Mama Lulu



Mama Lulu and her master class. She taught origami and the kids put on a swan lake show.

Meet Mama Lulu... A fascinating, extraordinary woman with an equally interesting story. Since I don't speak Russian, I have gotten Mama Lulu's story second hand from a couple of different people. So, please excuse me if some of the details are not 100% accurate. And remember, First impressions are not always the best or lasting ones, Thank God.

Mama Lulu worked as a teacher in an orphanage in Moscow for over 30 years. It was an orphanage that Maria visited to work with the children. Apparently, Mama Lulu did not like Maria or her program for many years! It is quite unfathomable to me that anyone would not like Maria or her program, but that is what I was told. Was it because Maria "interfered" with Mama's work? Did she just not see the benefit? I don't know the answer, just wondering why.

Mama Lulu and more games

Through years of perseverance and dedication, Maria won Mama Lulu over somehow. Maria usually does. Now that Mama Lulu is retired, Maria invites her to travel and work with the program at the studio. Mama Lulu now obliges happily. She traveled to Beslan with us for the first time.

I was told Mama Lulu was a "hard" teacher. Discipline was the rule. She is a strong woman with a strong voice, and I presume she did things the way she did to keep the children from getting unruly. You would never know that to look at her now, as she is a happy fun playful woman. And the children absolutely LOVE HER without question. Children need a "hard" love at times and discipline. Mama Lulu provided that at the highest level I feel!

Mama Lulu leads us in some games

When we go to orphanages we expect to play with children and interact with them one on one or two on two or so. The orphanages sometimes have other thoughts. We walk into an orphanage and they have set up chairs in front of a "stage". The children are sitting waiting for us to "perform". Well, the clowns I travel with don't typically perform, we just play. But it always throws us for a loop. This happened to us at Dur Dur Village once again. And who stepped up? Mama Lulu did. With her booming voice and large smile, she took control of the room and organized group games so the children would be involved and active, and the clowns would be off the hook :0). She did this naturally and with no fanfare. I could not have thanked her enough for her gift!

Now Go Out and Hug a Mama Today!!!