Revisiting My Orphanage in Russia 23 Years Later
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ย. 2018
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On this channel, I invite you to join me in exploring the intricate tapestry of my life. As a Russian-New Zealand adoptee, I open up about my experiences, shedding light on topics that resonate with fellow adoptees. From vlogs to illuminating stories, this space is dedicated to sharing not only my own journey but also the inspiring narratives of others who've walked a similar path.
Having been adopted at the age of two from an orphanage in Arkhangelsk, Russia, into the embrace of my New Zealand family, I delve into the path of my cultural upbringing, the history that has shaped me, and the meaningful connections I've made with my birth family. My quest to uncover the missing links of my heritage takes me to Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, each step a chapter in my evolving story.
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Alex Gilbert ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Crazy bro. I was adopted in 2007 from Tomsk Russia into California. I was in orphanages from age 3-7 I had many illnesses and found out I had a half brother when i was 7. Found out my birth mom died in 2005 and have zero clue of my birth father. I have a few photos from Russia but the youngest photo is when I was 6. I have an address of my orphanage and hopefully one day I can visit it and see how it looks like
Alan Stein I found my orphanage documents apparently my adoptive parents knew they had it the whole time but they just showed me and I can see why they didn’t want to show me. Basically it says I have no family left that my dad went to jail and my mom died from suicide and that they said at court they didn’t want to take care of me so I can see why they never wanted to show me
I came across your video by pure chance. I have seen the first 3 of your videos. When you said your mum was also an orphan too I understood her. Your doing a marvellous job and showing her compassion and understanding. She possibly has never been shown that in her life. Your have come to her emotional rescue, and your her only son, she could not have chosen better if you understand whats meant by that. and your New Zealand Parents are very special too. well done keep up the good work. UK here.
Beautiful video, wishing all the best to you and your family.
I also lived in the orphanage in Novosokolniki Russia, I was adopted when i was 11 so i remember everything. Thanks for sharing.
I was an orphan from Vladivostok. I was adopted by Americans when I was 10.
Hey there I have just come across your story. I am from Arkhangelsk too, my daughter was born in 1993 she is nearly your age, I remember well those 90th it was a very difficult time! So hello земляк 👋
Your parents have done an incredible job raising you. I absolutely LOVE your spirit!!
Amen
That looks like a very nice orphanage. You looked like a well-cared-for two-year old, a happy, sweet little boy.
His parents lucked out. What a great guy!
I should imagine he's largely such a great guy because his parents raised him well!
Alex, your biological Father is fantastic, love how he has welcomed you with open arms into his family. Beautiful, so happy for you.
As many people here, I was also adopted in Russia!
I was actually born in 1994 and was adopted in 1999.
I'm in the USA now but was originally from the village of Trenkasy, Cheboksary District, Chuvashia.
I'm just starting my search for my parents so best of luck for everyone out there and discovering their roots!
You were 5 y.o. at your adoption, do you still remember the language? They're a Turkic ethnic group there, and speak Chuvash.
I was 4.5 years old, but I digress. Lol
Unfortunately, I lost most of the Russian language once I started to learn English. All I know are basic words like, "hi", "apple", "dog" and some colors.
I've been trying to relearn the language but I wish I had more of an excuse to keep practicing it. If you don't use it, you lose it =/
To be honest, I didn't realize Chuvash is a different language than just Russian. I need to do a lot more research lol.
@@calicocat8213
I am adopted from Russia also- I was adopted in 1997 from Tver Russia. I know my birth parents name but they did not want contact with me, I believe they were on the run. I enjoyed what you had to say about your memory and how you don’t remember your time in the orphanage.
Could find out if you have siblings? Maybe they'd like to have contact with you. 👫
Oh wow, I’m also from Tver, I hope everything went well in your life, most likely you are lucky to have been taken away from here
I hope all is well in your life! I've lived in Tver for a short while, as I was an exchange student and attended the local university. I really liked the city, but of course actually permanently living in Russia would be different.
