We filed into the hearing room and awaited the judge�s pleasure. Much to everyone�s surprise and to the consternation of some, I was the first to be called. He asked that dreaded question: �Tell me something about yourself.� Oh no!! Where to start? What to say? Still, a calm cloaked me and I began. Never have I been so articulate, organized and clear. I knew I was the instrument of the Most High and that He was truly in control. I told the whole story, from beginning to end. I shared about my own background briefly and how it opened my heart to this twice abandoned child. I explained the reason for my wanting to adopt her�mostly because I love her and she�s the child of my heart. But also to give her a name she could be proud of and one that would always tell her she belongs. I had elected to keep her Russian last name as her middle name so she would have a connection to her roots and her history. I explained the many practical issues at stake�her ability to study in the U.S. when currently she cannot visit our country until after she�s 21, if then. If I adopt her she can enter as my daughter without problems (I checked). I told him of our medical health insurance system and that her having my name would give her benefits for her life-threatening physical ailments. I told the judge that I wanted Tanya to have as many choices available to her as possible�the best from both of our countries.
