Gifts to My Old Orphanage in Russia

Welcome! Here on my channel, I share my personal journey as a Russian-New Zealand adoptee-adopted at two from Arkhangelsk, Russia-I also share my series An Adoption Story, a special series of mine, which shares the journeys of adoptees from around the world.
My Story
Learn about my life as an adoptee, my upbringing in New Zealand, and the significance of embracing my roots-not only with those connections in Russia but also from Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
➡︎ • My Journey and Story
➡︎ • My Family
➡︎ • My Birth Parents
An Adoption Story
Explore incredible stories of adoptees, each with their own unique path.
➡︎ Season Two (2024-present) • An Adoption Story (202...
➡︎ Season One (2022-2023) • An Adoption Story (202...
Subscribe
Don't forget to Subscribe: / @alexgilbert
Connect With Me
➡︎ Instagram: / alexgilbert
➡︎ Facebook: / nzalexgilbert
I'm Adopted
➡︎ Website: imadopted.org/
➡︎ Facebook: / imadoptedorg
➡︎ Instagram: / imadoptedorg
I’m passionate about connecting with adoptees and sharing stories that matter.
Follow along as I reflect on family, identity, and connection.

[@robinellison6708]

That was nice that Mischa, your little sister, and the family went with you. So happy that you are helping the children there. You're a very kind young man. Looking forward to your next video. God bless you.

[@richardbenitez7803]

I’ve noticed his little sister has the same personality that Alex and his father have.

[@zeldanah9579]

I had a giggle when I saw the kids enacting the tale. It's a Slavic tale of the farmer trying to pull out a turnip, who get help trying to get out the turnip. It's a cute tale that is fun for little kids to enact. Great job Sasha

[@alexgilbert]

Thank you! It was nice to see them do this story. I do know the story ! :) It was good!

[@mrj.kottari8453]

It got all emotional when the kids dressed as babushkas and animal characters begun to walk in the room. And when I saw the turnip suit, I realized it's "The Giant Turnip" tale as a play 💛 So adorable 😚

[@Martina-Kosicanka]

I Can confirm that. I am Slovak and I was being told this story in my childhood

[@esckeenyah]

@@Martina-Kosicanka we also have it in Poland 🙂

[@Martina-Kosicanka]

@@esckeenyah climax: Myška chytila mačičku, mačička Bodríka, Bodrík vnučku, vnučka babku, babka dedka a dedko repku. Ťahali, ťahali a zrazu prááááásk. Repka vyletela zo zeme a všetci popadali. Dedko na babku, vnučka na Bodríka a mačička na myšku.

[@georgepetrin1334]

Job well done, Alex. Your birth father looks so proud of you as he should. Good luck to you in your future efforts.

[@juliesprik9479]

That was such a kind gesture, Alex! I'm sure it means a lot to everyone there!

[@patriciagraham2287]

God bless all the children in orphanages and God bless all the carers and adoptive parents.

[@lorrainegatzke1048]

Dearest Alex, this is what it means to be a global citizen. 💖 you are a shinning example.

[@diannewi]

How nice that Mischa (and his daughter?) were able to go to the orphanage with you. That's so special. Thank you for your service to the orphanage, its carers, and the children there.

[@alexgilbert]

Dianne Williamson thank you! Yes his entire family came along with me! My little Russian sister :) Do share! Thank you!

[@mrj.kottari8453]

And it's like 1100km from St Petersburgh (or 1200 from Moskow) to Arkhangel. Minimum 16hrs drive + stops/resting. Or maybe Team MiShaSha transported the Toy Box up there by train? ;-)

[@esmeesme7666]

It is so remarkable and honourable a thing for you to do this as a young man in his 20's. Many people are so caught up with themselves their whole life. You are not. You take care of yourself AND others. You have so many helpful initiatives on the go for adopted people. Have a super day!!

[@kasiaz.5471]

Alex, I'm happy for you. I'd like to see more smile on your face.

[@rebeccabradshaw8911]

You are very precious . . I'm sure you make your parents proud. I'm glad you made that journey to Russia, your homeland. I am from Alabama and Totally obsessed with these babies and children in the orphanages. I don't know why, but I am. Bless you for your good work and keep going back. Maybe visit other orphanages too. And maybe one day you'll adopt from there too....

