Words cannot really express how today has been! We woke up so early so that we could get a good breakfast in before heading on the long journey to Viska one more time. On the road by 7:30am, we watched the morning traffic of people heading to work via cars, buses, and by walking. It was a beautiful day – more crisp and cold than previous days, but the sky was completely clear and beautiful.

The drive, for me at least, went by quickly. Deana didn’t sleep, nor did I – the anticipation of culminating nearly a year worth of effort was too much to bear and must be faced with eyes wide open! We went to Zack’s orphanage first – walking in for the last time was almost sentimental. We were shown to the room where Deana first met Zack in December and I could not help but think how perfect that was. Shortly afterward, Zack was brought in attired in new clothes and a big smile (these clothes were left behind). Deana hugged him and he was shy but overtly happy. She then changed his clothes, and YES, we all had to turn our backs when he got down to his underwear! Deana said he was Speedy Gonzales when he changed those! He also likes his new Doc Martins! And shout out to Stephanie and Drew – he LOVED the shirt you bought him and I must say he looked wonderful in it! We had a nice visit with the Director, who when we were saying goodbye began to cry. Deana told her she looks very much like family and that Deana’s family cries, too. It was a touching moment. Zack’s wonderful caretaker was there too and was nice enough to write down their address so that we can keep in touch, letting them know how Zack is doing in America.

We then left to get Sophia. As we left the office, there was a large group of Zack’s friends waiting for him. They all said goodbye and walked out to the exit so they could wave. Zack, for his part, really never looked back and had no hesitation whatsoever as he walked with Deana to the car. She basically waved his arm for him, as he was more focused on his new life with Deana and the passing world that was being presented outside of the window.

When we arrived at Sophia’s orphanage, we were told that Zack could not go in, so he stayed with Sergei in the car. He was fine with that and was excited that he was able to move to the front seat. We went inside and were lead to an entirely new area of the orphanage for us. Inside a small room were two staff members who immediately began paperwork for Sophia and asked for her clothes, as they would be changing her. Deana took out the gifts for the orphanage, which per their request were meds. She and Anastasia the translator changed the instructions to Russian. Based on their reaction, the items she purchased were a great success.

Suddenly, Sophia walked up wearing her new clothes and jacket and Bjorn shoes! She seemed very tired and overwhelmed at first, but went straight to Deana. There was less ceremony with this hand off but it was amazing to realize she was Deana’s daughter. Even the words are magical for me as I type! However, the true moment of anticipation was yet to come.

Sergei and Zack were walking the grounds when we exited the orphanage with Sophia. Zack, all “cool” in his new jacket and clothes, basically ran to us and Sophia. Her reaction was priceless – she went right to him and touched him. He, on the other hand, went immediately into shy mode, basically looking at the ground or giggling and pretending she wasn’t there. She kept walking to him and touching him. It was still priceless. We all then went to the car and headed back to NN.

Both were VERY excited to be with Deana and in the car. They had their own little celebrations in the car in their own way. Both began to play with me and Anastasia, who were sitting in front of them, by tagging us or poking us. Laughter abounded everywhere. Both listened to Deana well, “sit down”, etc. At one point they seemed to reach critical mass because they got VERY active in the car! It was evident that they were loving life!

Some words spoken by Zack and translated by Anastasia, in no order:

“I do not speak your language.”

“On the plane, I am not going to sleep.”

“There is a gorilla behind you!” (said to Gina, who he apparently really enjoys trying to scare.)

“I am not going to wear a seatbelt on the plane. I will stand and look out the window the whole trip!”

“There is a house on your head” (or mice in your head, or a shop on your head – many variations to try to evoke Gina’s silly expressions or reactions)

Through it all, Zack and Sophia slowly began to interact with each other. Zack, always shy at first, seemed to melt the layers of protection he seems to build around his heart quickly, and before you knew it, he was speaking directly to Sophia. It quickly became apparent that she idolizes him, often trying to do the same thing he does, mimics what he would say, etc. At this point they BOTH began telling me there was mice in my hair or a gorilla behind me, etc. I would look at Deana with a petrified face and scream, “Mama!!!” and they would howl with laughter.

