Borsch. I know most of you immediately think of that jar of watery, vinegary pink broth with floating hunks of slimy ex-cabbage.  That stuff should be outlawed.  No self-respecting Ukrainian would even try to call that Borsch. No, real Borsch comes in as many forms as there are Russian cooks.  Each one makes their Borsch a little differently, and as an honorary Russian/Ukrainian (by the grace of my children), I am no different. My borsch is an amalgamation of at least three different recipes, taking ingredients and techniques from each, and getting a little better each time. The latest improvement: […]

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…A very good place to start. I have big plans for 2012 here at RiverOfThoughts.com, and I’m excited for you to be part of them! First, you’ll be able to enjoy three posts a week starting in mid-January! In addition to the random fun stories and occasional introspection that goes on here, I’m planning two series to get us through the winter: Adoption 101 — I’ll make my best effort at explaining the often overwhelming maze of choices surrounding adoption Mission in Action — I’ll profile people that are living out the call to care for orphans and make a difference in […]

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To all you future parents…If you gain the ability to influence your child’s birthday in any way, for heaven’s sake, don’t make it in December! Exactly two years ago, we sat in a small office in Kyiv, Ukraine, asking permission to adopt Lena. Today, she turns Sweet 16. So much has changed in two years Two years ago, she barely spoke any English Last year, she passed the state standardized testing with no help. This year, she read Romeo and Juliet…and understood it. Today (halfway through her Freshman year), she has a B average with no accommodations. Lena is amazing. […]

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We can’t say the word “winning” this year without at least a split-second image of a manic Charlie Sheen. But true winning is finding a path of forgiveness and love.  Winning is finding God’s way through pain instead of our own.  Winning is finding the passion that can drive us forward to make a difference, to love out our faith and impact lives. Alex Krutov is a winner. Alex has found hope in the midst of hopelessness, laughter in the midst of fear, perseverance in the midst of abuse.  Enduring horrors no one should ever endure.  Watching friends die.  Burying them […]

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Sunday was my one-month anniversary at RiverOfThoughts.com and Monday was my 100th post related to Adoption. To celebrate these milestones, and to wrap up National Adoption Month, I want to give away my favorite moment of peace:  a good book and a frilly coffee! This means I’m giving away a copy of Infinitely More by Alex Krutov, along with a Starbucks Gift Card!!!  Enter yourself in the drawing by following three simple steps between now and next Tuesday, 6 December: 1. Find your favorite post on my blog site.  How? Visit the Adoption Story or Portfolio pages for links to some key […]

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