I am adopted too. I found my biological mother when I was 35, and my biological dad last year. I now know that my adoption saved me from being raised by a drug addicted and sexually abusive father and a very young mother. I was taken care of by a higher power, no doubt about it. I am so fortunate! Thanks for sharing your story! ♥️

What a GREAT story. I shared this with my daughter whom I suspect has deep, unresolved, emotions about being adopted. She was placed in a baby home in Penza Russia at birth, and I was able to adopt her at 18 months of age. Her birth mom made the ultimate sacrifice to give her a good life in the US and I was able to have a daughter I wanted. I tell her, she was very much wanted, and that God had a plan for her .. born in Russia, moved to Las Vegas and ultimately Hawaii where she lives now. She's now about to have a baby of her own.

I was adopted from Russia when I was 4 months old and seeing this made me cry my eyes out. I’ve also felt as if I’ve spent a lot of time “doing really good but not really feeling good” and I’m now spending my 20’s, very focused on self improvement. I appreciate that you not only told your story, but that you did so with such vulnerability and openness. You have made me feel a little less alone 💕

I've been studying Russian language and culture for several years. I speak several European languages, Arabic, some Japanese and Hebrew. And because of my explorations into other cultures, I heard Russian was challenging for native English speakers. I took the challenge, and I'm so glad I did. When I learn a new language, I feel it's important to learn about customs, culture and history as well. And the deeper I went into the world of the Russian, the more I fell in love with them. However, I also learned Russians do not accept friends as readily as Americans do. They put up this emotional wall and it takes a very long time for a Russian to truly open their heart to you. They must be 100% sure they trust you and your motives. But once they do accept you as a friend, their love is unconditional. There are historical and societal reasons for this Russian mindset, because as a people they've suffered so long in ways many Westerners simply can't fathom. This may be the case with your birth mother. A few conversations is not going to win her over. You must be super considerate of her feelings and show her the utmost respect, moreso than you're probably accustomed to showing others now. Research for yourself these things I've mentioned here. Your persistence will show your birth mother what she needs to know about you. When she opens her heart fully......you will definitely know it. Good luck.

I appreciate your sharing your personal experience. I felt closer to you. I live in Costa Rica and am going through a relationship challenge now. I am feeling blessed to live here. Have a great life, We all can enjoy Pura Vida here. It’s a happy state of mind.

You're an amazing young woman, and any parent would be proud to say they raised you. Thanks for sharing!

Adoption is beautiful, because you were chosen. I am so sure your biological Mother had a hard time giving you up, and it sounds like your parents and family were the best. Family is those who love you, and have your back. When most people adopt, they do not look at their child as their adoptive child, but their child. You were truly blessed to have such amazing family and life.

I love that you were able to do this. My story is much more complicated and I have not had as much luck so far finding my family in Russia. I was also adopted into a not so great family here, but I am forever thankful still. It brings me joy to see stories like yours. Thank you

What a beautiful story! You are wise beyond your years.

I'm much older than you, but goodness your maturity is amazing i can only learn from this, bless, live this life wonderfully i wish you good things. Thanks for sharing!

My sister was given up for adoption and hearing your story helps me to understand a bit of what she has gone through. We're so blessed to have her in our lives now, even if we had to wait until adulthood to get to meet her!

Sarah!! 😂😭 this is the cutest funniest story ever. I love how independent, curious, and brave you were as a little girl. Just doing your thing. Using your resources at school to translate, having a whole plan, calling grandma.. yahoo answers!! haha what an investigation. Love your persistence then & now! Thanks for sharing. Sooo cool to see images of your mom younger looks just like you.

What a beautiful story! You're such a wise person, despite your age.

That was a beautiful story you shared. And a great message about how the healing has to come from inside yourself. So true. 💗

Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. There is a movie called “Lion” made in 2016 about a boy from Indian separated from his family who ended up being adopted by an Australian family. It’s a true story. He had no idea where his family lived but was so focused to find them that it did cause some issues in his family. It’s a beautiful movie with Dev Patel & Nicole Kidman. If you ever get the chance I highly recommend it.

What an amazing journey you have been on. Thanks for sharing it with us. 🙂

Thank you for sharing your story. It was very moving and I’m glad you’re happy.

