Synchronicities Abound

Until the "Orange Revolution" I'm not sure if I had ever truly thought about Ukraine. I knew of the city of Odessa on the Black Sea, vaguely conecting it to a plethora of unrelated bits of knowledge including Catherine the Great, Robert Ludlum and Frederick Forsyth spy novels and the site of mansion's and villa's of priveleged 19th century Russian's. So while Ukraine was not totally foreign to me, it wasn't a country that was top-of-mind.

I certainly didn't know anyone in Ukraine or anyone from Ukraine nor anyone going to Ukraine. In retrospect, I lived a pretty Ukraine-free life. However, in the words of Inspector Clouseau "not anymore".

Now my world is filled with all things Ukraine. I think about friends who live in Ukraine as easily as I think about my friends who live in my own city. I live in a dual time world where glancing at the clock not only informs me of where I am in my day, but simultaneously informs me of where just over 47 million Ukrainians are in their day. I spend more time reviewing what laws President Yushchenko has recently signed then I do in persuing what legislation President Bush may have recently enacted.

When we first decided that Alex was meant to be a part of our family and shared it with a few close friends I was astounded to find out that one of my closest friend's husband spoke Russian. Randy was amazed to recall that his good friend's wife spoke Russian. Little did we know that was just the beginning of God's great gifts of synchronicities. Then my mother mentioned that her long time business partner had recently married a lovely woman from..... yes, Ukraine. Or as a friend of mine said "of course."

My cousin's wife, a wonderful outgoing woman I have seen several times each year for the twenty years they have been married is planning to travel this summer to.... Ukraine. Her good friend that she has known for over a decade and who often visits my cousin and his wife works with orphanages in ... Ukraine. And prior to Alex's visit, when we needed a Russian speaking teacher to help us learn some basic language.... a Ukrainian born, Russian speaking, English teacher just happened to live in our same neighborhood.

Recently, Randy and I discussed our desires for Alex. We both want him to keep and improve his Russian. Studies show that continued use of the first language is of much benefit in the ability to transfer knowledge and gain additional knowledge in a second language. We want him to be fluent in both languages, truly bi-lingual, multi-cultural, a global citizen. We are also concerned that the inability to communicate in Russian during the first 6 months while he learns English will cause him frustration. The thought of being unable to really express oneself while in the midst of an experience as monumental as attaching to a new family, learning a new language, going to a new school and leaving everything and everyone you know is incomprehensible to me.

So, what is one to do? Well, Randy thought renting Spiderman 2 would be a good start. And synchronicities abound everywhere. Randy felt a little silly renting the movie and felt impelled to tell the young man behind the Blockbuster counter that he was watching it because it was one of the favorite movies of our soon to be adopted Russian speaking son who lived in Ukraine. "I speak Russian," said the broad shouldered, clean cut, just out of high school teenager. "Actually, I am Russian. I moved here when I was eight. If you need any help, let me know, I'd be glad to help."

Synchronicities abound. Wonders never cease.

Cynthia

To leave a comment, click the word "comment" below. A window will open where you may leave your message.