Sweet Samuel

Yeah for Starbucks! There is one right here in Moscow! I’m confident there are many here now, but just 3 years ago there was not one to be found, at least on Arbat Street. I guess Russia has caught the “coffee fever” and for this we are thankful (even though, we are less than avid drinkers, not hip enough probably). It feels a tiny bit like home just to see that green and brown sign. And the best part is, they offer “nearly free” WiFi so we can keep in contact with you all, as well as make necessary arrangements for our flights and hotel stay for heading home.

It is truly a relief to be here in Moscow. Our flight went very well and so thank you to all who were praying nervously for us. The most frightening part for him was the bus ride from the terminal to the plane. And then there was the loud noise and gusty winds from the HUGE helicopter preparing to take off just beside us as we were boarding the plane. He cried pretty hard for the first 10 minutes…I think those around us were beginning to regret their seat assignment…and then settled down and was an angel the rest of the flight. PTL! We breathed a big sigh of relief when we touched down safe and sound, especially after hearing on the news of the Aeroflot plane crash one week ago. All 88 passengers killed. (Hope you hadn’t heard that one, mom) At the airport we were met by our familiar Moscow facilitator, Sergei. He is wonderful, kind and funny too. He speaks Russian, English, and French which makes for a great accent. A short while after arriving to Hotel Arbat we B-lined for the To-Go line at Hard Rock Café and enjoyed a small feast in our room. Chicken Quesadillas never tasted so good! Today we spent walking on historical Arbat street, a long pedestrian only path with plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops. Tomorrow is our appointment at the U.S Embassy, and if weather permits, we plan to go to the zoo.

As we get to know our new son we are falling in love more and more! He has been sleeping good and still eating up a storm. He plays quietly and contently most of the time, a skill he picked up in the Baby Home no doubt. Allow me to share just a few of the cute things he does. Like all almost 3yr olds, he knows the word “no” and is not afraid to use it. He is keenly aware of its power and uses his charming eyes to seal the deal. Somehow for now it is sweeter because it comes out “nye” without the “t” which would be the Russian word for “no”. He says it any and every time he is dissatisfied with what is offered. He takes great pleasure in throwing away even the smallest piece of trash, and sees it as his civil duty to do so! When he bumps his head, which sadly is quite often due to his instability, he says “bulnee” which is his version of the word for “it hurts”. It’s so cute that he and I usually repeat back to one another several times until he giggles, and then the pain is forgotten. He also says “OP HA” when he drops something, which I suppose is the Russian translation for our “oops”. His walk has got to be the cutest though. Because his right foot is turned in more than his left and he keeps his knees slightly buckled, it makes for a very unique jig. And the way he runs is down right adorable. What a miracle this boy is and how grateful we are to have him in our family. Just can’t wait for the rest of the fam to know him as well as we do. He has an endearing personality, they will surely love him! We trust God has already done the work of preparing many hearts to welcome him in.

Even though we have experienced adoption before, this time is no less special. It is unreal to hold in our hands Samuel’s original Birth Certificate with his old name. And stare at his birth father and mother’s signatures on the Release form. This made him available for adoption, even stating they were ok with foreign adoption. We don’t know if their decision to sign was agonizing or not. We assume it was since it was signed and dated 8 days after his birth. We are praying for his birth mom and dad and grandparents too, tonight as we are certain they will be burdened or least reminded tomorrow of the memory of the decision they each made almost 3 years ago (Samuel’s birthday is September 24th). And then to see his new Birth Certificate which now has his new name, and our names listed as his parents. I can’t see this without reflecting on my own adoption into God’s family. I received a new name, the security and hope of a new home to come, an inheritance too glorious to fathom, and the love of a Heavenly Father—whose love I cannot earn, nor can I lose.

Visual reminders serve to strengthen my faith in God’s plans. When I see Samuel’s red passport next to our blue ones I wonder what great plans He has for this little boy whom was so obviously plucked out of an orphanage in Russia to soon be placed in the Govard family (Howard in Russian) in sunny California. One of our favorite songs right now is “This Is Home” by Switchfoot from the Prince Caspian soundtrack. It worked well for Samuel’s video, but the words ring true for all who call Heaven their Home.

Created for a place I’ve never known
This is home, now I’m finally where I belong.

I’ve got my heart set on what happens next
And I’ve got my eyes wide, it’s not over yet
We’re miracles and we’re not alone.

Sending all our love,
Allyson, (Ryan & Samuel too)