The photos that I have posted here (and there are a lot of them) are of the small villages of Tymovsk and Kirovskoye. Tymovsk is about 40 kilometers from Kirovskoye. Kirovskoye is the settlement where the orphanage is located. When I say "village" and "settlement", that is just what I mean. These places were so small that you could almost miss them if you weren't really looking--especially Kirovskoye. But it was all very quaint and peaceful.
You may be wandering why I have not immediately posted photos of "D"--unfortunately, legally I am not supposed to post his face online. I have, however, posted some profile shots of him, and he may, or may not, be found in some of the group photos that I have posted below. I will tell you that he is just the cutest little boy!!! I can not wait for him to get home. I just know that the girls will love him as much as I do already! I hope that he is doing well still--it kills me to think of him still in the institution. I hope he does not think that I have decided not to take him. I hope he knows that I am coming as soon as I can...
As I said before, I spent the first 2 days in Yuhzno-- getting paperwork ready and just walking around the city snapping photos, really just killing time until the trip "to the north". On the evening of Feb 1, we boarded a train to Tymosvk (by we, I mean Me, Svetlana-the agency rep, and Dasha-the translator). Svetlana and Dasha roomed together in the front of the train. My car was towards the center--I had one "bunkmate"--a young Russain woman who was traveling to the north to work as a translator at the oil project. Since she spoke English, we ended up talking until very late that night. A very interesting conversation...about our lives, our travels, etc. Like an idiot, I forgot to take a picture of the inside of the train--because, let me tell you, it was quite a sight to see. Very 1940's/50's, but it was pretty comfortable, and I was able to sleep well. The really funny part was that at the beginning of the trip they come to your bunk and give you a little box that contains: an apple, a roll, a piece of cheese, some salami, a packet of soup mix, and a pint of Vodka!!! I cracked up! Talk about a Russian stereotype! I saved mine and brought it home as a souvenier.
The next morning, at 7:30 am, we got off the train in Tymovsk, and proceeded by cab to our "hotel". The hotel is on the 5th floor of what looks like an old office building. The lower floors have been converted into shops ( each small room--is a little shop). The is also a small restaraunt on one of the lower floors--like a small cafe with about 6 tables and a kitchen. They don't really have a menu with many choices--you just pick from about 2 selections. The menu changes daily. The food was very, very good, by the way. Anyway, back to the hotel. There is a small lobby with a snack bar, and a hall on either side. Guests stay in small rooms along the hall, and there is only one bathroom on each hall-- which all guests share. Sounds scary, but the bathroom was actually very clean (and I have a big public restroom phobia)... The woman that ran the hotel also lived there I think--she had a daughter that was eleven, they were both very nice. At first they just stared at me funny, but they warmed up to me after a while. Even though they only knew a few words in English, we were able to communicate alright.
The Lobby Of The "Hotel" In Tymovsk
My Hotel RoomAll of the TV stations were Russian, of course. I did watch the Russian version of "Law and Order" and "Who wants to be a Millionaire"--although there it is 1 million Rubles (only about $30,000.00). Mainly I read at night. It was very, very quiet in the village at night-- very peaceful.
In Front Of The HotelThere was very little traffic in this village--most of the people walk. Someone told me that Tymovsk is the coldest village on the island of Sakhalin. It was extremely cold, but the air was so dry that it was not uncomfortable--at least not to me. If you walked outside for even a few seconds though, your nose would start to burn, and you sometimes would lose your breath--definitely a good idea to wear a scarf over the mouth.
I Thought This Building Was Pretty
Apartments in Tymovsk
Another Neat BuildingI have to say, I really liked this village. It was so peaceful and serene. The people there were extremely poor, but again, all of the women dressed in their best clothes. The little markets were still Soviet style-- just a single room with counters all around. The customers tell the clerks what they want and the clerk gets the items. They have cash registers, but they actually use big abaccuses to add up your total! Also, there are many stray dogs in the villages. Often a dog will walk into the market and sit under the counter begging for food. Dasha kept buying sausages for one dog to eat-- he was starving, poor thing.
