Unfortunately the picture I have of Vlad is not in a format that allows me to post it here. (Maybe I’m missing something…)

BUT, the family resemblance is unmistakable when looking at his sister, Olga.

Vlad and his older sister are currently living in a private Christian home center. He is a very diligent pupil and is successful at learning. He is obedient, responsible, industrious and good-hearted. He never refuses to help others and is always ready to protect younger children when someone offends them. He has no problem making friends. His school friends respect him and appreciate his reliability.

Vlad loves to play soccer and basketball, and enjoys acting at the school theater.

Olga, originally uploaded by orphanadvocate.

Although Olga is already 17, she can still be adopted as she has a younger brother, Vlad. They both currently reside in a private Christian center.

A tenth-grade student, Olga’s favorite subjects are algebra, geometry and geography. She also likes to sing and is taking voice lessons.

She likes to look neat and fashionable and takes good care of her personal things. Olga is cheerful, has lots of friends, and is open to communication with adults. She loves to help with housekeeping chores.

Sasha is a fifteen-year-old boy who has been living in a Christian children’s center since the summer of 2006. Two months after arriving at the center his father died and he became an orphan. He attends Sunday church services, youth meetings and weekly home groups with pleasure.

Though it is not always easy for Sasha to quickly develop relationships, he appreciates and values close friends and close relationships with those people who are special in his life.

A kind and sensitive boy, Sasha loves nature, fishing and camping. He enjoys riding a bicycle, and spends hours repairing and taking care of his bike. Currently he is learning paragliding.

Pirani, originally uploaded by orphanadvocate.

Born to Iranians studying in Ukraine, Joseph was rejected by his parents once they knew his diagnosis. The father visited him several times but has now returned to Iran.

This active, joyful, on-the-move five-year-old boy is diagnosed with Down syndrome, slight mental retardation, delay in speech development, recurrent tonsilitis, and flatfoot.

He dresses himself, feeds himself, understands when he is addressed by adults, and performs simple duties. He speaks some words, and can concentrate for a short time on toys and books. He likes to ride a bike.

UPDATE: He has a forever family and has safely arrived in America!

Ivan, originally uploaded by orphanadvocate.

Five-year-old Ivan was rejected by his mother at birth. He was diagnosed with Down syndrome, mental retardation, underdevelopment of speech and crossed eyes.

In general, he is calm and very kind. He dresses himself and also feeds himself. He speaks a few words and understands when he is addressed by adults.

Ivan is very interested in toys and books hold his attention. He likes musical instruments very much, and especially enjoys ‘playing’ the piano.

Lilya, originally uploaded by orphanadvocate.

Lilya is a very kind, tender, calm five-year-old child diagnosed with Down syndrome, mental retardation, and atrial septal defect. She was rejected at birth by her mother who kept Lilya’s healthy twin.

She puts elementary puzzles together, likes to look through books with pictures, and enjoys playing with colorful toys.

Lilya understands when she is addressed by adults and repeats actions after adults. She dresses herself and feeds herself. She repeats some words after adults plus speaks some independently.

Though it is sometimes possible to separate sibling groups who have “special needs,” I would love to find a family who would adopt them all.