Rewind Aug 22 - Traveling to Krenenchuk

Planes Trains and Automobiles........ or did you say bus? There were no overnight trains seats available. There was a taxi but at $300 US we were a bit too hestitant. So we settled on an early morning (7am-11am) bus ride for about $2o a person. It was not too bad actually. Although, I knew better than to eat or drink before or during the trip. There was one stop to a semi private hole in the ground...... We were the only travelers to not partake.

Once we got in town we had a quick visit with the social worker. She is a wonderful lady and knew so much about our boy. Here in this region the judge works adoptions (not too many here) through a lawyer who does all the prep work for the judge. Immediately we were thinking -- oh no another "cost". But to our surprise the lawyer is included in the judges court costs which are very reasonable.

Then you guessed it --- off to the orphanage. Our boy is in an orphanage for children with physical handicaps. He has a cleft palate (his lip is fine). He has been there since he was 4 months old. His caregivers seem genuinely fond of him and were visibly thrilled that we were there. First we met with the orphanage director. Since it is a specialized orphanage, the director is a doctor. She focused mainly on his physical ailments, which besides the palate and a corrected groin hernia, he is perfectly healthy on all charts.

She has sssooooooo much info about his mother. The most interesting being that he has a biological sister who is 2 yrs older than him. And she is living with his mother still. His mother has never been to visit our son and so we are hopeful to not expect any contention by family members. We have asked that the sister be checked on and that our intention to adopt her as well be known. We are grateful to have a great social worker to carry this out.

While the director was still talking, I looked over at the door to see Igor being encouraged to go in. He looked sooo hesitant. He was looking at "D"s back so I tapped him and nodded. As so as "D" turned around, his face lite up and he started to giggle. ("D" has that effect on me too :-) One big hug and more laughing and we really never heard the Director finish her download.

He is such a cutie! Strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes, constantly smiling :-) He does not walk -- just runs!!! and jumps and throws every ball he can get his hands on - "D" is thrilled to note that he uses his left hand to throw and to draw.

We may wait until Tuesday to post a picture as we are wanting confirmation that there are no apparent hurdles with us successfully adopting him. (You can boo me now :-(

The social worker and her son have been very helpful. We are staying in their apartment and they came by last night to drive us to show us where the internet cafe is. And to bring us a dialup card, which is being well used!!!! Her son is 20 and is studying Chemistry in college so he knows a little bit of English.

I will try to post some pics of the apartment that we will call home for the next week.