Ukraine adoption video

This is a little video I did to stir people's souls to consider adoption. All of the children are actual orphans.

In the mouth of babes...

Today in primary we sang "I Love To See The Temple" by Janice Kapp Perry. When we got home, Eliza took my hand and said, "Daddy, that song made me cry". I asked her why. Her answer was simple and pure: "Because, daddy, I can hardly wait until our family can go to the temple with Yuliya to be sealed together."

What a special little sister Yuliya will soon have. There was so much love between them when she was here, and that will only grow when she is finally part of our forever family.

Tyler, an amazing kid...

Tyler is a friend of Brandon's from his 6th grade class. We had never met him, until out of the blue, he recently sent me an email that was touching:

"I am one of Brandon's friends at school. My name is Tyler. I just found a translator that know Russian and English! She can't be with you for Yuliya's translator, but she can translate your letters. Just send exactly what you want to say in the letter, and she will get it professionally translated for free! Just send the letter to listen2russian@gmail.com and tell them that you need the letter professionally translated into Russian and that it is urgent. I have done the same thing, and it has been six days and she still hasn't got back to me yet. But she will soon I believe. If I could be any help on adopting Yuliya, please let me know. I would make a huge donation for you if I had the money, but right now, I am broke. Best wishes. Tyler"

For having never met us, this special kids sure has a lot of love in his heart. He came over to play with Brandon last week and he could not stop talking about us, Yuliya, Ukraine, etc. His excitement is so fun to see and it is something that you don't always see with someone who is not going through the adoption process. I told him if he learns Ukrainian in time, we may just take him with us when we go! Although I was kidding, he lit up like a light and grinned like it was Christmas morning.

Then a few days ago, we got another email from Tyler:

"I finally got the letter translated. The letter that is in the post called "A letter from Yuliya...Perfect timing!" This is what it says: Good Day! I miss you very much. If you send me a package, please send me a wig and crown like the one sleeping beauty wears. I want to come to America very soon. If you received my letter, take a look at the photo of the girls at the top. Send me a book about the "Sleeping Beauty". I will have my Birthday in March. From Yuliya

It took me five or six hours, but I did it!"

You're a special kid, Tyler. Thank you for your contagious excitement.

Silver Locket

Elena and Lev are some friends we met through my parents. Both are from Kiev, Ukraine. Lev is here going to BYU. They have been so helpful in translating letters. It's been a real treat to be able to sit down with them and talk about Ukraine, the culture, etc. They are truly kind people and if the rest of the people in Ukraine are like them, we are looking forward to bringing that culture into our home when we adopt Yuliya. Today, Elena and Lev are leaving for Ukraine for summer break and we're sending silver locket for Yuliya with her mom-and-dad-to-be's picture inside, as well as a note that says 'we love you'. She can wear it to remind her that we're on our way.

The Luke's were approved

We met the Dave and Leanne Luke's family last year. They have 5 of the prettiest little girls they recently adopted from Ukraine. That is another amazing story for another day. They did the hosting program with us and took in little Dimitrio. He was one of the youngest of the bunch. We got word today that their dosier was accepted and they can come to Ukraine to adopt him probably in a couple of months. Congrats, Luke's!!

Still waiting

Every day drags on and on when I think about Yuliya and Nadia. Knowing that they are waiting kills me. It helps to know that at least her orphanage is clean, she gets fed and clothed, and the workers are civil (to the best of our knowledge). We used to worry so much about her physical needs. Now we worry about her 11-year old spirit and we pray each day that she will not give up. God will watch over her. Please say a little prayer for her.