Caledonia Argus

A new home for Gina

Posted: 4/15/03

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

After a a trip halfway around the globe, most Americans return home with cheap souvenirs and a bad case of sunburn. A Spring Grove couple, whoíd been looking to adopt a child since 2000, brought back from Bulgaria a new addition to their family.

James and Nicole Lund adopted their first daughter through Lutheran Social Services of Minneapolis. After taking an international adoption training course and visiting Bulgaria in July, the Lunds traveled back to Eastern Europe March 6 and brought home two year-old Gina Nicole.

ìItís wonderful, we feel truly blessed,î said Nicole Lund. ìIf I was to compare the feelings and love we have for her, I canít imagine any different feeling if she was biological.î

The Lunds decided Gina was the child they wanted to adopt during their visit to Bulgaria in July. At an orphanage with 250 children ages three and under, a connection with Gina developed almost instantly. ìI really felt like this was the one,î Nicole Lund noted. ìShe was just very alert and happy, and she was really attached to us right away.î

The Lunds anticipated that the flight back to Minnesota would be an ordeal. Mixing young children and extended travel is a formula for stress and anxiety, but Gina Nicole proved herself to be a trooper during the trip back. ìThe plane ride was amazing,î Nicole Lund said, ìshe did so well on the plane, she just captivated the people around her.î

ìSheís a captivator anywhere she goes,î she added. Her statement was verified moments later, while she, James, and Gina Nicole stopped by The Argus last Tuesday to talk about the adoption process.

Work was brought to a standstill temporarily as Gina Nicole meandered about the office. Staffers, bedazzled by Gina Nicoleís inquisitive brown eyes and affectionate smile, abandoned their daily duties to talk and play with the pint-sized cherub. Adorable in the extreme, she singlehandedly lowered office efficiency and productivity.

ìSheíll do that,î Nicole Lund joked.

Since arriving in Minnesota, Gina Nicole has adapted well to her new home. Typical toddler pratfalls and fussiness accompanied the change of venue, the Lunds said, but a loving environment has buffered the transition. ìSheís adjusted very well and she fits into our family wonderfully,î Nicole Lund commented. ìShe had a little bit of food issues at first, but sheís 100% better with that. And throughout this process, our family and friends have been a wonderful support system, and everyone just enjoys her to the fullest.î

The Lunds have taken measures to ensure that Gina Nicole is reminded of her birth country as she grows up in Spring Grove. A shelf was erected in her room, on which Bulgarian itemsñ a doll, a candleholder, a traditional wood plateñ have been set, and the couple has promised that, if Gina Nicole ever expresses a desire to see the country she was born in, theyíll take her back for a visit.

The entire adoption process has been positive, the Lunds said, and they couldnít be happier with the new addition to their family. Anyone considering adoption, they added, can feel free to contact them directly.

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