Yesterday was another milestone in this journey…we went with Aleks to visit the orphanage which he called home for the past few years. As you might expect, it was bitter sweet for each of us, but unique for each as well. The day seemed to start slow as we each prepared to go but none of us was in a hurry to get there. Aleks was excited to see his friends again and we were looking forward to finding more pieces from the puzzle of his past.
As we left the apartment we decided we should grab a quick bite to eat so we stopped at a little cafe’ by the bus stop. It looked good but none of us finished our plate….and the latte’…YUCK! We left the cafe’ and jumped on the bus which would take us to the orphanage. As we jumped on we were greeted by the bus security to make sure that we were actually going to pay for our ride…which we did. The ride was hot…no A/C…but if they could only open the windows. We reached our destination and jumped off. As we walked down a dusty dirt road to the side of the orphanage property we were all quiet. A million things running through our heads but each keeping them inside. We walked along the property to the front of an old two story building. It looked to be maybe an old military building from days gone by. There are also two underground bunkers on the property which each person had a different explanation as to what they are for. We were told the building was only 19 years old…but it was much older. We believe that it may have been converted to an orphanage only 19 years ago….but there is much more history to that building and the property it sits on.
Aleks quickly found his friends as we entered pod 7 where Aleks had lived with his friends. They buzzed with excitement as they reunited but it was clear also that there was some tension with the new “leaders” of the group as the old and respected “leader” entered and took his former position. Once the children left the building on their adventures Ginta brought the Orphanage Director, Inara, to us. We sat at the dinning room table discussing Aleks and answering questions about our previous six weeks together. It was clear, Aleks had played a much different role in the orphanage than he did with us in America. After about 30 minutes together Inara excused herself so she could tend to other issues. Ginta left the room as well to go and get Aleks files. She returned with two binders that contained pages of documents, events, incidents and reports. The wonderful boy with the warrior heart and the tender heart…he had lived a life which very few would understand. My respect for Aleks was taken to a whole new level yesterday. I love my son and ache for his past at a whole new depth…yet I understand his heart. There is no doubt that God has protect Aleks and prepared his path…my prayer is that he will come to understand the depth of Gods love and embrace it with his life. Pray with us…
We left the building Aleks called home…and walked toward our new life together. Each of us longs for the place Aleks now calls home in America! Just 13 more days…and we will be there.
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