On that note, Sophia is very vocal about Deana being Mama. Zack is a bit more reserved – if you ask him “is that Mama?” he giggles and says “da (yes)”. But he doesn’t say it on his own – I think it’s a combination of his shyness as well as his protection mechanism. Or maybe it’s a guy thing! After all, when I would tell Zack there was a gorilla behind HIM, he would say “I am not scared of gorillas!”

When we arrived at the hotel, they excitedly got out. Anastasia showed Deana the food they should be able to eat and then we headed to the room. They both immediately went to the TV and figured out how to turn it on. They were transfixed! We unloaded everything and then went downstairs to eat dinner.

It was here that much of their personalities began to surface, including the testing of the waters. Zack loves to be silly, especially with me (the biggest kid, apparently). So it was harder for him to take my NO seriously at first. But we managed and we survived not having an interpreter present throughout the meal. He did NOT want the borsch that was ordered for him, so he ended up sharing the pasta Sophia got, as well as some of the French fries Deana had as well as some of the potatoes from my meal. This was kind of sad, because especially Sophia ate rather frantically. She spilled a pasta here and there and she focused on getting that pasta and not wasting it. When Deana would take some of her pasta for Zack, she would begin to try to scrape the remaining food back as if to protect it. It was difficult for me and Deana not to cry and we rejoice that the days of being concerned about food are now over for Deana’s son and daughter. (I really love that sound!)

Back at the hotel room, it was FUN TIME! First, Sophia got her bath and she LOVES the water! I think she was a little freaked out to be able to sit in it, but once she got over that it was fun all around. I showed Zack some pictures of our visit on my laptop and he loved it. He also wanted to type and touch the computer – a kid after my own heart! Soon, it was hand off time – I took Sophia, all fresh from the bath, and got her dressed in her jammies while Deana gave Zack a bath. It was Sophie’s turn to see the pics and she was very delighted – saying “mama!” and “kriska!” (her nickname) as she would alternate “oy!”.

Zack proved to be a fish as well and he was soon calling me and Sophia to the bathroom so he could show us how he can “swim”! After he was done, I helped him to get his jammies on but he is very much a “I can do it myself” type of person! He loved his Spiderman pjs!

Suddenly, I was at the computer with both on my lap and we HAD to see the pictures over and over again!

At this point, interaction between the children was complete – they talked together, they played together, they even shared!

This is long, so I am skipping stuff, but as they were put to bed, they whispered to each other for so long – I almost wanted to cry! As I type, they are sound asleep! (Well, I have been asleep since the kids went to bed – around 8pm, but woke up and am now wide awake!)

Okay, I will write more later. This blog has been very much “Gina’s perspective” – I have purposely not mentioned much about Deana because I wanted her to be able to write it herself – which I hope she will do soon! She is VERY tired and got car sick on the ride home which has been difficult for her. But she is LOVING being a mother and has done a fabulous job!

I have to rush and do my weekly quiz but wanted to let you know that court went well and Deana was awarded Zack and Sophia!!!! We will make the trek to the orphanages tomorrow. Deana is planning on posting to her blog later.

Ciao

Breakfast was YUMMY and basically the first meal Deana has had since having pizza in Moscow Saturday. She really enjoyed it! She needed it too because she is very nervous about court today. As I type, she is rehearsing for court with her new translator, Natasha. Natasha speaks beautiful English and is very, very nice. I think her presence is calming to Deana and she is giving very specific feedback which I believe is helpful for Deana.

If you are awake now, please pray for Deana!

Some of the information Deana needs to recite to the judge are dates and details that are difficult to remember, especially things like when she received her fingerprints, etc. (especially since she had this done several times for different agencies). But Natasha is very calm and supportive and has helped give ways to recall the details when Deana is in front of the judge.

Okay, as I am sitting here trying to be a wallflower (really!) I am getting anxious myself, so I am going to talk more about other aspects of our trip.

