A Piece of My Heart Flew Away Today.....

He's gone, and there is a V-shaped hole in my heart. Vitaly wanted us to stay strong at the airport, and told us that we could cry later when we got home. He was excited about flying again, but was not excited about going back to Ukraine and told us that he wanted to stay here. He assured us over and over that it would be ok, though, because he was going to come back to us in the summer. I didn't have the heart to tell him that wouldn't be the case. :-(

My handsome Ukrainian at the hotel last night - he was so excited to be able to spend the night in a hotel (probably his first time ever.)

The chaperone, Olga, and the hosted kiddos that flew to/from Detroit:

Waiting to check in:

Goodbye, Chocolatka! (What V called the twins)

V and Olga:

Vitaly assured us that he would always remember to say his prayers before meals and bedtime.

We hugged him goodbye, and I gave him several extra hugs for some special people that requested it. ;-) We love you so much, V! Don't ever forget us!

Going toward security:

Goodbye, little one! Have a good life!

 

The house is awfully quiet this afternoon. There seems to be a void here. I'm sure that over the next few days I'll miss Vitaly's constant, very appreciative "Sank you!!!", followed up with his own "Ya Velcome!!!" Malia's name will still probably be pronounced MAH-lia for awhile instead of Ma-LEE-a, since that is the way we've heard it said for a month now. The twins will still talk about how V always called them "chocolatka," and we will still catch ourselves saying "da" and "nyet" instead of yes and no. My mind is still programmed to buy lots of extra bananas and yogurt, and the tunes of Russian songs will still fill our heads. Vitaly is a wonderful boy, and our lives will be forever changed because of him. We are so thankful that God gave us the wonderful opportunity to be his host family.

If there is anyone else out there that wants to have the experience of a lifetime, love on a special child, and make a difference in their life, please consider being a host parent. The New Horizons pre-application is up and running for hosting a Latvian, Ukrainian, or Chinese orphan this summer, and can be found by clicking here.