This is a little video of Natalie talking about her "Russia House" and becoming a family. We actually showed this at the kids' dedication last week.
It's sweet... but perhaps a bit embellished on her part (as she talks about crying for a family). Justin has very clear memories about meeting us for the first time and then waiting for us to come back. The girls really didn't understand it at the time. However, since we've been home, we've talked a lot about the process. We've prayed for the friends they left behind and hope they will also have a family one day.
Our time with Natalie in the orphanage was actually pretty strained. Mostly, she wanted nothing to do with us. She was very, very quiet and non emotional. Very little eye contact. Very little physical touch. So, while I don't know if she was outwardly "crying for a family" at that time, she certainly was on the inside.
We still struggle with her emotions being authentic sometimes, but one thing is for certain: Our little girl has a forever family. We pray we can be her safe place. The place where she knows unconditional love, experiences healing of past hurts, and rests in the comfort that we are forever.
3 comments:
Though she may not be certain of her emotions, she is very certain of her family! That is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing more stories of your amazing family!
I know you are wondering if she may be embellishing a bit, but Natalie definately knows that she has a family and that she is loved! The five of you have truly become a "real" family. How incredibly blessed you must feel!
How beautiful! She shows so much love and excitement for her family. That is awesome!
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