We arrived home Monday night to a very excited Tucker. He was so happy to see us and the feeling was mutual. We went out to eat with Granny and Tucker. We talked a lot to stay awake, of course we had lots to tell. Greg went straight to bed after Tucker and I was soon to follow. We slept good the first night. We have not slept so good since. Tuesday night we both were up at 4:30 so Wednesday was a long day. Wednesday night was better so I am sure we are on the home stretch now with the jet lag. Late afternoon's and early evening is the worst when it is 2am in Russia. This too shall pass though.
Tuesday morning I started in on the the next set of paperwork. Our adoption coordinator from Children of the World had sent us the new list of paperwork to sign and obtain. Most of the paperwork in this set of documents relates to our health and Tucker's health. Russia even needs the doctor's physicians license. Greg and I had both seen our doctor for various things recently so in my mind taking him 2 pieces of paper about our health and asking him to fill it out would be no big deal. I was very wrong. The staff would not give him the papers. We had to make appointments. I tried to explain that all of this was very time sensitive and every day we waited meant more delays in getting to go back for our adoption court date. Honestly, I did not feel like they cared what the paper was for they would not budge on the appointment policy. So, with no other choice, we made appointments. Greg's appointment was this morning and my appointment is Monday.
Greg did convince the doctor to order our blood work today for HIV, HEP B and C and syphilis that we needed for Russia so we both had blood drawn today and should have the results in by Monday. We also are required to get a TB test so that can't be done until Monday and we will get the results Wednesday. Unfortuantely the doctors seemed to be more interested in getting paid by the insurance company than helping us with the adoption paperwork. It was one form a piece that would take 5 minutes to fill out and sign but we had to schedule an appointment. Of course, I am tired and very emotional anyway so the non-cooperative spirit of the doctors staff did not go over with me too well.
In addition to the physical form and blood tests, we must obtain chest x-ray FILMS for both of us. Not the digital image but FILMS. Do you know that the largest Radiology group in Montgomery, who our doctor works with, does not use film machines anymore? Montgomery Radiology group like almost all groups of any size use digital technology for x-rays...so a new problem and a new hurdle. Thankfully though, Greg and I have a very near and dear friend who works for Montgomery Radiology Group and she is on the case and I am confident we will find an x-ray machine that uses film.
The delays with the doctors are normal I am sure, normal for doctors of any type, but unless you have experienced adoption or someone close to you go through it all it is hard to understand the delay situation. Greg and I are past ready to bring Olivia Ann and John Mark home. We are going into month 19 of the process so delays of any type are not our friends at all. It is hard to explain how ready we are for John Mark and Olivia Ann to experience our love and the love of so many of you reading this blog. As our adoption coordinator told me today when I was concerned and asking questions about the new Adoption Agreement signed by the USA and Russia....The international adoption process is not for the “faint of heart”. God chose you and Greg because you are courageous, wise, resourceful, loving and most of all patient! We will make it through….and at the end of this journey you will look back and not remember the frustration of the process, but the blessings at the end.
My brain knows she is absolutely right about the process but it does wear us out at times. So I will close with this verse:
Deuteronomy 31:6 New Living Translation
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Second visit with John Mark
This morning we went back to the orphanage in Togliatii. When we arrived John Mark and his group were playing outside. Today was a beautiful day, not hot and a nice breeze blowing. When we walked up to his group he immediately waved at us and said "papa" to Greg. We played with him a few minutes in his group to make sure he was comfortable with us again.
Today, we enjoyed just letting him wander around and look at the flowers and different play things in the orphanage play area. We took him to one of the play sets and played for about an hour until it was time for lunch and nap. He played with his Tonka trucks we brought. He rolled them up and down the slide and ramp of the play set.
During John Mark's nap we visited with a lady from Israel who was there to pick up her daughter. She adopted a little girl who will be 2 years old in August. Her mom had come on the trip to help her out. They were very nice and we enjoyed hearing about the process in this region of Russia since she was finishing. Her daughter was very cute. She was in John Mark's group. The wait between lunch and nap seems like forever so having people to talk to certainly helped pass the time.
During the nap waiting period Greg and I signed the petition to adopt after visiting the child for both Olivia Ann and John Mark. These were preliminary forms to get the rest of the paperwork started in the Samara region.