Ah I meet my people finally. I was born October 1997 in Moscow. Adopted in December of 1998. I know literally next to nothing. Mother “may have been young” but was gone right after delivery. I always wonder.
same but I was adopted from Yekaterinburg, Russia in 2003
Thank you so much for posting this. My son was 5 and a half when I adopted him in Ukraine; he also remembers almost nothing from his early years. I am glad that you pointed out how much the people working in the orphanages care and try to do the best they can; that has also been our experience. It is wonderful that you want to try to do something for the orphanage where you spent the first years of your life. You are a terrific young man.
This young man is so mature, caring and special. I just want to meet him & give him a hug. Love him & his dad's relationship! I'm praying for his Mom 🙏 Amazing story! God continue to bless this sweet family! 🙏💙💛
Thank you!
I plan on revising the Russian orphanage I was at in a few years! Saving money! I still remember a lot so hopefully it will help me with closure!
May every child have such great loving parents like yours! 🙏
What a beautiful story and tribute to his biological and adopted parents.
I had tears in my eyes when he met his biological parents.
There are so. many stories of adopted children and it was a blessing that he has a very heartwarming story to tell.
Obviously, He was blessed.
He will do great things to help the orphanage and other families.
Such a God's gift to search his heritage.
Me and my older birth sister were adopted (ages 3 and 7) in Wales. None of us remember being in care, although my sister can remember life before foster care. Interesting to learn someone else also doesn't have memories from being in foster care/orphanage
I just stumbled upon this looking for info on my orphanage, in Voronezh Russia. It's so nice to hear you say you have no anger towards your birth mom. People are always shocked when I say the same. I'm going back in August and can't wait. thank you!
My girlfriend recommended this video to me knowing my story. I was born in October 1997 in an orphanage in Moscow, Russia. By December 1998 I had been adopted by an American family. I’ve lived out my life here in America but I find myself always wondering what my story is. I know next to nothing about my birth parents. Orphanage “thought” she was young. She seemed to have been gone right after the delivery. I don’t know where to begin. I just want to know what they look like. But there are many hurdles.
They also lie.I would want to know to.very poor and couldnt afford to keep u.The rich ruin every country even America with their lies.They will get theirs for eternity some day soon.we must stay humble to this world.
I think you should go for it even if it doesn't work out the way you would have hoped at least the need to know would be satisfied good luck
Same here, that is what they told all the orphans it seems like, what do you think is the truth
Be prepared to be disappointed
@@melissaa2481 rich is all relative.....you are rich to someone in rural Africa or India.
Children's memories don't start forming till 4-5 on average, so it makes sense you don't remember the orphanage. My earliest memory was 4 years old.
The forming of long-term memories is actually tied to child learning to speak, as they form after child explains aloud things that have happened, again and again to him/herself and those around him/her.
Many children can remember some things from their 3rd year of life -- and then there are others who don't remember much before their 5th or even 6th year. So, yes, age 4 is maybe the average 🤷🏼♂️
Chris M it’s due to speech and reading learning age. Also due to memory - if you have an eidetic memory you’re likely to remember longer. I can remember to age 2.
My first memory is when I was 2. It was when I met my dad for the first time before he became my dad. I remember the wedding when I was only 3 and I remember going shopping for the new baby at 4.
Kemarie Bug Was there photos of any of these events? Photos mess with memories, people can start to think they remember an event they were at when they were very young because there's a photo of it.
Chris M I have several vivid memories from when I was 2 and 3 years old. There are no photographs of these memories, and I know they were from that exact age because many of them include my great grandfather who died when I was just barely 4 years old (I also remember every single detail vividly of the day he passed, including the book my mother was reading to me when the phone rang to tell us the news, even down to the exact page of the book, as well as everything else that took place that day). Due to the likelihood that memories can be tied to speech development, that might be the reason why I can recall memories from as early as 2 years old, as I was very ahead developmentally in all areas as a child, with a high IQ level as well. Memory recall is such a interesting subject to me, especially because so many different factors can play into what we remember and when, and there’s still so much we don’t know yet. The brain is a fascinating thing!
You are so lucky to get out from there and being adapted by wonderful parents.
Wow Alex, you have the look of both your parents, and you can see you are related to the siblings as well. How wonderful for you to have been able to meet them and that they have accepted you into their lives. Your story has warmed my heart.
