My name is Anya Fainberg. When I was in Russia, I had a very bad life. One day, my neighbor called the police and I went to the hospital. The doctors checked me out and I was OK. After that, I went to an orphanage. It was very sad, because I had to say good-bye to my baby brother. He is still in Russia. My orphanage was nice, but I had an empty place in my heart. I was very sad and lonely. Thank goodness for my best friend, Jenna, who is now my sister. She inspired me to be happy when I had no one. I am very grateful to her.

Meanwhile, Teri and Everett Fainberg, who are now my parents, were lonely, too. My mom told me that she was very sad because she did not have a daughter. One day, she begged my dad to go to this place to find a child. It was called Cradle of Hope Adoption Center. She described a girl to the people at CHAC. They tried to find the girl my mom described.

Guess what, that was me, ANYA! Soon after that, I came to America. When I saw a picture of my mom and dad, they looked very red, like Indians. I was a little afraid. When I finally met them, I was relieved. When I first saw my parents, the empty place in my heart was gone. Then I went to my new house. My mom gave me a bath to relax me. I stayed in the tub for over an hour. I had never had a bath before, and it was really fun.

After five weeks of fun, I had to go back to Russia. I was extremely sad and I was afraid my parent's wouldn't come to get me. I wasn't really sure what to think. I was crying a lot in Russia. I was waiting a long time for my mom and dad. Finally, one day, my mom and dad came. I was happy again, but the night before I left Russia, I promised my sister that she could come to America, too.

It took four years to get her. She also came from the Bridge of Hope Program. Now she is part of my family. I have a great family: loving parents, a sister, a dog and a cat. I came home I was really lucky. I am happy I am in America now. Whoever is out there and trying to find a child, I wish you good luck. Then again, you don't need it, because you will love the child that you get and the child will love you back like I loved my mom and dad.

Anya is now 10. She was six when she came to the US with Bridge of Hope.

P.S. This is from Anya's mom Teri Fainberg. Please email me if you want more info: terifain@aol.com.