After nap, John Mark came back outside with us and we played and played until about 6:20. During this play time he seemed to have a blast. He would run from one place to the other. Swinging, climbing and being chased by Greg. There is an apple tree in the play area so the little apples on the ground were great fun. He tried to feed them to a big stuffed lion and roared at it every time. John Mark created his on game, running and jumping on an upside down blow up swimming pool. Each time Greg would drag him off by his legs and he thought that was so funny.
Greg discovered that the is very ticklish. John Mark enjoyed Greg picking him up and showing him all the trees. They investigated every tree in the court yard. For about an hour John Mark carried a panda bear in one hand and a kitten in the other hand. He mooo'ed at the panda from time to time and would meow for the kitten. The panda looked much like a cow so it was easy to see why he was mooing at it all the time. The little people animals were a big hit with him. Eventually, John Mark found a stick and a rock to play with, just like all other little boys. We had a fabulous time playing with John Mark today. We discovered that he knows several animal noises and yes and no in Russian of course.
He went in at 6:20 or so for dinner and then returned for about ten minutes before it was time to go. Leaving is so hard as I explained in an earlier post. He is such a precious child. We saw so many smiles today. The first visit John Mark was so serious and we had to work to get smiles but today he was constantly smiling and seemed very happy.
We drove to the Samara airport for Sasha our interpreter to help the ladies from Israel get on their plane to Moscow. Sasha has been an invaluable part of this experience, she helped calm both John Mark and Olivia Ann down when we first meet them. She would sit and talk to them and made it so much easier for us. As you all know most 20 month old children don't really care for strangers at all and she helped make each child feel comfortable. She was a true blessing to us.
We arrived at the hotel about 9:30. We changed our reservation to the Renaissance hotel. Yes, it is a thousand times better than the hotel we first stayed in in Samara and would you believe only twenty dollars a night more. At this point is was well worth it.
We are in the Moscow airport now awaiting our flight to Atlanta. We are sad to leave Olivia Ann and John Mark behind but we have missed Tucker.
Thank you all so very much for your prayers and encouragement. We have felt the blessings of all your prayers and love throughout this entire journey. Please continue to lift us up and especially all the precious children in the orphanages.
Today, we enjoyed just letting him wander around and look at the flowers and different play things in the orphanage play area. We took him to one of the play sets and played for about an hour until it was time for lunch and nap. He played with his Tonka trucks we brought. He rolled them up and down the slide and ramp of the play set.
During John Mark's nap we visited with a lady from Israel who was there to pick up her daughter. She adopted a little girl who will be 2 years old in August. Her mom had come on the trip to help her out. They were very nice and we enjoyed hearing about the process in this region of Russia since she was finishing. Her daughter was very cute. She was in John Mark's group. The wait between lunch and nap seems like forever so having people to talk to certainly helped pass the time.
During the nap waiting period Greg and I signed the petition to adopt after visiting the child for both Olivia Ann and John Mark. These were preliminary forms to get the rest of the paperwork started in the Samara region.
After nap, John Mark came back outside with us and we played and played until about 6:20. During this play time he seemed to have a blast. He would run from one place to the other. Swinging, climbing and being chased by Greg. There is an apple tree in the play area so the little apples on the ground were great fun. He tried to feed them to a big stuffed lion and roared at it every time. John Mark created his on game, running and jumping on an upside down blow up swimming pool. Each time Greg would drag him off by his legs and he thought that was so funny.
Greg discovered that the is very ticklish. John Mark enjoyed Greg picking him up and showing him all the trees. They investigated every tree in the court yard. For about an hour John Mark carried a panda bear in one hand and a kitten in the other hand. He mooo'ed at the panda from time to time and would meow for the kitten. The panda looked much like a cow so it was easy to see why he was mooing at it all the time. The little people animals were a big hit with him. Eventually, John Mark found a stick and a rock to play with, just like all other little boys. We had a fabulous time playing with John Mark today. We discovered that he knows several animal noises and yes and no in Russian of course.
He went in at 6:20 or so for dinner and then returned for about ten minutes before it was time to go. Leaving is so hard as I explained in an earlier post. He is such a precious child. We saw so many smiles today. The first visit John Mark was so serious and we had to work to get smiles but today he was constantly smiling and seemed very happy.
