Well today was the big day! We got up and drove to the orphanage, got there around 10am. The town was bigger than I thought it would be and the outside of the orphanage had a lot more playground area.
I was pretty nervous and excited at the same time. So we go in and met the Dr. in charge of the orphanage. She was very friendly and she gave us all of the information she had on our referral and his birth family. We were all ok with the information and all in all he is healthy little guy.
After all of the information was given, they brought him into us. It was a surreal moment, I couldn't believe we were finally meeting him.
Rich captured the moment on film and did a good job, got him coming in from the beginning.
He is a sweet little boy. He has very blonde hair and blue/gray eyes. He was SO scared at first, he didn't know what to think. He was breathing really heavy and wouldn't move. You could tell he thought we were aliens or something. He didn't really cry but was on the verge a few times. We kept showing him the toys we got and after awhile he became more and more interested. He loved the books we gave him. If he heard a caregiver speaking Russian as they were passing, he would perk up and look more comfortable. He is a very curious little guy and was trying to figure it all out. The other family came in and he stole the little one's toy and was curious about them also. He started to then feel more comfortable and crawled some and played ball with Rich. They rolled it back and forth and he finally started smiling and you could tell her was more at ease. We love him to death and he was so worth the wait.
Today was a true test for the Director and the orphanage staff. The couple we were with had to turn down their referral for health reasons. We were glad we were there because how the staff handled it was amazing. They live up to their wonderful reputation! You can tell they truly care about the families. They worked with the family and really found them a little boy that matched up to their family perfectly. He is a sweet little boy who laughed and laughed. We were so happy to see this and just utterly impressed. I can't not speak highly enough of them here, I really can not.
We signed our papers for letter of intent and the staff gave us hugs and were very happy for us.
We get to sped tomorrow with Maddux and then will have to leave him. I am at peace with it. I know he is taken care of and he is bonded with some of the people there so that is nice. I know he will be in good hands. We can't wait to bring him home though and hope the time goes fast.
Oh and as far as the name. We were going back and forth between Major and Maddux. We went in and basically had him decide. He would look up everytime we said Maddux but didn't respond to Major, so we went with his wishes. Ha :)
Tonight we went to Traveler's Cafe for late lunch/dinner, it was good. It is super close and a good place for us to go and hang out and eat. I think we will spend a lot of time there on our next trip.
Well that is it for now, it was a very good day!!! Can't wait to see Maddux again tomorrow.
Oh and all of the food we brought he does not like! :( Oh well, maybe next time..
Jenny
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Well, we finally made it to Novokuznetsk. Only after an 13 hour flight from Omaha to Atlanta then to Moscow, an 11 hour layover in an airport with no air conditioning, then a 4 hour flight from Moscow to Kemerovo, and finally a 3 hour car ride to our hotel here tonight. Needless to say we are both exhausted.
Let's start with the flights from Omaha to Moscow. It actually wasn't that bad, time seemed to go quickly. There were inflight movies, but we both only watched the 2nd one which was Invictus. The other two were boring. So we read a lot and slept a little. Rich slept, Jenny did not!
So we get into Moscow and tip 1, which we wish we would have known... The driver from our agency picked us up, not the girls that they had originally told us. So we were kind of scared at first if we were going with the right person. He seemed nice but it was scary going with a stranger and opposite our directions. We asked him questions that only he should know before getting in the car with him. He answered correctly, so we went.
Our next stop was to exchange our money. Keep in mind we are still carrying A LOT of cash, all in $100 bills. He took us to a place somewhere in Moscow that looked like a junk yard. Rich thought we were dead. There was a small building out front with a cashier type window. We met our coordinator there, and they took us up to the building. All seemed fine after some reassurance, and from what they said the best exchange rates in town. (I guess that ask a local thing works!) We exchanges some money (about 30 rubles per $1) and our coordinator double checked it for us. Luckily it was all correct. We told her goodbye and thank you for the help, and then our driver took us to the next airport. Little did we know we were in for the most interesting/uncomfortable/sweaty day of our lives!
