In Russia, Day Two: MOE and Meeting the Kids

The alarm went off at 6:00AM. It was the day that I would meet my children! We were to meet Olga and Sergei in the lobby at 8:30 to go to the Ministry of Education office for my official interview and receipt of the referrals. I was nervous!

The drive from the city center where we are staying to the MOE was all of about 15 minutes. This made me very happy after all of the long travels leading up to this day. At the MOE, I walked into an old building to a small coatroom where we left our coats, hats, and scarves. I was wondering just how long this interview would take! We walked up the stairs and down a long hall to a small office where we stood by the door until invited in by two beautiful women dressed to the nines.

I sat in front of them and answered the following questions:

Do you have biological children?
Have you ever been married?
What do you do for a living?
Where do you live?
Why do you want to adopt?

I answered these questions very easily and before I knew it, the woman was signing all of the paperwork for the two children. I, my friend Gina, and the interpreter were dismissed while the facilitator stayed behind to gather the paperwork. We were out of their within about 20 minutes flat! It was such a relief to have successfully completed this official meeting. It was in this meeting that I heard that the children were in orphanages in Visk Russia which is in the Nizhky, Novgorod region – 3 hours away! I have to admit that my heart sunk a bit. Such a long drive…

We spent the next 3 hours on the road which was grueling because it was bitterly cold outside and that cold made its way into the van as well. Before we could go to the orphanages, we stopped to pick up the director of the MOE in Visk. She needed to accompany me to the meetings with the orphanage staff members who would update me on the children’s medical, psychological, and social status. So, at that point our group consisted of the driver, Olga the interpreter (thank God for her), Olga the facilitator (she looks like a movie star), the directors whose name I do not recall, Gina and me. We had a van full as we headed for the orphanage where I would meet my little boy.

The orphanage was in a very remote spot, but from the outside the building looked quite nice. However, as I entered I realized that the floors were uneven and the walls were coming apart. It was not horrible, but definitely in disrepair. I was taken back to a small office after being given the opportunity to use the restroom where there was no toilet paper. I had left mine in my backpack. For those who follow after me, always keep tissue in your pocket.

In this small office, I was surrounded by the director of the orphanage, the medical doctor, the psychologist, the social worker, the facilitator, and the interpreter. It was quite nerve racking. Basically, they took turns walking me through his file and letting me know all that I needed to know. He is a healthy happy boy. It took about an hour to get to that point of realization. Once they were finished, they asked me if I wanted to meet him. And, of course I gave a great big smile and a yes.

He came into the room and his sparkling blue eyes and long eyelashes jumped out at me. He is such a boy in every way and adorable! He loves to draw and build things. He focuses very well and likes to finish what he starts. He colored a page while I watched, and I was amazed with his logic and small motor skills. He appears to be quite athletic and studious. We shall see! I had only about 30 minutes with him before I had to leave to meet his sister who was at an orphanage about 5 minutes away.

When I met my daughter, I had only to meet with the medical doctor because the history of the children is the same. This took only about 20 minutes and soon enough I was in a playroom upstairs bopping a balloon around with my little girl. She looks much like her brother with big blue eyes, long eyelashes, and light brown hair. We had a grand time playing, and when finished she cuddled up in my arms to get warm.

Both look like they have been well cared for but can use some good feeding and loving. The orphanages are very clean and the staff very very nice and welcoming. He is 4 years old, and she is three. This is much older than I requested and seems to be some kind of mix up, but I think God had his hand in it. They will only let the two go together and not many adopt two at once so my home is the home they were meant to share. I am so thrilled to get the privilege of being their mom!

I must get some shuteye as we will be picked up tomorrow at 7:00AM to make the long drive again. Two more days of 6 hours on the road to see my beautiful little ones…

One surprise today that those coming to NN after me should remember:

They don’t stop for food! We went all day with no food arriving back at the hotel at 8:00PM. That is so not American! LOL