Sofia was an orphan with Down syndrome in Eastern Europe and now has a forever family.
Join us on our adoption journey and thank you for helping us bring her home!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

The Orphanage

We want to try and capture everything about the orphanage so that we can always remember it and try and document it all for Sofia. We're certain she'll want to know all about it someday. Maybe when she is grown and can truly appreciate it, we can come back with her and visit Ukraine and the orphanage.

Here are some pictures we've taken of the grounds and inside the building where Sofia is. Everyday on our first visit of the day we walk around and see all the other kids out as well taking walks or playing in the playgrounds, it is very cute to see.

In our afternoon visit with Sofia today it was very hard to be present, Jen and I felt numb with the news about our court date and the thought of having to be away from the boys for another 2 weeks was too much to take, we needed desperately to see that they are doing OK so we tried for the first time to video skype and we were able to talk to them and see their faces, it was so cute and it was all we needed to recharge. We are trying to hold it together and support each other the best we can, and together with all your prayers and notes of support we will get through this. Please keep praying for a miracle so that our Interpol clearance comes and we have something to work with.






































14 comments:

  1. I LOVE all the pictures. LOVE THEM!!!

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  2. keep your heads up! We love you and continue to pray for you daily. You are doing amazing work and you WILL be home soon. I am so glad you were able to Skype with the boys. That had to have been such a relief!

    I love the picture of the Tulips! It reminds me of a very special dress I bought for Gabby before she was born and before I knew of her diagnosis. It was from the Gymboree line "Holland Days." How special is that? I can't wait for Sofia to wear this special dress! It's ready and waiting for her!

    Love you!

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  3. I am enjoying this journey with you. God is so very good. Do you feel sometime that HE sent you to her or her to you? Whichever way HE thought it through. May God richly bless all of you. Hugs Anne

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  4. You captured it beautifully!! So do you know who that little cutie is in the walker? Is she on RR? She is adorable!!

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  5. Oh my goodness, I just don't know what to say. Hoping you get home as soon as possible. Hang in there :)

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  6. I'm pretty sure this is where Dasha lived during the first 4 1/2 years of her life. I love seeing the pictures. She had only lived at the orphanage where we met her for a year. I have to say Sophia is just precious. I'm so sorry how slowly everything is going and pray that your court date is moved up. We were the first ones to adopt a child with Ds in Dnep and I remember how everyone was so shocked that we would want ever want a child like Dasha. It also was very hard for us to be away from our kids (5 at the time) and I also was pregnant. We actually moved to the downtown area and stayed in a hotel for our sanity. We were able to go to a mall and walk around shops. I also felt safer. We just took a taxi over the river to the orphanage twice a day. I know exactly how you are feeling and hope things speed up. :)

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  7. Stunning photos. The one of the Madonna and Child really choked me up. I have a devotion to Mary and it really reminded me of our Heavenly Mother's presence in this journey. May she guide you as you bond with your new girl.

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  8. Hi, first, I know you posted it once, but I can't find it now, but I want your camera. What kind is it? You have taken awesome pictures that captures so much. These pictures are beautiful. I'm glad you've shared them. I don't know what I thought it would look like, but these, for some reason look very calming and peaceful to me.
    I'm hoping all will go quicker than anticipated. You know there's a chance, so do not give up.
    Yes, I've heard of Skype. That's next on my list of things I want to learn.
    Take care.
    I now know what you can do to pass the time. The pictures above are great. Now, translate and title each so we know what they are. I think the one with the blocks is Sofia and Anna? What is it in front of?

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  9. Oh, I am so sorry things are going so slowly...I want you to know how you both have inspired me with your passion, love and courage in saving Sofia. I came across you blog a few weeks back and find myself checking daily for updates. Your story has warmed and touched my hart. I want to bring all those children home with me. Bless you both.

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  10. We hope you receive good news regarding your clearance in the next few days and that your court date can be changed. We're so glad you got to "see" your little guys today. Praying for you and the boys and sweet Sofia.

    (do you think the little cutie peeking through the slats is Sasha???)

    You take amazing photos!

    JTHTL

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  11. The cutie peeking through the slats is Sasha and the cutie in the walker is Anna! The little boy standing I think is Artyom and then next two (the girl in the sandbox and the boy on his belly on the blanket) I don't think are listed at RR. Beautiful kids all of them!

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  12. such wonderful pictures. you'll be able to make an amazing memory book for sofia, and that is a super cool idea to take her back for a visit when she's older, i love that idea. it breaks my heart to see all of the children, esp the little boy on the blanket. i often lay next to my son as he's drifting to sleep. i give him hugs and kisses, and tell him how much i love him and how special he is. i wish that sweet little boy could have real, true love like that. i will be saying lots of prays for him, and all the others, that they can find a family.

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  13. WOW. Well, two things. First of all, the children are just beautiful... Second, someone has a SERIOUS knack for photography. Way to tell a story with photos! They are beautiful. Maybe when you get back home and settled, the talented photographer (Jen or Hector??) should think about creating a kind of art show - 'photojournalism' in a sense - to tell the story of these children and their place in the world. Can't get over it... they are amazing photos!! God Bless You All... just remember... This too shall pass... Sooner than later you will be home with ALL your children and this journey halfway around the world will be just a distant memory. Try to just live for today - right now, that is all you have. You are strong enough for this, or you wouldn't be there. God Bless...

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  14. Looks like you have the start of a wonderful scrapbook for Sofia on where she came from and to continue with her new life with your family.

    Great photos!

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