We met Edita outside at about 9:35am and we went to the Law Office. She brought us copies of a Calendar we had made for Akvila. The different choice were in Black and White, but we had some good quality pictures, so it looked pretty good. Edita then asked us how we wanted to tell Akvila that we would not be back after today and would not be back until March. We thought we would wait until it was almost time to go. Edita thought this was a good idea as well. We also burned some pictures and videos to a CD so Akvila could watch if she felt lonely or missed us. We also dropped off some extra luggage that we didn't want to bring back to America. Stuff like Akvila's clothes and some dried goods that Peggy will need on her return trip.
We get to the orphanage and meet with the Social worker. There is some small talk and we give her the CD so she or the psychologist could show Akvila. We then went upstairs to the group. When Akvila came out she saw Edita and asked "am I leaving now?" We kind of looked at each other and Edita said "no you are not." Akvila was body language was like, "ok." So we headed downstairs to the playroom. We decided that maybe we should go ahead and tell Akvila what is going to happen.
Last night Peggy wrote up a note on what she was going to tell Akvila. We asked Edita if she would allow Peggy to read a few lines and then translate to Akvila. So Peggy sits down on the couch and makes Akvila sit in her lap. Peggy starts to speak and Edita translates. At one point when Peggy is talking through the tears, Akvila asks "what did she say?" She wants to know what mama is saying before Edita even has the chance to translate. Peggy gets finished talking, gives Akvila a hug and a kiss and then asks if she has any questions? The translation is asked to Akvila and she said "ne." So Edita leaves the room and we play like nothing just happened. We called Edita back in the room about 15 minutes before it was time to go. We wanted to make sure Akvila had no questions and understood that mama would be back for her in less than 40 days. Nothing, she basically told us that she didn't want us to leave, but she knows she will see mama soon. So we hugged on our little girl and Peggy took her upstairs to the group.
It's funny, we are more heartbroken than Akvila. I am sure it will take her a few days to realize that we are not coming back in the next couple of days. She appears to be one strong little girl.
So we leave the orphanage for the last time this trip. We are heading back to the Law Centre to speak with Elona concerning Peggy's next trip back to Lithuania. Elona gives us a temporary schedule on what will happen. Peggy also asks "is Akvila going to be our daughter?" We were not exactly sure if the judge was granting us as her parents. Elona re-assured us Akvila is our daughter. The Law in LT just states that there is a 40 day waiting period, and the judge can waive if he/she wants. We say our goodbyes (we will not see them again this trip) and leave in a Taksi back to our apartment.
We lounge around a bit, talking about everything that has happened and start planning for Peggy's trip back. It appears that either her sister or Mother will be coming back with her. So I am glad she will not be alone. During this time Peggy's mom is making lunch. We are having meatballs (ground pork and beef) and potato pancakes. We have a good solid lunch and then Peggy and her mother leave for a bit more siteseeing.
The Gate of Dawn
View from inside the Gate of Dawn. Shows progress from Old Town to the New City Center
Our Lady of Ostra Brama (polish) or Aušros Vartai is the Lithuanian name.
The path up to the portrait of the The Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy
The confessional
The church altar
nearby The Church of the Holy Spirit (Russian Orthodox)
The bell tower of the Othrodox church with the moon to its right.
It was still sunny and bright and the moon was visible around 4:30 PM.
When they return, we once again just hang out and chat before we have a light dinner. Leftovers! Peggy has the Meat Dumplings (which after reading the package, the first ingredient is 'mechanically separated chicken and pork'); I had some of the meatballs and potato pancakes and so did mom. We have very few leftovers left, so tomorrow we are talking about going back to the mall and maybe having some lunch there.
Here is the last video I took of Akvila today. Peggy is kind of going "la-la-la-laaa" and Akvila does the same.
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