Reflections/Contrasts

Because the last days in Yaroslavl were so hectic we just put in our blog the most essential. Now that there is a little more time we want to share some reflections on our experiences of the past week.

In general, Russia seems to be a land of contrast. It surely has had that effect on me as I feel the contradictions in my own heart. First, the contrast between the former Soviet Union and today’s Russia of consumerism. You can still see the older women with the drab looking military style uniforms (particularly in the subway attendants) contrasted with the very flashy, colorful and stylish younger women. The average woman in Russia (city women at least) dress up much more than your average American woman and don’t seem to be afraid to be a little flambouyant. This is evident everywhere. Contrast is also seen is how the people live. In Yaroslavl, we had the opportunity to drive all over town. I never saw a single family home. Only huge apartment buildings that look similar to our government projects. Lena, our translator, told us that in fact these buildings were government projects, which are now mostly rentals, some condos. Some are nicer and in better shape than others. Outside of town in the villages, people live in little village houses, which are just little one or two room cottages. Some of these are in better shape than others, also. As I mentioned in a previous post, no matter how run down or not these small cottages were the ornamentation on them was striking; especially the windows. I have included a picture of one with this post.

I also want to mention the obvious strong military presence here. I thought maybe in Yaroslavl it was because there were a couple of military schools there, but in Moscow we see it also. Standing in groups in the subway, marching along the river bank, patrolling the streets; we see military men in their camouflage uniforms and Cossack hats everywhere.

There is a contrast also between the European style sparse hotel we stayed in, in Yaroslavl and the one we are staying in now, the American style Marriott Tverskaya with all the amenities and conveniences. We actually prefer the European style hotel, but are enjoying being in the lap of luxury nonetheless. We actually had hoped to stay with a family here in Moscow, so that we could get a better feel for the reality of life for the average Russian, but it just didn’t work out.

As I mentioned above, we are also conflicted in our hearts. We still have an aching pain left from our visit with Nikolai. When we set out on our journey, we were so positive that we had the right referrals. We never thought we would be faced with the challenge of having to refuse one. We know that other people have experienced it, but somehow we thought we would escape it. Not so. It seems that the Lord wants us to experience every rock in the road. Out of respect for this little boy, we will not discuss his particular issues, but we will continue to pray for him and hope you will too.

Things are changing in the adoption world in Russia. There are less children available due to the newly implemented foster care program. The government has some money right now and is paying families quite a bit to foster children in their homes. I know that it may not be true everywhere in Russia, but we think the orphanages in the Yaroslavl region were very well run and were doing as good as they could for the children under their care. We saw true concern for the little ones in their caretakers. This is contrasted with the harsh realities of their previous lives. Each child has a story and all of them are ones that none of us want to hear. I hope you will all understand that we feel it necessary to protect our son in this matter also. We will not be divulging details about his history before the orphanage until/and or if/ he is ever ready to do it himself.

Despite all the conflicted feelings inside us, our overwhelming emotion is that of joy and hope. I asked Ken this morning what he wanted to share and he said that what is most in his mind is all the things that he will do with, teach and share with his son. He is thinking of the things that he enjoyed when he was Ruslan’s age and he looks forward to sharing these joys, challenges, experiences with his son. Menya tozhe (me too).