Welcome Home, Nikita!

The doors opened and a young sleepy boy made his way through the crowd and to the baggage claim.  He was followed by his adoptive brother, sisters, and parents.  You would have thought he owned the place.  After a welcome from extended family, he took his place on a chair and crashed while waiting for the luggage to appear on the belt.  He clutched a stuffed animal tight and closed his eyes. 

Nikita and His Family at DFW Airport

Nikita was a part of our Angels From Abroad program in the summer of 2010.  His new parents beamed as they spoke of the trip and experiences of adopting Nikita in Russia.  Before leaving the airport and heading home for good, they stopped for a quick family picture.

 Welcome Home, Nikita! 

More children just like Nikita are waiting for a forever family. For more information on our waiting children in Russia, please contact Beth Brinkmeyer at bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org

Ana Update

She walked into a new school for the first time.  No one there spoke Russian. Did it hold her back? No. This young girl pushed forth and didn’t let it slow her down.  She completed 3 months of school before summer break as her parents stood back and admired her bravery at new things. 

Ana enjoying a Texas Ranger Game

Ana made the big move from Russia to Texas only a few short months ago.  Now she has firmly planted her feet into Texas soil and is enjoying the life as a Texan.  She has developed a joy for Texas Ranger games just like her parents.  She specifically likes the $1 hot dog and $1 ice-cream days at the ball park. She can be found in the stadium taking pictures of the players, the field, or the view at the ballpark.  She’s the one with the Texas Ranger ball cap on and a smile from ear to ear. 

Ana has enjoyed a family trip to Louisiana where she not only met extended family but got to see swamps, alligators, snakes, and even caught a lizard.  She has enjoyed making new friends with the children in the neighborhood and having sleepovers with her long time Russian friends that live in Texas and were also adopted from Russia. 

Ana is now adjusting to the summer heat as her first summer in Texas gets into full swing. Her parents are happy to have her here and to be enjoying all the fun summer activities along side of her. “We are thankful to Lord Jesus for joining us all together,” tells Chris and Claire. 

Ana and her Parents, Chris and Claire

More children just like Ana are waiting to be placed in forever families. If you would like more information on these children or on ways to become involved, please contact Beth Brinkmeyer bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org

LeAnna and Alex

LeAnna on her first day of school in the US

Most have been through it in childhood. It’s that embarrassing moment when they are about to rush out the door and are forced to stop and smile.  It’s the first day of school and a parent is trying to document the moment on camera.  Most kids stop, roll their eyes briefly, and humor the proud parent by quickly faking a cheesy smile.  For many adopted children who have never had a parent see them off to their first day of school, it’s a bit different moment.  The feeling of having some one care enough to want to take their picture and to be there for them is immeasurable and something they haven’t experienced before.   

LeAnna and Alex were 2010 Angel from Abroad participants.  This brother and sister pair joined a host family for a vacation like stay last summer. Soon something wonderful happened. They developed the feeling of belonging to this family. One year later, they were permanently placed in their host family’s home.   Much has happened in one year.  Their new parents and two American brothers came to Russia, made the adoption official, and brought them home to the US. 

Alex with his first fish

It’s hard to tell from pictures that this sibling pair hasn’t always been a part of this family.  As they experience the special moments in life of catching a first fish, tubing with siblings on a lake, or spending time with Dad and Mom, family is something they are taking a liking to.  Routines have been established, they are picking up more and more English by the day, and most importantly are enjoying life and having fun in their new family. 

LeAnna (Far Left) and Alex (Far Right) Tubing with brothers at the lake.

We give thanks for this new and happy beginning for LeAnna and Alex.  There are many more children in Russia waiting for this same opportunity at belonging to a forever family.  If you are interested in learning more about waiting Russia children, please contact Beth Brinkmeyer bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org

Update- Kristina and Max

From an orphanage in Russia to a home in Texas, several of our 2010 Angels from Abroad participants have been lovingly welcomed in to forever families.  

Kristina and Her Father at Her 6th Grade Graduation

It’s hard to believe Kristina was here as a visitor to the US only one year ago.  Now she proudly poses for a picture with her father at her sixth grade graduation in Texas.  With a personality like hers and a determination to learn English rapidly, making friends for Kristina has happened quickly. She is up for anything new and is always on the go!  

