>From baikaltour@gin.global-one.ru Sun Oct 5 08:30:06 1997 Subject: greetings at last! Hello everyone. I thought it was about time I introduced myself to you. These new parents of mine are making quite a fuss about all of you and this "America" place. I'm not quite certain about that, though, since I can hardly understand a word they're saying. Just when I was starting to figure out how to respond appropriately when big people say things to me, they change all the words! I don't get it. I have to admit that I'm pretty excited about getting to this new home of mine. It all sounds pretty good to me. Heck, if I can get a space larger than 3'x3' to play in, that will be fine by me. And something other than a stroller to sit in while I eat! At first I wasn't too enthusiastic when Mommy and Daddy broke the news to me that I'm *not* the only child in this family. I've been getting rather used to that. And I spontaneously lost my lunch when they told me how many kids there already are! (Of course, I do that on a regular basis, but never mind...) I've kind of warmed to the idea, though. Zack, I'm looking forward to having you teach me to read. And I'm glad that you, Daddy and me are now even with all these girls! (We're ahead if you count Wesley the cat...) Milly, Mommy tells me that you will help play with me, feed me, give me my baths and change my diapers. I can't wait to have you as my "second mommy!" Since you are a fast runner, I hope you can teach me to run away fast when all of these siblings start to pick on me! Ginny, I hope you are not mad at me for being the new baby in the family. I promise to allow Mommy and Daddy plenty of time to play with you, and hope that you will play with me too. Will you teach me how to chase Wesley around without getting scratched? I'm not sure I understand this deal with Grammy, Grampa, Papa and Mama Ann correctly, but it sounds good to me! Let me get this straight: here I have four people whose primary role is to give me everything I want, let me do anything I want and let Mommy and Daddy worry about the discipline? Cool! In the orphanage we heard magical rumors about these wonderful "babushkas" but never dreamed that they were real! I hear that I have some really cute and fun cousins to play with too. But, uh, there seems to be something missing. Where are all of the *boys*? Maybe Zack and I can get Cassie, Rebecca, Milly and Ginny to play some hoops or baseball with us. And what a list of talented aunts and uncles (including Ms. Laura and Mr. Steve)! If I pay close attention, I'll be able to be a world traveler who can sing, play the piano, act, forecast the weather, swim and play volleyball, psychoanalyze people, teach math, accounting and social studies, coach, and get free tickets to the Super Bowl every year! Well, maybe not that last thing. :-( One question, though: can't Americans think up very many names? How many "Steve"s and "Kristi/Kristen"s do I have to keep straight?! I could suggest a few good Russian names for you if you need help... Mommy and Daddy have told me all about Covenant United Methodist Church too. That sounds like a fun place! I especially like the part about the minister who has no control during the children's sermon. I can say whatever I want! I also like the idea of having so many friends there. If Mommy and Daddy's "Friends in Faith" class continues to be so fertile, I'll have tons of friends to play with! So far I've had Sunday night "pizza picnic" twice. I like that a lot! Mommy and Daddy say that the pizza we make ourselves in the U.S. is much better, though. Sounds good to me! The only movies we have watched during pizza picnic are of *me* though. Boring! What's up with this "Disney" I keep hearing about? I can't wait to find out. When it's my night to pick the movie, can I have "War And Peace"? That's one of my sentimental favorites. Plus it should let Zack, Milly, Ginny and me stay up *way* past our bed time! ;-) This "McDonalds" place sounds quite enticing too. I think I'm going to be glad that Mommy and Daddy have little or no regard for healthful eating habits... ;-) What exactly is this "Furman University"? All I can make out is that it is a beautiful place, and Daddy works there with lots of smart teachers and students. He keeps telling me that I have to go there too. Something about tuition costs. Whatever. (He also asked me to mention something about needing babysitters willing to watch four kids. I have no idea what he's talking about!) I think I'm going to be a big sports fan too. Mommy and Daddy are always talking about this team called the "Wahoos", but based on the scores I've seen so far, I think they're betting on a losing horse. I think Duke or Carolina would be much more intelligent picks, but Daddy says that if I root for one of them he'll send me to, well, Siberia! And of course I am looking forward to meeting all of you! Your thoughts and prayers over the recent months have fully prepared my heart and mind to join my new family and my new community in America. I feel so blessed to have all of you to love and support me throughout my life. I am a lucky person indeed! I am enjoying my last few days in Russia, but am also looking forward with great anticipation to meeting all of you wonderful people. One warning, though: I can't hold my supper! Don't wear anything expensive when you introduce yourself! ;-) It won't be long now. Love, Benjamin Aleksandr "Sasha" Treu