The View From My Hotel RoomOn the morning of Feb 2, after we got settled in our hotel, we all showered and took a cab to the settlement of Kirovskoye--to the orphanage to meet with the Director and meet "D"! I was very nervous, to say the least. I really had no idea what to expect. I have been waiting to meet this little boy for over a year now--and it almost seemed like it would never happen. I had been looking at pictures and wandering what this little boy was really like for so long... I had been trying to prepare myself for the worst-- maybe he wouldn't like me, maybe I would suddenly feel like this was the wrong thing to do, maybe his disability would be so great that I would not be able to handle it, etc, etc... It all seemed surreal.
The Orphanage is a giant white building that sits in the middle of a very large field. There is a large iron gate and fence surrounding the institution's compound. The road leading up to the Orphanage is sprinkled with a few houses and small apartment buildings. That pretty much describes the settlement of Kirovskoye (or at least the portion of it that I saw).
We pulled up to the gate, and were let in by two men who occupied the gate house... Then we made the long walk up to the building. That first day, I was so worried about what I would find inside. Below is the first photograph that I took of the Orphanage.
The OrphanageThe Foyer of the Institution opened into a large hallway--to the righ was a indoor flower bed, with a couple of small trees planted in it. Surrounding the trees were what looked like some kind of lilies. There was a small pond with a fountain under one tree. The Director later told use that the children had planted all of the plants and they cared for them. The front hallway and foyer was painted turquoise blue and there were murals of popular soviet cartoon charactors painted on the walls.
The Director of the orphanage met us at the front and took us to his office. He told us about the history of the institution. The orphanage currently houses 250 children from age 4 yrs to 20 yrs, all with physical and/or mental disabilities. After age 20, the residents are moved to an Adult Mental Institution. He said that about 60 children lived in the "lying down" rooms-- basically, these are bedridden children who never leave their beds--many have hydrocephalus, etc. They just basically lay there waiting to die. He offered to show us these rooms, but we declined. Svetlana may have visited some of the worse parts of the orphanage, but she said that I did not need to see that-- it would be too much for me. I tend to think that she was right, because the children that I did see broke my heart... I was forever changed by my visit there.
After talking for what seemed like an eternity, the Director sent a Nurse to get "D". They brought him in wiping tears from his eyes--he had been dressed to go out for a walk, and they pulled him back in to come visit me... He wiped his tears away, and politely said hello to me. The nurse bragged that he knew how to recite poetry-- and instructed him to recite a nursery rhyme for us. He did--although it was a mere whisper. Then the Director showed me his notebook with his drawings and "D" seemed very proud of them. The first meeting is still somewhat of a blur to me-- mostly I just stared and smiled at this sweet little boy. Everyone bragged that he had very good teeth (a rarity in the orphanage). I showed him the sticker book that I had brought him and 2 of the matchbox cars-- he was in awe. We played with the stickers and cars for a while, and then the Director took us on a short tour of the facility. "D" held my hand the whole time. We went to his "group". A sort of classroom. Each group consists of 8-10 children and a Nurse. Some of the groups are of mixed ages and in some groups all of the children are similar ages. "D"'s group is a mixed age group--something that I am still not sure is good, but all of the boys seemed very nice. Of course, each group is made up of one sex only-- there are girl groups and boy groups. "D"'s group was in the middle of karyoke time when we went up there-- I video taped all of them dancing and singing--it was really cute, and sad too. These children will likely never be adopted.