Wow what a beautiful story! So happy you had the epiphany that brought you peace inside. Thank you for being so real and sharing that even when people look together on the outside, there could be a deep internal struggle going on within them. Thanks so much for sharing your story! 🙏❤

What a beautiful story about your life! I loved the way you explained everything that you went through in such detail trying to find your birth family. ThankYou so much as your journey to find out who you are & where you came from is a chance for us all to stop and think about our Own lives and where we came from?

Your quite a remarkable person and I’m happy to be an acquaintance. I look forward to safe travels and your assistance on the ground some day (soon we all hope!)

It’s amazing that you are so comfortable to share your story with the world. I’m glad that there are people like you on this earth to help people like me, that haven’t figured things out.

Thank you for sharing this personal and beautiful story with us. It's touched my heart.

We love your story Sarah, have a wonderfull 2022 !!

I wasn't adopted but I benefitted greatly from your insights. I also have a few friends and family members who are adopted so this helps me potentially understand their story a little better. Many blessings.

Una historia que toca el corazon! Gracias por compartir.

Beautiful story, thank you for sharing. Much love to you. ❤️

What a profound experience you had and shared with the world. Yes, owning your feelings and deciding how to feel is the key to happiness. I’m sure your Russian mother appreciates that you flew all the way back to see her and tell her you love her.

What an amazing story . Thank you for sharing part of you life with us . I watched the 34 minutes and 31 sec of this touching story . I can tell that you are an amazing person and a great mother for your daughter. God bless you .

What an amazing story! You made me tear up, virtually hugging you! It always amazes me how the universe makes a way "charge is 500 for all of the information, you send 50 and bam all of the information comes"! 💜💜💜

I’m so glad this showed up on my feed. This is the first time I have watched what you have posted. Thanks so much for being open & sharing your story. It is truly a beautiful story. I will subscribe to your channel because I have always wanted to go to Costa Rica.

That was a great piece of yourself. Thank you for sharing this story. You should feel really proud. You are awesome !!

The love how God is immeasurable and Jesus longs to give you His peace - a peace that passes all understanding.🙏🏾🙏🏾

I love your story and your perspective now. Thank you so much for sharing. I had a very violent, horrible childhood and still need the work you spoke of. It meant so much to here that pivotal point you took and how it worked. I didn't hear much about your adoptive Mom and hope that is well too. What a story of hope for me! Thank you, that you!

wow, your strength and story are an inspiration. sending love... Even though I don't know you, I am so glad you turned out so well.

Thank for sharing your wonderful story. You are a beautiful soul! Blessings.❤️🙏😇

You are truly amazing!

You're a beautiful person and I think that after your mom had time to process what you told her that she began to feel better. Bless you!!!

Thank you for sharing your intimate feelings & experiences. It’s always stories like yours that help me with the continuing process of working through being adopted. Interesting how a person can feel like they’ve healed from an aspect of being adopted then life hands you an experience that brings a feeling that was thought to have been worked through. So often I spend time listening to stories & remind myself my feelings are shared by other adoptees❤

Hey Sarah! Thanks for making me cry today. :). I have a similar story, so parts of your video really hit home and gave me some insight that I don't think I had before. :) Hope you are well!

Thank you for your journey's story. You sure are a courageous young lady at 16 finding your roots. Wishing you all the best in every thing you do.

What a story! Thanks for sharing it with your CR audience and beyond. Ты большая молодец!

Wow ! Amazing story ! I started watching and wondered why I felt at peace with the world just listening seeing this beautiful women talking about CR. Thank you for telling it !

What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing such an important yet private part of your life. I literally teared up.

Wow, that was a riveting and powerful sharing of your life. My god, good for you! I've been watching some of your Costa Rica videos (my favourite country) and it stuck me what a truly kind and authentic soul you have... little did I know how deep your goodness flows. I wish you good fortune throughout your life. Mike from Canada

Incredible story Sarah...you are incredible....and inspirational.

❤ Beautiful Story ❤ Much Love & Blessings

That was an amazing story of your life....So glad I stumbled upon it.

