Those who look to God for help will be radiant with joy. Psalm 34:6
My name is Lucia. I am 19 years old. I have been living in the United States almost three years already. I came here from Ukraine when I was 16. I have a new life now, like I have never seen before. I want people to understand that God makes beautiful things beyond what we can imagine. My life in Ukraine was very difficult and I didn't think life could ever get better for me. I wondered often about how much longer I would live. I have cerebral palsy and was being housed in a facility for the mentally ill with many other children with special needs. We were not cared for the right way and I watched my friends die by my bed.
With this blog, I want to share with other people what God has been showing to me. I am just a girl, but I am God's girl and he helps me everyday to see Him in all the little things around me. I know many people have prayed for me even before I came home. Let me say, God bless you to all of you who pray for the orphan who waits for a family.
I also have a heart to see children like me become strongly bonded to their new families and I believe God has given me a mission to minister to adoptive parents who are trying to understand their children better. It is very difficult to be neglected and abused and then learn to trust again but it can happen. Nothing is impossible with God.
Love is in the light,
Lucia
From Tina (Lucia's Mom) : When Lucia was still in Ukraine and years before we adopted her, I knew her as Yulia. Every time I prayed for her, I would hear, "radiant." When she became ours and wanted a new name we chose Lucia, because it means radiant. Lucia has truly lived up to that name reflecting the light of Christ's gentleness and kindness. She has wanted to help others for a long time and she feels this is the time to step out in faith and begin sharing the good works God is doing in her life, in hopes that it blesses and inspires you. Everything that is written here is from her heart but is edited by me to help for clarity sake. Blessings
Go, Lucia! I will be your faithful reader and I know already - you'll be a great encouragement for parents and children alike! Merry 'Ukrainian' Christmas to you from Kristina, Artem i Sonia ))
ReplyDeleteHello Lucia! You are beautiful! I am so glad you are with your forever family now! My husband and I adopted our daughter from birth and she is such a joy. God bless you as you continue to shine for Him. In Christ, Beth
ReplyDeleteWow! I feel so extremely blessed to have met you and your precious family. I am looking so forward to continuing to read your blog! =)
ReplyDeleteAmy Colleton
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful words from a beautiful young woman!! Thank you, Lucia, for sharing your heart and God's love!
ReplyDeleteWow, Lucia! I am reading this all the way from Sydney, Australia. You are amazing. Sending love & hugs. God bless you! x
ReplyDeleteVery excited to read your words! Love from Michigan <3
ReplyDeleteI have been waiting for this for a LONG time! I am SO excited you are sharing your story and your wisdom so others can know Jesus and know how to help their children.
ReplyDeleteLucia I'm so excited that you are sharing your heart in this way! I look forward to following your new blog. I know God will use your words to shine His light and minister to so many people.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being willing to share your journey and wisdom with us!
ReplyDeleteLucia, thank you for sharing your story. You are very brave and courageous, as only a true child of God can be! Blessings - Jennifer
ReplyDeleteSO excited to see this Lucia. God has big plans for you young lady! There are many people that only you can reach and the only way to reach them is to get started! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteHi Lucia! I am so excited about your new blog. I can't wait to see how God may use what you have to share in my own life. We adopted a daughter a little over a year ago who is now 17. She also was 16 when she was adopted. Because of her very difficult and painful past she has had a very challenging time bonding with us as her family. Some days are really really hard, but I have hope in God. He is at work, and nothing is impossible with Him. I have a strong feeling that your blog will be an encouragement to me. God bless!!
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord bless you, Lucia for being the voice that our dear son will never have. You are beautiful, inside and out. Love, Mike and Misty Risse
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what to say to you, and then realized this is all that needs to be said right now. Thank you for being open, for sharing your story and using your experiences as a tool to teach others as they learn to love. Lucia - you are indeed RADIANT and the world is a brighter place because you are in it!
ReplyDeleteLucia, I am so glad you have started a blog and am looking forward to reading anything you want to share with all of us. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so so so happy and inspired by this. We have adopted 2 boys from a rural mental Institution in ukraine. One 11 with ds, autism, and r.a.d. and the other 15 with cp. One was very disliked by the nannies and the other was very liked. There is a huge difference in the bonding and behavior. Please keep sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so happy to see this blog post. We adopted a 16 year old daughter from Ukraine 3 1/2 years ago.
ReplyDelete:)
I love to see how God is working in such a mighty way through you.
Thank you for sharing your story with us Lucia!
ReplyDeleteI will love to follow you Lucia and so glad you have come to live here!
ReplyDeleteGod bless your heart and mind as He works in and thru you. Thank you for being willing to share and be an encouragement to others. Continue to shine brightly for Him.
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