Hi, my name is Jill. I am a wife, mom, bonus mom and adoptive mom.
We hosted our son Kyle (previously Roman) from Ukraine in Jan/Feb 2020 and adopted him and brought him home 3/31/21.
In the summer of 2021 a local family hosted his best friend, Vanya, from the same Orphanage in Ukraine and shared time with us. In the winter of 2021 we hosted Vanya for 4 weeks. After he returned to Ukraine I started advocating for his little brother, Yan, to be able to come with him to stay with us this summer for hosting.
Then 2/24/22 Russia invaded Ukraine. Our goal has since changed.
The boys have been evacuated to Poland and are physically safe. For that we are thankful. However, the conditions are not ideal. We are trying to lobby our government to allow us to bring the boys here until the war concludes and they can safely be returned to Ukraine so we can adopt them.
I went twice last year for 2 weeks each time to see them and help with their orphanage in Poland. During my time there I was able to meet Yan and spend time bonding with both boys.
We are raising money for a few things. First of all, I have permission to go and see them where they currently are and haven't seen them since last November. I purchased a phone for Vanya to stay in contact but every time it is fixed he does something to screw it up and he is then unable to contact me, so I have gone months with no contact. Right now I cannot afford to go back again to see them and want to be able to do so. We feel this is important for many reasons the biggest being we do not want them to feel forgotten or unwanted. We do not want them to give up hope and feel abandoned once again. Second, any fees to get the boys here when the time comes (airfare, visas, passports, etc.). Third, any fees for the adoption. Adoption alone typically costs $40k for a sibling set. So our goal is low to cover all expenses, but will be helpful in getting us much closer to it.
Thank you in advance for your help in helping these boys. They have already been through so much in their lives. The trauma of war and now what ever their lives look like where they are now is not ideal for them and we want to help change that as soon as possible.
It takes a village. Thank you, in advance, for being part of our village.
XOXO
Jill
