Our Adoption Journey

June 19, 2001

Our adoption journey first started over 3 years ago with the adoption of our daughter, Miranda, from Belgrade. We originally decided to research all aspects of adoption via the internet. It was through the miracle of the internet that we first laid eyes on our beautiful little girl. Her eyes stared right through our souls from the internet page and we knew at that instant that she was meant for us.

A little hesitant about traveling to Europe to adopt this little 3 year old stranger, we let fate and our trust in God lead the way. Everything from start to finish went very smoothly and our little angel was home with us in just 3 short months!

A couple of years later Miranda started asking for a brother & sister. We had thought about it, but the financial aspects from her adoption were overwhelming, as we continue to pay those loans off. We had hoped for a large family, so again, we put our faith and trust in God that we would be guided to the best decision. We decided that we would look at children again in Eastern Europe; hopeful to find a brother and sister for Miranda that had similar characteristics as she.

After a few weeks of searching through hundreds of photos, we found our son! Mark Josif's eyes peared through us just as Miranda did! We felt a reassuring sense that he was meant to be with us. Again, if it were meant to be, we would find a way financially. Upon research, we found three adoption foundations giving grants to needy adoptive families. With our income and history, we were sure that we were perfect candidates for a grant which would pay for most of Mark's adoption. What we found was that after applying to all three foundations three times each, we were denied by all!

In deep shock, we worried how we could possibly pay for Mark's adoption (which was almost completed at that point). Furthermore, we had also found another little girl as well and started the process for adoption. That is when we heard about A Child Waits Foundation. Without their help, we could not have brought Mark home. We are still hoping for possible new grants we have found to pay off our third child, Amber Maria's adoption; but if we don't, we hope that A Child Waits Foundation will be there to help.

Mark Josif and Amber Maria are both from Bulgaria. The orphanages in Bulgaria are very similar to Miranda's orphanage in Belgrade. Both countries are very poor. Necessities like fresh water and clean clothes and toys are very scarce.

The trip to Bulgaria takes about 24 hours with airport layovers from Eastern USA. We were very well taken care of by our lawyer's staff while in Bulgaria. They arrange to have families picked up at the airport and taken either directly to their hotel or directly to the child's orphanage. A translator is provided along every step of the way to explain the process and to interpret what your child, director, etc. are saying to you.

Once at the orphanage, we had a brief meeting with the director so we could go over our child's history and also to give the director a little information about us so they know the child is going to a good family. After the brief meeting, the moment arrives! Our child is brought into the room . . . for Mark, he was a bright bundle of energy, with a smile as big as a rainbow! A little unsure of what to do, Mark said "caio" (hello) and just stood by us. After getting to know each other, a few minutes later, we had our first hug. The following two days were filled with lots of playing with toys we brought and lots of candy eating which was a real treat for all the kids.

Our trip a few months later to see Amber Maria was very similar. Once she was brought into the room, this little peanut bounced over to us to say "caio" and was very interested to meet her big sister, Miranda. (Miranda did not go to meet Mark initially.) Amber gave us all hugs and kisses and immediately wanted to play ball with her big sister. We were so glad they got along so well! The following two days were filled again with lots of playing and lots of candy eating!

Leaving is always the toughest part. For Mark, who is 6 yrs old, he understood everything happening and cried when we left. The translator told him we would be back soon and when we came back, he would be coming home with us. For Amber, she was 2 ½ yrs old; so she did not really understand what was happening. She just gave us all hugs & kisses good bye, acting as if we would be back again tomorrow to play again. Hopefully she will understand more when she comes home permanently in a few months!

In Bulgaria, 2 trips are necessary to complete your adoption. The first trip is done initially to meet your child "for approval", which starts the paperwork process. The second trip is to bring your child home for good. For Mark, his journey home happened just 2 ½ months ago. Again, it was a very long, but smooth trip. The translator and attorney explained to him the long plane ride. We brought several books, toys and candy to keep him occupied on the plane. He slept most of the way home, which made the whole trip very easy! We now look forward to Amber's time to come home!

In just 2 ½ months, Mark Josif has adjusted remarkably well. He is very fluent in English and has forgotten most Bulgarian words. He and Miranda are inseparable. Since they are both 6 yrs old, they have very similar tastes and get along very easily. Now, they both look forward to the arrival of their little sister!

Douglas, Sandra, Mark and Miranda Costin	Mark and Miranda at the Beach (2001)

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