Thank you for your story,it's beautiful to hear you talking from deep within your heart,you are very precious and encouraging.

What a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing this. You look so much like your biological mother...both beautiful!

Great story, thanks for sharing!

Thank you for sharing your story, it was quite uplifting and inspiring. It was quite courageous of you to accomplish that reunion, not to mention your journey into self-discovery and self-improvement. Although it may not have ended up exactly the way you hoped, the fact there was closure and you were able to, at that point, move on with your life after the second trip to Russia. Congratulations for that. I just happened upon your video and am interested in knowing the story behind your move to Costa Rica. I am a New Yorker who has lived in Madrid, Spain for the past 8 years. So I'll look for that story as well. Thanks again and God bless...

That was beautifull Story,thanks for shered , Do you have amazing and beatifull Soul.Thanks,Hermosa historia eres maravillosa persona Grasias

I kinda figured you're pretty amazing just from watching your CR related videos...now it's been confirmed! Thanks for sharing your story. You got this. You are remarkably brave.

I ended up on your page because I want to move to Costa Rica. My father (who has been absent from my entire life) is from originally born and raised in CR. I somehow ended up on this video and I’m so glad I did. I absolutely love your story and how you’ve overcome your emotional rollercoaster. I know I’ve had my share of crazy emotions throughout the years because of my father not being present. So brave of you to share this with us. Learned a lot so far from viewing your channel and just wanted to say thank you for sharing all your wisdom and experience in Costa Rica. Being 1/2 Tico makes me very proud because Costa Rica is beautiful In so many ways, the people, the culture, the way Ticos love their country and love for their family and friends. I’m counting down the days to my next visit to Costa which will be very soon. Thanks again and PURA VIDA MAE!!!!!!

thanks for sharing, i was adopted also by great parents.made me who i am thanks!!

Thank you for sharing the story, you're adorable :)

A very strong story, by a string woman. We grow in bits and during different seasons of our lives. God bless and keep you and your Mom, your families and friends! 🙏💜

Such a beautiful soul you are. Thanks for sharing ❤

Wow, what an amazing story. Thank you for sharing that with us. 🤗

Thank you for sharing your story!

Amazing story! Thanks for sharing. Pura vida 🇨🇷

Wow, that was beautiful. Especially the part where you talk about forgiveness. So lovely. I think the true healers are those who have gone through pain and can understand how others feel... Your story is what can help others. It makes sense now why you moved to another country- travel is part of who you are! Thank you!!

You, Sarah Elena, are so special. You keep impressing me, over and over. Namaste

Thank you for sharing... A wise young lady. An inspiration to all. Bless you

You are amazing Sarah!

❤️ Thanks for sharing your story! I am also adopted and just recently found my birth mother! I love hearing other adoptee's stories!

this popped up today on my feed, guess the universe or internet does provide, thx for sharing, you are as beautiful on the inside as the out and are making all your parents and ancestors proud

God bless you Sarah. I hope you have a great life ahead of you. Your story touched my heart. A lot of people around the world have been trough heartache. The feeling of abandonment is painful. May you find happiness and joy!❤️

A wild ride that you drove like a Cadillac. You’re absolutely relentless and resourceful at reaching your goals. Very happy the universe gave you what you deserved. Your videos are always inspiring and just feel good. You Glow Girl...

Thank you for sharing your story, your feelings and your soul. The self evaluation , how you got hold of those feelings, processed them , clarified them and found strength to put them into a meaningful direction for self growth very inspiring and empowering. Well done

Sarah, thank you for sharing your wonderful and loving story. There is strength to be found in your ability to let the course of life unfold without judgement. I moved here to Costa Rica 8 years ago from the U.S. and just recently found your channel. Every time you share yourself I feel connected. Please continue your fantastic journey with an open heart. Your honesty is mesmerizing.

Thank you for sharing your story ❤️ (edit I am mad they did not see you off to the airport, but I loved hearing your story thank you)

Thanks for sharing this heartfelt chapter of your life’s story. You are always inspiring and you are the coolest Russian American Tica I know.😄

Wow! I am Russian born American and your story really touched my heart 🥲❤️ It’s so funny that I found your channel to learn about moving to Costa Rica since I am planning to. I loved your videos and the way you are. Then I found this video and think maybe my Russian heritage vibes initially attracted me to your channel. So cool!

