I'm in the process of reading a really intense and all too familiar book called "The Boy from Baby House 10". Within the first few pages of this memoir about a boy from an orphanage in Russia, I knew that it was going to be difficult to read especially since so much of those first few pages remind me exactly of what I've witnessed in Sofia's orphanage here in Ukraine.
Sofia is in what is officially called Baby House 1. Luckily, the director here at this orphanage really does care for the children so they are renovating the orphanage and most recently got new insulated windows so that it stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Yesterday, we cashed Sofia's bank account that had about $1800 in it and we donated it back to the orphanage to help with renovations. It is customary to do this and we were so happy to do it. We hope this money will make even more improvements to the conditions inside the orphanage at Baby House 1.
We also found out that all babies in Baby House 1 are baptized usually before they turn 1. We received a copy of her Baptism and a small angel prayer card and a cross on a chain. Sofia was baptized on February 18th of this year, just a few days before her first birthday. What a blessing.
Starting tomorrow, the girl from Baby House 1 will no longer be. She will be Sofia from Sacramento, California!
Living life one day at a time as a family of six...3 busy and bouncy boys and 1 Ukrainian princess. Our third son Joaquin was our unexpected blessing who came to us with a little something extra called Down syndrome and inspired us to adopt Sofia an orphan we fell in love with through Reece's Rainbow. We hope that our story will help open people's eyes to the beauty and gift that ALL children are. We are all more alike than different!
That's what it's all about! She will be part of a family....it's a beautiful thing :)
ReplyDeleteBrings tears to my eyes. So wonderful!
ReplyDeleteawwwwwwwww....Sweet Sofia from Sacramento...that gives me chills!!!
ReplyDeleteSunnie in NC
how exiciteing can not wait to see pics of her with her brothers
ReplyDeletetears in my eyes! that is so nice of you guys to donate the money back to sofia's baby house/orphanage to help w/ the renovations! i am so happy she was in a caring environment and i can only imagine how much she is going to grow when she gets home with her FAMILY!!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to meet Sofia from Sacramento!
ReplyDeleteAmazing.Simply amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt is really a fantastic thing when you think about it: an orphan with DS in Ukraine becoming part of an American family. I guess that in some aspects the world does move forward :) Sofia is a very lucky girl, and judging by your words and photos (the latter sadly missed, but I'm sure we will all wait it out!) you are very lucky parents as well!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your update on Leeza in your last post. My heart aches for that little one...
How special to be able to receive such great treasures of her past for her as she embarks on a new beginning with your family, her new forever family.
ReplyDeleteI want to read that book also. Wow, Ivan is going to have a ton of money to donate then. More motivation for them to hold on to him and not transfer him to the internat! So excited about Sacramento Sofia!
ReplyDeleteOh this makes my heart melt... :-)
ReplyDeleteWow! That sounds so good...Sofia from Sacramento, California. Bet you're over-the-moon excited!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Barbara
I have read the book you are speaking about.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone should read this.
My wife knows a person who is friends with the family of the boy in this book.
We are hopeful to meet him in the next couple of months.
I pray that the remainder of your time over seas will be uneventful and you can return to your home quickly.
My wife, my kids, and I are hoping we will be able to bring our new daughter home by 4th of July.
God Bless you and your family!
Ken
AWESOME!
ReplyDeletelove this post. baptism is an amazing gift. sofia is truly a daughter of god. got to say hi to mateo today -- we bumped into him on his fairytale town playdate. he looked like he was having fun = )
ReplyDeleteSophia from Sacramento will have to meet Alyona from Laguna Hills, California once we bring her home!
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