Kids! There have been lots of kids staying with me lately! Honestly, I anticipated to be hosting more couples on their way into the country, but as it has worked out I think I've hosted more families on their way out of the country...which means I've had some sweet Ukrainian kiddos in my home...and I've been able to work on my translation skills as well-- being the go between for the kids and the parents as they are navigating the linguistic waters! :)
This is sweet little Vlad....who makes just about everyone fall in love with him! Every evening when I'd walk in the door I'd get a loud 'Kerrren!' and a big bear hug from this little guy. He was also a great little helper in the kitchen. I think he stole my heart the day I walked into the kitchen and found the magnet letters on the fridge spell out two words.... "Karen" and "Vlad." Too cute.
Vlad was hosted this summer by Matt and Amy Garrett in Colorado along with his sister Oksana.
The Garretts win the award so far for staying at the hospitality house the most! They made 3 trips to make this adoption possible....and had quite the whirl wind adoption experience--as a result they got to stay with me for quite a few nights! It has been very cool to develop a friendship with their family-- especially since we got to spend a lot of time together-- I laughed a lot! (thanks Matt). Oksana, their daughter was having a little bit of a teen girl melt down on the last evening with me, so we didn't get any pictures with her.
Ahh....teenage girls. I think God must be preparing me for something someday...I've had 4 teenage girls stay with me in 2 months...and another girl comes next week! :)
This is sweet little Vlad....who makes just about everyone fall in love with him! Every evening when I'd walk in the door I'd get a loud 'Kerrren!' and a big bear hug from this little guy. He was also a great little helper in the kitchen. I think he stole my heart the day I walked into the kitchen and found the magnet letters on the fridge spell out two words.... "Karen" and "Vlad." Too cute.
what an amazing gift you are to these families :) Perhaps we'll be so lucky to stay with you when our time comes (hopefully within the next month!) Kristina Carden and I were friends here in Korea (before she left me!) and told me all about you :) Hoping we can meet up when it's our turn!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of growing kids that are turning into teenagers slowly but surely. Just read "Boundaries with Kids" and LOVED it. It's not a book specifically for adoptive kids, but it should works for any child. The tough part is getting parents on the right track, first! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you, friend. Sure looks like a very nice place. Hopefully some day... :)