"The Boy from Baby House 10"

I just finished reading this book. What a page-turner! This is a compilation of events that happened to a little boy who was stuck in the orphanage system in Russia in the mid-90's through 2007. It addresses the lack of care, injustices, and put simply, horrible neglect of children in the system, in particular a boy named Vanya.

As I read his story I cried, was hopeful, and cried again because just when you think Vanya's situation couldn't possibly get worse, it does. Again and again. Over 5 or 6 years pass as he languishes in a silent and unfriendly world without proper food, clothing, an education and barely ever the light of day or human contact.

But then a few little miracles happen that build into Vanya getting rescued and subsequently adopted. The people who helped Vanya noticed him because of his friendly attitude and ability to connect with others, even with those who had no interest in connecting.

Reading this book was hard. Given that we adopted our children from Russia who were also raised in the baby home and children's home since birth (Misha) or 15 months old (Sasha), I couldn't help but think that my sons have encountered dispassionate and most-likely downright mean caretakers in their years in the system. Goodness knows what atrocities they have seen or experienced. That is why I thank heaven every day that we met Sasha and Misha and were able to adopt them when they were just 4 and 5 years old. Two years later they are happy, active, inquisitive and intelligent boys with a zest for life. Ironically, Vanya held onto many of these traits as well, during his ordeal and afterwards. This is a testimony of the human spirit to overcome adversity and succeed despite a bleak beginning in life.

Left with more questions than answers when reading this book, it does end with happiness and hope for Vanya. He is ultimately adopted by an American lady and is now in high school and an active member of Boy Scouts. He maintains a friendship with the couple who helped break the silence of neglect and abuse in the baby house and played a role in finding a family for Vanya.

Vanya was saved, but many still languish in a system that is overcrowded and financially strapped. That is why I volunteered to be a co-coordinator of Bridge of Hope for Russian Children. We found our sons through this summer hosting program. My hope is that many other families will find their adoptive children through Bridge of Hope as well. With over 800,000 orphans institutionalized in Russia, there are a lot of terrific kids available for adoption. We just need to find families for them by spreading the word about adoption.

I recommend reading "The Boy from Baby House 10". It is one boy's story of overcoming despicable conditions to finally find his forever-family through adoption.