Almost four weeks ago, we were able to bring a Ukrainian family to come live with us. It has been a wonderful opportunity for us (and hopefully, for them) as we witness their acclimation to a completely new life in the US. I am struck by the thought that even though they will have opportunities here in America, they didn't choose this. They weren't trying to leave their beloved city of Mariupol or their cherished homeland of Ukraine. This was by no means what they were wanting, but they are doing the best with what they have been given.
Some observations:
I expected mayonnaise to be THE condiment of choice. I did NOT expect for sour cream and ketchup (on everything from French toast to regular toast to pepperoni sandwiches...) to be as common.
I have never seen someone drink pickle juice straight from a jar of pickles before Uliana did so. And it wasn't a tiny jar, folks. Her face reflected utter satisfaction afterwards.
We don't live in a community where people just walk around constantly. Legran and Uliana are accustomed to walking around their town as their means of getting places. Walking to church. Walking to the store. Walking to work. Walking to the park. From my conversations with Uliana, I gather that there was a strong sense of community and communication with their fellow men that seems to remind me of a time, long ago, in my country.
A language barrier doesn't interrupt the fun between my kids and their kids. They play, laugh, squeal, and run around like crazy. It's a marvel to watch their friendships forming so effortlessly.
It's amazing to me that I was able to meet Uliana in 2008, when I was adopting my twins. I never would have thought that this would be happening now. God definitely has a plan. He is in everything.
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