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CBN.com – Today is our final day in the orphanage. It has been an emotional four days. Allow me to share some of the most tender moments of this chapter of our journey.
My oldest daughter Alysa has corresponded with her best friend Sveta for the two and a half years she has been in America. If you are familiar with the CBN video that features Andy and me getting the girls, then you know Sveta. She is the teenager sobbing in my arms. Sveta was one of the first children we saw when we arrived. I once again found her crying in my arms and clinging to me. It was extremely emotional for all of us. Fortunately we were able to spend many happy hours getting reacquainted and simply enjoying each other’s company.
My other two girls had similar experiences as well. There were tears of joy as they were reunited with staff members who were so glad to see them so healthy and happy.
During our several days in Berdansk we were able to meet so many children. The longing in their eyes for a family is heartbreaking. The orphanage staff is an amazing group and works tirelessly to provide a good life for these children. But when you walk the halls and see their faces staring up at you, you realize how desperately they want a family.
“I want a mama and a papa,” Nicholas told my CBN Producer. “A brother and a sister would be nice too.” Then he continued hesitantly, “But maybe not all sisters.” Everyone laughed. This darling boy is so outgoing! It shocked us all to learn that Nicholas lived in the sewer for a year and a half. He ran away because his mother beat him. But he is now happy, healthy, and safe in an orphanage where people love him and teach him about God.
Zhenya, Yulia, and Sasha (15, 13, and 7) are three siblings that obviously love each other very much. I can only imagine how my own three daughters brought joy into each other’s lives. They are delightful children. But when asked about dreams for a family, Sasha could only cry. It touched us to see his older sisters wipe his tears and whisper words of encouragement into their little brother's ear.
Our departure was one that I will never forget. The children were clutching Zoya through the window sobbing as the van pulled away. They grasped hands and linked arms as long as they could until they could no longer hold on. They ran beside the van until they could no longer keep up. My girls, my production team, and myself cried for our entire journey away from Berdansk.
Thank you again for your continued prayers. Next stop is the girls' grandparents' home!
The adventure continues... Read Part 5.
For more information on adoption, visit Terry's Web site.
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