Friday, July 18, 2008

Samuel's Got Spunk!


Baka Baka Samuel Matvey

We did it. Say goodbye that is.

We had 2 great visits with Matvey yesterday. Ally is still fighting a cold/sinus infection, but the Lord answered prayers and she was able to enjoy both visits.

Each time this week, he’s reacted a little differently as we’ve left, but mostly he’s made it clear that he’d prefer not to go back into his room or back to the playground to rejoin Group #8. He has enjoyed the special attention, and it seems he’d like to keep it that way. This is an answer to one of our prayers. We have been hoping that he will be ready to leave the baby dom in a couple of months. Although its clear the caregivers love him and do their very best, he’s ready to get out from behind the iron fence and find out what better place there is. He has plenty of spunk and spirit!

It was terribly hard to tell him goodbye. We left him in his room as his group was having playtime. After he let us know he didn’t want to return upstairs, he accepted Ally's comfort and then he did let us hug on him and went to his caregiver without resistance. We left all of the toys, books and puzzles that we brought from home. We hope that he will see them and remember us as he waits. Ally also made a family scrapbook for him. Olga translated each page into Russian, and the caregiver promised that they would read it to him often.

We're packed and ready to go. Oleg picks us up from the hotel in a few minutes to start the journey home. Only 23 hours or so. Our bags are lighter after leaving so many toys, but our hearts are heavier, as we had to leave our new son behind.

Thank you for your continued prayers. We love you and we’ll see you soon.

Ryan and Ally

Enjoy all of the pictures!

3 comments:

Scott said...

So glad that everything went as well as can be. My heart aches for you guys when I see the pictures of you holding Sam and knowing that you have to leave him behind. However, we will pray that the time flies and that before you know it, he is a firm part of the Howard family as a whole. Safe flight to you both! Love,
Sandi

emily hope said...

Praying for a safe trip for you guys and for a quick reunion with Samuel. Love all the pictures - especially the one of Allyson holding him up. Looks like he's quite attached to you both :)

Jim Howard said...

What a great group of photo's to wake up to this morning, can't wait to hear all the stories first hand. By this time you are well on your return home. Samuel looks like he's enjoying his new found family, I'm praying that the Dom folks will remind hime often of your promise to return for him and his faith in you will grow in the absence of your visits. We love you and look forward to seeing you at home.
Papa Howard