Tip 2: If you have the chance to get a hotel room for the day, do it. We regreted not doing that. While a normal layover in a US aiport might be uncomfortable for a while, you have to remember we aren't in the US anymore. Oh, and nevermind that Moscow is experiencing a heat wave, with temps in the upper 90s. The aiport had no air conditioning, and boy was it hot. I will give the people of Russia a lot of credit, it seemed like the only ones that were outwardly uncomfortable was us! They acted like it was just another part of their day. The seating is limited, and what are available are wire mesh benches with very ridged backs. We have learned that we might be a little spoiled in the US. This seemed very normal to all the Russians.
After about an hour and a half of the unbearable heat, Rich decided to go explore the rest of the terminal. Good thing too, he discovered that the international side had air conditioning, and a nice cafe. We spent hours there, drinking our pop very slowly and wishing we were sleeping somewhere! Rich fell asleep at the table a few times even!
Tip 3: Prepare yourselves for the bathrooms! Jenny went into the bathrooms in the domestic side terminal. She walks in the door and there is no toilet seat, just a hole in the ground surrounded by porcelein. At first she didn't go but then sucked it up and went in. Actually it wasn't that terrible, just had to get used to it. Had to kind of squat and stand over it and go... Afterwards it does flush like a normal toilet would.. Very interesting. We found later that on the international side they have seats, so Jenny did try once and then from then on went on the international side. It was an experience for her, and glad she did try! Jenny prefers seats though... :)
We finally left Moscow at midnight, and arrived in Kemerovo Wednesday morning at 9 am (time change again). We met the other family and our coordinator, and went to breakfast at the Travelers Cafe. Jenny has heard about it and we liked it a lot. Rich had tea that was VERY good, nothing like what we have in the states. On to the Department of Education from there, and met with them for literally two minutes. Got minimal information on our boy and his birth mother/father/sibling. In the end we got the ok from them to proceed to Novokuznetsk. Interesting side note, the government district is loaded with history. There was a HUGE Lenin statue in the middle of the square, and buildings all around that looked very 70s. We didn't have time, but if we did we would have walked around a bit. Maybe next time when we are back for court.
Tip 4: The car ride isn't anything like driving in the states. Sergie (our driver this time) was a very experienced driver. However, we thought we were going to die more than once. The steering wheel was on the opposite side of the car, but we were in the correct lane (correct for us in the states). He'd weave in and out of traffic on this very busy 2 lane highway, speeding the whole time. We seemed to avoid every single police officer on the way though, and there were a ton of them! Multiple times Jenny grabbed the arm rest until her fingers started to tingle. Rich slept a little bit, proving once again that he can sleep anywhere at any time.
We arrived at the hotel safe and sound and went right to bed. We got up after a few hours, had some dinner at a very nice place in the hotel, and now it's midnight here and we need to go to bed.
Final tip: I love being an American, but we are spoiled. There are so many things that we take for granted that others would see as a luxury. If you ever come here, check your American ways at the door and open yourself to new and different things. You'll be glad you did!
We get up early tomorrow to meet him for the first time! More to come...
Rich and Jenny
Let's start with the flights from Omaha to Moscow. It actually wasn't that bad, time seemed to go quickly. There were inflight movies, but we both only watched the 2nd one which was Invictus. The other two were boring. So we read a lot and slept a little. Rich slept, Jenny did not!
So we get into Moscow and tip 1, which we wish we would have known... The driver from our agency picked us up, not the girls that they had originally told us. So we were kind of scared at first if we were going with the right person. He seemed nice but it was scary going with a stranger and opposite our directions. We asked him questions that only he should know before getting in the car with him. He answered correctly, so we went.
Our next stop was to exchange our money. Keep in mind we are still carrying A LOT of cash, all in $100 bills. He took us to a place somewhere in Moscow that looked like a junk yard. Rich thought we were dead. There was a small building out front with a cashier type window. We met our coordinator there, and they took us up to the building. All seemed fine after some reassurance, and from what they said the best exchange rates in town. (I guess that ask a local thing works!) We exchanges some money (about 30 rubles per $1) and our coordinator double checked it for us. Luckily it was all correct. We told her goodbye and thank you for the help, and then our driver took us to the next airport. Little did we know we were in for the most interesting/uncomfortable/sweaty day of our lives!
