Saturday, July 14, 2012

One week!

Andrew has been home one week today. If anyone has questions they would like to ask, please leave a comment and I will write a post next week answering your questions the best I can.

It can be any question: about Andrew, about our family, about the adoption process, an older child, how we are all adjusting. Feel free to ask. If you want it more private, you can email me.

Blessings,
Hansina

21 comments:

  1. I love the pictures, the updates and what God is doing adding to your family with Andrew. I'm amazed as I watch God bless you, I, in turn am blessed again and again! I was wondering how the communication is going as far as the language barrier? When you mentioned Andrew taking Mark aside for a private conversation, it made me wonder about how well everyone is doing with this. Corey Bean <3

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  2. No questions...I just have to comment and say that every single update I share with my husband because I am so rejoicing in the bravery this young man has found...he was so close to NOT having this blessing out of fear of the unknown. Praise GOD that he chose to walk away from the fear and take hold of his new heritage!

    I literally cried seeing the pics of Andrew learning to shave...such a sweet reminder of what freedom and life he has chosen!

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  3. I enjoy following Andrew`s journey into your family. I pray that the transition continues to go smoothly and that all of you will manage any potential bumps on the road ahead. Thanks for giving the opportunity to ask questions. I would be interested to know whether Andrew agreed to his name change. Has he still contact with his friends in the orphanage? Does Andrew know about the blog and the posts concerning him? How are you going to handle the boy-girls-relationships within your family? God bless your journey!!! Kind regards from Germany!

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  4. What are the ages of all your children? Since I've only known you since your last 3 blessed additions, were the others all birth children? Does Andrew get any outside support or counseling to help with his transition (new family, country, language, expectations, etc). What is his personality like and is it similar to your other children? I really appreciate the opportunity to ask questions and enjoy each update! Thank you!

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  5. I just want to say that I have VERY much enjoyed reading all about your adoption. We have adopted in the past and are thinking about it again. Our son was 4 when we adopted him and we are hoping for a 9-11 year old now.

    It has been amazing to watch all that has happened since I began reading your blog (which was when others posted on their blogs about prayers that God's will be done in Andrews life).

    I have married a man who is a fantastic dad too. Our sons are blessed to have him and it is obvious Andrew feels blessed as well. Just awesome! Thank you for sharing your story!

    Sue

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  6. I just returned from Ukraine with my 14 year old son, we live in NJ, do you live nearby? If so, i would love for them to meet! I think my son is longing for Russian speaking kids.

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  7. I have very much enjoyed reading your blog which I have just added in the last few weeks. My husband and I are currently waiting for a placement from Kaliningrad, Russia of 1 or 2 younger children. We have waited SO LONG and nothing but bad news has come through the pipeline for us. It encourages me to read about successful stories like Andrew coming home! Thank you for sharing your journey.

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  8. Has Andrew had any doubts since he has been home? Has he vocalized any home sickness? What has been the hardest thing he has dealt with since home? What about for you and the other kids?
    Absolutely LOVE reading about your journey...it gives me goosebumps and so much hope. :-) Thanks for being so open and sharing!

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  9. I have the same question about language as Corey Bean and, do you know/have you sought out anyone in your area that also speaks his language ( to help all of you?)

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  10. Oh, and I LOVE your blog and your writing style!

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  11. I was wondering how Andrew is adjusting to his new life, new family, new surroundings and new language. Does he seem homesick for his old country and friends? How is he doing learning English?Will he be enrolled in an ESL class? What would you say are his biggest struggles in adjusting? I pray for him and your family every day!

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  12. The photo of Andrew shaving brought tears to my eyes - you can see how much that boy loves his dad!!

    I was wondering how Andrew gets along with the little kids? Does he seem to accept all the kids as his siblings yet? How is adopting out of birth order working out so far? I have adopted two younger children, but would love to do an older child adoption.

    You are an amazing family! Love reading your posts!

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  13. Has Andrew been able to Skype his friends in the orphanage so they know he is okay? lol
    Is he getting used to being around special needs kids? Are you learning Russian? :)
    I hope that this summer is a wonderful bonding time for you. I'm keeping you in my prayers.

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  14. OK, I will ask it since nobody else has.
    It's a difficult one to address and I DO NOT want to bring any shame or offend anyone by asking.
    What about the risk of bringing an older boy into your home with your teenage girls?

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    1. No shame about it! This is a GREAT question I'm sure is on most people's minds!

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    2. My now 17 year old daughter has begged for years for an older brother. The Blind Side movie didn't help. :)
      My husband always tells her, "You just don't understand."

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  15. I prayed for your young man when he was in the decision phase and rejoice with you that he chose to accept the love of a family!
    Joy

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  16. Excited to hear the answers to all these questions. Also excited and thrilled with your journey and hope and pray the adjusting is going well and continues to go well! My question is when are you going to update the picture at the top of the blog?? :-) Looking forward to seeing the new one with ALL your kids!!

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  17. No questions for me, however I did want to say what a beautiful thing it is to see Andrew home with his family. I am so glad that the Lord and many prayers interceded upon Andrew's heart and opened it to this new life. It is like he was reborn again. Many blessings to you and your family and thanks for sharing your amazing journey!

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  18. We are currently praying about adopting from Ukraine. I honestly have no idea what to expect, how to do it, or anything. Any words of wisdom to those of us who are thinking of starting an adoption? What worked, what didn't, anything you would do different, how did you and your children deal with the travel aspect?

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  19. No questions, just stopping to say Hi! We met Mark and Andrew at the Embassy while we were having our little girl's medical appointment. We got home the same day. Congratulations!
    Sarah G. (Caroline's mom :)

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