Andrew has a tender heart

Andrew is wanting to make a video to post here on the blog. I've told him about the comments people leave, some I don't post. He would like people to know what his life is like here. He is working with his Dad today, so maybe this week he can do the video he wants.

I love comments! Even the people who leave them that don't know what goes on in my home. I don't write everything that happens.  My goodness, that would be an everyday thing and it might get too boring!

Mark and I do not pressure Andrew about religion.  Yes, we are Christians.  That is how we live our life and we will share Christ with our children, including Andrew. It is who we are.

If you were to ask Andrew if we love him he would say with a loud voice, "YES!"  He has told us many, many times that he has never known love until he came here. This is our fourth adoption in eight years.  We have a pretty good idea how to bond and attach, love and accept.  He knows if he never accepts Christ as his savior, (and I believe he will) we will always love him.

When I ask for prayer for Andrew, I know there are people out there who love him and have followed his journey long before Mark and I decided to adopt him.  These are Andrew's prayer warriors and they are wanting to see him live a fulfilled life in Christ.  So when I see him questioning and curious about Jesus, I ask for prayer! Praise the Lord I have so many of you wonderful, Godly people in my life!

Andrew had a GREAT talk the other day with another young boy adopted from Ukraine.  This young boy, we will call him M, accepted Christ and got baptized!  M is on FIRE!  Andrew watched the baptism on video and asked if he could talk with M.  M's parents agreed and the boys talked a few days ago.  M witnessed to Andrew about Jesus and the change Christ has made in his life. Andrew was so excited when he hung up! I'm thankful for our friends and their son, M.

Mother's Day was beautiful.  We spent the day at home and my mom came over.  Mark had the BBQ going and the kids went swimming. 

That evening Millie and Mackenzie were dancing in the family room and the whole family was watching and applauding.  Andrew came over and sat by me.  He reached down and picked up John-David and sat him on his lap. He told me the photos I sent him while he was at the orphanage of JD and Mackenzie upset him.  He didn't like the babies.  Then when he got home, he didn't want to touch them or look at them.  I told him I knew that and it was part of his culture.

He said, "Mom, they are my brother and sister.  I do not feel that way anymore.  I like them." When he said that, he started to cry. I'm sure the tears were of regret and shame for the feelings he had.  It also shows Andrew has a tender heart. God is moving on him and changes are starting.

Andrew has talked many times how thankful he is to have brothers and sisters.

He is learning that family is good, even babies who have Down syndrome.  They are not different from him.  They laugh, cry, get mad, and love to give kisses! Family is forever!

 

One last photo from yesterday....Andrew killed a fly!  LOVE the hair!

 

Andrew has come a long way since he was at the orphanage. New life, new family, new language...all for the better. I'm glad he's my son!

Andrew has a destiny

Sebastain has a family! In fact, this family is adopting TWO older boys! I don't know who his new family is yet, but I am praying for them and am looking forward to following their journey!

If you would please keep praying for Andrew. He has God in his head, but doesn't understand how to believe with his heart.  Andrew is holding on to the things of his past and is having a hard time letting go.  A lot of things have gone, but some things he doesn't want to let go of.

I believe he has a destiny.  God saved him for a reason. Andrew's under attack, and the enemy wants to keep him, but our God is bigger! When you have an anointing on you and your family, all hell is going to come against you.  Andrew does have an anointing! Please pray for a break through for him and a true revelation of who Jesus Christ is!

Mark and I couldn't do this without all of your prayers. We are so grateful for the friends we have met through Andrew's adoption.  You all are more than friends, you are like family to us. Thank you for the uplifting comments and emails with encouraging words. Blessings!

Stepping out of your comfort zone

Sometimes I don't know how to word a post I know I need to write.  How do you ask people to step out of their comfort zone and adopt an older child or one with special needs. The children no one wants.

How do you tell them that it is a fight worth fighting for. This is a life that is calling out to be saved from the dreariness that awaits them, a future with no hope.  This is a life that does have meaning and purpose.

To step out in faith and jump off that cliff...to not listen to the voices of this world that tell you not to go.

Will it be too hard? 
What will people think?
How can we afford it?
Will this child have orphanage behavior?
Will it be a huge change for me and my family? 
What about my other kids?

These are all normal questions we all ask ourselves before jumping.

