Andrew has gained over six pounds since he's been home. That's a pound a week. Boy, does he pack away the food and he's still skinny! I did find his favorite food at Costco today....he loves raviolis with potato and cheese in them! We will fatten him up yet!
Andrew is going to be making a video this week for older kids in Ukraine who change their minds about being adopted. He said he wants to tell them that Americans won't hurt them and talk about his life here. I'm glad he's happy living here because we're happy he's here.
When we were at Costco today, with three baskets of groceries, he looked me right in the eyes and said, "Thank you so much." He really means it. He's very appreciative of what he has. I told him, "Thank YOU!" He said, "Why thank me?" I said, "For being brave enough to come home with us." He said, "No, thank YOU!"
That just brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad that he knows how lucky he is and realizes now how awesome being in your family is for him. What a brave boy to take a leap of faith.
ReplyDeleteWow, like many of your posts, this one brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for being the wonderful mother you are and for sharing it with the world.
ReplyDeleteSo very sweet, I love your family. You are all just beautiful! Such a blessing!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love! What a great kid.
ReplyDeleteI too am teary eyed! What an amazing thing to do to ease the distress that older children surely must experience as they are making life altering decisions. Talk about a God inspired idea, Andrew! God will work mightily through your tender heart!
ReplyDeletePlease share that with us, if you will. I would love to hear it. *translated of course =)
So inspiring. God has been whispering to me about adopting an older child one day. Your blog and your son make me excited to do it. :-)
ReplyDeleteAmazingly inspiring! Praise the Lord!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweetie!! A video sounds great!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Rochelle
THANK YOU!! Thank you. Thank you. And Thank God!! All Glory to Him!
ReplyDeleteHi hansina! Can you tell us a little bit more about Andrews background and how he came to live in an orphanage? Who were his parents and does he know them?
ReplyDeleteI should write a post about this. There was no father listed on his birth certificate. His great grandmother raised him until she passed away when he was 10. He loved her very much. Whenever he talks about her he gets teary eyed. Then he went to live with his mother. She drank and was abusive. That is when the neighbors complained and the authorities came and took him away and put him in the orphanage. He tells me how tough that was for him. That no one loved him there. Okay, I better stop or I'm going to cry.
DeleteThank you for sharing your journey with us all. I'm sure being with his great-grandma until he was 10 helped him to know love and hope. Could you please share about his aunt (or great-aunt?) that he had (the one he consulted on whether or not to be adopted)? I've wondered why she wouldn't take Andrew in. I can't fathom not taking a family member in when there is need. Thanks again... I am so encouraged and challenged by your faith.
DeleteYes! He calls her aunt, but she is actually his second cousin. Andrew told me that when he called her to say a family wanted to adopt him, she told him to go because he would have a better chance of life in America. She told him Ukriane had nothing to offer him. In America he could get a good job, education, home and still travel the world. In Ukraine he would be stuck and would go no where. I think she wanted a better life for him. He may have come for all these things, but he got a bonus...a family who loves him!
DeleteBrought tears to my eyes as well. So glad he's now home where he belongs :)
ReplyDeleteTEARS! That last paragraph snuck up on me!
ReplyDeleteThis is the most beautiful story ever. And Andrew is so handsome. I believe you mentioned once about him not being too interested in your children with down syndrome becasue of his culture....has that changed yet? Just curious....Thanks for sharing! Love when you post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan! I am actually writing a post right now about the babies with Down syndrome and Andrew. I will post it this week!
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