Many people have asked me - how many children are adopted out of Russia? I just found the total for 2008, the year Sasha came home and it is 1865 children. 1865 children made it to their forever families. That is everyone that found a home outside of Russia. That is an amazing number. It is a scary number. I know specifically of at least 10 of those children (besides Sasha) and the wonderful parents and lives they now have. That leaves 1854 that were incredibly blessed. And then I remember those left behind. And I am certain we do not do enough.
These children need homes. As difficult as this kind of choice may be, people still need to step up to the plate and "hit that ball." I will agree it is difficult. But it needs to be done.
Sasha is proof that it is worth it. He has blossomed so much in the short time he has been home. That is not to say the emotional and mental baggage he carries is not difficult at times. Recently we did a stint in emergency surgery that I suspect is tied to depression and suicidal issues. But we got through it. And we continue to get through it everyday. The most amazing thing is that there are people out there that can and will help.
That is the trick - to simply get through it. It is so worth it. I would not trade this joy for anything.
And I think of the children I saw left behind and the 1865 number terrifies me. There are over a million children in Russia alone in orphanages of which at least 60,000 are available for adoption to us in America (and other countries) today. That is a number that creates a somber moment. Even in the midst of my working to save Sasha my gaze turns back, over my shoulder, and hears the pleas of those left behind. I continue to remember the second day of the first visit when many of the older boys lined the wall facing the van and faces they made. They will haunt me until the day I die.
Because I did not adopt a baby and my son was in a remote area, when I went to the orphanage I heard the other children as they called out to "please take me too." Of course I could not. I was there to save Sasha. But I wish someone else would go with me and save these children.
I fear what the number for 2009 will be given the economy. May God watch over the babies.
And yeah, we do much better. Sasha is getting a lot of good help these days. Just last night a lot of the mental poison seemed to come forth in a sort of jumbled mass. Coming forth good, jumbled not so easy to work with. Yet it all helps to make it better.
Knowing he was sent out into the night where he thinks monsters still live gives me the understanding to show him how he is never sent out into the night here (and maybe he can stop bending the blinds looking for them!!). Just last night he told me how he was put out in the rain without cover (by the older kids). Now his obsession with umbrellas make sense!! My mom is so sweet, she now wants to buy him the next umbrella they see at the store. We live in the Pacific Northwest which is technically a rain forest so stores have umbrellas for sale at the entrance. Sasha could acquire a lot of "bumper shoots" soon.
Anyway, back to the original thought - 1865 is not an acceptable number. My Sasha is proof of that
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3 comments:
Things must feel a little more in control right now because your post sounds a bit more positive about Sasha. I hope so! Things need to be on the upswing for you both. I agree about the babies in Russia that need us. I just wish their Government didn't make it soooooo hard to accomplish it, and sooooooo expensive. Then when you add in our own Government and processes with adoption agencies, it takes a strong person to make it through. If they'd take away those barriers, children would find homes for sure.
I loved the picture of Sasha smiling. I can really tell your hard work coming through with him. And I also know it's not easy being his mom--so glad you are feeling more encouraged.
I'm with you on adoption. We have two little boys adopted from Guatemala. Now, because of our government (and some internal corruption), Guatemala is closed to foreign adoption. What will happen to the children whose parents cannot raise them? Guatemala does not even have any government-run orphanages. My heart breaks for them. And for all the children who need a family.
Carolyn
I too loved the new photo of Sasha. He looks very happy. Sorry to hear of your trip to the ER. Glad Sasha is okay. Been thinking about you and praying for you, your mother, and Sasha.
I agree that 1865 is not a very high number. I too would love to adopt again. I wish that adoption were less expensive so it was easier to manage. 3 trips to Vlad and time away from home was so hard. I too think of the ones left behind. Not sure that we'll ever forget.
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