Yes, at times it is hard, but the Lord gives me the strength.
I have lost friendships, but I have gained new friendships with people who have the same heart I do.
God does bring in the money.
All four of my adopted kids have orphanage behavior.  We deal with it.
It is a change for my family.  It's a change when I've birthed out a baby, too.
My other kids get stronger and learn how to love more.

Is is challenging? Yes, it is at times. I'm helping my sons learn how to be in a family.  For Andrew, it is not always easy.  He wants the quick fix! But it takes time to undo the 16 years he was on his own. Look at the peace in his eyes, the content look and happiness.  I can't imagine him not being here.

The good news, Andrew WANTS to be in a family!  That is encouraging! He TRIES as hard as he can.  Does he mess up and lie or steal or try to manipulate a situation?  Yes, but look where he has come from. In the nine months he has been home he has learned so much! He is not that lost, frightened little boy. He loves being in our family and we love him.  He is ours and we are his, forever!

God doesn't make mistakes.  When He puts on your heart to adopt a child, He WILL give you the strength to get through!  Strength you never knew you had!  It grows you!  I want to grow in the goodness of the Lord! I want the blessing and to be obedient!  I want what God has for me and my family. Having my four adopted kids IS a BLESSING!

This young man is ageing out of the system. What awaits him is not what you would want for your son or daughter.  He is asking for a family!  He WANTS a family! There is only 9 days left for someone to step forward and commit. You can find more information on Reece's Rainbow.

You can hop on over to Julia's blog and join in the last day of the giveaway she is doing for families who are adopting or children who want families. You can click the link on the top right of our blog entitled, Mulligan Stew.

WE are the hands and feet of Jesus.  These are His children. If we don't act, who will?

Easter Sunday!

Another first for Andrew....Easter! His first time going on an Easter egg hunt.


His first time dyeing Easter eggs.


After church spending time at his Auntie's home with family.



Of course, I had to put a photo up of my Johnny Bear!


The greatest thing about Easter is sharing the resurrection of our Savior with Andrew. We've been watching The Bible every week and that has had an impact on him. He has grabbed on to those stories he hears and now they were visual for him. When Jesus rose from the dead and the nail prints were in His hands.....that is an image you cannot erase!

Please keep praying for Andrew. He wants to believe in a God he cannot see. I know the Lord has great things in store for him when he does accept Christ as his personal Savior. He's closer now than he ever has been before!

Blessings,
Hansina

Update!

 Madison's 16th birthday was a couple of weeks ago and this month has been one of the busiest!

 Sorry it has been so long since I've blogged!  There has been lots going on!

Coming into a family is not always easy and having a new sibling come in is not easy either.  It is a transition for everyone in the family.  Good news, all my kids are learning to adjust well! 

I am very proud of the seven that were here before Andrew.  Even when it's tough, they handle it with grace.  They are excellent representations of Christ!

Andrew is learning new things every day, even after being here eight months. His English is improving. He's slowly learning to trust. He is working on being respectful to adults and siblings (not always easy). He is working on writing his story from his very first memory.  I can't wait to read it!

It is a slow process for him, which he would like to move a lot faster! He does not have patience, but good things come to those who wait.  He thinks eight months home will erase 16 and a half years.  No, it takes time to heal the wounds and hurt, and this mama has the time and the patience.  I'm not going anywhere! I love my son, Andrew!

Certificate of Citizenship

On our way to the USCIS office.


Andrew took the oath today to become a US citizen!


He received his Certificate of Citzenship!


He was happy just to be dressed up in his new suit!


We were there for almost two hours! There were so many people they couldn't get started on time. Then the video they played had no sound. The gentleman who administered the oath had a very thick accent....none of us could understand him. When we started to sing the national anthem, the music wouldn't work. Quite the experience!

The best part was Andrew getting his certificate. As soon as they handed it to him we all applauded! You should have seen his face! He was delighted! He's come a long way from the boy we met in Ukraine!

Blessings,
Hansina

Hair color?

Andrew has been asking if I would "paint" his hair. He would love for his hair to be lighter in color. So this weekend I put a blonde color on the top of his hair. It turned out to be a strawberry blonde.




He's so funny! He screamed in delight! He loves it! Eventually, I think he will go back to his natural color, but for now he's having fun with it.

Last week was tough, but the weekend was better. Andrew likes to go his own way, which is not the right way. He's been his own boss for so long, it's hard to do what the mom says. But you know the saying, "mama knows best." He'll come around because he knows I only want the best for him. It's a battle of the heart and mind.



Please keep praying for Andrew. I know he will be a great man of God some day!

Blessings,
Hansina