orphanage, I love it.  I love that he knows he is a special important person.  How many orphans in the world know that?  How many orphans in the world have adults seek them out to play with them?  Adults who know their personality and likes and desires, and care about them?  And how many orphans KNOW they are loved?  Sadly, most orphans in the world know nothing of adults who care, adults who pay them any attention, and most know nothing of love.  I am thankful that our Asa has been loved all of these years.

I asked the psychologist if Asa has known all of these years that we were fighting for him?  It broke my heart when she said, "Oh, of course.  He talks to the other children all of the time about his 'Mom and Dad' who are coming for him."  Oh that makes me cry to know that he has also waited.  I hope that we can help his little heart heal from those years of waiting and wondering "When will they come???"

One huge blessing is that the psychologist has asked us to add pictures of us with Asa to his photo book.  She said, "We are working to prepare the children to go with you" and the photo books will help.  What an encouragement to know that they are working to help prepare our kids.  This will be incredibly difficult for Asa, please pray that God will prepare his little heart for this transition.  And pray that we can be equipped to bring him comfort and peace during this time.

She also shared some other things, she said that he does not enjoy running and other games like that because it is hard for him.  His hip displasia has not been properly addressed up to this point and he walks with a very bad limp.  It is hard for him to climb stairs or to run.  We will have physical therapy in our future and many doctor visits.  She did tell us that he likes to color and build with blocks, he enjoys music and he loves to dance.  Dancing is his favorite she said.

He is very smart.  He has learned several English words and phrases so far.  And he is funny and very endearing.  Oh we love this boy and cannot wait for all of you to meet him too. 

love and blessings,

mike&karla&Asa-Vladik