I was adopted from Kazakhstan Oskemen near Russia. I was in the exact same shoes as you and visited back when I was 10 years old. Be proud of where you come from, love from England 💙
Gosh....you're just AN INCREDIBLE, SWEET & LOVING person, Alex. I don't have proper terms to praise your parents for the upbringing they provided you and your brother, Andrei. And your birth father, he's lovely...so is his family❤❤❤❤
Thank you! I appreciate that a lot. I appreciate them more than anything!
What a sweet man. What a beautiful baby boy and I still see that little baby boy in him. I would have loved to adopt him. I would love to adopt a baby from this orphanage. It just warms my heart. Bless you.
i was adopted from moscow russia in 2000. this is very cool that you get to go back and visit. i hope i can soon one day.
Alex you are such an amazing young man! I am enjoying watching the journey of your life! God Bless you and your family! 💙💚💛☮
You as a smiling baby makes my heart melt😍❤️🥰
Thank you! I appreciate that :)
@@alexgilbert ....I don't remember much from my early childhood as well...I grew up with my birth parents ..
@@alexgilbert , you are like an angel : kind and with pure heart. It's so great you are not angry with your birth mother. God bless you!
I don’t think to many of us remember early childhood . I remember when my brother was born I was three .
You are the cutest baby! Such a beautiful smile,so easy to love ❤️.
18.10.2018 me and my husband adopted my little girl..we name her Kayla Faith❤ she just make me falling in love and cant wait to see her growing up infront of my eye....i hope kayla will find her birth parent..when she get ready and understand the situation.your story is so inspired.God bless you and big familys alex❤
I was adopted on russia when I was 1 year old. It's amazing. I wish I could go back there one day.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I cannot imagine anyone watching this without having their hearts ache for you. You are loved by all of us watching your journey.
This is incredible! My brother and I got adopted from Tomsk in 2006 and we are in the same process of finding where we came from and hoping to go back and visit where we came from and to find our birth mom. Thank you for sharing.
For some reason, this was very emotional and touching to me. Honestly, it brought tears to my eyes.
Your story is so touching. It is nice to know others have a similar story to me.I was adopted from Russia too but I came to America from 7. I would like to revisit someday also. I remember a lot.
Thank you for sharing! Yes I am sure you will one day! :)
Hello are you from rostov na don?grrettings
So many Russian kids were abandoned in 90-s after the collapse of USSR. I've met russian adoptees even...in UAE. 14 and 9 years old brothers adopted from Russia at early age, both were quite fluent in Russian and as I understood, Arab parents never kept them away from their origin. Even encouraged them to contact with their former compatriots.
YES a project for the Orphanage!!! I would love to help you in any way I can!
I love the way think and talk and request others for adoption and give these young children a better home. It’s so true that adoption is needed or else these orphanages will be over loaded and the children will get neglected. The staff can’t give care as the family would do to the adopted children mostly. Of course cases happen but rare.
I always just hope for the best for the children at the orphanage. Always!
Such a courageous thing to do to see The Orphanage where u were left till that loving couple from NZ came and those little children waiting to be adopted if that's the case made me sad but you giving gifts made the story amazing
His father was so nice and so were his adopted parents. He was so lucky after all.
What an angelic smile as a handsome kid. Awesome kid. Thank you for these great videos. Amazing Alex!
Love from india 🇮🇳
Oh my god. As soon as you showed me your nurse I had tears. Oh. My. God.
I'm adopted too, but my experience is a bit different than yours. After meeting my biological father I realize we have nothing in common. I no longer let it define me and it's a meaningless fact. Everyone is different of course. All the best and thank you for sharing.
Mate this has brought a tear to my eye... what a wonderful but heartbreaking story... you seem a fine young man and a credit to yourself.. 👍
you have clearly grown up to be a fine young man .. and a wonderful human being you have become .. you do both your birth parents and your adoptive parents proud .
I was adopted in Australia (just over the diatch) by Australian parents. It is so important, for those interested, to see their 'roots'. Few children remember before three years old which is normal. Thank you for sharing this experience - it is so lovely to see the children being cared for in a different manner than media purported years ago. ADOPTED KIDS ROCK!
