Monday, June 15, 2009

Trip 1, 2 Years Ago, 3 Hearts, Joined 4Ever

Exactly 2 years ago Joe and I made our first trip half way around the world to meet a little 2 1/2 year old boy named Aibek. Today, as this wonderful little boy sits on my lap and we watch this video, it's hard to believe he's the same boy. He's grown in so many ways. It's hard to understand from these pictures that before we arrived we had been warned that he was so afraid of people, that he would shy away to the back of the room whenever there were visitors to his orphanage. He was so fearful of people, a fact that scared potential parents away. But in my heart, I feel he was waiting for us. Within a few minutes of meeting him, he was in my lap, something his orphanage director was amazed by.
It was an amazing visit but getting on that plane to return home without him was heartbreaking. To have him bond with us, to trust us like he had never trusted anyone else... and then to have to leave him for 2 months was beyond difficult.

Adoptions have now currently stalled in Kyrgyzstan. Please pray for the parents who know their children's names but remain a half a world apart, and for the children who remain in orphanages without the daily love and presence of parents that every child deserves.

11 comments:

Frank Irwin said...

No, no. I've just got something in my eye. Really.

He's one lucky kid.

Hilary Marquis said...

Yup, still makes me bawl! That little guy has such a special place in my heart. How 'bout sending him out here for the summer?!

Bev said...

Aww! What a lovely post. You're all so fortunate to have each other, and I love you all. Can't imagine your family without Beck.

oxoxo

Samsmama said...

What a beautiful video! Whatever Frank had in his eye is in mine now.

Such a cutie! That was wonderful! Happy Anniversary!

Nancy said...

Sigh, goosebump material. I can't believe that's the same kid. You and he both lucked out!

janiece said...

Isn't it incredible? It's amazing how they blossom with their families. You are truly blessed--and I have that "something" in my eye too!

Mala said...

Frank - It's your finger. (that's my parent's smartass answer everytime I rubbed my eyes complaining there was something in it)

Hilary - Don't tempt me! Did I blog about him taking a marker to his door? or the trillion things he's managed to break around the house? No? Ahhhh, growin' boys.

Bev - Me either. We are lucky.

Samsmama - Awww, thanks. Amazing that it's been 2 years. Now by little boggity blog-blog is over 2 years as well, and nearing 250 posts. Wow, that's a lot of rambling.

Nancy - I'm sure you'd see a change even since you've last seen him. Growin' like a weed!

Janiece - I still think we need to get our boys together again soon. Looking at pictures of your little guy, it's hard to believe it's the same kid.

Maria said...

I couldn't finish watching it -- it was just too hard, too familiar; it made my heart feel all funky. Even though I know Beck is home and happy, it's just too hard to know there are others. *big heavy sigh* Beck was so beautiful (still is, of course, but so sweet and innocent). I'm so happy you all found each other!! I wish I could finish it -- maybe another day. It's that "thing" in my eye.

Lori said...

I'm not even going to blame it on the hormones. That was just tear-jerking. In a good way... glad you had a nice benign birthday (we'll write to Hallmark and see what we can do about sharing the day with Father's Day!) and jealous of all the fun it looks like you and Bev had in LaLa land!!!

Cary McNeal said...

Awesome post! Very touching.

jessica o said...

What a hard subject to think about. Ava is almost two. I cannot imagine how different she would be without parents to love her and nurture her. I am so grateful there are people like you who open up their hearts and homes to those innocent angels.

I cannot. stop. crying. sobbing. ugh!

Beck is precious.