We made this video of our final drive from the Vostok Hotel to Biro #5 to pick up our boys for good. Vova, our translator was nice enough to take the video from the front seat and tell us what we were looking at- thanks, Vova!
We pass by the movie theater, victory square, the town square in front of the Vostok hotel, the train station, the bus station, buildings under construction and other stores, homes, towns-people, etc. And then we arrive at "Deski Dom", Birobidjan Orphanage #5, our children's home until today. As we approach we see Misha and then Sasha. They knew that we were coming soon and were keeping a lookout until we arrived.
The boys were thrilled to see us because that meant that they were going to be riding in the car again, and then going on an airplane.
This was an emotional day for all of us. Their caretakers had tears in their eyes as we dressed the boys in their new clothes and took them out of the orphanage for good. Lubov, the director of the orphange gave the boys and me a hug goodbye. She really made an impression on us during our stay and we are forever grateful for all that she taught and did for our boys while they were in her care.
Hi Debra,
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your blog after looking up Birobidjian and Bridge of Hope. What a treat! My husband and I are very seriously considering the program for either summer or winter, and your story is certainly inspiring. You mentioned that you had posted videos of your trip but I don't see them posted now. Is it possible to see them anywhere? I'd love to get a sense of the process and the place. (My work is in filmmaking as well as teaching so I tend to be a very visual person!) Thanks so much.