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Elena & Yulia Hagemeier
Here is a portion of a note we recently received from Kris & Sarah Hagemeier who just returned home with their 2 adopted daughters from Russia – Elena & Yulia…
Dear Lifesong,
(Prior to their adoption being complete)
Since we have sent out our Lifesong Matching Grant support letter, we have been receiving letters from people in support of what we are doing. It has been a joy to get the mail everyday to see what God is doing. Most of the letters have been for small amounts but have slowly been adding up. Today when we received the mail at the church we opened a letter to find a check for $4,000. I am totally blown away and humbled at how God is working. He is truly awesome in how He works. I wanted to thank you for coming along side of us. You are doing an incredible work and I commend you on what you are doing.
(After adoption was complete)
Once again thank you for all of your help in making our adoption become a reality. It has been obvious that the Lord's hand has been upon this from the very beginning. The girls have done very well.
It is hard to believe their parents would give them up and not want them anymore. We were told a little more about their background… and know their parents were imprisoned for stealing and for neglect of the girls. The report said their home was very dirty and cold and that there was no linens on the beds and the girls had been starved. I don't know if this meant that the girls were having to sleep without blankets or exactly what, and how extensive the starvation was but it is hard for me to imagine doing this to any child. We also know the parents drank alcohol excessively. After they were released from prison the orphanage director told us the mom started a new family and from that point I don't think ever came to see the girls. The dad came to see them once, but was drunk so the girls flatly refused to see him. After this there was never any attempt to make contact again.
We have seen God answer so many prayers through this, it is truly a testimony of God's grace and love in how He has worked and I know because of Him, we will be able to work through anything that comes our way.
Once again thank you for all of your help,
In Christ,
Kris & Sarah Hagemeier
(adopted Elena & Yulia from Russia in 2004)