We drove to the Samara airport for Sasha our interpreter to help the ladies from Israel get on their plane to Moscow. Sasha has been an invaluable part of this experience, she helped calm both John Mark and Olivia Ann down when we first meet them. She would sit and talk to them and made it so much easier for us. As you all know most 20 month old children don't really care for strangers at all and she helped make each child feel comfortable. She was a true blessing to us.
We arrived at the hotel about 9:30. We changed our reservation to the Renaissance hotel. Yes, it is a thousand times better than the hotel we first stayed in in Samara and would you believe only twenty dollars a night more. At this point is was well worth it.
We are in the Moscow airport now awaiting our flight to Atlanta. We are sad to leave Olivia Ann and John Mark behind but we have missed Tucker.
Thank you all so very much for your prayers and encouragement. We have felt the blessings of all your prayers and love throughout this entire journey. Please continue to lift us up and especially all the precious children in the orphanages.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
We Met a little Doll Today, Olivia Ann
Today we met Olivia Ann Polina. We ate breakfast at the hotel and then went to the market for snacks for lunch. Then we were on our way to the orphanage. It was a short drive thankfully. Riding in the car in Russia is my least favorite activity. It seems to me that it is a life risking event each trip. I am quiet sure that Ronnie Paulk would not have let us sign up for Life Insurance from him if he knew we would be taking such risks in the future.
We soon arrived at the orphanage. This facility in Syzran does not compare to the the facility in Toyliatti where John Mark is being cared for. The grounds are unkept and things look run down and old.
We went in and met the doctor and she began to explain almost immediately about Olivia Ann Polina to Sasha our interpreter. She wanted us to pay special attention to her right hand and to her walk. Of course we had not seen her yet so we were a little puzzled by this speech. Suddnely out of no where a care giver appeared in the door with a beautiful little girl in a cute pink little dress. She was shy as expected but not as shy as John Mark. She only took a few seconds before she gladly came to sit in my arms. She was still a little concerned so the head doctor gave her some cookies and we saw the first real smile. She took one cookie for each hand and she was fine from then on. Like John Mark she kept a close eye on Greg for a few minutes but warmed up quickly to him too.
We played with her for about two hours. She loved the look and feel book about the baby animals. She enjoyed reaching and popping bubbles and is very ticklish. She really enjoyed the musical toy we brought with us. She listened to the songs over and over. It plays seven classical songs and she kept pressing the button each time one would end to hear the next. After a little while we went outside to walk around. She really enjoyed walking but wants you to hold her hand most of the time. She enjoyed playing with the peek-a-boo book and playing kiss-the-baby with all the babies in the book.
She is left handed and uses her right hand very little. She can use it to hold things and pick up things but really prefers to use the left hand for everything. She drags her right foot a little too, very slightly. The doctor says that she is progressing with the use of her hand and does not feel that it or her right leg are real issues. The doctor here thinks that with a little physical therapy she will get better and grow completely out of it. She was very premature at birth and that is the probable cause of these issues. Greg and I would ask that you pray for Olivia Ann and these concerns with her right hand and right leg. Pray that she will gain strength in the right side and she will be physically strong. At 12 months old she did not use her right hand at all and the doctor says she is making major improvements and is convinced with more care she will be fine.
Olivia Ann Polina is so very sweet and is not very shy at all. Her smile lights up the room and I am sure that smile has her wrapped around Greg's finger already. She is as lite as a feather compared to John Mark. She has a head full of dark hair and is darker complected than the other children we saw there, she is beautiful as you can see from the pictures. We were allowed to go to her room and see where she plays and sleeps. I was allowed to help her eat her lunch. When she noticed everyone watching her she put on a little show while eating. She really enjoyed all the attention and was not very hungry since she had had several cookies in the room earlier with us. Yes, I guess we are spoiling her already.
After helping her with lunch we left her for her nap. At that time we spoke to the social worker for the orphanage and the doctor of the orphanage. Olivia Ann like John Mark, has been in a orphanage all her life. The doctor told us more about her right hand and leg and assured us she thinks she is progressing nicely and will grow out of the difficulty she is having with the right side with physical therapy.
The care giver brought Olivia Ann back after her nap and we played in the floor with her for a while. This orphanage does not have a room for us to play in so we played in the hallway on a mat. This orphanage does have air-conditioning unlike John Mark's so you might notice we are not nearly as sweaty in pictures with Olivia Ann. Of course, I doubt anyone is looking at me or Greg in the photos. Olivia Ann bopped her head to the music and seemed to enjoy just sitting with us in the floor. We played with the books more in the afternoon and the other toys we had brought. The bubbles were a big hit with her. She tried to pop as many as she could.
