Our agency allows us to request an update twice while we wait. They suggested we submit once now and once shortly before we travel. We're allowed ten questions for each update. It is hard deciding what little tidbits of information need to be gathered when we only get ten questions! We stewed about it for several weeks actually.
We've already set up a second bed in Tikvah's room, but I've been really wondering what colors to use for the bedding and all. I've also been wondering what types of clothing to purchase, and what toys to gather. We really want her to feel at home when she gets here, so our questions were geared towards finding answers to help us make her comfortable.
What would YOU ask if you had ten questions? Here were ours and the answers we received today. We would have liked perhaps a bit MORE information, but we got some brief answers, anyway!
1. We would like to decorate her room. Can you tell us her favorite color?
The child's most favorite color is blue.
2. Does she have a favorite toy or type of thing to play?
most favorite toy is white rabbit
3. Does she have a favorite children's character (Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, etc.)?
her most favorite character is the Snow Princess
4. Is there a particular food that is her favorite?
most favorite foods are fish, meat, grape, and banana
5. Is there a particular food that she really dislikes? (received no answer to this one)
6. Does she have a favorite song?
most favorite song is "Little Star"
7. Does she enjoy being read to, and if so does she have a favorite book?
most favorite story is "Little White Rabbit's Story"
8. What types of things is she learning at school? At school she learns singing, musical instrument, handcrafting, drawing and listens to stories. She likes listening to "Little White Rabbit's Story."
9. We understand that she doesn't speak very much. How does she
communicate her needs such as when she needs a drink or has to use the
restroom?
She usually expresses her needs by words.
10. We have two cats and a rabbit. Has she ever been exposed to small animals, and if so did she like them?
She is not afraid of cats and rabbits.
And then I got an answer to a question I didn't ask: People she is closest to are her foster mother and big sister, and her teachers.
Abigail's files claim she is in the orphanage, that she has been there all her life, actually. I'm wondering if this answer is supposed to be in OUR letter or if it was an error. I'm hoping our caseworker can find out.
It is nice to know a little more about the things Abigail likes. I'm on a mission now to find the favorite story and song! If anyone has ideas for fitting BLUE in to the Princess Room, I'm open to ideas!
Perhaps the best part of the update was SIX new photos! We are not allowed to post any photos online, but if you stop by I'll be very happy to show them to you! She has grown up so much since the last photos we got of her. Its really hard to have a little girl growing up half way around the world. As far as I know the certified copy of our homestudy has still not arrived at our placement agency. We'd appreciate your prayers for a speedy processing!