After talking for what seemed like an eternity, the Director sent a Nurse to get "D". They brought him in wiping tears from his eyes--he had been dressed to go out for a walk, and they pulled him back in to come visit me... He wiped his tears away, and politely said hello to me. The nurse bragged that he knew how to recite poetry-- and instructed him to recite a nursery rhyme for us. He did--although it was a mere whisper. Then the Director showed me his notebook with his drawings and "D" seemed very proud of them. The first meeting is still somewhat of a blur to me-- mostly I just stared and smiled at this sweet little boy. Everyone bragged that he had very good teeth (a rarity in the orphanage). I showed him the sticker book that I had brought him and 2 of the matchbox cars-- he was in awe. We played with the stickers and cars for a while, and then the Director took us on a short tour of the facility. "D" held my hand the whole time. We went to his "group". A sort of classroom. Each group consists of 8-10 children and a Nurse. Some of the groups are of mixed ages and in some groups all of the children are similar ages. "D"'s group is a mixed age group--something that I am still not sure is good, but all of the boys seemed very nice. Of course, each group is made up of one sex only-- there are girl groups and boy groups. "D"'s group was in the middle of karyoke time when we went up there-- I video taped all of them dancing and singing--it was really cute, and sad too. These children will likely never be adopted.
Below are some more photos of the orhanage grounds:
An Apartment Building Outside The Orphanage Compound
The Orphanage Horse Stables(the horses are used to pull carts to bring food, not to ride)
A Mushroom Statue Buried In The Snow
A Dump Truck Buried In The Snow!!
Mishka--A Mouse Statue("D" later told us that the mishka bites-
I think the bigger boys told him that the
statue will bite him)
Another View Of The Orphanage
The English Translation of the Orphanage's name is
"Home for Children with Defective Minds"
(can you believe that!?)
Me And "D" On The First Day
Showing "D" His Stickers(the green spot on the back of his head is medicine that
they put on his cut)
More Sticker Fun
"D"s GroupThe boy sitting on the right just celebrated his 16th birthday- he was about the size of a 10 year old.
Dancing To Karyoke
A Happy Group Of Boys(they were very excited about "D"s cars-which he kept safely in his pockets)
These Faces Will Always Haunt Me--They All Deserve A Home
Taking A Walk
Walking Hand In Hand
"D" Is Now A Hero- He Has A MamaThe Girl that is talking to "D" in this photo, said that they call "D" their "Baby" because he is so cute and little. The girl in the pink coat, asked Svetlana to find her mother (who lives in a remote village). She told Svetlana that she had come to the orphanage with her sister, but now her sister had died and she was all alone. She was a very smart girl-- she even knew some English. She later told me that she planned to someday move to the United States to be a chef. Unfortunately, once in this institution, they never get out. Imagine that--she will never be able to reach her dreams and goals. That is heartbreaking and so unfair.
Mama And Son
Talking To Andrey Svetlana told me that Andrey is Autistic, and unlikely to get adopted (even though my agancy has been advocating for him). He is so sad looking. A very cute little boy. It broke my heart.
A Shelter Behind The Orphanage
Another Shelter
Valenka--Russian Boots Made From Pressed Wool
A Shelter Near The Playground
"D" Loved Looking Through His Photo AlbumWhen he saw the picture of his room, with the boat bed, he exclaimed (in Russian of course), "I will be at the Sea!!!"
Who Should We Call?
Almost A Yearling (He likes sugar cubes)
The Children Sledding
"D" Gets A Ride(he is in the blue coat)
What Fun!!!The girl in red is one of the older orphans, they told me that she helps to take care of the little ones, especially "D"
A Daughter With No Mother
"Will You Be My Mama, Too?"This little girl followed me around the orphanage all the time, she would try to hold onto my arm every time she saw me. She asked Svetlana if I could please be her Mama too. It broke my heart, she would smile and call me Mama, and just rub my hand. All she wants is Mama...
Another Sweet Girl With No FamilyAll of the children got very excited to have their photo taken-- especially the older ones.