Max Proudly Showing His Fish

Max Riding His Father's Horse, "Peppy"

Although Maxim was one of the youngest and smallest Angels we had in 2010, his personality was anything but small. Max is now enjoying family life and all the fun childhood joys that come along with it.  He is often found competing with his 10 year old sister, who taught him how to fish, on who can catch the biggest fish.  He loves the outdoors and enjoys riding his father’s horse on the farm.  Another appreciation he has developed while beginning his new life in Texas is something that most children his age can relate to. Chucky Cheese’s restaurant is a favorite place to enjoy just being a kid. 

We celebrate the milestones and transitions these children have been through the last few months.  What a joy it is to see families being placed together and thriving. As we celebrate with these children and their families, we still earnestly request prayers for the children still waiting.  Many children are still waiting to have their picture taken with a parent at a school celebration. These children don’t have memories of horse back riding days or fishing trips, they have dreams of them.  If you are interested in learning more information about any of our waiting children, please contact Beth Brinkmeyer at bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org

Welcome Home Sasha!

Sasha at a 2010 Angels from Abroad Event

One year ago Texas was blessed with a small package arriving from Russia.  The size of Sasha may be petite, but nothing else about her is small.  Her smile lights a room, and her personality bursts at the seams.  One year ago she wore an invisible name tag that said “visitor” as she was a part of Angels from Abroad 2010. Today she has permanently placed her feet on US and Texan soil as a “resident.”

Sasha recently found herself again at the DFW airport. This time she was greeted by a crowd of family and friends who celebrated one thing. Sasha was finally home and a part of her forever family.  Sasha has not only found herself in the loving arms of  parents. She has gained an older brother who is fond of tickling her, an older sister who takes her out for ice cream, and a family dog who adores her for throwing a ball more than anyone in the house.     

Sasha’s journey to her new home started many years ago.  The plan for this sweet child has been in the works since the beginning of time.  They joy of its fruition is finally being celebrated by so many.  Sasha’s parents, Dan and Kerri, longed for her even before they had met her. To say they are thankful to have her home for good is an understatement.  Kerri, Sasha’s Mother, writes so eloquently about the moment Sasha received her new last name during their trip in April.  

This morning was the first morning that Sasha awakened with our last name. My goodness. That blows my mind. She is my daughter. I extended my hand and said, “Would you like to take my name and become my own flesh and blood?” She responded that indeed she would like that, and now it is finished. It is settled. Sure, there are some formalities and processing that must take place, but it is settled. The decision cannot and will not be reversed.

Sasha greeted by her new sister at DFW airport upon arrival home to Texas

Before the judge stated the decree and the decision she asked us, “Are you sure that you do not want to change your mind?” We responded that no, we do not wish to change our minds. Then she made the decree that on this 28th day of April 2011 this child will be known as Sasha, daughter to Daniel and Kerri. As the judge walked out of the court room she paused and looked at me and said, “It is finished.” It is finished. Those words took my breath away even before they were translated into English for me.

Many breath taking moments have appeared since that moment.  Since then, Dan and Kerri brought Sasha to Texas for good and into their hearts forever.  Welcome Home, Sasha!  Your extended family at Buckner, Dillon, and Angels from Abroad are celebrating with you!

Many more Russian children just like Sasha are waiting for their forever families. If you are interested in learning more about ways you can support or learn about them, please contact me at bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org

Two Best Friends…

In an orphanage far away in St. Petersburg, Russia sat a little boy and his friend.  The topic of their conversation? Should they or should they not go to Dallas Texas and be a part of a hosting program called Angels from Abroad.  “What if the people are mean to us?” said one. Could they trust these people with their hearts? They wondered about the so many unknowns. There was much to risk but even more to gain. They decided to be brave and take the risk.  Their lives would never be the same after that conversation and decision.  They decided to come to Dallas. 

These two boys were friends and the best of buddies.  They happened to stay in the same host family’s home while here with Angels from Abroad in 2010.  The host family is one that anyone would love to spend time with. The family is one of the most loving and caring families around.  It was a perfect fit for the boys.  The boys loved to swim, and the host family had a pool.  They boys needed lots of hugs, and the host family had many hugs to give away. It was a match made in heaven. Their Host Father fondly reminisces about their visit below. 

