Oksana's Birthday!

What a day today has been. It is Good Friday and Oksana's birthday! It occurred to me this morning that both are bittersweet. I am heavy hearted when I consider the suffering that Jesus endured on the cross, but joyful for the salvation that comes through His sacrifice. I am also heavy hearted as I consider Oksana's birthday in the orphanage. I wonder if anyone acknowledged it or if she felt special in any way. But I am joyful because I know that next year her birthday will be one of great celebration surrounded by family and friends!

Nearly 8 years ago, when I was very pregnant with Evan, we took Clayton to Build A Bear to stuff an animal for his new brother. He chose a cat and dressed it as a firefighter! This year for Oksana's birthday we took the boys back to Build A Bear to make Oksana a bear that will go with us when we travel.

Here we are choosing her bear


Evan is helping to stuff it


And here is Oksana's new friend! We named her Mishka. I chose the clothes because the boys wanted to dress it as a Star Wars character!


After Build A Bear we gathered with our small group as well as a couple of other friends for a small party for Oksana.

Here is her cake


Friends singing Happy Birthday!


Evan goofing off before we cut the cake!


And FINALLY some clothes hanging in the closet! I can't say I'm positive they will fit her but I'm so glad she doesn't have an empty closet anymore!