In Levittown, Russian Orphan Finds a Happy Home

Elaina Braverman, 12, was born premature less than four pounds and spent the first six months of her life in the hospital before being sent to a Russian orphanage. Almost ten years later, she's a popular seventh grader in Levittown.

In 2003, Jane Waldman and her husband Mark decided to adopt a child from Russia after hearing of friends going through positive experiences. 

"The biggest reason that people go overseas is that it’s permanent," she said. "Once you’re given permission by the Russian court, it’s final."

It took nine months to adopt Elaina, who was 3 years old and was at an orphanage in Arkhangelsk, Russia. 

"We fell in love with her instantly," Waldman said. "It was just an instant connection."

The family moved from New York City to Levittown because they wanted Elaina, their only child, to have a nice place to grow up. When Elaina arrived in America, she faced many challenges, including trouble walking, learning the language and holding utensils the right way. Jane worked from home to help.

The first time Elaina was given a dress from the Waldmans, she cried when it was time to take it off, as she often shared her clothes at the orphanage. Her parents explained that the clothes were now hers alone.

"Very quickly, she adjusted to her new life in America, and she’s come a long way," Jane said. "She’s very popular and has a boyfriend. It’s a wonderful life in America and she’s the love of our life. As far as she’s concerned, we’re her parents."

Elaina, a seventh grader at Wisdom Lane Middle School, had struggles with learning as she progressed through school, but she turned a major corner in fifth grade at North Side School. She won President Obama's Award for Academic Achievement, which brought her mother to tears.

She also swims at Acorn Pool during the summer and competes in both freestyle and backstroke, and her mother says she couldn't be more proud of how far Elaina's come.

"I love her more than if I had given birth to her," Jane Waldman said.

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