“Maxim* (12 years old) was a tad bit reserved when he first came into our home. He warmed up quickly, and within hours he was one of the family. He was a great swimmer and a budding artist; however, we were shocked by his ability to read many English words.  He possessed a great sense of humor and was so much fun to spend time with.  The first few days it was clear that he was protecting himself by not allowing himself to get too close. However, as the days progressed, he would cuddle up to us and was very loving.” 

“Dennis* (10 Years old) also loved to swim. He was more than content to spend his vacation eating and swimming. He loved too cook and was most helpful at suppertime. From the beginning Dennis was very affectionate and loving. He loved to play with other children and was a kind and respectful boy. He kept the dogs entertained, and us as well, with his dog training tricks. He was afraid to do anything that may hurt him; but, in a few days, as he gained more and more confidence, he was doing back flips off the diving board and riding the most scary rides at the water park.” 

Months before they came into the lives of this family, these two boys put their faith in a hope there was a chance good and kind people were out there that would love them.  “He said he has loved this experience so much and doesn’t want to go back to the orphanage,” said a translator for Angels from Abroad 2010.  Not only did the lives of these two boys change in discovering what a loving family was like, the lives of the host family were impacted too. “These two boys came into our lives, stole our hearts, and will be forever missed,” said their Host Father.   

If you are interested in learning more about the need for forever families for Maxim and Dennis, please contact me at bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org 

* Names have been changed to protect the child’s privacy.

Welcome Home for Two Angels!

Nearly seven months ago, a group of children unloaded from the plane tired, timid, and anxiously hopeful for the future.  This was the group of children that arrived in Dallas with the Angels from Abroad 2010 program last summer.  The future held such potential for them and still does, but for some a new journey has just begun.

Recently two of those Angels again walked through the arrival doors at Dallas Fort Worth Airport.  Were they feeling as timid?  Definitely not.  Where they hopeful?  Yes.  There was something different this time around though. This time, they were accompanied by their forever families that had just finished making their adoption official in Russia.  Now they were home for good.  Now they had the confidence of going “home” with their family instead of back to an orphanage alone.  Now they belonged to a family that will always love them.  With friends and family there to welcome these girls home, it was a good day for everyone.

Anastasia’s new Grandmother held a sign that said “Welcome Home Anastasia” in Russian.  With every person who walked by the door, her anticipation grew.  I’ve known Chris (Adoptive Father) his whole life and never seen him smile this much,” said Anastasia’s new Aunt.  “Something happened when he met that little girl.  He’s never been the same since.” When Anastasia came through the doors the wait was over, and the cheers and tears were flowing.  The joy in the room was filling the airport terminal. 

When Kristina arrived with her family, her host Mother from the Angels from Abroad program last summer was waiting with open arms to greet her at the airport.  Marla Jenkins and her daughters were there to welcome Kristina home.  The Jenkins family shared their home with Kristina last summer as a host family. They were very excited to see her with her forever family at the airport.   The Jenkins sisters were also adopted from Russia and are a great support to the new Angels who are arriving home. They greeted Kristina in her familiar Russian language and with hugs so big only extended family can offer.

Just as a proud father bursts through the doors in the hospital room when his child is born, the fathers and mothers were beaming when coming through doors of the airport. A new family emerged, and with each step they took the path seemed to glow in front of them.  Welcome Home to the Huggins and McGough Families. Congratulations!

Angels from Abroad Postponed

Angels from Abroad Postponed

DALLAS – Recent changes in Russian law governing overseas hosting programs for orphans have prompted Buckner International to postpone the 2011 ‘Angels from Abroad’ program in order to evaluate the necessary resources needed to comply with the new law.  

“Buckner’s Angels from Abroad hosting program has been a wonderful way to give older Russian orphans an opportunity to learn about American culture while experiencing the positive influence of living in a family setting,” said Albert Reyes, president of Buckner International. 

“The Angels from Abroad program has allowed Buckner to serve more vulnerable children while placing additional Russian children into loving, permanent adoptive families through our traditional Russia adoption program.” 

