From Russia With Love

June 14th, 2007
Entry from my journal (one year ago today)...

I woke up on the train, mainly confused because the train was going in the opposite direction! I definitely caught up on my sleep. I feel rested and ready. Now, if I only could get a shower! I haven't showered, brushed my teeth or washed my face in 2 days. I'm feeling a little gross. For some reason, none of that matters to me. I'm here for a purpose, and my cleanliness and comfort are not it. Soon, I have to get dressed. My appointment is around 9am. We'll go straight from the train station to drop off my paperwork. Tamara said it's a total joke... that they don't even look at you! You just drop off your Dossier and leave. 14 hour plane ride, 18 hour train ride and a 5 minute appointment. Geez. If that's what I need to do, then I'll do it with a smile! :)

(Photo is of me just before I left DFW on my 5 day solo Russia trip!)

My first Russian word: Aruba (not sure of the spelling). It means fish. I ordered Aruba for dinner on the train! :)

On another note, Ryan left a very nice card in my bag. I did not see it until I was on the train pulling out a new shirt to wear. The card was so thoughtful and nice and that made me feel good. All I can think about now is sharing this experience with Ryan in just a few weeks. I hope he loves Russia as much as I do.

(Photo is of the beautiful train station)

On a map this place looks so far away (and it is) but being here makes the world feel small. People are generally the same. The sun is shining, they have beautiful trees and lakes... the trip has gone by so fast. I can't believe that two days ago I was in Aubrey, Texas. And, now I am almost in Finland! The world is a small place. Thank goodness. It's too bad that there are so many political conflicts that keep us so distant. So many missed opportunities because of politics (and ignorance). Can't we all just get along! haha

Hours later...

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 the Dossier. Yes, it only took ten minutes. And yes, I have no idea what was going on. They started (Irena from EAC and the Director at the Ministry of Education) talking really fast and in a very serious tone. The lady leafed through our documents really quickly and then put them up on in the cupboard. Irena said a few things that made her pull the documents back out and go through them again. Then, she started clicking around on the computer. More fast chatting and then "Spaceba" (thank you) and we left. Irena said she predicted we'd receive a referral in August. August?! I don't think I can wait that long! What?! Maybe this isn't the right choice for us! I felt lost, alone and disappointed.

A few minutes after that we checked into our hotel. I almost cried as soon as I closed the door to my room! But, I had to control my emotions and go take a much needed shower. I was sad, but I smiled hoping that this trip would be over soon so that I could cry on Ryan's shoulder!

Next, we met downstairs for breakfast. I wasn't that hungry. Irena told me I would go with them to the orphanage, or I could stay back and take a nap. Of course, I chose the orphanage! I knew this would give me an opportunity to learn more about the process and what to expect.

The orphanage was in a run-down part of the city. The tall apartment buildings around it looked like government housing. They were falling apart. There is a playground a few blocks away that is made of dirt and metal equipment. It was filled with kids and their families. Some of which looked as tired & run-down as the surrounding buildings. ....

We entered the orphanage and waited patiently to see the children. Tamara & Albert are adopting twin 2 year olds and were going stir-crazy on the couch.

As we got up to move into the next room, Irena told me that they had a 9 month old boy available for me to look at, if I chose. What?! I had been secretly moping about the "August" news and now they want to show me a child today!! Of course! They lead me into an infant room. Five children were in the room being entertained by various toys. Two older women played with them and were very happy to show me "Sergie". They said he was a very happy baby and loves to smile and laugh. They let me hold him. He grabbed my shirt and smiled at me revealing his 4 little teeth. I asked a few health questions as he tugged at my clothing and looked into my eyes with a smile. Wow! All I could think about at this moment is whether Ryan would love him. He's young, he's healthy, he's happy... He has brown hair, brown eyes and olive toned skin. He crawled , played with his toys and smiled at everyone. He was also wearing a neck brace. I asked about the brace and they told me it was to help straighten his neck. They said one side was stronger than the other due to a mild case of scoliosis when he was born. I went through all his medical records with the on-staff doctor. She explained everything and said that she predicts him to be a very healthy and strong boy. I made two videos of him, with the medical evaluation in mind. It was a very difficult perspective to take, but I know it was what I had to do. ......

After that crazy morning we headed to lunch. I was very excited about that boy, but didn't want to set my heart on him, for fear that we wouldn't get the referral. ....

We left the orphanage at 5:30pm so that I would have time to check-out of the hotel (that I never needed and spent $100) and said good-bye to Tamara & Albert. I'm so grateful that they came on this trip. I don't know how I would have done it alone. Irena told me that I should be back in Russia in one month, but maybe as much as 3 months.

Now, back on the train less than 12 hours later. This time I have a female roommate (male before). She doesn't speak English... which is kinda nice. I can sleep, cross stitch & write without feeling obligated to converse. Besides, I have a lot to soak in right now... man, I wish this train would take me straight home!

(The next day I spent alone in Moscow. I walked around the city and took lots of pictures. It was a beautiful day. I flew back to Texas on the 16th of June...)

This photo is a snapshot from one of the videos I made of "Sergie". He's wearing that horrible neck brace... and smiling at one of the caretakers. :)



Side note: The caretaker holding him in the photo was the same one that helped me dress him when I finally brought Korbin to my hotel room on September 14th. She was so incredibly happy and eager to help. She teared up a bit... but not as much as the other caretaker who had to leave the room. She was crying and didn't want to say good-bye (baka-baka).