Lilia Klaczynski biography
I, Lilia Klaczynski, alongside my husband, James, of nearly two decades, and blessed with our four wonderful children, have embarked on a remarkable journey. Born in 1981 in the small city of Beltsi, Moldova—then a nation a part of the impoverished and economically challenged former Soviet Union. I faced a challenging start, spending the first three years of my life in a hospital due to premature birth, weighing 4lb 2oz. My childhood years unfolded in a Cupchini orphanage, former WWII military grounds, titled Kalininsk, where I lived with around 800 other children ages ranging from two to sixteen until being adopted by an American family at fifteen. Moldova was often seen as a refuge for the Soviet Union’s unwanted children and gained the nickname “The Dumping Grounds.” This orphanage, a remnant of the Soviet era, was my dearly loved and cherished home despite the hardships that shaped my early years. My childhood was marked by health struggles and a deep connection to nature. Despite facing many challenges, including a delayed education and frequent hospitalizations, nature provided solace amidst suffering. My adoption process announced the death of my biological parents and opened a new chapter in America, which sparked an initial desire to write my book. But where I grappled with language barriers, the dream of authoring a book was thwarted by my struggles with English, and with this discouragement, my desire to write dimmed. In my early twenties, I discovered a profound love for God and a sense of belonging through my faith, which led to my baptism into Christianity. This commitment to Christianity reignited my passion for sharing my stories and sparked a deep desire to write once again. I met James in 2005 at age 25 through a mutual colleague who I asked to help me in writing the book. Instead, our relationship blossomed, transformed with faith in God, deep love for each other, support, and shared dreams that subsequently led to a life of marriage—blessed with four children and full-time homeschooling, which also temporarily paused my writing aspirations. However, navigating personal trials and seeking emotional healing led me to a meeting with our new friends Dan and Yelena and their guidance to the Murray Method created by Marilyn Murray. 1 This transformative experience facilitated profound personal growth and recovery, which then sparked an interest in connecting with my biological family. A remarkable turn of events and a pivotal moment rekindled my quest for familiar connections, culminating in discovering and revealing a DNA match of a first cousin, Olga, in New York. This revelation unraveled the mystery of my origins and exposed my ties to a large family I had never known. Through the help and big thanks in part to Uncle Vladimir acting like Sherlock Holmes in this process, who aided in reuniting me with my biological mother and extended family. Our reunion in Moldova in 2023 was a moment of profound joy, a journey coupled with divine guidance that once again refueled my determination to narrate my life’s story: a testament to great resilience, unshakable faith, and the enduring spirit of connection. This divine intervention has not only been about personal growth and healing, although it played a big part, but it also gave a voice to the silent struggles of orphans worldwide and encouraged readers to confront and transcend their own life challenges and adversities. Believing that every one of us is illuminated by grace and the reassuring, profound joy of being a child of God. May you be blessed, and thank you for reading.
With much love, In Christ Jesus, Yours Truly, Lilia
Open Fields & IRON CURTAINS: HOPE, ENDURANCE, SUFFERING & GRACE by Lilia Klaczynski
CREDENTIALS
Life‘s experiences and journey.
Lilia Klaczynski’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. Born in Moldova under the Soviet regime, she faced early health struggles and spent her childhood in an orphanage, navigating a world of hardship and fleeting joys. Despite the suffering around her, she found solace in nature, friendships, and faith.
At fifteen, her adoption marked a new chapter, bringing both challenges and opportunities as she adapted to life in America. She struggled with language barriers and identity, but over time, she rediscovered her voice and passion for storytelling. Through faith, personal healing, and reconnecting with her biological family, she turned her past wounds into a message of hope.
Her story is not just about survival but about thriving—overcoming trauma, embracing grace, and inspiring others through her testimony. Her journey is a testament to endurance, transformation, and the power of faith to redeem even the darkest moments.
