Vadim (insert your last name here?)

Vadim needs a new last name.

A permanent last name.

A new last name showing his connectedness to a forever family.

I’ve known Vadim since he was just a little tyke. Back when we’d take him oh-so-cool sunglasses and he would wear them upside down. That’s a long time ago. I’ve been to a local amusement park with him. I’ve been to birthday parties at McDonald’s with him. And I can’t even express how excited I was that he was being adopted here in Ukraine. I mean, what are the odds? Bi-racial. HIV+. In Ukraine.

I lost track of him during the time he was living in a home — actually a foster care situation with the intention of adopting him. His single mom brought him to our camp a couple of years ago. My eyes filled with tears as I watched him with his mom.

And then towards the end of last year I heard that his foster mother had fallen in love, got married, and was a new mom. Vadim didn’t adjust to this new situation very well. And when it became apparent that he was NOT going to be adopted into this all-together family, well, what can I say? I’m not sure that that is the ONLY reason for inappropriate behavior…aggressive is the word used here. But it is very clear that he needs a new home situation. Quickly. Before he’s put in an institution.

Vadim

A friend of ours brought him to church at the end of December and I was able to snap a couple of pictures of him. Actually Jim snapped this one with me in it.

Anyway, to make a long story short, we were asked to find this young man a home. Preferably in America where being bi-racial might not have such stigma attached to it. This is just not a good setting for my little friend.

Eli Project has posted information about him. And my friend Elaine has featured him on her blog as well. If you think YOU might be just the perfect family for Vadim, let me know. And/or contact Eli Project. Let SOMEONE know!!

And spread the word. Someone out there has been praying for this boy specifically.

And as they say here: He very waits you.