a year ago today we walked out of the orphanage in ukraine with lena. it was 4 in the afternoon and already pitch black. a ukrainian winter. the kids were still in their nap time so we woke lena up to bring her home.
fast forward a year. to today, right now. she crawls in her room. it's just behind where i sit to type and i hear the elmo toy tell her she just grabbed the orange circle.
i'm working on a project with a lot of pictures and videos of the last year. i'm not good at this kind of thing, but i want to do it to remember all the ups and downs. it will take me a long time, so until then...
here are some videos from that day exactly 1 year ago.
{{disclaimer:: after weeks of visiting her there, i think i was a bit ready to take her with us which may have resulted in my being a bit (or a lot) rude to all those around me. oops. i promise i wasn't like that the whole 5 weeks...or at least let's hope not!}}
the scoop
getting dressed
goodbye room 4
out of the orphanage
dad was videoing every time so we got a little picture of walking into the hotel
settled into the hotel and my first time to really feed her
so, yeah, it was an amazing day that is so fun to remember!!
LOVE the contrast of hearing the harsh, loud Eastern European voices contrasted with your soft, Louisiana drawl, Ginny! Even the sounds paint a picture of rescue from bleakness to warmth and love!
ReplyDeleteHello! I've been an off and on blog follower since first hearing about Ellot's story nearly 5 years ago, though I don't know if I've ever commented. Since your family adopted Lena, I've been following your journey more closely because once upon a time I was a preschool teacher for children with special needs. My husband and I are missionaries in Prague, Czech Republic and are on the waiting list to adopt a child from here. It has been encouraging to see all that Lena has added to your family over the past year. Celebrating this milestone with you here in Prague...
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness...the long walk out of Antoshka...I'm rejoicing with you guys because I know that you saved Lena's life and that she is a blessing to yours in ways that can't be imagined much less anticipated. Love your beautiful family Ginny! Miss you friend!
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