[@ИринаСолодкова]

То, что делаешь для усыновленных детей(я про проект imadopted) и для детей из детского дома, в котором ты сам когда-то оказался, - это бесценно! Это пример человечного отношения к людям. И знаешь, в интервью Денису Власенко ты сказал, что невозможно ответить на вопрос : где лучше вырасти - в России или в Новой Зеландии. Ты прав в том, что сложно судить о том, чего ты не можешь знать наверняка. Но знаешь, глядя на твою маму Татьяну, можно точно сказать, что ты бы не имел сейчас такой широты души, такого понимающего сердца, таких светлых идей и таких финансовых возможностей для их осуществления, если бы остался с ней или просто в детском доме в Архангельске. Твои родители - это подарок судьбы! И теперь, когда ты помогаешь другим людям, можно сказать, что это подарок судьбы не только для тебя, но и для многих, кому ты помогаешь! Желаю тебе сил и возможностей реализовать свои планы, ты вдохновляешь на добрые поступки! Спасибо!🙏

[@bohorquezcristina]

You are very special young man. What gesture of your behalf by taking gifts to thay orpanage that took care of you! You are very special and part of that is from your adopted patents

[@aussieaussie8313]

Heart broke when the kids came into the room. You are doing great work mate keep it up

[@СаулеМахметова-с2и]

Всё замечательно, Алекс, что ты нашёл биологических родителей. Но не забывай приёмных родителей. Ты МОЛОДЕЦ!😁👍

[@josephinequarcoopome9348]

Heart of gold! Young man so full of compassion with your Acts of Charity. Great Mission & Ministry. May JEHOVAH GOD bless you in all your ways & all the Staff Members too.

[@kashioable]

I'm very impressed with your dad. He's there with and for you to deliver the presents. You're creating some special bond with him. It's absolutely great to see the relationship growing. Congratulations on your journey.

[@ac8191]

You are a fine young man. Congrats to your adoptive parents who raised you well and gave you love. Your birth father seems also a good man.

[@PipoGirlTv]

You're with your dad giving away those toys and blankets! I almost burst in tears when I watched him in the video.

[@senioryogawithlinda]

I wish all those lovely children the chance to have such loving parents as you have had. Bless you for taking these gifts. You look so much like your father :)

[@muncedev11]

You are golden, Alex. Such a kind, thoughtful young man. Those adorable children in the orphanage, I only hope that they are as fortunate as you to be chosen by loving families for adoption. I cannot imagine visiting the orphanage and not being able to adopt each and every one of them. Precious souls. God bless.

[@janetrodgers8473]

Alex, the next time your raising money, put the info on ever Vlog. The night I went to donate I'd given my Debit Card to my sons fiancee to get me stuff, so wasn't able to, then it went out of my head! Can you just keep it running so anyone who wishes can gift when they can? I would, as when have a little more money than usual, m I can give then. Have a great trip. Your a gentleman indeed. I'm sure your Parents are so very proud! Keep up your good work, ill be watching.

[@jenp3847]

Alex, You are so very precious! I loved when your birth Father was bringing the cart smiling😊 You are truly a gift Alex. Sometimes I cry when I watch your videos. You are a special person❤

[@kristiworld]

I am from eastern europe and recognised the story that children performed.

[@alexgilbert]

A classic story!

[@insomniacfirehorse6425]

Sweet, your father is just like you, a very good and pure soul. I wish you all the best in life

[@yneider2686]

You make the world a better place! I’m sure all your parents are so proud of you too!

[@davidthomas3165]

So glad you found a happy home, but you are doing a great job giving back to the orphanage Linda

[@MiraculousAngelTarot]

Sometimes a small gesture of kindness can give hope to the ones who have lost it..

[@vladimirkravchenko6399]

Dear Alex, my family and I learned only today about your life story and we watched your videos in youtube with tears in our eyes. You are a man of extraordinary destiny and you have a great soul, which is full of goodness and compassion. I think God will reward you for the love and hope you give to all your loved ones and strangers. I wish you happiness and well-being.

[@thereseward7852]

Our hearts are made for goodness: thank you for sharing ways you spread sunshine. My heart is touched by your goodness.

[@JG-bi3he]

This melts my heart. You are an amazing person Alex, your parents raised you well.

[@shopkedai]

It is good for the soul to go to our root. no matter what happened then, we did get support from the amazing staffs. you are right on.

[@esterherschkovich5002]

You have touched my heart..I do try to help people with what i have learnt too...the good+the bad...yet I understand people more.I was in an Orphanage,Adopted+met my Birth family..sadly not totally a happy story BUT I do realise I was lucky+made a good life from the blessing.Keep up the good work Alex!