When it was time to leave Greg and I were both a mess of tears. Olivia Ann did not want to go to the care giver. She kept hugging me and shaking her head no at the care giver. Of course this made the tears flow even more. She did seem to immediately attach to me in an amazing way. I know it was God's handy work and the answers to so many or your prayers for all of us. She hugged and hugged my neck but finally I handed her off through all the tears. I must admit driving away from that orphanage might be the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I felt like I could hardly breath. Greg and I both just sat quietly in the car and cried as we pulled away. It is hard to describe the heart ache that we felt. She is so precious and a perfect gift from God and to have to leave her behind so far way is a terrible feeling to deal with. I know in my head that God is watching over her and she will be there waiting when we finally get a court date to return but my heart has a hard time catching up to my brain sometimes. Of course we have no idea when we will return and that is not comforting either.
Please pray for us as we will have to repeat leaving again tomorrow when we leave John Mark again. We will be going to the orphanage about the time most of you are just getting to sleep Saturday night. Please pray as you go to bed that we will survive the leaving once again. Thanks again for all you prayers.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Today we Met John Mark for the First Time.
This morning we meet our driver and interpreter Sasha at 7:30. We drove through the country side of Samara. The countryside was very pretty with wild flowers of all kinds. We arrived at the orphanage about 9:30. We unloaded and went in and met the Head Doctor of the orphanage. She was very nice and seemed happy that we were there. We were led to a room to await John Mark Baytimir's arrival. At this point Greg and I were very excited and we were a little emotional. After a few minutes wait the doctor brought John Mark Baytimir in to meet us. At first he was very shy and actually whimpered some but never really cried, so Sasha stepped in to make him feel more comfortable since she could speak to him and he would understand her. He was watching Greg very closely, he was not sure what to think about him. He finally warmed up enough to sit by me and let Greg play with him. After a few minutes he was sitting in my lap playing with Greg. Sasha seemed to think his concern for Greg was because he had not seen many men at all and after all we were total strangers.
John Mark Baytimir is absolutely adorable. We are not biased in any way. He is just so stinking cute. You just want to eat him up. We wanted to immediately run up to him and hug on him but we knew he would need to time to warm up to us. He is very serious looking but we did eventually get smiles out of him during the visit. He loved the touch an feel book we had brought and the cars. He carried an alligator and a turtle around with him all morning. He is teething so he chewed on the alligators tail a lot since it would reach those baby molars that are coming in. After a little while we went outside to the playground. He loved walking around and playing on some of the toy sets available outside. He held our hand and walked around and looked at flowers. I know that shocks each of you who know us. John Mark really enjoyed the slide on the play ground and playing with some rings that you could slide from one side to the other of the play area. When we picked him up he seemed happy to be in our arms, snuggled and loved. He seemed to immediately hug us back. At noon we walked him back to his room were all his friends were eating lunch. He sat down with them and immediately drank an entire glass of juice. It was hot outside so I know he was very thirsty.
We left him there to eat and nap and went back to the waiting room to meet with the social worker for the orphanage and the doctor. The social worker came in and explained that John Mark Baytimir was abandoned at the Maternity house by his his mother. She had told the hospital there that he was the third child and her other two children were being cared for by relatives in Echbachstand. She gave no other relatives or family. The orphanage had tried to find family and could not so the court declared that he was abandoned and considers parents unknown. The medical doctor came in later and explained all his vitals to us at birth and how he had grown. The only concern they have for him is speech delay but almost all children in orphanages have speech delay. She said he had no real illnesses or any real problems to be concerned about. She said he started walking at age 14 months. Overall he is healthy little boy from her evaluation.
Our interpreter then ordered pizza for us (yes pizza of all things again) and we went outside to wait the hour and half for its arrival. We spent about 3 hours waiting in the playground area for our next visit with John Mark. The care givers brought him back right after his nap and brought his snack of crackers an juice with him. He drank all the juice in one big drink, but only ate a few crackers. I guess he was too fascinated with Greg and the music from the ipod to eat. It was soooo hot in the room upstairs where we were playing with him that we all had sweat running down our face so again we went outside where you do have a breeze. He played and even laughed with us a little more this trip outside.
