Field Trips in Moscow

I am quite fortunate that I have been able to go on some great field trips with Amalie's class this year.  We went to an art museum in the fall, a Russian toy and game museum in the winter where we had a traditional Russian tea, and the botanical gardens this spring.  Today was quite different, though.  Today I went with Colin's class to a Russian orphanage.  I am so happy that I went, and that I shared this experience with Colin.
I have to say that I started out this morning with my righteous indignation.  Why are there so many orphanages in Russia?  Why do they give up their children here, especially their children with special needs?  How can all of this go on in a supposedly civilized society? 
When we arrived at the orphanage, I decided to let it go.  Just let it go and immerse myself in the experience.  I was content to watch our students and the children there do art activities together, and tell them in my broken Russian, "very nice", or "how beautiful".  I was filled with such mixed emotions when we took some of our students out to the playground and played with the one and two year old's.  Those children had such beautiful, peaceful faces, and they were thrilled to have us play ball, pick them up, or push them around on a bicycle.
I get so frustrated in Russia at times- the pushing and shoving, the aggressiveness, the non-smiling faces, and the ability to look the other way when they see someone who is different.  But today I saw such compassion from the ladies that worked there.  And love- I definitely saw love.
Life can change in a heartbeat- I know that.  What you have today can be gone tomorrow. But I am so grateful that I grew up with two parents who loved and cared for me, and still do.  And I really hope that Colin, Amalie, Kathleen, and John know that I love them more than I love my life.  And I would never willingly leave them.  They are very lucky.
While we were playing with the younger children today, Colin said to me "Wow Mom, some of these kids really like you.  I bet they wish they could go home with you".  I know Colin, I know.  You and I are very blessed.