What a wonderful soul you have you are an inspiration
For some inexplicable reason, your story strikes me hard. You give off such gentle and kind vibes I can't help but follow your journey through your self- rediscovery. Also you're from New Zealand, a country in my bucket list to visit some day. Nothing but love to you and your family Alex. Keep doing the great work!
Thank you so much!
Loved the video. I'm adopted from Yaroslavl, Russia and hope to return one day!
Hi alex. Im not adopted but my mother was. Twice in one year actually. She has passed on now but had such a wounded place in her heart with not knowing her.own story. She knew only bits and pieces. What you are doing in your life is wonderful. Thank you for giving adoptees hope.
Hey I’m also adopted from Russia I really enjoyed your video !
Усыновление это огромное счастье !!!!
У меня просто началась жизнь когда у меня появился мой сынулька!
Всем любви 🇷🇺❤️🙏
Thank you for sharing this with us. I saw your video on Reddit and found your channel here, a very touching story.
I’d like to go back to my orphanage in Russia I’m 27 now was 5 when I was adopted I was born in Perm
Oh man this is so touching. A wonderful story!
I’m from Moscow but was adopted by a polish American family in Michigan. My adopted mother’s grandfather was stationed in archangel during part of the Russian civil war fighting for the Americans. He was in the 339th infantry and a polish immigrant that left home at the age of 16. He was under the impression he was going to Western Europe but the men got sent to Russia instead. I can’t even imagine his disappointment when they told him where was actually going. He never talked about his time in that war.
Awesome idea! Every child deserves a loving family.
I'm glad that you visited the place that you spent the first years of your life. I live in Sweden and I just started the process to adopt a child in Russia as well. Wish me luck!
I can see your sense of gratitude and nobility comes naturally from your birth dad...and guess your upbringing
I am deeply touched by your wonderful nature.May you always be blessed!
Loving touching journey. . I'm so happy for you to be able to meet both your parents and the bond between your birth father and yourself. . you're a very courageous young man. . God bless. . .
Very cool. I didn't see this until now. Looks like a nice place with good people. Glad you had a good start.
Admiring your journey. Thank you for sharing with us.
Wow, well done, a very touching story, and going back to see it, as many of us forget our past, you've gone back, well done you, I hope your project goes well too
what you are sharing is incredible - thank you
Thanks Alex for your videos and the love you have inside.
Bless those that cared for you and all children.
Good on ya mate.
Respect from a Kiwi brother
you are incredibly selfless like your parents. It's inspirational, really.
Beautiful action visiting the orphanage. Fantastic idea about helping the orphanage. The kids need a lot!
Your story is amazing! I have helped several people reconnect. Including siblings of mine who never knew I exaisted.
Bless you on your journey
Dear Alex watching all your videos with tears and a lump in my throat and then joy for you ,i know you are being directed my GOD Love to you and your extended family .Trevor Gunston Queensland Australia.
Happy Birthday Alex! I hope you are doing well!
A lovely and loving story. None of us know what we come into this life for...you have found such an important purpose. The road has risen to meet you and the wind is at your back. ❤
Alex, what a heart you have! Wow! So glad you are having these experiences. Basically I do feel that most of us don't have memories from when we are two. You were pretty young when adopted. You are so blessed to have so any people that love you. Thanks for these great vids!
Im fighting back the tears, you've such a strong person God bless you
Your parents are wonderful People! Lucky you and Lucky them to have each other. Say them my big hello from Ukraine and thank everyone who has so deep and kind heart.
Amaizing idea! 😍 help others is the best thing that you can do and more if it is a place where you were taken care of as a Child
I plan on adopting from russia or Romania when im older (probs a 10+ as they rarely get adopted as they are classed as too old)
My daughter was adopted from Kazakhstan, from a Soviet-era orphanage that looks almost exactly like that. We returned when. She was 9 and again when she was 13 and both times met her birth mother and her family. We also visited the orphanage on the first visit, and our daughter asked us to go back twice more during our visit to play with the little kids. All very moving, but a lot of feelings for everyone to process. I’m moved that you pursued your curiosity to find out your origins and that you are doing these projects.