John Mark Baytimir as you can tell from his photos is not completely of Russian decent. He is the only child in the orphanage with dark complexion or slanted eyes. We were told before arrival that no one wanted to adopt him in Russia because he does not Russian. All the other children in the orphanage have blond hair and fair complexion. It is a sad reality that prejudice over skin color is a world wide problem. Greg and I are so blessed to think that God choose this precious little boy to be a part of our family. We feel especially honored because no one else wanted him and God choose him for us. The way he loved on us when we picked him up is so hard to understand and explain. It was like he was just waiting for someone to come along and love him so he could love in return. Greg and I are so thankful for your prayers for us and especially thankful for your prayers for the precious little boy.
The Orphanage here in Toyliatti is very nice. There are several play sets outside and you can tell that the care givers indeed care. When we left John Mark with them this afternoon he ran up to one caregiver and hugged her and she hugged and loved him back. He is well taken care of and that fact makes leaving him here in Russia much easier.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Adoption Centre Appointment - UPDATED
Our driver picked us up at 8:20 and we drove 40 minutes to the Adoption Centre. We now know what Tucker feels like in the back seat wondering where we are going, how long it will take and why we are driving so crazy. Needless to say each drive is an experience itself.
We arrived right on time at 9 sharp for our appointment with the psychologist. She was a nice lady but seemed to drill us for about an hour and a half.
She asked us several questions:
Would treat the adopted children the same as Tucker? (she asked this several times in different forms)
Would we discipline the children?
How would we handle the children wanting to return to Russia? even returning permanently?
How would we handle tantrums from the children?
How would we help Tucker in the transition if he is jealous of the time spent with brother and sister?
How would we handle it when the children say you don't love us as much as Tucker?
These questions seemed to be asked in a very business type tone but she softened up a little and offered some good advice when she heard our responses.
We survived the questioning and were asked to draw pictures for her. She handed us a piece of paper with a large circle on it and said draw your ideal family inside the circle. Greg and I were very glad the test was not to evaluate our artistic ability. We drew stick figures for her. We were then asked to pick a color that best describes each of us, Tucker and the children and explain why. We were also asked to rank 8 colors from favorite to least favorite.
Finally, she asked us to draw three trees. We were to draw them and name them. I drew an Oak, Maple and Ginkgo Yes, I am a botanist daughter and no the Russian people do not know what a Ginkgo tree is, so they had to use google translate to translate it. I tried to explain it to them but I am certain they did not understand that it has fan shaped leaves and turns a beautiful yellow color in the fall. So any of you coming to Russia to adopt leave the Ginkgo out of your drawing of trees. Greg drew an Oak, Palm and Butterfly bush. I told him a butterfly bush was not a tree. The psychologist did not know that tree/bush either so we are not sure how we scored on tree drawing. She asked us questions about our trees, which one represented each of us and our children. She also asked us to explain what we would do for each tree to help it grow. She asked us which tree was the tallest, prettiest and shortest. The exercise was strange. After that we were finished with the psychological interview.
During the wait to meet the director of adoptions for Samara, our translator informed us about the questions the director would ask us and she hinted strongly at some of the answers we should give. The director was a very professional woman and her office was the only one in the building with air conditioning. She asked us some of the same questions the psychologist had asked us. However the director also included questions about disciplining the children...would we spank or in their word beat the children? She also wanted to know how we felt about the parents who had beaten their child to death. Of course our reaction to that would be just like yours, horrified.
After her questions she showed us Baytimir's file (soon to be John Mark Baytimir). The file was in Russian of course but it did have several pictures of him from when he was a baby up to now. We found out his birthday is October 29, 2009. The director asked us would we like to see this child. We said yes of course. She then showed us Polina's file (soon to be Olivia Ann Polina). We saw pictures of her when she was a baby too. Olivia Ann's birthday is September 11, 2009. The pictures of each child were absolutely precious. Both children are blessing for God. After we signed a paper with permission to visit the orphanages the meeting was over.
Our translator said we did great in the interviews and should not be concerned about anything. (not even the strange trees) That was a blessing. We know that all your prayers on our behalf helped us through the interview and helped it all to go smoothly. Thank you so much. Please keep the prayers going on our behalf as we travel to meet John Mark tomorrow and Olivia Ann on Saturday.