Buckner Adoption and Maternity Services’ traditional Russia adoption program will continue to advocate for the needs of older child placements and seek families to adopt older Russian children as well as younger-aged children. As Buckner evaluates how to meet the needs of Russian orphans through the new hosting program guidelines, leaders are also evaluating the possibility of hosting programs for other countries.

For more information about adopting from Russia through Buckner, visit http://www.beafamily.org/adoption-international-russia.shtml.

Andrea and Matthew

Like most young girls, Andrea* enjoys the girly things in life. She enjoys bubble baths, jewelry, makeup, cooking, and can be found with an artist’s hat on creating things.  Like most young boys, Matthew* loves to play.  He can be found doing anything athletic and even learned out to ride a bike in one hour. He is very talented in sports and is described as having exceptional athletic ability.  Andrea and Matthew are siblings.  Andrea is 10 years old and Matthew is 8 years old. Although these precious children appear to be like most children their age, something is very different about them. Andrea and Matthew have a deep desire in their hearts. They are waiting and longing for a forever family.

Andrea and Matthew were children that participated in our Angels from Abroad program in 2009.  These children came to Dallas and enjoyed a two week stay with a host family here in Texas.  The host family fondling recalls their stay with them and has even shared some descriptions to give you a glimpse of who they are. 

Andrea:

•  Happy and affectionate
• Enjoys creating things
• Gracious, nurturing, and caring for others
• Very smart and intuitive
• Picked up English quickly during her visit to the US
• Assimilated easily into family and culture during her stay in 2009
• Loved to cook and spend time in kitchen with host mother
• Her favorite thing was crawling into the lap of host parents for some teasing, laughter and affection.

 Matthew:

• Very coordinated and athletic
• He is an incredible gymnast
• Loves to contribute to the family
• Likes to create jobs to do in order to help around the house
• Loves to laugh
• Does his best with structure and consistency

“Matthew would become very concerned when he and his host father played sports, and his host father began to sweat. Matthew insisted that he sit down and brought him water to help him cool down. Both children are very fond of animals and really enjoyed our household pets.  They loved playing in their host parents’ closet and dressing up in their clothes. They also enjoyed picking vegetables and grapes from the garden and then helping to prepare them for meals.”

This Brother and Sister pair is very close and would do best in a family with no other children. As they long for a family, we long for a family for the both of them as well. Will you pray with us for a forever family for them?  Currently, they are in an orphanage in St Petersburg, Russia.  We hope for them to soon be placed into the arms of a loving family.  If you are interested in learning more about Andrea and Matthew’s need for a forever family, please contact me at bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org

* Names have been changed to protect the children’s privacy.

Pasha and Dima

Meet brothers Pasha* (age 12) and Dima* (age 11). They are buddies, best friends, and stuck like glue to each other.  They are also in need of a forever family.  Pasha and Dima came to Texas in the summer of 2010 with Angels from Abroad.  They enjoyed their visit and stay with a host family here in the Dallas area.  They soaked up the opportunity to be in a family and to enjoy the experience together. 

Here are some notes from their Host Mother from this past summer:

Pasha 

• Loves ice cream
• Loves rock music (music with lots of guitar and drums)
• Loves to play video games
• Loves to swim
• Likes to sleep late
• Very responsible in looking after Dima
• Very protective of Dima
• Very cautious – not a risk taker
• Loves to put together complicated toys 
• Entertains himself playing alone, but loves playing with friends too
• Is a fairly serious young man

Dima 

• Loves to help
• Loved working in the kitchen with Host Mother
• Loved to help around the house
• Loves to swim
• Very gifted athlete
• Very daring – likes to take risks
• Rises early
• Gets along very well with his brother, Pasha

There aren’t many bonds in this world like that of brothers. It’s one of the strongest bonds known to man. We are told in Proverbs 18:24 “One who has unreliable friends soon come to ruin but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  To know that the One, that sticks closer to Pasha and Dima even more than a brother, is calling someone to be their forever family is very encouraging.  Maybe He is calling you or someone you know.  For more information on Pasha and Dima, please contact me at bbrinkmeyer@buckner.org

* Names have been changed to protect the child’s privacy.