"8 Souls That Have Forever Transformed
Mine"
Mine"
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity"
--1 Timothy 4:12 (New Living Translation)
Right now, it's 12:31 am in Ukraine. My body aches to go to sleep, but my heart is saying "stay for a little while longer." As I'm alone in this quiet house, all I can think about are the eight precious kids sounds asleep right now. When I close my eyes, I can see their sweet smiles, hear the laughter that engulfs their bodies, touch their sun-kissed faces...If I could, I would wrap them up in my arms and hold them there forever. When I am close to them, I feel more in tune with my heart. When I look into their eyes, I find myself looking into the eyes of my Jesus. Through them, He revels peace,joy,laughter,meekness,tenderness,kindness,creativity. Those are only a few things, of course.
So right now, my little ones, you are sleeping soundly. I thought I would write each of you just to tell you how wonderful and special I think you really are. I pray that one day you will understand what has been written.
Vika--You are captivating. You exude beauty externally and internally. I see so much strength in you that surpasses your age. You provide a gift of service and humility that changes those around you. When I first saw you, I couldn't help but see myself. From day one, I knew we were going to be close. My beautiful girl, I pray everyday that you will grow in strength, courage, and love. I love you.
Diana-You are brilliant. I see this in your eyes and hear it from your mouth. You have a great sense of learning and thirst for more. One day, you will be a translator...and a great one too. When I first saw you, I was captured by those gorgeous blue eyes of yours. You have this soft beauty in your actions and face. My fair-skinned girl, I pray everyday that you will lean on His understand, guidance, and truth. I love you.
Bogdan-You are eager. You crave newness and excitement everyday. When I watch you, I am fascinated by how intrigued you are. You have a fire within your soul that cannot be tamed easily. When I listen to you speak, I hear a future pastor. When I first saw you, I knew that I were ever blessed with a younger brother, he would be like you. My wild at heart boy, I pray everyday that you will hold on to His teachings, goodness, and spirit. I love you.
Bogdanchik-You are an over-comer. You move around obstacles and make ways that seem impossible, possible. When I hear you laugh, it helps overcome any unpleasant feelings I may have. I watch you, and all I can see is you moving mountains. By your attitude, you have opened the eyes of many. This is what will revolutionize you generation. My tender boy, I pray everyday that you will stand on His power,compassion,and protection. I love you.
Alona-You are daring. You approach every situation with gusto. When I watch you, I see a strong girl who plays with reckless abandon. Nothing is short of an adventure for you. Each day is another page in your exquisite story. I only wish I could have half the courage you do. My coffee-eyed girl, I pray everyday that you will discover His infinitude, fulfillment, and purposes. I love you.
Sneezhana-You are an optimist. Joy overflows from every part of you and it's contagious. You share happiness from that toothless smile to your big hugs. When everything in the world seems gray and dull, there you are as a source of sunshine. You bring light into the lives of those around you. No one can ever put out that brightness. My peppy girl, I pray everyday that you feel His kindness,grace,and hope. I love you.
Isabella-You are vivacious. When you walk into a room, your presence is known. You carry a confidence in you that is exciting to see. From our walks down to kindergarten to our discussions at the dinner table, I see a lively girl. You have a "pep in your step" and face the world with high spirits. You are an all Ukrainian/American girl, and everyone knows it. My little princess, I pray everyday that you will see that He is immutable, sovereign, freedom. I love you.
Yula-You are meek. When I look at you, I think of a lamb. You're actions are gentle and your laugh is light. You posses a passive spirit that is needed amongst this family sometimes. You find contentment with the things in your life which is wonderful. There's something soft about you that leaves me at peace. My baby-doll girl, I pray everyday that you will live in His comfort, simplicity, and providence. I love you.
Our God has so graciously allowed me to be apart of your lives for nine months. I have had the privilege of celebrating big milestones, sharing precious memories, enjoying new adventures, and so much more with you. Everyday has brought its blessings and you all were the greatest blessings. Our stories have all come together for this moment in time for a purpose. Maybe we won't know this purpose until later on in our lives, but for now I know this: You have taught me to love deeply, be full with joy, and to have child-like faith. You have transformed my heart and soul for the rest of my life.
Tomorrow, I will physically leave you, but I leaving part of my heart and spirit with you. I want you to always know that we are united through our Papa's spirit. He has given each of us, including me, more places to go and new destinations to explore. If we may never meet again on earth, my prayer tonight is that we will all be joined together in Heaven. Where one day, we will be able to laugh, play, sing, and love with one another as we did here in Ukraine.
I am grateful.
You are treasured.
I love you all to the moon and back.
Your names are forever written on my heart.
