I am happy to share that some of Bohdan's roommates from his boarding school are now listed on Reece's Rainbow. When I talked to Bohdan about these boys he was so excited to see his friends and he wants them to get adopted and come to the U.S. too. So let me introduce you to...
Troy
You can read a little more about Troy on his Reece's Rainbow profile, but here is what I remember about him:
His profile says he is non-verbal and that is true, he did not talk at all while I was there. However he was extremely gentle, kind, and had a very sweet demeanor. I took bubbles one day and all the kids mobbed me wanting to play, Troy just stood there patiently smiling at me and waiting his turn. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. He would sit next to me at the table and would stare very sweetly at me and when I would make eye contact he would put his arms out to give me a hug. I do not know about his cognitive ability because I just did not get to spend enough time with him but he did understand the instructions he was given by his teacher and care taker at the boarding school with no problems, obeying them and following all their instructions (with a smile on his face). Physically he had no problems. I do not know if his lack of speech is due to trauma or an actual inability to form words. I will absolutely never forget how gentle and loving he was, he lives to be hugged and he loved what little one-on-one attention I was able to give him. He was so patient and kind to the other kids. A family would be blessed to have this precious boy as their son!
Sammy
You can read a little more about Sammy on his Reece's Rainbow profile, but here is what I remember about him:
Sammy was one of the sweetest kids I had ever met. Always ready with a smile and a hug! I brought things for all the kids in his group and he waited so patiently for his turn and gave me a big hug after. He was very kind and gentle with all the other kids, especially the one girl in the group. He and the other boys in his group (Troy and Garrett) are very well loved by one of their care-takers and it shows. It is obvious that they have been taught manners and cooperation and they are very kind to one another. They are taught at least several days a week so do not let the diagnosis deceive you, they are fairly smart boys. They all have obvious delays but never had any problems following instructions and they understood everything they were told and all seemed to love to be helpful. When I show our son (who was adopted from this group) their pictures he remembers their names and tells me they were his friends. He told me he wants them to be adopted and to come to the U.S. How I pray that happens for Sammy and the other boys! Sammy is so sweet and innocent, I hate to see what will happen to him if he ages out of the orphanage.
Garrett
You can read a little more about Garrett on his Reece's Rainbow profile, but here is what I remember about him:
I will always remember how sweet Garrett was. He was usually the first one to greet me with a hug when I visited. He was always so excited to show off for me. When the care-taker announced that they were all going outside he promptly put his shoes on and helped some of the other kids with their shoes as well. He and the other boys in his group (Troy and Sammy) are very well loved by one of their care-takers and it shows. It is obvious that they have been taught manners and cooperation and they are very kind to one another. They are taught at least several days a week so do not let the diagnosis deceive you, they are fairly smart boys. They all have obvious delays but never had any problems following instructions and they understood everything they were told and all seemed to love to be helpful. When I show our son (who was adopted from this group) their pictures he remembers their names and tells me they were his friends. He told me he wants them to be adopted and to come to the U.S. How I pray that happens for Garrett and the other boys! Garrett is so sweet and innocent, I hate to see what will happen to him if he ages out of the orphanage.
From left to right: boy, Garrett, boy, Troy, Sammy, and Bohdan
I would love to tell Bohdan that God has answered his prayers to send families for his friends. Let's bring these boys home!!!