When we first asked Galyna and Anastasia if they wanted to be adopted a year-and-a-half ago, the first thing they wanted to know was if they would be able to carry on their relationships with their three older sisters. We gave them our assurance of course, and tonight finally got to meet them. We met at our favorite restaurant and enjoyed two hours of an interpreted conversation, learning more about their family, and answering their questions about us.
Shura (on right) is the next oldest in age at 19. She spent many years in the same orphange, but was forced to leave at 14 because of overcrowding. Shura remained quiet throughout dinner, but her love for her little sisters was clear as she listened carefully to everything being said.
Put Galya and Nastya together and you get......Svetlana! Known to her sisters as Sveta, she is 21 and also lived a long time at the orphanage. Everything about Sveta's demeanor is sweet and gentle as shown by her easy, warm smile. 
Irina is the oldest at 28 and a half-sister. She presided over the meeting and made clear early on that she is the mother figure in their lives. We were impressed with this woman, who openly discussed the alcoholism, abandonment and constant tragedy her family has endured. Their mother died six years ago of kidney disease associated with alcoholism and the father of the four youngest girls abandoned them, never to be seen again. We were told by officials in Kyiv that he "led an immoral life." Neither of our girls ever had a relationship with their parents.
Irina politely asked us why we couldn't have children, and why we wanted to adopt her teenage sisters. She listened with obvious concern to our answers, and expressed sincere gratitude, admitting at one point that she was just not able to care for all of her sisters.
We enjoyed some lighthearted moments as well as she advised us to be firm and strict!
I couldn't help but wonder what the sisters were thinking, especially Shura, who is only three years older than Nastya.
This will probably be the last time they are all together before we leave. Please pray for the well being of these women, who are undoubtedly experiencing some mixed emotions as they prepare to say goodbye to their little sisters, perhaps for a very long time.
4 comments:
That family gathering will be one that you all remember for a very long time. It must have been very rewarding from a parent point of view to get the background information first hand and not through documents. Our girls have not older siblings, so we will not have that resource to learn of their family history. I pray that the Lord gives all those girls the grace and peace to make it through this transition. God Bless!
Jim and Dana,
I have to say that my heart goes out for all those girls (women). Jim, I cannot even imagine what you are going through right now and just to let you know how much i admire you and Dana.
Love you brother!!
Jamie
Jim, I wonder what's going through the minds of the older sisters. I am sure there is deep gratitude for the gift of a new life for their little sisters ... and a whole lot of sadness for their being separated by miles. We (the family) needs to begin to plan a trip for the older sisters to visit all of us stateside.
Our love and prayers are with you all.
Another sad story - to see a beautiful family of 5 girls torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. What a great opportunity for you to meet with the older sisters and what a gift you provided your girls to say goodbye in a very loving environment.
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