|
| |
| This begins our adventure in Russia. Our experience in Russia was
wonderful. Everyone we met was very nice. Our host families made us feel like
family. The orphanage workers were also pleasant to us but seemed strict in
appearance. Our children were well treated. I had the opportunity to walk
around my son's orphanage and see all of the children. They were playing and singing
songs, exercising, etc. By the way, some of the best food we ate was at my son's
orphanage! |
 |
Moscow Architecture I arrived in Moscow on 4/4/98 (Sat.) at 12:30 p.m. There were small
traces of snow on the ground and the temperature was in the upper 20's but it did not feel
cold.
My host family was a wonderful lady named Uba. She had
three grown children and was a teacher at one time. Her cooking was very good and
she went so out of her way to make me feel at home and comfortable. It is amazing
how I was able to communicate despite the language barrier. At 3:00 p.m. Uba had
lunch ready for me: borscht, tomatoes, cucumbers, & onion, bread, roasted chicken
& rice, and apple juice. Uba called me "Mama Rooskie". At 7:30
p.m. Uba had dinner prepared: blitzes (meat/ cheese), beef over noodles, fish, meat and
swiss cheese platter, apple juice, coffee, tea, and bread. |
| Moscow At 8:00 p.m., Yuri, our coordinator came to collect our money, passports,
and visas. I will leave for Ekaterinburg tomorrow (Sunday) at 8:00 a.m. (flight
leaves at 10:00 a.m.). Ekaterinburg is in a time zone two hours ahead of Moscow and
is much colder, located in the Ural Mountains. I flew via Ural Airlines
(Aeroflot) where I met 3 Irish couples adopting with us. They are very warm,
friendly, and affectionate. We became fast friends. |
 Ekaterinburg
The plane was packed with Russians. The plane had 1960's
decor but played American music during take off and landing (Spice Girls, "The Winner
Takes it All", Backstreet Boys- "As Long as you Love Me"). The flight
was two hours long and we were served a large meal with chicken, ham, bread, roll,
vegetables, and dessert. The food was good. |
 Zarina
& her orphanage caretaker |
Ekaterinburg is very beautiful (snow) and you can see mountains all
around. We took a bus to the terminal. On the bus was a broom made out of
twigs. We had to wait behind a tall black wrought iron gate until the luggage
arrived. There, we met our translators, Helen & Lydia. We gathered our
luggage and drove straight to Zarina's orphange (#1)-- 30-45 minute drive. No time
for bathroom breaks. I held Zarina. She was so beautiful. She wanted
every toy in her mouth and talks alot. She sneezed and then smiled. What a
happy, talkative baby. |
| April 6, 1998 (Monday), I was ready for court at 8:30 a.m. For
breakfast: shredded carrots w/ sugar, and either oatmeal or tapioca pudding. I felt
sick. The court house was 10 minutes away. We passed the circus building.
The courthouse was old looking outside, but modern inside. The Judge was very
nice. Also present were the state prosecutor, secretary, and dept. of social
services representative. Our hearing took 30-40 minutes. The social
services rep. praised the adoption and said "this is a wonderful birthday present for
the girl". When the judge saw Zarina's passport photo and the picture I had, he
said "how beautiful". He also said "she is going to a good family,
God Bless You". |
Our Judge: was the first in the area in favor of foreign adoption. He
started the process and other regions come to him for advice. Also in the picture is
our translator, Helen.
When we left, he said "Goodbye Americanskys".
Today is one of the happiest days of my life. I am a mommy. I have a
daughter. |
| |
Click Here to Continue.... |
Created 10/22/99. Copyright � 1999, All Rights Reserved.
|
