Farewell

Well, we survived the dreaded going-away party. Thank you for all your prayers! It really made a difference. We arrived with cakes and fruit and juice, as well as presents for the boys and caregivers. The boys welcomed Andreas back with hugs and lots of love and care. He is the baby of the family, after all. One of the boys got a pair of slippers for A and put them on him. It was sweet and cute.

One of the other older boys brought us into A's bedroom and gave us some wonderful treats! They gave us a photo album of A since he came to live there at 5 or 6. He looked about 3 or 4. He was THE cutest, chunky little blondie ever!! They also gave us his school records(in Eesti), and some of his report cards and schoolwork. How thoughtful! The caregiver, who we hadn't met before, insisted on packing some of his clothes for us. We agreed to take a few shirts and a spare pair of mittens.

After that, we got to watch the boys interact while the caregivers prepared for a party. The dining and living room areas were still decorated for Christmas. It looked very homey and festive.The boys put on a music DVD and danced and sang together. Then they sat down to their feast first. Andreas sat between his two favorite brothers.:) They kept hugging each other. One helped A eat (he won't touch anything sticky)his danish/streudel? A helped the other boy eat as well. Neither boy needs help, but they love each other very much.:) He kept telling us, "goodbye", and waving us away until I told him we were staying. He was fine after that.

The entire time, people were coming in and taking pictures of A, and saying goodbye. We learned that each of the boys has a party when he turns 18 and leaves the orphanage. That may be why A seemed to understand that he was leaving.

We had our turn to sit and eat with the adults in the living room. It was a bit formal(stressful) for me. Then we gave out our gifts. I think and hope they liked what I made. We called to Andreas, who got dressed and left with us without a fuss. About halfway down the stairs he slowed almost to a halt, and a funny expression came over his face. I think he realized he was leaving for good. He continued slowly to the bottom. In the car, he had tears, but it is hard to tell if he was crying because the cold air makes him tear up just the same way. He was quiet for a few minutes, and then he was fine.

I cannot share the pictures. I wish I could. We asked as many questions as we could about the institution the boys will be going to when they age out. It doesn't sound horrible! It is out in the country. It was described as being, "like a camp". Even so, my heart breaks for the three oldest boys who I just adore!!

So, we survived and everyone got some closure. Andreas is truly our son now. Estonia is wonderful, but I can't wait to say, "Ciao,ciao, Eesti!"