And we really did enjoy Kiev. We left last night after spending the day sightseeing with another American family who is in Ukraine adopting from a different region. It was very interesting to see all the history of Kiev. And the buildings are so old, intricate, and beautiful! Kiev is a very beautiful and clean city, and we really enjoyed our time there and look forward to the few more days we will spend there at the end of this trip.
And, be still my heart, I saw and hugged my son for the first time today since he returned to Ukraine in January. And it was absolutely wonderful. We were sitting in the director's office and he saw Brad first and came leaping in, yelling "Father" and threw his arms so tight around Brad. Then I gave him the biggest hug ever as I've been promising him I would. It was wonderful!!!!
And, be still my heart, I saw and hugged my son for the first time today since he returned to Ukraine in January. And it was absolutely wonderful. We were sitting in the director's office and he saw Brad first and came leaping in, yelling "Father" and threw his arms so tight around Brad. Then I gave him the biggest hug ever as I've been promising him I would. It was wonderful!!!!
He was so excited for us to be there, and we were so delighted to see him again. After speaking with the director for a little while, Sergei gave us the tour of the orphanage. Brad and I were very impressed with how cheerful the buildings were and how happy all the children acted. There were many many gardens - flower gardens and vegetable gardens - that the kids planted and help care for. They also take care of pigs which Sergei loved showing us!It was just such an incredible time. It's a memory that one just wants to permanently imprint onto the mind. I never want to forget how it felt to hug him tight. I never want to forget the look on his face when he saw Brad and yelled "Father!"
And I have so many photos to share with you all, but our internet connection here in the
Be blessed!
p.s. - Continue to keep us in your prayers. As joyous as it is to see Sergei, we're still missing our kiddos at home so much. This can be very challenging at times, so we'd appreciate everyone's prayers. :)
6 comments:
I have tears in my eyes reading this post. I dream of the day we will get to do the same with the girl we hosted, I have been picturing the moment since we put her on the plane in Jan.
Im so glad you finally got your moment with your son and pray that the rest of this journey is smooth sailing
I couldn't hold the tears back as I read this post.
How awesome and wonderful is our God!
Sooooooo happy for you and Sergei! He looks great! So do you, world travelers! Glad you loved Kiev...it is so beautiful. Enjoy your time...it is very special. Love, Melanie
That is one happy young man. I am sure the wait has been hard for him to. He is so close to being with his whole family & going home.
This post made me all teary! What a heartwarming reunion. I'm so glad you're blogging from Ukraine - so selfish of me, but I was hoping you would a couple times so we could hear about it!
You're all in my prayers!
Amber,
I just discovered your blog and what beautiful thoughts you've posted! I particularly loved your prayers for your son, which I am going to incorporate into my own prayers for our son. And I envy you, and had to chuckle at your husband's comment that, having turned 30, he now felt more able to adopt a 13-year old. I will turn 58 next week, 5 months from the day that we brought our own 12-year old son home from Ukraine!! He is our only child and the transition has been incredibly smooth, but oh, on some days I would give anything to have the energy of a 30-year old!! I loved seeing the pictures of Kyiv in the summer--so different from when we were there in December and January!! You and your beautiful family our in our prayers--Godspeed in Ukraine!
Alycia
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