Bringing Vlad Home
When the world orphan crisis permeated our life we had no idea just how passionate we would become about these children, all around the world, living without love, support, consideration, or encouragement; in conditions we would never think would be considered acceptable. We choose to take action. Little did we know how far it would go, the world we would discover, and most importantly the boy that God would send us...
When we decided to host a Ukrainian orphan last winter, we quickly realized that God had more in store for this boy and our family. We grew to love Vlad and when we put him on the plane at the end of hosting we knew the story was just beginning. We prayerfully sought after what God would have us do for our family, and He quickly confirmed we should pursue adopting Vlad! When Vlad messaged us from Ukraine asking if he could come back home, we asked if he wanted it to be forever. With a yes and too many emojis to count, we are starting the process.
God has shown us the boy, given us the passion and we are stepping out in faith to make this a reality. We've started this fundraiser on Pure Charity to help raise the funds needed. We have a huge donations goal of $20,020 that will go towards the costs of the adoption. We anticipate it costing over $40,000 total, the details we have left are below. It's our desire to bring Vlad into our family to love and support him the way every child deserves. Please consider helping us make that dream a reality.
Every donation, big or small, makes an impact and will help make this adoption possible. When you make a donation you will also receive a tax receipt, as our agency is a non-profit. Thank you so much for being a part of our story and showing God's love to this orphan.
Please share this link with anyone who may want to be a part of our story.
And, if you're curious as to why the cost is so large... the answer is I still don't fully understand fundamentally WHY it is so difficult for a family to take one of these kids into their home, but we do understand the what we are charged. For full disclosure, here is our budget based off of our agency, other adoptive parents sweet enough to share their recent budgets, and our experience so far. I want to share so that you can better understand. If you feel so led, you're welcome to "adopt" a line item and spread the word for that specific thing to be filled. "Hey friends, I'm trying to raise $250 for an orphan to get his passport to be able to be adopted and come home!" is an idea one of my very awesome friends decided to try. Any support would be a blessing. A family meal in Ukraine, about $15, would be a huge blessing. A hotel for a night, about $40, would be a huge blessing. Anything you feel led to do, will be God's hands working in this child's life. One orphan at a time, we can change this crisis, we can change this world.
These are the expenses we have left to cover:
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Just so grateful...
over 6 years ago
I logged in today to tidy up the last loose ends of some adoption tax paperwork and make sure I had all my numbers right. It's been such a long road and the paperwork piece is still going. Home 2 years and we just feel so amazingly blessed by this whole journey. You guys!!!!!! I look through your names through tears tonight. You changed our lives in so many ways. I love you all so much and can't thank you enough for making all of this possible. I can't believe it's been over 3 years since we started fundraising. :O
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Vlad is amazing. We still have things we are working on but he's graduated and working some, his English is awesome and he's so sweet and helpful. I couldn't ask for a better teenage son, who will only be a teenager another 6 months or so before he's 20. Man time flies.
If you're the praying type we still love your prayers as our son continues to unfurl his wings and practice flying, but mostly I just wanted to come here and tell you that what you did for us in coming along side us to bring Vlad home will always be a super SUPER big deal. So here is a loving reminder that even if perhaps you've forgotten your big role in it... I will always remember, and cherish you for it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Love, Manda -
First Trip!
almost 9 years ago
I just wanted to send a quick update to everyone letting you know that our first trip has been going very well. The appointment and paperwork were smooth sailing so far (something we aren't at all used to) and David has gotten to spend time with Vlad. We so appreciate the amazing support for this boy and as we start to see the process unfold to bring him home we would appreciate any shares of our fundraiser. Your hands are all in this process and we hope it brings you joy to see this happy face. Every kid is worth this. <3
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As we prepare to go...
almost 9 years ago
David is preparing to leave for our first (technically second) Ukraine trip this week. We are so blessed by the fact that we can entirely pay for this trip. Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts for your support for this awesome kid. I read a statistic yesterday that 50% of Ukrainian orphans don't make it to 20. Whether it's the illnesses, lack if care for treatable special needs, neglect, high suicide rates or dangerous lifestyles many of them get into after aging out, it's dangerous to be without the love and support of a family and it's village. Thank you for being our village. $40k is a lot of money. Raising $20k is even crazier. Thank you!!!! For loving all 5 of us and suporting us with prayer, sweet acts of kindness, patience, buckets of grace, and a big outpouring during our entire process.
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We have this 1.5 week trip, and then another month long trip ahead of us before we are all home for good. Our second (next) trip costs a wopping $20,000 in the end, but we are so amazingly blessd to be much closer than that in no small part because of you! Thank you!!
To follow this trip and the next, make sure to subscribe or check in to our blog (click Updates) at www.BringVladHome.com -
We've got a DATE!
almost 9 years ago
I can't believe we are traveling at the end of April!!! Thank you again for all your amazing support, your extreme generosity, and especially your prayers, calls and encouragements over the last year. We are less than 3 weeks away and a short $10,000 to earn. If you could continue to pray we would be very grateful. If you would share our link with your friends, business owners looking for tax breaks (these donations are deductible) or adoption friendly non-profit friends, we would really appreciate it. The truth is, I am asking our choir, the people that have already given so SO much. Our gratitude to you is unending, thank you.
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https://www.purecharity.com/bringing-vlad-home -
Our latest post is for you... Thank you. <3
almost 9 years ago
http://mandasimas.wixsite.com/bringvladhome/single-post/2017/03/22/Blown-away
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