What a great story! Thank you for sharing this.

Thank you for sharing. Great video!

You are amazing! Your adopted parents did a wonderful job of raising you! Your testimony will help other adoptees understand their feelings and

Very nice if you to share your life story... you are a strong person!

Amazing story. You are such much more mature than your age. Genetics are suc a big piece of who we are so I can understand why you would want to see your biological parents. Your growth inside to decide how you feel and react to things was so well expressed we all can learn from you. Thank you for sharing this deep part of yourself with us..

So cool back-story/story. I share CR interests and have seen a few of your vids. Thanks for those and for sharing your heart and raw feelings. ✌🏼🐸

Beautiful and inspiring story. Thank you for sharing.

You live bravely and honestly, and you shared many inspiring life lessons throughout your adoption story. Thank you for that, and for your compassion for your birth mother. Thank you for explaining how you handle emotion, with calmness and gentleness to oneself and directed thoughts to process those emotions. Well it sounded better coming from you. But thank you very much for giving your all. May you be blessed with a wonderful life.

Thanks for sharing this lovely story with me ❤

I completely related to your story, I too was adopted from Brazil ... i'm way older than you, 63 now, I found my birth family back in 2013 , from being brought up a single child i was instantly thrown into a huge family 10 siblings and a mother still alive, in 2017 i went back to Brazil ( from UK) and met them, most of them.. it took 53 years of my life to get to feel at peace with myself, that's all i ever wanted to know who they were, what they looked like, if we shared any traits etc.. the sense of abandonment did in fact get stronger, just like you experienced, it's not something logical, it's not something most of us can avoid either.. but you did good telling your mother you loved her and thanking her for giving you life, i thanked my mother, but couldn't tell her i loved her cos she was a total stranger and even at my late age in life i still felt embittered seeing the closeness of my siblings and my mother ..but now,7 years later i've just let it go, released all emotional baggage, i'm just grateful to be alive !! xx

Awesome story! A brave, beautiful and strong girl!

Thank you for sharing. You have a great soul.

Omg I was watching the video you just shared and this one showed up. My sister adopted from Russia 14 years ago. My nephew is soo awesome!!

Beautiful story, Sarah! It's incredible how things work out for you Sarah. Born in Russia 🇷🇺 adopted to by Americas to live in the United States 🇺🇸 and today living in Costa Rica. 🇨🇷 It's clear you have been blessed

Thank you. This is uplifting, for sure.

For private reasons, this was so helpful to my heart. Thank you. Very tender, thoughtful, and well done.

Thank you for sharing. 🥰❤️🙏

Sarah, your strength is in your goodness and that will always stay with you.

Thank you Sarah,very much .Ihope and pray that my own dear daughter 33 will have an experience that she can cherish and grow from ...Blessings.

Loved this! You are awesome :)

You are a strong woman and its a beautiful story you found your Mum and Sister and fingers crossed you and your Dad will visit Russia very soon!

Thank you for Sharing this. A great reminder on many levels.

I just found your channel today since my husband and I are seriously considering retiring in Costa Rica in 2024. We have a precious 17-year-old adopted daughter from China. Your vunerability in sharing your adoption story is SO appreciated! You helped me to understand more how our daughter may be feeling. We hope to contact you for help in finding our 1st long-term rental in C.R. when we retire!

I have no Idea how the internet rabit hole led me here but Im glad It did? Thank you for sharing such a personal story. I have 3 daughters and you are such a great story teller. A great balance of logic and emotion. Its always easy to judge especially looking from the outside in. Attempting to understand from another perspective is a skill that we should all tap into more. Thank you for the gift of you perspective it was a perfect and I admire your strength and ability to self reflect.

What a remarkable story, at 15 and 16 years old finding your family in Russia... Choosing to own our feelings... So very timely and beneficial for my journey... So grateful for you Sarah... A touching and beautiful story... Thank you for sharing

It must be a very emotional time for you with the added stress of war mixing into the lives of both of your families. Thank God you did this hard emotional work before the Pandemic. I send prayers for you all.