My name is Yosef Andrei Powers.  I was adopted 2 years ago from Russia.  I am 10 years old.

Maybe it was a good thing I was adopted then and not now 'cause the Russian leader, Putin, signed this law where Americans can no longer adopt Russian children.  I personally think that is stupid 'cause it means that some children who are in orphanages will never get the families they rightfully deserve!

I live with my family in Findlay, Ohio.  I have a mom and dad, as well as three brothers (Holcomb, Roger, and Zeke, ages 17, 14, and 12), and two sisters (Hope Grace and Zophia, who are 8 and 5).  We also have a boxer named Chance.  Life may be crazy here at the Powers house, but at least we have fun and love each other!

I am in the fifth grade at Parker Elementary.  My teacher is Ms. Johnson.  I have many friends; my best friends are Tuan Duc Vo, Simpson Coleman, and Zane McMurtry.  We've been the best of pals since kindergarten; now that we are in fifth grade, we are closer than ever.  We're almost like brothers, we get along so well.

When I'm not in school or having chores to do, I like to play with my friends (as well as my brothers and sisters), go to church on Sundays (and then go out to eat afterwards), exercise Chance every day by taking him to the dog park near our place, watch basketball on television, and write poetry or stories.  When I grow up I want to be a writer and write books for children.  I'd also like to be a professional basketball player, but in case that doesn't work out, I can always fall back on my writing.

I have no problem with the fact that I'm adopted.  I've accepted it and instead see it as a blessing because up until two years ago, I lived in a Russian orphanage, and it was hell.  I hated it!  The orphanage mothers were mean and whipped us for the simplest things; it was like walking on eggshells, and the children were treated horribly!  I still have bad dreams about it and have been going to a counselor to talk out my feelings about the experience, and it's helped a lot.

Now I thank God every day for the family I have and the fact that I live in America.  I am so glad that I am here!!  Very glad!!

Well, I hate to go, but Mamma wants me to go to the store with her; today is grocery shopping day.  And we could get some snow and Mamma wants to get to the store before the first snowflakes start flying.  I will write in here again soon; until then, this is Yosef Powers saying so long and God bless!

~Yosef.  :)