09 November 2007

the visit

She didn't ask me anything.

She arrived without her cell phone (left it in the car) to find that her luggage had been lost (didn't make her connection). She couldn't find the driver who was there--and who waited for over an hour--so she took a cab. The walk from the hotel to my flat was really too long for her (I felt a little bad at making her walk) and all the buttons were falling off of her coat.

She came in, looked around the flat (was very impressed with everything), read me an e-mail my agency had sent me already about extra information, ate some soup and then left.

I did manage, on our long walk over here, to share anecdotes that gently illustrated my strong community of support both irl and in the bloggy world, my awareness of the current state of things in Russia, my desires for a school-aged child and other important bits.




During the tour of the flat, I showed her the dresses my friend Kat brought back from Brugge and that let me talk about how many people are excited about this adoption.




She saw the books my mom has sent. I talked about the photos of my niece and nephew, my friends' families (yep--those Christmas card photos are still up), and children I've babysat for as I showed her around the flat.




I talked about the fact that I get to teach children to speak English is one of my favorite parts of teaching here. I told her how I loved seeing that development in fast forward.

I spoke Russian when we stopped to buy toothpaste and when I called her a taxi for the journey back, so she knows I've got some basic skills.

I jokingly offered her a child's toothbrush to replace the one she was missing so she's knows I've got that. (I gave her a spare grown-up one instead.)

I even managed to turn an anecdote about my poor, sick cat (Beazy is gorgeous and always a conversation starter--and 2.5 has a cat) into the fact that my cupboard is stocked with children's tylenol and triaminic. That was nicely done if I do say so myself.

She ate my soup and I sent her home with an apple for tomorrow, a toothbrush for now, a needle and thread to mend her buttons and 50r for cab fare so she knows I'm prepared.

I didn't get to talk about all my research, my theories, my hopes and my endless plans. But, hopefully, I snuck in more information than she realizes. And, the soup was good, so... I'd count this as a success. It just seemed a bit of a joke. I guess, as far as jokes go, this was a good one.

21 comments:

Tami said...

Well, at least it's over and you can look forward to being able to move forward.
Still, after coming all that way you would think she would have asked at least a FEW questions.

Melissa said...

I guess you answered all her questions while talking to her.

TaraMetBlog said...

Pretty cat, i clicked on the picture from Blogger's image flip thing.

votemom said...

unbelievable. good grief. i wonder where she got her social work degree?

Kay B said...

Sounds like the SW was a bit frazzled from the travel. Hope she doesn't take too long now to write your updated documents. These meetings are always easier than anticipated I think - at least I hope they continue to be. We haven't had our first post placement yet, but if it is as easy as our initial home study I think we should be OK.

Anonymous said...

Kate...WTF? Email or call me if you want a translation of that.

Debi said...

Well it is over and you sound as if you were highly successful...be proud...you are more then ready.

maybe you are doing more for her then helping her with a button and a brush of teeth...good grief.

Rachael said...

Sounds like a very expensive formality to me. Glad it's over, as I'm sure you are. Next, please.

Chris said...

You are amazing! Your organization and preparedness is impressive! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Brugge? You've been to Brugge? Its my favorite place on earth!

Glad it went well!
Serena

Lauri said...

Your cat is a tortie like our Mimi.... or is she a calico? Anyway I have read that the Russians believe torties or calico's are good luck. I was upset that I did not get to show the judge pics of our home & cat. I would have used anything for good luck at that point.


anyway.. what the heck with no questions?.... you probably impressed her and are such a great hostess.

Anonymous said...

I loved your previous day's post AND this one! Too funny!!! Sounds to me like you should have passed with flying colors--I'd have certainly approved anyway were I the social worker!

happymom4 (and working on that 5th!)

kim said...

That is one of the best SW stories I have heard...it cracks me up. I can't wait to hear about the follow-up.

Holly said...

I have my fingers crossed for you Kate. Hopefully she realizes and reports what a great life you and your future child(ren) will have together.

Tina in CT said...

That sure was a long and expensive visit to meet you and see your apartment. You must have blown her socks off when she saw how prepared and stocked you were. Hard to believe she did not touch/question any of the relevant points and that she most likely has an MSW.

Your cat is beautiful. You mentioned that he was sick so hope it is something minor.

The two white dresses - fit for a princess. I love little girls' dresses.

I take it she'll be hopping on the next flight back to the US and hopefully filing her report PDQ.

Elle said...

That does seem like such an expensive waste, but I'm glad it went well.

votemom said...

so how did it end? did she tell you when you could expect the completed document???

Lea said...

Wow, it sounds like that you were the very prepared one and she definitely was not. I have felt that about our home visits at times too. At least it's over now and you can move on to the next step, and hopefully very quickly!

Sig said...

Yay, that sounds successful! BTW that dress us gourgeous!
Sig
www.wayhomeforana.blogspot.com

Deb said...

All the trouble to get it set and that's it.... I'm really glad it went well. Gorgeous dress & cat.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm... odd. But maybe you were just so mind-numbingly awesome that she couldn't think of a single question. :)