Sunday, August 29, 2010

An Orphan No More (Loving Alina)

From LOST to LOVED, watch the transformation in our beautiful Alina in just four short months...



23 comments:

  1. Oh Lisa-

    I wept. I was happy, I was sad, happy and sad... Another little free sweetheart. All the familiar surroundings, I felt like I was there. And then I want to BE there. Not a day goes by that I don't analyze in my head (oh, maybe 5,6,7, or 10 times a day) whether or not we can/will do it again. My heart has room for a good 10 or even 100 of these sweeties, but I struggle to be sure that everyone's needs are met. I hope another is in our future. I keep trying to toss it back in God's court. I can only hope that if He doesn't call us to adopt again, that he takes the anguish of the desire away.

    Where did you get that music? That was amazing. Russian I would guess? Any idea of the words?

    I am so glad to see Alina doing so well. Thanks for the video. It does my heart good. If I would have Alina in front of me I would give her the biggest hug and kisses. Could you give her one for me?

    Blessings!

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  2. Lisa, This is so moving.....I shed tears watching it. Tears of joy for Alina, tears of sadness for those left behind. God bless you & your beautiful family.

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  3. lisa, i tried so hard not to cry watching this--that lasted about all of 10 seconds. by the end, i was bawling. you have a beautiful family and i mean that with every single ounce of my being. love to all of you, from the jupin family!

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  4. Thank you SO much for sharing this! The pictures tell the amazing story so beautifully!

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  5. Gretchen, the music is from the lullaby CD we bought for Alina before we realized that Russian was what she heard most often :).
    I have no clue what they are saying :), but isn't it pretty?

    (It plays most afternoons while the girls nap. They love it. I ordered it from Amazon, but I don't know that is available there any more.)

    It is: Kolysanki - Ukrainian Lullabies. I used tracks 1 and 3. (The middle song in the montage is one of the piano instrumental choices on One True Media, called "Later Than You Think".)


    1. Над Колискою

    2. Later Than You Think (Solo Piano)

    3. Ой, Спи Дитя

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  6. I felt the same way making the montage as people will feel watching it...happy, then sad, then happy, then sad. I can't believe how much Alina has changed, and how different she is from the few pictures we saw of her before we left for Ukraine.

    The adoption process is grueling at times, but it was all worth it. She is worth it. We would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

    I'd go back for 100 more if I thought we could manage. The pull is so very strong when you understand the great need, as well as the worth of the treasures hidden away.

    If people take anything away from this video, I hope they will see the enormous potential and value in the children (and people) others feel are somehow "worth less" than the rest of us.

    Alina has enriched our lives beyond measure.

    Thanks to all for following, for watching and for all the love and support!

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  7. I watched this earlier today and it stayed with me all day.....the music, it was hauntingly beautiful and just draws you into another world. A world that is etched into my soul!

    What a beautiful piece of memories...

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  8. so very beautiful. i don't personally know you or your family, but from following your story i guess i feel that i do in a way. i am just so happy for all of you, especially for adorable alina! :)
    p.s. i also love the music! i need to get together with my russian friend and ask for translation. i wouldn't mind buying this for myself, it's so beautiful!

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  9. That was beautiful! Loved seeing her leave forever.

    You did a great job. So happy she has a family. She looks like such a treasure!!

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  10. "Hauntingly beautiful"...says Jodi. That was it...hence the happy, sad, happy, sad......

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  11. This was an amazingly beautiful video. Thank you for sharing! The love that is so apparent is beyond words. Thank you again!!!

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  12. So beautiful. I cried watching it. You are all amazing.

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  13. Lisa,
    This is so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. I have a cousin with DS, I wish everyone could just see how amazing these kids truly are, and how children with special needs are special people and a gift from God.
    Bless you and your family, love this.

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  14. That was so very moving. She is beautiful and I can see her 'come to life' over the past four months. I cried, I smiled, I prayed.
    Just beautiful.

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  15. thanks for sharing this... sending love over the sea!

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  16. Lisa, thank you for allowing us to re-post to our blog. It helps others see how beautiful adoption is and how important it is.
    Thanks again,
    Charrissa
    www.anextraleaf.blogspot.com

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  17. This is another mazing story and testimonial to how powerful it is to have a life of hope and a loving family. Alina's story has further inspired me to adopt once out of university. Thank you so much. God Bless you Alina and your family!

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  18. This was amazing to watch as I'm sure it was equally amazing to make! Seeing the transformation in Alina brings me to tears. She is being blessed by your family and I'm sure is a continual blessing to your family! Our kids and extended family members will never be the same because of our adoption experiences! I'm just so thankful that I got to journey along with you--you were definitely one of the refreshing oasis' in the grueling adoption process desert!

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  19. Amazing...Alina's so beautiful! :)

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  20. I felt so many emotions watching this. I have wanted to adopt for a long time now and I pray that my husband will find it in his heart to do the same. I have a five year old daughter with down syndrome and a 16 year old foster son with down syndrome plus 4 more amazing kids. you did a wonderful job on that video what a great way to advocate for these kids I don't know how anyone could watch that without being touched by it in some way.

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  21. Lisa- this video is so awesome : ) you are very blessed with a wonderful family!! Alina is so lucky and thank God for you & your family-- can't wait to keep watching for updated video's and pictures : )

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  22. Lisa - you have a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing so willingly with us. My Evalena is 2 1/2 and we cherish every moment with her. You have given Alina a light that will never dim. Please keep sharing! God bless you and your family. Kathleen

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