A Happy Ending

July 18, 2013

By: Nicky Wilbanks

After saying good-bye at the group home and the orphanage, we headed to Chiprovtsi.  Chiprovsti is known for its handmade carpets and pottery as well as its lovely scenery.  However, we were going there for something much more important: to visit Zoran and Alex, two former group home residents.  We met Zoran and Alex in 2007 on our first trip to Lom.  The boys, now 13 and 14 years old, have spent most of their lives in government care. Recently, they were allowed to go back to live with their mom. 

We were anxious to see how the boys were doing.  After so many years  in orphanages and with very little contact with their mother, we were concerned about how Zoran and Alex would adjust.  Would their mom be able to provide for them?  Would they make new friends?  Would they miss their friends and caregivers at the group home?

As soon as we saw Zoran and Alex, all of our fears were put to rest.  They boys looked happy and healthy.  They and their mom were all smiles as they greeted us.  Their uncle and grandmother live close by; they go fishing and play with new friends. Both boys are looking forward to starting in their new schools in a few months.  They were thrilled to show us their new town.  We spent a few hours touring a local museum and going into the mountains to view the scenery.

We will stay in touch with Zoran, Alex, and their mom with the help of Steffi, our translator, and Katia, the director of the group home.  We are thankful that Zoran and Alex have been reunited with their mom.  We wish all the children in Lom could have such a happy ending.