When flying into Moscow, the first thing I noticed that there was no snow in sight! Secondly, I was amazed that the skyline looked very much like Los Angeles with their tall buildings and long lines of brake lights signifying traffic on the highways. Our landing was quite rough – the first time where I seriously thought we were going to crash – but that was quick and it did a wonderful job of making sure I was wide awake! As I eluded to earlier, we followed the masses once getting off the plane – unfortunately no airline personnel spoke English – we waited in a long, very slow moving line only to find out we were in the wrong place. We were told the correct place to go and we quickly headed to immigration and got through with no problems. No questions on where we were staying, where we obtained our Visas, etc. (of course not, because this time I knew how to answer them!). Because of our delay, our luggage had been set aside but was easy to get. The trouble was there were no carts available and we walked everywhere and finally resolved ourselves to pulling the massive luggage. When we finally got through customs I was so relieved to see Olga #3 with the sign with Deana’s name! She and our driver helped out and we headed to the train station.

Moscow – at least the portions that we saw – seem like many other large cities we have seen throughout the world. The first thing that was different about Moscow versus NN was that most of the cars on the road were recognizable and, if you kept your focus on the traffic, you could imagine yourself in Los Angeles on the 405 near downtown LA. There were Lexus, Mercedes, Hyundai’s, Toyotas, and very few Russian autos. In fact, the billboards showed advertisements that looked decidedly American – it was only when they got closer that you realized the letters were distinctively Russian. It was almost refreshing to be in a place that was not that different from home. The weather was slightly cold – I’d say in the high 50’s or perhaps low 60’s. I was wearing my flannel CML jacket and that was perfect. No hat, no gloves, etc. What a difference from our first trip to Russia!

The train was a fun experience, although admittedly we slept most of the time. Had Olga #3 been a bit more informative (or, at least, provided the correct information) I think I would have slept more soundly. You see, I had asked if we’d be informed when our stop had arrived – she said no. So anytime the train slowed down for a station, I felt compelled to figure out if we had reached NN. As it turned out, a train representative came to our compartment 30 minutes before our stop to advise us that it was approaching! Alas, I will know that for our return trip. The train itself was very comfortable and now we can say we’ve ridden another train in a far away country!

One piece of drama for the morning – in her conversation with Natasha, Deana realized that she was supposed to have brought pictures depicting her first visit with the children in addition to the two framed pictures that are gifts for the judge. Of course, I had also moved all the pics I had on my laptop harddrive to my PC at home! This, evidently, is a big issue that had the potential of causing great anger in the judge. So they are trying to get to a print shop before Deana’s court appearance as she had some on her CF card she uses for her camera. ANGST!

I had better focus on my homework now. I will write more when D gets back from court.

Good morning – well, I am not sure when you will be reading this, but as I begin to write it is almost 8pm California time. I can also add that my body is rebelling against the time difference in many ways – feeling alternatively extremely tired and then defiantly wide awake. At present I am feeling quite tired and wishing I could go back to bed! However, we are getting ready to get our free Russian breakfast at 7 as Deana has an appointment with Natasha to prepare for court – she is scheduled to arrive at 8am and then Deana is to leave for court at 9:15 am. As I said yesterday, the court session is scheduled for 10am.

On a side note, Deana sends her apology for not blogging yet – she just cannot bring herself to do it as of yet due to emotions, nerves for court, being tired, etc. She is a little more nervous that she is doing this entirely on her own today as I will need to stay back at the hotel. I will use the time to finish my first week of Astronomy homework!

Okay, when we get back from breakfast I will write more details. For now, it feels almost reassuring to be in the same hotel in NN – to see familiar faces in the lobby, know what is on the menu, etc. Deana still had a bad experience with dinner last night and only ended up eating her French fries again. I loved my meal and have the garlic breath to prove it! But I have to say, I am nervous about staying in Moscow as it is very different there. I am hoping things are as easy to adapt to there as it has been in NN.

Okay, leaving for breakfast.

Hello Everyone,

I would appreciate you lifting Deana up in prayer as it seems “things” are in place to discourage her and the adoption process.

Bottom line – there was a paperwork mishap and our Russian Visas are due to expire early next week. Because of that, the trip has been delayed a week and a new court date must be obtained. I am currently on the phone trying to reschedule our flight tickets hoping to get the same or close to the same fares. Fortunately, the adoption agency has offered to supplement some of these costs for this but it is still very stressful. Further, Deana seeing and holding her children has again been delayed which is heartbreaking for her.

Also pray that the process of obtaining new visas can be expedited to meet the week timeframe and that a new court date is easily obtained.

If/when you see Deana at work next week, please be gentle. Any questions, please ask me or Wanda.