What a parallel to God and our future home in heaven! Bella doesn't know that life is going to be better than what she's always known, and we of little faith do not always trust that heaven will be a better place--with a loving, PERFECT Father!
This adoption has opened our eyes in so many ways! What an honor and a privilege to have this experience to glimpse into the ways our Father has adopted us and how His Son prepares a place for us! It is so hard for me to wrap my mind around it, yet through this adoption process, I gain a small understanding...
Love in Him, Paula
Berizka means "White Birch". This is a white birch tree right outside the orphanage gate:
Kevin in front of the orphanage minutes after we landed in Kiev on June 21st:
Paula pointing to Bella's toothbrush with her little towel hanging underneath:
Bella's bed - note her name "Bogdana" is taped on the bottom:
The Orphanage Director pointing to Bella's bed:
Silly Papa!
Kevin and Bella in front of the beautiful flower gardens:
The Berizka Mural on the outside of the building:
Even the babies have outside time:
The Director (& us) He's holding a photo of Jake--He loved Jake because he has a cat that is his "twin" right there in Kiev! Who knew Jake would have a hand (or paw) in this adoption! See Kevin, Jake is a good cat!
Feet washing time before going in for lunch time:
This is the main area where Bella's groupa played:
One of Bella's favorite areas to play with her own personal playmates - us!
Going in after play time:
We had the honor of observing music class one day:
Bella pointing the way out :)
Can't wait to see the photo of Bella on the OUTSIDE of that gate! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, Paula- I'm so thankful that Bella has been able to grow up so far in a place that lovely where the staff seems to care- God has been watching over her! I'm a little sad that not all the orphanages are like that:( I love the photo with all the yellow prams!
ReplyDeletePaula & Kevin, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. It has been so much fun joining you in your adoption adventure. I am soo happy that the orphanage Bella was at, was an exceptional one and she had a lot of good care before she could come into your family. God was truly looking after her the first four years of her life until you were ready for her. God has been with all of you. This is a blessing for you and the people you share your story with. Like me! Thank you for letting us into your private life a little bit. I feel like I know you better because of it. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy your stories and pictures of your adventure! The orphanage looks clean and nice. At least you know she had a good start and now she will have the best of the rest of her life with her real family.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you!
Judy
No orphanage can replace a family, but that looks so much nicer than alot of places you see and hear about! Praise God she was able to grow up there so far!
ReplyDeletePraying you will go get her soon! Praying all goes well and God leads the way stopping any adversity before it starts!
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