Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Andrew's 17th Birthday!

When I asked Andrew what he would like to do for his birthday, without hesitation, he said, "Chuck E. Cheese!"

He told me his past birthdays were cigarettes and alcohol. This birthday was family, pizza, cake, wheels for his skateboard, new shirt, a watch and devotional. So different from his past birthdays.

He kept saying over and over again it was a very, very, very good day!




















































We are all looking forward to what the Lord has planned this New Year. Blessings to all of you and your families!

More to come on how Andrew has been doing. He will be home six months on the 8th!

Blessings,
Hansina

14 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday Andrew!!!!What a great day to have a birthday, celebrating a new year and a New Year!

    I pray that your family has a very blessed New Year.

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  2. Happy Birthday Andrew! He is a great kid and your family is beautiful! Happy New Year's to you and yours!

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  3. Happy birthday Andrew!
    З днем народження! =)

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  4. Love - love - LOVE everything about this post! Happy Birthday, Andrew!

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  5. Happy birthday Andrew! We are so grateful that you are on the planet. Your presence counts... En-Joy being who you are, as often as you can! Looks like you had a wonderful celebration! In loving light, Eva

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  6. HAPPY HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY ANDREW. YOUR GROWING INTO SUCH A YOUNG HANDSOME MAN.. PRAY MANY OF GODS BLESSINGS FOR YOU IN THIS NEW YEAR.

    LOVE ALL THE PICTURE UPDATES AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

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  7. They gave him alcohol and cigarettes at the orphanage for his birthday?All.I.can.think.of.is.wow!Unbelievable!! What kind of place is that? How horrible! God bless you for rescuing him!I am so glad he has a loving family to celebrate his birthdays with now.

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    1. The orphanage doesn't care what these kids do. He would go out in the woods with other kids and they would drink and smoke. So sad. I'm glad he's home!

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  8. Everything about this post just delights me! The all-American Chuck E. Cheese birthday party. The button down shirt and tie. Andrew's ginormous smile. THIS is what a 17th birthday SHOULD look like! Praising God with you for Andrew's life!

    Judee in Iowa

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  9. Thank you so much for giving updates like these. I loved seeing him--on the brink of adulthood--get to finally be a kid. Most 17 year olds are trying to grow up and be cool too quickly--but Andrew seems to get that this is his chance to enjoy being a KID for the last time ever. Good for him! May this next year bring even more growth, even more love.

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  10. I agree with everything Blessed said. My son is 18 yrs; been home for 10 years now. He would still love a birthday like this! Good for Andrew!

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  11. Awesome...a belated Happy Birthday to you, Andrew!

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