Friday, May 31, 2013

Andrew's drawings

Andrew asked if he could do a drawing or painting and donate it to a family who is adopting. He wants to help other kids come home.
Here is one of his drawings. He really likes to sketch things!




This is the painting he did. He does not like it. I do!




If any of you are interested in bidding on either one of these pictures, you can click on the link at the bottom left of our blog called, "Hidden Treasures." They are starting an auction tomorrow, June 1st. They will have lots of other things to bid on and the money will go to help the Robbins family adopt two children.
Video coming soon from Andrew!
Blessings,
Hansina

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

A year ago

              A year ago tomorrow, May 30th, we met Andrew for the first time!
He told the director he didn't want a family.  When she asked him to write it on paper he couldn't do it.  We made a video yesterday about that first day we met, but we kept giggling.  We will try to do it again and post it this week!

Wow! I can't believe it has been one year! He's not the boy I met in the orphanage. He's growing and learning new things all the time....things no one ever took the time to teach him. He's going to be a great man, husband and father someday. I'm glad he has an amazing role model in his dad and our Father God!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Andrew has a tender heart

Andrew is wanting to make a video to post here on the blog. I've told him about the comments people leave, some I don't post. He would like people to know what his life is like here. He is working with his Dad today, so maybe this week he can do the video he wants.

I love comments! Even the people who leave them that don't know what goes on in my home. I don't write everything that happens.  My goodness, that would be an everyday thing and it might get too boring!

Mark and I do not pressure Andrew about religion.  Yes, we are Christians.  That is how we live our life and we will share Christ with our children, including Andrew. It is who we are.

If you were to ask Andrew if we love him he would say with a loud voice, "YES!"  He has told us many, many times that he has never known love until he came here. This is our fourth adoption in eight years.  We have a pretty good idea how to bond and attach, love and accept.  He knows if he never accepts Christ as his savior, (and I believe he will) we will always love him.

When I ask for prayer for Andrew, I know there are people out there who love him and have followed his journey long before Mark and I decided to adopt him.  These are Andrew's prayer warriors and they are wanting to see him live a fulfilled life in Christ.  So when I see him questioning and curious about Jesus, I ask for prayer! Praise the Lord I have so many of you wonderful, Godly people in my life!

Andrew had a GREAT talk the other day with another young boy adopted from Ukraine.  This young boy, we will call him M, accepted Christ and got baptized!  M is on FIRE!  Andrew watched the baptism on video and asked if he could talk with M.  M's parents agreed and the boys talked a few days ago.  M witnessed to Andrew about Jesus and the change Christ has made in his life. Andrew was so excited when he hung up! I'm thankful for our friends and their son, M.

Mother's Day was beautiful.  We spent the day at home and my mom came over.  Mark had the BBQ going and the kids went swimming. 

That evening Millie and Mackenzie were dancing in the family room and the whole family was watching and applauding.  Andrew came over and sat by me.  He reached down and picked up John-David and sat him on his lap. He told me the photos I sent him while he was at the orphanage of JD and Mackenzie upset him.  He didn't like the babies.  Then when he got home, he didn't want to touch them or look at them.  I told him I knew that and it was part of his culture.

He said, "Mom, they are my brother and sister.  I do not feel that way anymore.  I like them." When he said that, he started to cry. I'm sure the tears were of regret and shame for the feelings he had.  It also shows Andrew has a tender heart. God is moving on him and changes are starting.
Andrew has talked many times how thankful he is to have brothers and sisters.
He is learning that family is good, even babies who have Down syndrome.  They are not different from him.  They laugh, cry, get mad, and love to give kisses! Family is forever!
 
One last photo from yesterday....Andrew killed a fly!  LOVE the hair!
 
Andrew has come a long way since he was at the orphanage. New life, new family, new language...all for the better. I'm glad he's my son!