After the meeting we were told that the plans had changed for our orphanage visits. We will be seeing John Mark tomorrow afternoon after a 3 hour drive to the orphanage and Olivia Ann on Saturday and then back to see John Mark on Sunday before coming back to Samara Sunday night. This means we will only have one visit with Olivia Ann. We were not happy about that but we did not seem to have a say or choice.
There is a good chance we will not have internet on Friday or Saturday so updates about the orphanage visits may not be up until Sunday. We will do our best to keep you updated as we have internet. Thanks again for your prayers. Love to all.
UPDATE
We got to take a few photo of their baby photos. We were told we would never get to see them again so it was our only chance. Please don't post these anywhere...
We arrived right on time at 9 sharp for our appointment with the psychologist. She was a nice lady but seemed to drill us for about an hour and a half.
She asked us several questions:
Would treat the adopted children the same as Tucker? (she asked this several times in different forms)
Would we discipline the children?
How would we handle the children wanting to return to Russia? even returning permanently?
How would we handle tantrums from the children?
How would we help Tucker in the transition if he is jealous of the time spent with brother and sister?
How would we handle it when the children say you don't love us as much as Tucker?
These questions seemed to be asked in a very business type tone but she softened up a little and offered some good advice when she heard our responses.
We survived the questioning and were asked to draw pictures for her. She handed us a piece of paper with a large circle on it and said draw your ideal family inside the circle. Greg and I were very glad the test was not to evaluate our artistic ability. We drew stick figures for her. We were then asked to pick a color that best describes each of us, Tucker and the children and explain why. We were also asked to rank 8 colors from favorite to least favorite.
Finally, she asked us to draw three trees. We were to draw them and name them. I drew an Oak, Maple and Ginkgo Yes, I am a botanist daughter and no the Russian people do not know what a Ginkgo tree is, so they had to use google translate to translate it. I tried to explain it to them but I am certain they did not understand that it has fan shaped leaves and turns a beautiful yellow color in the fall. So any of you coming to Russia to adopt leave the Ginkgo out of your drawing of trees. Greg drew an Oak, Palm and Butterfly bush. I told him a butterfly bush was not a tree. The psychologist did not know that tree/bush either so we are not sure how we scored on tree drawing. She asked us questions about our trees, which one represented each of us and our children. She also asked us to explain what we would do for each tree to help it grow. She asked us which tree was the tallest, prettiest and shortest. The exercise was strange. After that we were finished with the psychological interview.
During the wait to meet the director of adoptions for Samara, our translator informed us about the questions the director would ask us and she hinted strongly at some of the answers we should give. The director was a very professional woman and her office was the only one in the building with air conditioning. She asked us some of the same questions the psychologist had asked us. However the director also included questions about disciplining the children...would we spank or in their word beat the children? She also wanted to know how we felt about the parents who had beaten their child to death. Of course our reaction to that would be just like yours, horrified.
After her questions she showed us Baytimir's file (soon to be John Mark Baytimir). The file was in Russian of course but it did have several pictures of him from when he was a baby up to now. We found out his birthday is October 29, 2009. The director asked us would we like to see this child. We said yes of course. She then showed us Polina's file (soon to be Olivia Ann Polina). We saw pictures of her when she was a baby too. Olivia Ann's birthday is September 11, 2009. The pictures of each child were absolutely precious. Both children are blessing for God. After we signed a paper with permission to visit the orphanages the meeting was over.
Our translator said we did great in the interviews and should not be concerned about anything. (not even the strange trees) That was a blessing. We know that all your prayers on our behalf helped us through the interview and helped it all to go smoothly. Thank you so much. Please keep the prayers going on our behalf as we travel to meet John Mark tomorrow and Olivia Ann on Saturday.
After the meeting we were told that the plans had changed for our orphanage visits. We will be seeing John Mark tomorrow afternoon after a 3 hour drive to the orphanage and Olivia Ann on Saturday and then back to see John Mark on Sunday before coming back to Samara Sunday night. This means we will only have one visit with Olivia Ann. We were not happy about that but we did not seem to have a say or choice.
There is a good chance we will not have internet on Friday or Saturday so updates about the orphanage visits may not be up until Sunday. We will do our best to keep you updated as we have internet. Thanks again for your prayers. Love to all.
UPDATE
We got to take a few photo of their baby photos. We were told we would never get to see them again so it was our only chance. Please don't post these anywhere...
