Last December (2012), we were introduced to the opportunity to host a child from an orphanage in Ukraine for 4 weeks over Christmastime. We thought, "Wow- what an opportunity to "give" our Christmas to a child without a family". Little did we know the gift he would give us. Before we knew it, we couldn't imagine life without Vadym. God had worked a miracle in our hearts and gave us a parent's love for him. We learned that he is a funny, kind and happy boy that fit right in with our family. Everything seemed to come together perfectly when Vadym wanted to be adopted and we were prepared to adopt him. We were saddened to find out that due to a family situation, he was not adoptable at that time. However, we were so thankful to be given the opportunity to keep in touch with him and to host him again for 11 weeks this past summer! Before he came back though, God led us to another boy (Kostya) that we brought home permanently a month ago, Praise the Lord! Although we didn't understand God's timing then, we absolutely do now. You see, had Vadym been adoptable at that moment...we would never have met Kostya. Due to the fact that we were in process with Vadym's paperwork, we were one of the few families that could consider Kostya. He was nearing his 16th birthday, and would be no longer be able to be adopted after he turned 16. We are in awe of HIS plan and are humbled to be part of it! We have found out that God's way is always better than ours. We now can't imagine life without Kostya and can't wait for our other son to come home as well.
After we hosted Vadym this summer, he became determined to join our family. He has even changed his name in his mind to "Michael Torvinen". We all just knew we had to be patient as his family situation had not changed. As we went to Ukraine for Kostya, we were able to visit Vadym at his orphanage. We were able to develop relationships there and spend time with our boy as well as some of his friends that we have grown to love as well. God is good!
In early January, God moved mountains and enabled us to find Vadym's brother, who had been very difficult to track down. You see, Vadym's brother, who is 17, had to consent to be separated from Vadym so he could be adopted. His brother had wonderful intentions, but no practical way to follow through and would not be able to care for Vadym when Vadym aged out of the orphanage. God created an opportunity for us to meet Vadym's brother and ask for his blessing in Vadym's adoption. The story of how we found his brother is incredibly complex, but whenever I think about it, I see God's hand at work in this journey. He truly cares about the least of these. When we spoke with Vadym's brother, we saw that the brothers have a strong bond and we have gained a love and respect for his brother. We were overjoyed when Vadym's brother finally consented to the adoption.
I have seen such amazing changes in Vadym, even in the short time we've known him . He has always been a sweet and funny boy. However, he was not a kid that would initiate hugs or tell you how he felt. That all changed over the last few times that I saw him. He now initiates hugs and when he does- they are real, and he doesn't want to let go. He knows he is loved, and has come to the point where he knows it is safe to love back.
Even though the wait is agonizing, we have already seen the positive impact Vadym has had on families in America this past year. For starters, Kostya was adopted because Vadym opened the door of our home to adoption and opened our eyes to the need. He helped calm our fears of the unknown that come with any adoption and helped us see that there are good kids who, through no fault of their own, simply need a good family. In addition, at least four families were exposed to the idea and program of hosting after they met Vadym and decided to host through P143 as well. So far, 7 children have been hosted as a result of Vadym coming to this area. Amazingly, two of the families are pursuing adoption of the kids they hosted. What a miracle!
As you may have seen in the news, there is quite a bit of political turmoil in Ukraine right now. It is not good. I have no doubt that we are led to go get him...no matter what. And I do believe God is calling us now for a reason. And so we wil go.
We understand that we have just finished fundraising for Kostya's adoption...but we do have to ask again for your help. Above anything financilly, we need your prayers. And, a lot of them! We are confident that God will continue to provide the necessary funds to cover the adoption. Many times he provides through the generosity of His people. If you are led make an eternal investment in the life of Vadym, please click on the button marked "donate".
Thank you again...and again.
The Torvinen's (all 7 of us!)