MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME

Yesterday, we celebrated Sasha Tretyakov's 18th birthday; but it was more like his first birthday in the sense of genuine celebration with family and loved ones. With no known family, Sasha has grown up in an orphanage since infancy. The only information Sasha knows about his birth mother is that she lived in the city of Konotop when he was born. 

Our team's desire was to make this birthday extra special for Sasha - he was given the opportunity to invite his friends of choice to join us in the Open Arms home for a dinner of borsh (his dinner of choice), chocolate cake, wii, and all-around good times. 

Sasha's response to the day's celebration was priceless! Although he was turning 18, he danced around the apartment like a 5-year-old, soaking up all the attention and love that the day had to offer. Every present brought utter excitement and at the end of the day, it was clear that Sasha felt so loved and so special. 

It was a day to remember for all of us and we are so thankful that God has allowed us to be a loving family to such an amazing young man! 

The Birthday Boy, Sasha, surrounded by his friends and Open Arms family.

TRUE FAMILY

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.