Posing With Svetlana
Take Another Photo, "Pazhausta" (please)
Pictures Before Sledding
"Sabaka"!!!!(Russian for Dog)
"D" was fascinated with Sabakas (there were many loose dogs on the orphanage grounds)--he would call for them to come, and when they did, he was afraid of them. He said "Sabaka bites". We saw a limping dog, and he noticed it--he said " The dog has a hurt leg...we should give him some chocolate!" :) I guess he thought chocolate would make the dog feel better. What a sweet boy!
Sharing Juice With Buzz Lightyear Below are some photographs of the Beautiful embroidery and knitting that the girls at the orphanage make. The director told us that even girls with deformed hands are able to learn to sew and knit. He said that the older girls knit mittens and socks for the younger children. All old clothes are taken apart, and the thread is reused to make new items or embroidery. The Sewing teachers were getting together some of the best works to be shown in an exhibit in a neighboring village. The director said that creating such beautiful work gives the girls a sense of accomplishment and self worth. I was very impressed. These children have such talent, yet they are kept out of sight and out of mind from their fellow Russian citizens.
Examples Of Knitting And Embroidery(created by " children with defective minds" -how can anyone say this!?)
A Doll Dress That A Girl Is Working On
The Girl In The Pink Is Making The Dress
More Beautiful Examples
All Of This Was Made By Children
Knitted Doll Clothes, And Handmade Doll FurnitureAlso, A Paper Mache Tea Set
Paper Mache Eggs
These Girls Are So Talented, And Yet OutcastsThe work of these girls was really unbelievable to me. There is really nothing more to say. These are Human Beings that will never have the chance to try to lead productive, happy lives. They will forever be locked away behind closed doors... The Director told us that he has tried to gain public interest in the institution--he has tried to invite the media to show that these children do indeed exist, but they have no interest. No one wants to acknowledge them.
View From The Road
View From Cab--While Driving To Visit "D"More of the Children:
This Boy Was So Sweet(he let all the others have their pictures
taken before he took his turn)
Thrilled To Pose For The Camera They Were So Proud When I Showed Them The Picture
All They Wanted Was Some Attention
All They Wanted Was Some Attention And A Family....
Posing with "D"
Fish Tanks And Plants
Posing with "D"Below are some photos of "D"s Group Room. The Classroom was kept very clean and neat. There were lots of plants, and even a fish tank. The toys on the shelves were not really played with--looked like decoration only. The Director said that the institution was just now beginning to form a school curriculum for the children. In the past, these children were not given any education what so ever. The Deaf children are not even taught sign language at this orphanage!! That would take money-- which the government does not give them. Imagine that--Deaf, with no way to communicate....
In the cabinets were little shoe boxes--"D" opened some of them. I saw little pieces of paper, small plastic soldiers, etc. These were boxes belonging to each boy--containing all of the "Treasures" that they had collected. I told "D" that we couldn't play with these boxes, because they belonged to his friends. We put them back safely. It broke my heart. "D" carried his "Treasures" around in an old woman's purse---in it he had bits of paper, some little cardboard pieces, some legos, etc.
Fish Tanks And Plants ("D"s Group was in Room 1D--ironic)
The Room Was Bright And Cheery
"D" Playing With His Gifts
The View From My Hotel On The Last Day
The Train Station On The Trip Back
The Room Was Bright And Cheery
"D" Playing With His Gifts(The Nurses let us hide out in the group room on
one of our visits--Dasha (the translator) is on the left)
All too quickly my visit came to an end. The last day was so hard for me. I told "D" that I would be back when "the snow melts". I hope that he remembers that, and does not forget about me. Or worse, I hope that he does not think I have changed my mind and left forever. The Nurses said that they would lock his toys up at night so they wouldn't be stolen, and they said that they would show him the photo album everyday... I hope he is okay.
The View From My Hotel On The Last Day
The Train Station On The Trip Back (My heart was so heavy--I felt like I was leaving my child)
Goodbye Tymovsk
Goodbye Tymovsk
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