Expectations

April 8

It is early morning and raining gently. The last two days have been cold and breezy with gray skies. The grass is just beginning to green and the tulips (or their equivalent) are breaking through the soil.

We saw the girls on Thursday. They sang and danced with their classmates in practice for the Internads (orphanage/school) fiftieth anniversary. Alessia and a handsome partner dance the waltz in a group of six couples. It is beautiful, They all move gracefully and though smiling and happy this is serious business. American teenagers might be sitting around too cool to participate but here it is classna to be included. The Director makes sure they get it right. Alessia moves gracefully making me wish I could do the same.

Now we are on to the singing. Alina is the featured singer. She sings a song about a small bird that is lonely and looks for friendship and love. Her voice is American Idol quality and even in a different language you can hear the feelings and inflection. I am glad I cannot understand the words for I fear I could not handle the emotion. Her as an orphan singing about looking for love.

The director has warned Susan and I that these are two special girls. We have been asked, Did you know she could sing like that? Well we did not. I want her always to know we love her for who she IS and the singing ability is just some thing she is able to do. It is a part of her not all of her.

I ask her if she would like me to teach her to read music and play the piano. Yes-Yes! She is thrilled. I cannot wait for her to meet our daughter in law Kate who plays and sings like I can only dream of. (Sorry Kate your secret is out) Alessia wants to learn the guitar. I wonder if this is chosen not to be in competition with her sister? I tell her I both love the guitar and it is also easier to take with you than a piano. We all laugh.

In adopting older children they come to you with a lot more. I can see they have expectations for what their life will be like. At one point one of the girls comes and sits by us and says something. The translator says “she wants to get out of here” Susan, The rehearsal? Translator, No, I think she means the whole country! Now that is an expectation her life is going to be better in America! And it is. But also you have to take your happiness with you wherever you go, or you will show up without it. I have met so many people who have everything but their happiness. I ask myself how can I convey this idea. They will have so much more as part of our family in America. But they also give up many things to join us in a far away place with a new language and differing customs. I hope it either lives up to their expectations or they bring their own happiness with them, or better both!