Being adopted, I wanted to share some of the blessings in life that I've received. I had friends who adopted from Kazakhstan through EAC. I traveled to Shelek in the Indian Summer of September 2006. EAC helped ease the process and what a wonderful little boy Tatyana and the Gulder staff found for me! Lincoln was 22 months, very serious, intelligent beyond his years and hated walking. The wonderful caretakers there kept telling me what a "good artist" he was meaning he was quite an actor. I could tell he was obviously loved and well taken care of. It can be a dark, rainy day and he declares "It’s beautiful outside!" and so it becomes in our world.

I was thrilled to meet so many beautiful children at Shelek. Each has a story and potential. They would beam when I took the time to ask their name and remembered it the next day. I would bring all of them home if I could!

I didn't plan to adopt again so soon, but met a very sweet little girl named Laila and started the process shortly after we returned home. Sadly, due to medical reasons, she is not adoptable. I know that when God closes one door, He opens another. Because of Laila, I decided to continue. Once again, Tatyana found a handsome little boy from Karakastek. Lance was 16 months old when I adopted him in December 2007. He too knew he was loved by his caregivers. Much like Lincoln, all the local Kazakh adoptees, and the children I met in Kazakhstan, he is in love with life and is thrilled with each new day.

I had the joy of being the first adoptive family to return to Shelek for a visit in 2007. The return was like visiting family. There were many hugs and everyone was happy to see pictures of Lincoln and hear that I was adopting again. However, several of Lincoln's crib mates are still waiting for their own forever families. They are beautiful children who yearn to be held, loved and provided with an opportunity to achieve their dreams.

Mere words cannot express how wonderful a journey this has been for us. We are thankful to share our story with you and hope that you too will be blessed by the adoption experience!

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