Thursday, June 7, 2012

A daddy!

The last couple of days have been warm, but today is cooler with a little wind and sprinkles. We like to be outside with Andrey, but it started raining so we went to his classroom.

He really likes Mark! It's the simple things Mark does with him. They play golf on paper (thanks Uncle Chris), the dot game where you draw a line and if you make a box you put your initial in the box, paper airplanes, football with paper, guy stuff! They play and laugh and I...well, read a book or watch them. It's how he looks up at Mark. Mark's a daddy. Andrey has never had one.

I'm so thankful for Mark and the man he's become. The father and husband he is. He's warm and inviting and loves the Lord passionately. He has a commanding presence and people gravitate toward him. I sit back and watch, because for me, he's my sweetheart, best friend and confidant. I think he's like a big bear...warm and mushy! It warms my heart to see Andrey attach himself to Mark and the other boys like him, too!




I watch the boys around here and see how much they all need a daddy. There is something about a dad. He's the one a young boy looks to, to become a man. What does becoming a man look like? How do I do it? Dads teach you good work ethics. How to love and treat your spouse. To give a good strong hand shake. To not be afraid to cry. To worship the Lord with abandon.

I know what a lot of you are thinking...moms are important, too, and they are. But that's another post. :) Right now these young boys are hungry for a male figure to lead and guide them in the right direction. If the body of Christ doesn't, who will?

Blessings,
Hansina

14 comments:

  1. Well said sister!! So proud of you in how you support Mark while he's bonding with Andrey... & proud of Mark, just being himself while letting Jesus shine through... but most of all, I'm sooo proud of Andrey - what a giant seed of faith he already has, so brave & willing to hope, to love... I imagine the months to come will have harder moments, but this young man is gonna come out on top - while you & Mark sit back & watch HIM shine! :))

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  2. Daddy's are sooooo important! I don't really know Mark, but just from the times I've been around him, I can tell he's a special man & Andrey will greatly prosper from having him as his father! <3

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  3. Oops! The last post was from me, Rochelle :-)

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  4. Wow, your story is so inspiring! It has really got me thinking about adoption for my family. I really want a child and adoption has always been something that I thought about, but never knew that I could really do it due to finances. I would love to adopt an older child as well. Where would you suggest starting? Like I wouldn't even know where to begin looking...

    Thanks!
    Jessica Enriquez
    (a prayer warrior from Jacksonville, Florida)
    Email: jessica.corina.enriquez@gmail.com

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  5. Love watching Andrey grow closer and closer to you both!

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  6. Crying, AGAIN! So thankful for the bond growing between them. Praying that more dads will be willing to step up!

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  7. My husband had a cousin named Charlie who was, without exception, the finest father material I had ever seen for a freshman in college (when I first met him). My daughters adored him, and named a sandwich for him when they were very small (Peter Potter and Charlie -- for PB & J). I asked his mom how in the world she raised him to be so caring and loving with kids. Her answer: "I raised him to be a father." And, oh, yes -- Charlie was adopted ...

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  8. My husband had a cousin named Charlie who was, without exception, the finest father material I had ever seen for a freshman in college (when I first met him). My daughters adored him, and named a sandwich for him when they were very small (Peter Potter and Charlie -- for PB & J). I asked his mom how in the world she raised him to be so caring and loving with kids. Her answer: "I raised him to be a father." And, oh, yes -- Charlie was adopted ...

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  9. I love your blog and all your honesty. Keep up the amazing work and I cant wait to see what else God has in store for you, Mark, andrey and the rest of your family!

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  10. I love your blog and all your honesty. Keep up the amazing work and I cant wait to see what else God has in store for you, Mark, andrey and the rest of your family!

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  11. I loved this post! Our Samuel certainly adores his papa. Even at 14 his eyes light up when My husband says to people this is my son Samuel! It is incredible how much love he pours out to him and vice versa. Yes, there is something about a dad! What a blessing to be where you are now and be in the midst of all God is doing as you become a family! We are praying for you guys! Whenever you may need us, please dont hesitate to call.
    Blessings,
    Marcos,Jamie and Samuel

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  12. Oh Hansina...you are soooo right. Mark is a wonderful and warm and magnetic father figure and I'm thrilled for Andrey!!!!
    Jen Varanini Sanchez xo

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  13. Way to ruin a woman's just-put-on makeup!!! Thanks a lot! Tears reading this post...it's beautiful!! Andrey is a blessed boy to have Mark for his Dad!!

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  14. You humble me Honey. Thank you for honoring the "Father" in me. We ALL need HIM! Use me Lord and enCOURAGE my other Brothers to walk by FAITH, not by fear. If you have any thought or inkling about adoption, that IS the LORD JESUS.

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