John Mark
Olivia Ann
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Samara, Russia
Today we flew to Samara. We arrived to a different airport concept. Samara's airport is like none other that I have been to. Once the plan taxied to a stop "near" what appeared to be a possible terminal building it was pushed out to a parking pad and two passenger buses pulled up and we deplaned and walked to the bus for a short ride to the hanger building where our luggage arrived on one conveyer belt. There were no restrooms, no real security checks, it was simple and to the point...get off plane and get your luggage and leave.
We were greeted by our interpreter. She was very nice and took us out to the driver and car. When the diver popped the trunk there was about 2 inches of water in his trunk. Lucky for us he was prepared for this event and had a sponge to sponge it right out. So after about 5 minutes of sponging we were ready for our hour and half drive to Samara proper.
Again traffic was interesting. The Russian people drive a little different than we do. It seems there are not many traffic laws each man for himself. Greg kept a close eye on the temperature gage of the car on the drive. It hoovered near red the whole way. We imagined that was what the 5 gallon water jug that had spilled in the trunk was to be used for.
We arrived safely to our hotel. The hotel is a very old building with a lot of character. Hardwood floors, big bedroom and big living room and a small bath. If you were to google our hotel the pictures you see there do not resemble our room in any way, not sure where that modern looking room is but no matter the room we have is fine. We had originally been place in a room with no air conditioning but later found out we could have air for an additional and fee. We decided the fee was worth it and moved.
We ate at yet another pizza place. (if you know Greg, you know we will mainly eat pizza on every trip, even to Russia) This pizza restaurant was in the hotel it was very good and unlike Greg I am not a huge pizza fan.
After dinner we walked down to the Volozhka river. At the river they had lots of food vendors and children's activities set up. Kids were playing and enjoying the nice summer afternoon. Along the river there was a nice beach where lots and lots of people were enjoying the summer sun and fun. We walked around the river walk and enjoyed watching the children play and people watching in general. For those who are really interested to see exactly where we are try this google link.
Tomorrow we go for our appointment with the Adoption Officials at the Centre of Adoption for this region. We will be officially shown the children's files and answer questions about our home study. We will also meet with the Psychologist at this time. Please pray thar this appointment will go smoothly and we will answer the questions in a way that pleases the Russian Adoption Officials.
On Friday we will finally get to visit Olivia Ann so we hope to soon be blogging about the precious children and not the pizza we ate. Thank you for all your prayers.
A few pictures from the afternoon walk below.
We were greeted by our interpreter. She was very nice and took us out to the driver and car. When the diver popped the trunk there was about 2 inches of water in his trunk. Lucky for us he was prepared for this event and had a sponge to sponge it right out. So after about 5 minutes of sponging we were ready for our hour and half drive to Samara proper.
Again traffic was interesting. The Russian people drive a little different than we do. It seems there are not many traffic laws each man for himself. Greg kept a close eye on the temperature gage of the car on the drive. It hoovered near red the whole way. We imagined that was what the 5 gallon water jug that had spilled in the trunk was to be used for.
We arrived safely to our hotel. The hotel is a very old building with a lot of character. Hardwood floors, big bedroom and big living room and a small bath. If you were to google our hotel the pictures you see there do not resemble our room in any way, not sure where that modern looking room is but no matter the room we have is fine. We had originally been place in a room with no air conditioning but later found out we could have air for an additional and fee. We decided the fee was worth it and moved.
We ate at yet another pizza place. (if you know Greg, you know we will mainly eat pizza on every trip, even to Russia) This pizza restaurant was in the hotel it was very good and unlike Greg I am not a huge pizza fan.
After dinner we walked down to the Volozhka river. At the river they had lots of food vendors and children's activities set up. Kids were playing and enjoying the nice summer afternoon. Along the river there was a nice beach where lots and lots of people were enjoying the summer sun and fun. We walked around the river walk and enjoyed watching the children play and people watching in general. For those who are really interested to see exactly where we are try this google link.
Tomorrow we go for our appointment with the Adoption Officials at the Centre of Adoption for this region. We will be officially shown the children's files and answer questions about our home study. We will also meet with the Psychologist at this time. Please pray thar this appointment will go smoothly and we will answer the questions in a way that pleases the Russian Adoption Officials.
On Friday we will finally get to visit Olivia Ann so we hope to soon be blogging about the precious children and not the pizza we ate. Thank you for all your prayers.
A few pictures from the afternoon walk below.
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