Bojendara, Age 14

I was an orphan in Stara Zagora. I was seven when I was adopted and now I am fourteen. I think that one the most important advantages of being adopted is that now that I am in America; I can grow up to be whatever I would like to be. If it is the will of God, I could become a doctor, a musician, an artist, an actor, etc. I am also given a chance to find my talents. I love music and I play the flute. I sing in a choir at my church.

To me adoption means the opening of a new life full of opportunities. It means that I am allowed to follow my dreams and act on them no matter what color my skin is. My mom and dad are supportive of any good ideas or ambitions I have. They keep me warm and safe. They are constantly making sure that I feel loved and that everything is perfect and safe for me.

My youth group at church visits nursing homes every week. We visit them and sing to them. It is great to see the old ones smile at us when we talk or sing to them. I like to think that they are Jesus in disguise. Afterwards we meet and pray for everyone we had seen and have fun.

The thought that Bulgaria is my birth country makes me proud and happy. Why? Because they are now open to adoption. Before they were open to it, I was not half as proud as I am now. I rather dreaded the thought that it was my birth country. However, I do not dread it any more and I am glad - so glad. I love the food there. I cannot help it! I am Bulgarian. I remember seeing many different kinds of food in stores. Banitzas, sausage, the salads. It was all great. I remember the beautiful mountains all different colors. The sunsets and the cooing doves. The wonderful fertile ground and the golden crops. What I remember most is my grandmother's garden. It had tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, apples, pears, and so much more. My favorite memory of Bulgaria is the fertile grounds and the huge mountains. 

Thank you so much, AGCI, for doing all that you do for the children of Bulgaria.