Russia Trip ONE

Journal entries from my trip...

June 13th, 2007

I just landed in Moscow for my Dossier delivery trip. I'm tired, nervous and confused. I've never felt so lost in my life! Am I doing the right thing?! Will all this go smoothly and uneventful? (Photo was taking at DFW airport of me with all my luggage for my trip)
As I sat at the airport waiting for my Moscow flight, I tried to figure out if anyone else was headed to Russia for the same reason... the dream of becoming parents! Well, now in Moscow, I saw an American couple walk by with a brand-new empty stroller. It's still wrapped up. The couple looked exhausted and a little scared. They were following a man holding a paper sign with their name on it. Will that be us? Just following a stranger with promises?
I can only experience Moscow for a few hours. My train leaves around 5pm. It's a 16 hour train ride up to the northern part of Russia. This should be interesting. Thankfully, there will be a family joining me on my journey. This is their last trip.

Now, I am sitting on our train preparing for another long journey. The train is hot, the table is small and I have a male bunk mate (see photo... distance between two benches was about 2 feet). But, all I can think about is the purpose of this trip. Someday, I'll look back on this and tell everyone that I'd do it all over again!

I've been awake for over 24 hours, and yet my excitement overpowers my complete exhaustion. I plan to get some sleep on the train. I want to get there, get the paperwork submitted and get going on the next process as soon as possible!
Another American couple is traveling with me to the same region. Or, shall I say that I am traveling with them! They are bringing home their 2 year old twins after a 20 day stay in Russia. They have been so helpful to me and have given me much advice on this awesome adventure. The woman, Nicole, made the same first trip that I am on currently. They received a referral the NEXT DAY! And, two weeks later they were making their trip to meet the twins. Now, 7 weeks after they met the twins they are here to finalize everything. It's great to travel with a couple who is going thru the same process... just one step ahead. I really appreciate all the help and hope to pass it on the next "noobie".
Boy, I wish Ryan was here!

July 14th, 2007

I woke up on the train, mainly confused because the train was going in the opposite direction! I feel rested now. If only I could get a shower... I haven't showered, brushed my teeth or washed my face in 2 days. But, for some reason, none of that matters to me. Soon I have to get dressed for my appointment. We'll go straight from the train station to drop off the paperwork. Nicole said that they don't even look at you! You just drop off the paperwork and leave. 14 hour plane ride and 16 hour train ride for a 5 minute appointment! Geez. But, if that's what I need to do, then I'll do it with a smile. :)
Ryan put a nice card in my bag. I just noticed it... he's so sweet... he even had the cats sign it! ;)
(Photo is of train station in region)

This has been the craziest day of my life! Half the time I didn't know what was going on and the other half I was going through a million emotions!
The day started with me submitting my Dossier. Yes, it only took 10 minutes. Yes, I had no idea what was going on. The EAC translator and the Director at the Ministry of Education talked really fast in a very serious tone for a few minutes. Then, we said "Spaceba" (Thank you) and left. She later told me that it would be a few weeks before we received a referral. I was upset about the news! I don't know how much longer I can wait! We checked into the hotel and I finally got a shower! That made me feel a little better. During breakfast, the other couple asked me if I wanted to go with them to the orphanage. Heck ya! This would give me a great opportunity to learn more about the process. We drove out to the orphanage and met the director. We sat for a few minutes while they talked in Russian about a few things. We then put the protective covers over our shoes and were guided into the room where Nicole and Alberto would spend time with the twins. (Photo is front entrance to orphanage) The rooms where filled with toys for the kids to play with. They were divided into age groups and kept to a strict schedule. We did not know this, but it was about to be nap time and the kids were really tired. So, we decided to come back after lunch. This time, they were able to go outside and play with the kids. It was great. The translator and I talked while the other two where playing with their kids. She said that I'd probably be back in Russia between 1-3 months. That Russian adoptions are becoming harder and harder. The pull is towards the Asian countries. But, I think that is because of politics in Russia.

June 15th, 2007

Woke up on the train, again! So far the train has been the only place I've slept in Russia. The scenery is beautiful. And, it was pretty cool that I never got dark. They call it "White Nights". Around 10pm it was dusk... and it stayed dusk till around 3am when dawn hit. :) No darkness.

June 15th, continued... It's almost 10pm and I'm laying in bed wide awake. In Russian tradition, I just finished enjoying some vodka (I had to pour it into my Pepsi). I guess I didn't pour enough.. cause I'm not tired! ;)
I had a FANTASTIC day in beautiful Moscow. The agency driver gave me a quick tour of the city at no charge. He showed me all the hot spots from the car. I asked him to drop me off at the walking/shopping street (Arbat Street) and just tell me how to walk to the hotel from there. He was willing to wait for me to finish shopping, but I didn't want him to do that. It's an old walking street full of crafts, souvenirs, food and a fresh market. I walked up and down the street and had a baked potato for lunch. Then, I walked back to the hotel (5-6 blocks away). Crossing the street was a bit frightening (lines and speed limits are only suggestions), but by walking back I got to see more of the city. I took my time and a few detours! :) Later, I ventured out of my room, again. The TV only had 4 channels in English (news, news, BBC and EuroSports). I walked over to the mall and supermarket. Mainly to buy dinner and people watch. :)
I think I'll try to fall asleep now. I am very excited about seeing Ryan tomorrow! I can't wait to tell him about my awesome trip as we wait for our referral. By the way, this is the FIRST bed I've slept in the entire trip!


June 16th, 2007

I'm sitting in the Moscow airport watching 2 families interact with their new adopted babies. These kids seem to have adjusted well and are laughing/playing with their new parents. One family in particular reminds me of Ryan and I. They are younger and have a younger child (probably 12-14 months old). Both parents are sitting on the floor in front of the stroller trying to interact with him as much as possible. It's fun to watch, knowing that that will be us someday! How much longer do we have to wait?!

Suddenly, I realize how much has happened in a short 5 day trip. I felt like I was in motion the entire time, and yet had an awesome time. The people were very nice, the food was excellent and the weather was great. Amazing adventure. I can't wait to share this with Ryan. (Photo is of Russian money and my Visa. Currency is about 25 Russian Rubles to $1... shown is about $35 worth of Rubles)
There are 3 adopted kids (as far as I can tell) on this flight. The crying/noises from them doesn't bother me one bit... mainly because I know that'll be our kid in a few weeks/months. I'll be understanding and hope the same when I'm in their shoes. :)

Are we there, yet?! Are we there, yet!? I'm anxious to get home! :)

(I arrived home around 9pm on June 16th, 2007. It was great to sleep in my own bed and take a nice shower!)