When we got to Angela's institution we found a clean, well-kept place. We met with the director and doctor and were quite impressed with the situation. They talked to us for awhile and then brought our little Angel in. Angela's bright blue eyes were filled with excitement and joy as she called me momma and Steve pappa.

She hugged us so tight I thought she would break my neck. She was a little shy but very happy to see us both. The director told us to bring Stephen with us so they could play together. She showed us the private room we could use, and told us we could visit from 10a.m. to 1p.m. everyday (including weekends). She then showed us Angela's sleeping area (which was a very clean room with bunk beds and about 15 other children). She explained these were Angela's roommates and friends.

THE NEXT DAY WE BROUGHT STEPHEN. When he saw his new sister he screamed "Angela" and gave her a big hug and kiss. They bonded immediately. Angela told everyone she had a baby brother and he was her best friend. The institution had a lot of property with many playgrounds for the children. We took Angela and Stephen outside to play as much as we could. We took hundreds of pictures. We played with Angela's roommates and some of the older kids. Everyone knew we were Angela's momma and pappa, and called us by those names. Most of the children were severely disabled and were fascinated by digital cameras and being able to see their photos immediately. They were all so loving and starving for the love of mommy and daddy I wanted to take all of them home. I was happy I got to give them 2 weeks of attention. It was heartbreaking to leave them.

During our visits from May 28th through June 10th we were able to take Angela out. Luna and Olec brought us to amusement parks (where the kids went on rides and had ice cream), the Sweet Shops (for cakes and treats), Lake Burma (and gave us a complete tour), shopping (where Stephen and Angela bought toys, clothes, and souvenirs) and a tour of the town. Angela even got to go to our hotel for lunch and play with toys. It was really like a vacation, which helps the transition for everyone. You must make the best of this trip it will be a special memory.

Our hotel in Kokshetau was wonderful. They had a refrigerator filled with juice, milk, snacks, fresh fruit and vegetables. They couldn't do enough for us. Of course, there were problems in town. Power failures, no water for a day, no air conditioning and mosquitoes that ate us alive, but we lived through it and still had a great experience. It was a peaceful town with cows across the street, and roosters waking us at dawn, no supermarkets (only one flea market type of store where everything is sold in booths). The food wasn't what we were used to, but the hotel restaurant prepared meals to our liking for us.

On June 9th the Director of the facility invited us to lunch to celebrate Angela's last day. They prepared a huge meal for us, soup, salad, fish, meat, and lots of sweets for desert. It was wonderful. The best meal we had on our trip. She showed us photos of Angela when she was younger and took lots of pictures of all of us with Angela's caregivers. She gave us her address and asked us to keep in touch.

The next day was a day I'll never forget. Our court date. Maria babysat for Stephen and off we went. Luna couldn't translate for us because she wasn't licensed yet. Our translator seemed a little unsure of himself and the Judge was stern.

The Judge gave us the impression that we weren't good enough for Angela. He questioned Steve numerous times about his age, health and finances. He questioned me about what I do with Stephen to help him grow and learn. At this point I was almost convinced we were going to be denied and I had to tell Stephen that Angela would not be his sister. Now tears were filling in my eyes. The judge left the room to make his decision. The translator gave us no idea about what the judge was saying. He shook his head and left us waiting. In the room with us was the Director of the Institution, the Doctor, Prosecutor, our interpreter and us. No one looked happy. Finally after what seemed like a year the Judge came out. He berated the Director of the orphanage and the Doctor for not giving Angela speech therapy and more services. Then he told us he wouldn't adopt a special needs child but since we really wanted her the Adoption was granted. I went from a serious down to elation in seconds. I thought I would faint. We had a few errands to run and went for our new daughter.

By the way did I mention June 10th was Stephen's 3rd birthday? When we got Angela she was dressed in pretty lavender knit dress with a big bow in her hair. I brought clothes for her. The Director got insulted. They dressed Angela in her Sunday best and thought I didn't want it. We explained to her we were told to bring clothes because we couldn't take the clothes that they had. She told us that was not true. We told her how they gave us Stephen naked, and she couldn't believe it. We said our goodbyes, took pictures and went to our hotel.

At the hotel we got Stephen and Maria and had a big celebration dinner in the restaurant. Inna joined us but Oleg was busy. After our meal we had a birthday cake for Stephen and Angela (born June 7). Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" including the singer/entertainer that was practicing and had become Stephen's best friend. Stephen would dance around while he practiced.

On June 11th we had to say goodbye to all of our friends at the hotel. They were all so wonderful to us. The hardest part was saying goodbye to Inna and Oleg. We became so close in such a short period of time. They bought gifts for the kids and took us to the airport. The Director came to see us off and also brought gift for the kids. I didn't want to leave. Inna cried and I felt heartbroken. Away we went.

Angela loved the plane. We got to Almaty and met with Sasha. He took us to our hotel. The next morning we went to the lawyer's office, got our paperwork and we were done.
Sasha entertained us until we had to leave. He took us sightseeing, shopping, and brought his daughter Vikka with him to play with Angela and Stephen. This was another bond I hated to break.

Well with mixed emotions (sad for those we left behind and happy for what was to come) we started our 24 hour journey home on June 15th. The kids had fun on the plane. We stopped in Frankfurt, Germany for 7 hours. The kids got to buy a toy each as a remembrance of the trip. At the end of our journey we stopped at customs to hand in our sealed paperwork and a new life started for all of us.

Family and friends met us and everyone welcomed our beautiful Angela with open arms. She came home to her own house, her Barbie room, lots of toys, 3 dogs (that she was afraid of), 3 birds, 5 cousins and an enormous amount of love.

During our first month home Angela went to numerous doctors. We found out she is far sighted and needed glasses. Tubes and tubes of blood were drawn and thankfully all her tests were negative. She had a brain MRI and an EEG. The results were favorable. Her brain showed a slight immaturity. The doctor feels it is due to lack of stimulation. Her hearing was perfect. She went to an Endocrinologist. After more blood tests and an age bone scan Angela got a clean bill of health. Her bones are small and show an age of 4 years old. The doctor told us good food, exercise, and love and our daughter will catch up.
Angela went to day camp with Stephen for 5 weeks and both children made beautiful pictures and keepsakes for mom and dad to cherish. She taught herself to swim. Angela has been to weddings and parties and danced all night. She has gone to parks, malls and has been a well-behaved young lady.

Now almost 3 months as an American, Angela is speaking some English and trying to recite her ABC's. She counts to ten and is learning to write with her Leap Pad. Her favorite song is "Who let the dogs out", and pizza and macaroni are her favorite foods.
Angela started Kindergarten last week. She is in Special Ed due to her lack of language. She is going to have a Russian translator, and speech therapy. In one week she has learned the color red and blue, left and right, and to write ABCD. She is doing very well. She is very attached to me and we are dealing with the separation issue. She's getting better.

Everyone thinks our children are biological siblings. They are a joy to us and to each other. Of course they can get on your nerves every now and then. They are typical spoiled kids. The unconditional love and hugs and kisses are so rewarding I can't put the feelings into words. We are so happy and the void in all of our lives has been filled with the sound of laughter, cries and kisses. Our family is complete. We are so thankful to A Child Waits Foundation and everyone who has made this possible. Our happiness does not go unnoticed.

Back to Home Page