We met Dusya over seven years ago at the Pravdinska orphanage and have had the honor of walking alongside her as she transitioned out of the orphanage and into motherhood. She has navigated this transition with utter grace, determination, and love despite having no example of a mother in her own life. She completed the 9th grade six years ago and now has two beautiful children - Vala (five years old) and Andre who just recently turned one.
Last week we joined Dusya and her family to celebrate Andre's first birthday. We stayed true to many Open Arms birthday traditions by making a personalized cake, bringing plenty of gifts, and taking lots of pictures. We also got to participate in some Ukrainian birthday traditions as well: a table full of food and a ceremonial first hair cut.
Clockwise from top left:
Andre's birthday cake, homemade and decorated by the Open Arms team; Dusya and Andre with his godparents, Sasha and Anika of Open Arms; Andre takes his first bite of his first birthday cake;
Andre with his loving mom, Dusya
Other relatives joined for the festivities, but were sadly very drunk which made us all the more thankful to be able to be there and support Dusya. Over the years, she has told us many times how we are her true family; an honor that is hard to describe. We were glad to be the family that day that truly supports her and her children. It brought us so much joy to watch her with Andre - he is very much a mama's boy and she is a excellent mother, so full of love for both of her kids.
Open Arms looks forward to continuing birthday traditions and being a support and extended family to Andre as he grows up.
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