Awesome Reunion!

We arrived in Feodosiya today after a very long train and bus ride, but never have two boys been more eager and excited to see their old friends.  We arrived at the orphanage shortly after the kids had come home from school, and as soon as I was spotted, a couple of girls screamed and came running to hug me.  It made the long rides a small price to pay.  My boys hadn't told anyone they were accompanying me, so when they were seen a few seconds later, absolute pandemonium broke out.  High fives, handshakes, big hugs, and smiles everywhere.  We were stormed by 15-20 kids we had grown to love last spring.  

Then someone yelled for Malvina to come.  I was kind of nervous and didn't quite know what to expect after not seeing her for almost a year, but when she emerged, she looked absolutely stunning and ran into my arms with a huge hug.  It was perfect.  I couldn't stop looking at her all evening and thinking how gorgeous and classy she had become.  The year from 15 to 16 is a big one, and it definitely agreed with her. 

Eli couldn't be torn away from his friends, but Alex, Malvina, Vera (our translator) and I went to lunch at the Bistro and had a marvelous visit.  The excitement between Alex and Malvina was delightful --- even though Alex had acted kind of hesitant and funny lately about seeing her again.  As soon as they hugged each other, it was as if they had never been apart, and they acted like very close siblings for the rest of the night.  

I'm so excited Malvina's joining our family.  It will definitely change things up, but in a good way I think.  She's a sweet and special girl, and her thoughtfulness was shown repeatedly by presenting with a gift wrapped Teddy Bear, finding me a warm coat to borrow, carrying my packages, and bringing me a cup of tea to warm up with and then an alternate cup of juice when Alex explained I don't like tea or coffee.

She doesn't speak much English yet, but she can it read quite well and doesn't even speak with much accent.

Several of us had fun playing volleyball until she said she needed to go inside and do homework.  For me that was the icing on the cake.  Either she likes to study, or she's just very responsible.  Honestly, she seems quite nearly perfect.