Day 19

Today, we visited Gela and we had a great time playing, looking through books, enjoying cookies with juice, playing ball and watching her interaction with her classmates. We learned that she is very jealous of us and would not allow her friends to engage us - which is fine in a way because we are not to interact much with them anyway. But we could tell that she was giving a harsh warning. Every time we pass a teacher, nurse or doctor, she tells them that we are her Papa and Mama.

We also got to visit with Vicka today. We drove out to the camp to where we would see both her and her great-aunt. We talked for a while and the aunt gave us a photo album of Vicka’s baby pictures, some family, and a couple of pictures from last year at camp. We thanked her for coming and for telling Vicka that she needs to go to America. We learned that Lena continued to visit Vicka but had been trying to undo the damage she caused us. Lena asked the monk that had spoken with Vicka to come and we spoke about Vicka’s religious upbringing. I let them know that we home-school our children and how the Abekka program integrates God’s word with all subjects. The monk inquired of our religious background and asked if we would take Vicka to a nearby Orthodox church when we return to the States or when she is of age, would we allow her to attend an Orthodox church. I politely let him know that I could not promise that and that I could not raise her separately from the rest of the family. I did tell them that when she becomes of age, this matter is really between her and God. And if it is evident that God leads Vicka to an Orthodox faith, I would not stand in the way. This explanation seemed to work for them and their expressions relaxed.

Lena and the monk took us to the camp chapel where we discussed the similarities and differences of our faiths. Though the monk said that our practices seemed more Catholic and Protestant, I found that much of what the Orthodox practices is very similar to Catholicism. But that is for another discussion. I understand why her aunt would want to be a part of her life right now as they did not expect her to be adopted. But the transition to our family is under way and next week, when Vicka returns to the orphanage (Tuesday morning), our bonding will accelerate. But for now, I settle for hugs, a kiss, and carrying her around the camp; playing and interacting.