The transformation in *Arthur and *Sam’s lives has been nothing short of remarkable. Just a few weeks ago, they were living in a state run orphanage in Ukraine, with only the most basic possessions to their names. Now, they are thriving in a new, loving home, officially part of Anya and Bogdon’s family.
The adoption process moved incredibly fast. By the following Monday after their application was approved, *Arthur and *Sam were settling into Safe Haven, a place that would quickly become their home. The reality of the transition hit when the boys arrived, with only three grocery bags containing all their belongings.
For *Arthur, it was a reminder of just how limited his world had been up until now. As Anya shared, “*Arthur only had 1 pair of underwear, the socks he was wearing, a couple of pairs of pants and 2 t-shirts. *Sam’s situation was worse. This is how it always is, but it still shocks me even after all these years [of ministry].” On their first day at Safe Haven, the priority was simple—shopping for the essentials.
The adjustment was understandably challenging. The boys had just left behind everything they knew, and Safe Haven was a big, new world to navigate. Their first experience of “normal” life was at a Halloween party hosted by a First Love team member, Janna, where they joined in games, snacks, and fun. But despite the joy around them, they both sought a quiet corner to rest, overwhelmed by everything happening so quickly. Bogdon observed that while they enjoyed the event, the enormity of the change was hard for them to process.
Safe Haven is not just a house; it’s a vibrant community, and the boys were immediately surrounded by a mix of new faces—some more temporary, like a tall medic from England staying while his truck was fixed, and some more permanent, like the rest of the Safe Haven family.
The road ahead for *Arthur and *Sam to fully integrate into the family will take time, but they are surrounded by support, patience, and love. Anya and Bogdon, though relatively new to these boys, are already deeply committed to their well-being and growth.
Let’s introduce you to *Arthur and *Sam—two incredible young boys with bright futures ahead.
*Arthur is 15 years old, and although his past has been filled with hardship, he’s showing great resilience. He and his brother were placed in the orphanage just eight months ago, and *Arthur’s experience there was overwhelmingly negative. “Just being there” was how he described what was terrible about his time at the orphanage. The only thing he considered positive was the chance to attend school—though, even then, he admitted, he didn’t really enjoy it.
What *Arthur does enjoy, is working on cars. He had the opportunity to work at a bus garage for a year, gaining hands-on experience and learning valuable skills. He’s determined to pursue a future in mechanics, and after finishing the 9th grade, he hopes to attend a trade school to further develop his passion. Bogdon is working with a local friend who is a mechanic to ensure *Arthur gets the training and experience he needs.
*Sam, 10, is more reserved than his older brother. His comfort zone is a little smaller, and he’s more hesitant to open up. But he’s finding his way, bit by bit. *Sam loves McDonald’s, football (soccer), anime, and math. He also enjoys playing on his phone.
*Sam’s experience in the orphanage was quite different from his brother’s. While *Arthur struggled, *Sam found some comfort in the friendships he made there. But arriving at Safe Haven was still a huge adjustment. At first, he embraced the new routines, even enjoying simple tasks like raking leaves—though he wished there had been more to jump in!
However, as the reality of living in a family setting began to settle in, both boys started to struggle a little more. Safe Haven feels a bit like summer camp at first—exciting, but also a little surreal. Then, as the days go on, the new responsibilities, like keeping things tidy and contributing to household chores, start to feel like real work. It’s an important transition for any child coming from an orphanage, and it takes time for everyone to adjust.
Every day they are learning to trust, to be loved, and to see a brighter future ahead.
As they continue to adjust to their new life, please pray for them. The road may be long, but it’s a journey full of hope. The hard work is just beginning, but with God, nothing is impossible.