[@shopkedai]

Sorry to hear that. Anyway it was better than to be waiting day after day for love. The best part was, you were chosen among the many though not the ending you hope for. Bible said, we have a Heavenly Father, our God. Who had known us even before we were born and creation of the Universe. His will is, we be his on and daughter. Seek and you shall find. I'm writing as an adopted child, verbal abused by extended relatives and worked at age 6 to 12 as street vendor peddling cigrette by my adopted grandmother. My adopted mother left me to my grandmother to bring me up.

[@gardenia24sugarfoot.36]

You have a beautiful HEART & GENEROUS MIND - and your SOUL IS SO FORGIVING I love what you do & achieve. Travel safely, Kiakaha Alex Gilbert

[@allansulia8179]

Godbless you more Alex

[@andreadepaula8172]

Big hug from 🇧🇷 Brasil

[@leel6212]

Alex you are amazing person, thank you for your sharing.👍👏🙏

[@jaimea.3318]

Happy to see you doing good.

[@Mainekt3]

Alex, you are an amazing young man! God bless you!

[@lubna1414]

I’m so interested in charity & caring about others & that video made me feel happy , you and these little kids are the cutest ever 😩 god bless you all ❤️

[@alexgilbert]

Thank you for watching! :) thank you!

[@lubna1414]

Alex Gilbert always welcome 🙏🏻

[@williamf4544]

Better late than never but i have only just discovered your amazing story and i am busy working my way through all of your videos - your such a nice lad everyone who played a part in you being who you are today in one way or another must be so proud - greeting from Glasgow Scotland

[@Ecoclimax]

Спасибо, Алекс / Thank you, Alex

[@miriams9597]

Alex this is amazing really . May Jesus bless you ❤️

[@alexgilbert]

Thank you!!! :)

[@jenniferjusten7253]

What a beautiful moment you shared .thank you for sharing.❤,🧸 You are a storyteller. You describe everything so well so we can understand your experiences. You should continue on with this type of work. You can help many other people who lack your skills and they need help to find birth mother's in Russia. God bless you. You are doing some important work here young man. You are doing good work. ❤

[@athenac2696]

You are a heart centered young man who anyone would be proud to know that they were your parent!

[@claudiodesantana]

Amazing history man from Brazil

[@drewwagner4802]

an amazing gesture of kindness

[@gulismanova4946]

Алекс, привет из Казахстана. Спасибо тебе за позитив. 👍👍👍. Ты классный, очень мне нравишься.

[@ГарикБаратов]

One firm brotherly hug from me, man i appreciate what you are doing!

[@elinazalite1541]

Omg every episode makes me cry 😭

[@mammmamia]

This is so heartwarming. The women from the orphanage where so happy, you can see. I hope the boys and girls are doing well in this orphanage and who knows, maybe some of them will come to such a beautiful and loving family as you did back in 1994. Greetings from Germany :)

[@meannoname7210]

God bless 🙏 Alex Gilbert!

[@nancylee7435]

Alex, you grew up well! Thanks to your adoptive parents for raising you well and your biological parents for their genes!!

[@sophiastern2133]

What an amazing person you Are ....

[@TheKenska]

Cannot stop watching you , good man.

[@RBLeynes]

That's awesome! It's great to give back & pay it forward. Well done, young man!

[@alexgilbert]

Thank you for the support!! :)

[@Katherine_xs]

Im so happy that ive found your channel! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.

[@yaelabella222]

God bless you for taking that stuff for the kids. Your father looked really proud of you.

[@alexgilbert]

Thank you! It was worth every minute! :)

[@refromearth]

my heart!! Those kids are so adorable

[@alexgilbert]

They are!

[@keiheaherakiwi1611]

Good job Alex

[@Rocco_toscano]

Man this was really nice of you mate! Your a lovely lad with a big heart. I wish you all the best 👍

[@chocolatemonster949]

This is a really nice orphanage! Some of them are so bad that they don't let the cameras in... It's amazing to see your journey. I hope to adopt as well in the future and you are giving me hopes for success 😊

[@cameliaturda6472]

You are blessed 💜

[@andreadepaula8172]

You are amazing guy with much gratifull!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏻💥💥💥

[@Raylee-H]

Love this ! Thank you for sharing your past along with you ...

[@mariaangelicabrunellsolar7086]

I recently discovered your channel, and have already watch several of your videos. I am grateful for your reporting on your story, the beautiful reunion of your several parents and families! So heartwarming!

[@hbolden6823]

Thank you to you!!!

