In 2005, an unexpected call, asking us to be a back up host family led us to Dima.  In 2009, an unexpected call prevented us from asking someone else to be our back up family; leading us to Iger.

Dima

It was an unexpected telephone call and ‘ a kick in the shin’ that changed our lives forever!

Though the idea of adoption was not foreign to us, it was still a world away, obscured by the trappings of our daily lives and the very intimidating adoption process that just seemed insurmountable.  Between our fear and careers, we always seemed to have an excuse for pushing it off.

 

Then out of the blue in the spring of 2005, we received an unexpected telephone call from Laureen, coordinator for World Link’s host program in Pennsylvania.  Although we had spoken a few times, we did not know each other very well.   And, to date, we had turned down her invitations to host.

But, there was something different about this call—like receiving a distress call from a friend!  Laureen indicated that due to unforeseen circumstances she had two Russian boys in her home without host families.  And, though she knew it was a long shot, she emailed us a couple of pictures of the boys and again invited us, with very short notice, to host these kids.  Of course we would have to travel to Pennsylvania to host them.

The personal note, with the pictures and the names, Dima and Daniil warmed our hearts--made them…REAL.  We couldn’t just let them go without someone to love them during their brief visit in America.  So, with zero planning, the dominos started to cascade.  Flights got booked, work schedules rearranged; our friends in New Jersey opened their home to not just us, but the boys.  Less than 24 hours later, we were flying from Georgia to Pennsylvania to meet two special boys, ages 6 and 7.

 

As you might imagine, questions filled our minds.  How would we communicate?  What would they eat?  What would they be like?  What special needs might they have?  Would they be scared? 

After a whirlwind of travel, the big moment came--meeting the boys! The youngest boy, tiny for his age, marched right up to Mike, and after only a slight pause to size him up, kicked him right in the shin. Today, when we tell this story, we say that Mike said, “That’s my boy!” 

The next several days of hosting were filled with both the magic and the day-to-day reality that comes from any relationship.  Both boys were great kids, but we knew in our hearts only one boy was our son. 

One short week later, with heavy hearts and eyes filled with tears, we watched the boys depart for Russia.  We knew, if possible, we would travel to Russia for Dima.  But, what about Daniil?  How could we leave him there, with no hope, no love…no family?  We could not!

Then, began the second part of our journey; adopting Dima and advocating for Daniil.  Dima came home to us Christmas Eve 2005 and Daniil came home to his family the summer of 2006!

 

Laureen’s telephone call started a chain reaction that saved the lives of two boys, and ignited a passion in us for these children.  Several years in the making, we continue that unexpected journey today with Project One Forty Three!

Iger

A chance meeting at the airport and another unexpected telephone call brought more joy to our lives!

 

We were in the middle of an adoption, so hosting another child was a million miles away from our thoughts.  That is until we saw the faces of the many forgotten children in our son’s orphanage in Russia--so many children longing for families. 

It was then that I remembered as we waited to board our plane to Russia, we were joined by a group of about 30 Russian children waiting for the same flight.  Curious about the kids, I discovered they were part of the New Horizons for Children host program; similar to the program that introduced us to Dima. 

Upon our return home, I immediately called this group to learn how I could help.  We were not prepared to host, but wanted to know more about this group and the children they were helping.  What could we do? Advocate? Donate? Volunteer?  So began our journey of advocating for older orphans.

In 2009, after many calls and questions, we finally signed up to host.  I will never forget Renee saying to me, ‘So, are you really going to do it this time?’  She knew me well by then.  She knew that like our first hosting, we always found a reason to ‘put it off’.  And, to be honest, I still wasn’t sure.  Our lives were comfortable, our son well adjusted.  Why rock the boat?  And, if I am being honest, somewhere in the back of my mind I was thinking we could back out at the last minute. 

Backing out was still in my mind as I was making the 5 hour drive to Atlanta to await the arrival of the kids.  Unlike our previous hosting, we knew absolutely nothing about this little boy, Iger.  I convinced myself that this lack of knowledge was reason enough to call Renee and suggest she find a back up family. 

As I reached to place the call, my cell phone rang.  An angel’s voice said “Tammy?  I have your little guy sitting here beside me.  He is so adorable and sweet—looking around at everything with a huge smile on his face.  You are going to love him!”  I could not believe it!  All of my concerns melted away with that one call!

Iger spent the summer with us and fit into our family perfectly.  Our son, Dima, loved him almost immediately—steadfastly proclaiming, he wanted Iger to be his brother.

We now have two wonderful sons; both journeys starting with an unexpected telephone call. 

Our journey is far from over as we continue our work for these older children with Project One Forty Three.  I hope others will join us, as we know first hand what ONE person, ONE call, ONE donation, etc. can do to change these children’s lives.