This past May, our family decided to host a boy from Ukraine with New Horizons For Children. As we browsed the photo listing and biographies of many orphaned kids, our hearts were drawn to the older children who would soon “age out” of the system at age 16. We knew we wanted a boy, and as we prayed about who to choose, our hearts very soon connected with Vanya.
Vanya was described as very thoughtful and mature. His birthday is the same as Wendy’s, but this year would be one of great transition for him as he turned 16 on June 14. We wanted adoption to be an option for us as we entered the 5 weeks of hosting. However, once Vanya turned 16, there would be no possibility of him having a forever family. So, our whole family put much effort into completing all the necessary paperwork BEFORE he turned 16. In God’s goodness we were able to submit all the requirements just a few days before his birthday!
With much excitement and anticipation, we welcomed Vanya into our home on June 28. We immediately felt a strong connection with this precious boy. We spent the next 5 weeks bonding and enjoying many wonderful memories. Please check out our pics!
With just a few days of his stay remaining, we were able to present him with the possibility of becoming a permanent part of the Moynihan family. To our delight, he expressed that the desire for us to be family was mutual!
2 days after this, on August 1, we were able to send all final documents to Ukraine! However, we also had to say a sad, but temporary goodbye, as this was the date that all the hosted children from Ukraine were to return.
So, here we are now, utilizing this time to let all of our friends and family know that we hope to bring Vanya home in the next couple of months! Please join with us as we welcome him into our family. We have been so blessed by God’s hand in this process.