Hello My name is Katia Anible and i wish i could visit the orphanage and the town i grew up. I was there till 8 but my mind blanked most of it out and on top of that i dont speak russian anymore. It was nice to hear of someone who was able to do it and I always wished i could help the orphanages also.
nice to see you had gotten to see and say thank you to the woman who shortly may have taken care of you along with maybe many others. I very well think it must have been a great encouragement and could have been that ounce of inspiration to keep her going with pouring the good into what shes routinely been doing.
Having myself been in an интернат for a number of visits, spending 6 months in a village by kiev.ive spent time with the kids often after their school hours or a day of the weekend doing some craft or team games with them... after some time i notice its not the things or peoples sacrificial gifts that are of great value to those kids. Its mainly that ounce of inspiration, the spent time together, and glimpse of encouragement beyond the bumps on the road that is treasured by many of those kids. Getting to know different kids.. and breaking the often fights and tensions especially amoung the older ones. Them growing on you and them getting used to you... cant help but notice the интернат's atmosphere and the positions the workers are in, the potential burnouts or heaviness the workers could experience. Its seems likea worker can give a sacrifice of self with out a certainty of seeing outcomes... So i think it must be a great deal to that woman to have been given that moment to see you in person way down the road... not in drugs, in troublesome endless paterns.. and see and hear "Thank you". And a great deal of your adoptive parents being willing to take the responsibility and continual effort on their end for you to have and be in a home. desided to share some thoughts here
Keep up good work
Beautiful Story! Thank you. 🌺
If you are loved,you can fly💜Good luck with your plans!
My dad found when i was 28 still living with till today i turned 57 on 09th september
You have really had quite a remarkable journey.
You are so lucky. I was adopted out of Russia when I was 6 years old, and have no information of the orphanage I was in, I believe it was outside of Moscow.
ты говоришь по русски? do you have / can you obtain Russian citizenship?
legal canada I do not no. I plan on traveling when I’m older
good job Alex,so proud of you
Cool stuff man, really cool what you're doing. We can say a lot about life but the most important thing is how we treat others. Well done mate!
Thank you! I really appreciate that a lot!
Brilliant thanks for great video, 👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story ;-)
This just came across my recommendations and it was very cool that you got to visit your orphanage. I am also adopted from Russia, but in the Kopesk region and I am not allowed to have contact with my birth family or send them anything. My adoptive mother hired a PI to find her and it turned out I have a half brother and sister. Unfortunately I am not allowed to return to Russia because of the government and other reasons regarding my adoption. It has been cool and fascinating to hear your story and maybe I will share mine too one day!
Putin says NIET.
You are a great person Alex!
God has had His protective arms around you all your life. God bless you.
I’ve been watching your story and I didn’t catch before that it was Arckhabgeksk. I went there as a US tourist on a college educational program in 1993. I don’t think we visited your orphanage. We did visit a children’s hospital.
Such an amazing story. I have a very similar story of being adopted when I was two from novosibirk and I’ve had many of the same thoughts you express in this video!! I hope to learn more about my origin as you got too
@AlexGilbert I’d for us to have a conversation sometime
You are an amazing young man!
glad to hear you're well. a cheap impact would be to get some artists and create new colourful/child-friendly murals and repaint the existing
I didn't think of that idea actually!
You are a good human being 💕
Thank you very much! :)
I have so much Respect for this Young Man.
I seen documentaries about the some of the orphanages in Russia..Some are really bad..im so glad you were in a good one..The Nurses and care workers should get medals for everything they do..there hands are tied on how much care some children get depending on there health..
I was adopted from Bulgaria in 97. I also was placed in an orphanage, but have no memories being there. My first memories are with my adopted parents in the countryside of Wisconsin. Unfortunately our adopted parents sent us away after 4 years living in the United States, and till this day have no communication with them. Thank you for sharing your story.
Your story is amazing
You were SUCH a cute baby!!! I would have adopted you too!
I think this is reason the long time nurse at the orphanage remembered Alex as a kid.
Your parents are so brave persons
You are a great guy. Good luck mate