All About Natasha and Maxim

Natasha and Maxim live in an orphanage in Ukraine. They have been there, as far as we know, about 5 or 6 years. They were raised by a single mom that died while they were young but not so young that they don't remember. They had no other family and so they were sent to the orphanage. They have an older sister who has already aged out of the orphanage. Usually, this is at age 16, but if you have a younger sibling they will allow you to stay until you finish the 9th grade. Natasha is in the 8th grade, therefore would only get to live there one more year. We could tell that Natasha was just like a mother to Maxim. We couldn't imagine what would happen to him after she left. He looks to her for everything. As these children are forced out of the orphanage at such a young age, they do what they have to do to survive. We have been told that people are entering their orphanages, getting to know the girls that are getting ready to leave, enticing them, slipping drugs to them and getting them hooked on them so they will have to do bad things to make money when they leave. Some may get to attend a trade school only to get out and never to be able to get a job because they are an "orphan". They are looked down upon like it is their fault that their life has turned out that way. We believe that the Lord has given us the opportunity to give them a chance at life. Natasha and Maxim were both very sweet children while they visited with us this past Christmas. We were told by their orphanage director that they were both very sweet and helpful children. Natasha was very quiet. You could tell that her heart has been broken and it took about the entire time they were here to gain her trust. We did see so much hope for her life. We can't wait to see how God's plan unfolds for them both. Maxim opened up quicker but still seemed scared. We have to think how hard it must be to come to a foreign country as a child and not be able to understand anyone, but like I was told one day, love is a universal language, and it was. But as time went by he had a big smile on his face as he laughed all the time. They both brought much joy into our home. We can't wait for them to get to know everyone and for everyone to get to know them. I know they will be so blessed as well as you. Much love to you all!