“Zarina has a smile that lights her up and completely warms your heart.”
Oxford area resident Diane Best said she will miss the extremely happy and active little girl she has had the privilege of knowing for the past four weeks – and hopes there is still time during her short visit for a “summer miracle” to happen.
Zarina, 13, has come to live with the Best family for six weeks as a part of the Michigan Summer Miracles program. The program brings orphaned children from Kazakhstan to southeast Michigan to experience camps, weekend outings, care-free play time and the love of a host family. During their stay, “miracles” often happen and many of the youths find permanent homes.
The Best family – including Diane; her husband Cliff; and their three daughters Lauryn and Lindsay, who no longer live at home, and Kelly – decided to participate in the program after reading a news article.
“The article that I read just warmed my heart,” said Diane. “My husband felt it was a food way that we could help others.”
The family decided to host a child, but knew from the start that they would not be able to provide a permanent home. Diane said she contacted Kidsave, the parent organization for Michigan Summer Miracles, and was given Zarina to care for when the number of children participating increased from five to ten.
“They gave me Zarina because of all the experience I already had with having girls,” said Diane.
“I went through the whole range of emotions before she got here – and then their arrival date kept being postponed. I was a little nervous about the experience, especially the first couple of days because she was quiet and didn’t smile much yet.”
To prepare for Zarina’s arrival, the family emptied one of their bedrooms and filled it with a few toys. They also purchased a small wardrobe for their visitor “who would be bringing minimal items” and some familiar food like dark, heavy bread.
“We had to have the interpreter explain to her that those things in the bedroom were hers,” said Diane, who has learned about 50 Russian words and phrases that the family still uses with their guest. “Once she understood, she started picking out her own clothes up there and wearing some different things.”
Zarina also didn’t want the same old food from home. Diane added that the adventuresome youngster has loved trying different things and absolutely loves ice cream.
“The first day we made pancakes was fun,” Diane said. “She looked at the box with a funny face and then watched me make them. She sat down, put a small bite in her mouth and then got a huge grin. The plate was empty before I knew it.”
Zarina is showing all of the typical pre-adolescent traits. Diane said she enjoys playing with toys, especially a doll with a baby and carriage she picked out herself. However, the 13-year-old does not take them around with her.
“It’s almost as if she’s afraid she would be teased,” concluded Diane.
Since arriving, Zarina has learned how to ride a bike and fish, helped with some household duties, learned how to care for and ride horses, visited with some of the other children visiting from Kazakhstan and attended the scheduled camp programs and activities. Diane described the situation like a vacation for the children in the beginning, but more like normal family life with a few days.
“At first we had to entertain her a lot, but now she will do things on her own,” said Diane. “She’s also been pitching in around the house and enjoys helping me in the kitchen. I try to get her to help with something everyday.”
Zarina has learned some English and is taking lessons during her stay. She has also handled the media attention and photo sessions well.
“At first she would see the cameras and shy away, now she poses and smiles real big,” laughed Diane.
When asked if she would host another child, Diane said if called to definitely.
“It’s been a lot more beneficial for the child and a lot more rewarding for the family than we ever though it would be.”
“It’s been emotional,” Diane stated. “It’s been wonderful, having a child experience new things all the time again. I’m concerned though about her not finding a home. I’m sure we will, but I just don’t know right now.”
Zarina will be leaving the country on August 15. Organizers for Michigan Summer Miracles are still looking to make a “miracle” happen and find a permanent home for this lovely little girl.
For more information, please contact Diance Best at 248-628-4433.