[@drbertamariahines6542]

Bless Your 🙏🏿 Sweet and Generous Soul and 💝 Alex, You are an Angel 😇 from Archangel. Wouldn’t be wonderful if All the children from All the Foster homes and Orphanages in the entire 🌎 were adopted into the most perfect and loving 🥰 families Now! From a European multi-racial adoptee 💝🙏🏿

[@kunaldarji3072]

All ready subbed🤙✌ Grt inspiring story..... The marathon shall continue.. Hope more videos like this will gonna upload soon.

[@francistanseco285]

Someday, I would like to adopt from that orphanage.

[@skiersobolski]

It must be a privileged to be your friend.

[@LittleGoldenGunesh]

Alex you are a nice man eith good heart. Loves from turkey

[@alexgilbert]

Thank you! :)

[@Erwin_Munchen]

You have a golden father

[@mariannesnead6919]

That's awesome

[@jitaamesuluma9730]

it was not easy to watch , it stirs up pain but to see the little darlings in an orphanage is alwas sad , you were lucky , not all are

[@nikoart8626]

I was adopted from Tyumen and I hopefully going to go there, u have the same life as me, but I don’t know why birth parents. I loved watching this thank you

[@petergustafsson1670]

Big brother and little sister sure look like their dad, both of them!

[@TheGorgeousGretchen]

Hello from California! I am shocked you have less than 10 thousand subscribers. I just came across your story yesterday from your viral video, but the quality of your videos and the content is so, so good! Thank you for sharing & happy holidays!

[@alexgilbert]

Thank you!! :)

[@jesserivas1387]

I wish I could adopt all of those children!

[@emiliyailieva1841]

Alex you are amazing yang man 👍

[@lynettemd3]

love it... keep it up... from the heart...

[@finallythere100]

Great Job! I'm sure you'd have no problem getting every orrphan there "sponsored" for various needs, gifts, even education funding. Please let us know if therre is a link for anything like that. Thank you, and may God continue to bless you and your wonderful endeavors!

[@user-hz3gm3bp3s]

God Bless You!

[@christinaandrade9923]

This is the best!!!!

[@bonniehoke-scedrov4906]

Great video! Thanks!

[@NoseyNana]

Aww, all of those children are so precious, its such a shame Russia has restricted their adoptions. What a goal to have that house empty except for short-term arrivals. Re-introducing myself as a Birthmother who reunited w/her daughter over a decade ago. Yes, Alex, it's no wonder you were having problems sleeping. No matter how perfect the adoptions can be as well as possible reunions, there are likely some very puzzle piece feelings that are stirred up & take awhile to settle down. I've never asked my daughter how long it was for her after our reunion (pulls out new to do list) but by our conversations, I wouldn't be surprised if it was about 3 years. Those things all reunited adoptees know about...the contrast of the birth parents with the adoptive parents, the what would have/could have's, etc., but this is in case you have that one itch you can't quite reach & scratch. If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it, it's called The Primal Wound by Nancy Newton Verrier. Besides your work around adoptees/adoptions, this book should give you an idea where you are on your own barometric scale. Good job on your latest achievement & best wishes always to you & yours.

[@sonrazuma1572]

I fully support Government's decision to ban foreign adoptions. Russia is doing a lot more now than 30 years ago when it was going through its worse economic crisis to promote adoptions within Russia and it works! Orphanages are a lot emptier these days and prospective parents need to wait even before they can adopt a child. But that only applies to healthy children unfortunately. Kids with developmental problems are less likely to be adopted

[@larrykaufman8100]

Asking GOD'S blessings for you and your family and the people in that orphanage!

[@HollyFire113]

Sasha, you should put info about funding this orphanage under your video.

[@kristinawashington1773]

great job. :D

[@SilkyPinkPanter]

Let’s hope the children are already with loving families

[@MsDianushki]

They are s-o cute! Please let them dipers and supplyes

[@natychayenne]

Beautifull video! You were a very cute baby! Did you brought gifts for the caretakers too? If you did, what was it? #curios haha (Sorry for any mistake on the spelling, I am from Brazil... 🇧🇷)

[@carineosselaer6960]

Thanks love...

[@elizabethcoles1797]

Well done Alex

[@alexgilbert]

Thank you!! :)))

[@debraaugustine4529]

God bless you

[@aprilshower7799]

The children are so cute

[@MostPowerfulPMofIndia]

I too want to adopt

[@rohitwason9843]

Good lick in your future endeavours bruv love from india

[@godsgirl7201]

That's so sweet god bless

[@alexgilbert]

Thank you!

[@eloisebush4595]

Was that tray of food just for you or to pass around for evrryone?

[@palulastyles1334]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MissKona2009]

Alex what is the name of that orphanage where you stayed in Russia?