Tip 2: If you have the chance to get a hotel room for the day, do it. We regreted not doing that. While a normal layover in a US aiport might be uncomfortable for a while, you have to remember we aren't in the US anymore. Oh, and nevermind that Moscow is experiencing a heat wave, with temps in the upper 90s. The aiport had no air conditioning, and boy was it hot. I will give the people of Russia a lot of credit, it seemed like the only ones that were outwardly uncomfortable was us! They acted like it was just another part of their day. The seating is limited, and what are available are wire mesh benches with very ridged backs. We have learned that we might be a little spoiled in the US. This seemed very normal to all the Russians.
After about an hour and a half of the unbearable heat, Rich decided to go explore the rest of the terminal. Good thing too, he discovered that the international side had air conditioning, and a nice cafe. We spent hours there, drinking our pop very slowly and wishing we were sleeping somewhere! Rich fell asleep at the table a few times even!
Tip 3: Prepare yourselves for the bathrooms! Jenny went into the bathrooms in the domestic side terminal. She walks in the door and there is no toilet seat, just a hole in the ground surrounded by porcelein. At first she didn't go but then sucked it up and went in. Actually it wasn't that terrible, just had to get used to it. Had to kind of squat and stand over it and go... Afterwards it does flush like a normal toilet would.. Very interesting. We found later that on the international side they have seats, so Jenny did try once and then from then on went on the international side. It was an experience for her, and glad she did try! Jenny prefers seats though... :)
We finally left Moscow at midnight, and arrived in Kemerovo Wednesday morning at 9 am (time change again). We met the other family and our coordinator, and went to breakfast at the Travelers Cafe. Jenny has heard about it and we liked it a lot. Rich had tea that was VERY good, nothing like what we have in the states. On to the Department of Education from there, and met with them for literally two minutes. Got minimal information on our boy and his birth mother/father/sibling. In the end we got the ok from them to proceed to Novokuznetsk. Interesting side note, the government district is loaded with history. There was a HUGE Lenin statue in the middle of the square, and buildings all around that looked very 70s. We didn't have time, but if we did we would have walked around a bit. Maybe next time when we are back for court.
Tip 4: The car ride isn't anything like driving in the states. Sergie (our driver this time) was a very experienced driver. However, we thought we were going to die more than once. The steering wheel was on the opposite side of the car, but we were in the correct lane (correct for us in the states). He'd weave in and out of traffic on this very busy 2 lane highway, speeding the whole time. We seemed to avoid every single police officer on the way though, and there were a ton of them! Multiple times Jenny grabbed the arm rest until her fingers started to tingle. Rich slept a little bit, proving once again that he can sleep anywhere at any time.
We arrived at the hotel safe and sound and went right to bed. We got up after a few hours, had some dinner at a very nice place in the hotel, and now it's midnight here and we need to go to bed.
Final tip: I love being an American, but we are spoiled. There are so many things that we take for granted that others would see as a luxury. If you ever come here, check your American ways at the door and open yourself to new and different things. You'll be glad you did!
We get up early tomorrow to meet him for the first time! More to come...
Rich and Jenny
Sunday, July 18, 2010
All packed and ready!
We are finally all ready to go and packed!
Rich and I managed to fit our stuff into 1 carry on suitcase.
We have a duffel bag full of clothes and toys for donations. We couldn't fit it all in either, so will have to take next time.
We decided not to take chocolate over for workers as suggested due to the heat wave there. We figured there was a good chance it would melt. So we are giving a donation instead.
Mom took us all to dinner tonight and we gave Dan and Steph all of our instructions!!
It sounds like Mom gets Solly again for the weekend. I am sure she loves having him over though! She just needs to stay away from giving him baths. :) ha.
We are taking birthday gifts for our little guy since he turns 1 in August.
Excited to meet him and give them to him.
Posting pics of all of the clothes and toys for the orphanage.
Bye for now, will post when we can from Russia!!! :)
Jenny
Friday, July 16, 2010
It's getting close
We got our visas yesterday and all look good.
I was very happy with the CA travel agency we chose, will definitely use them again.
Rich got a new phone that can be used for IA calling. We don't plan on using it though since it is $5.00 a minute. It will just be in cases of emergency.
We will use our netbook for emails and that will be about it this trip.
Can't believe we actually leave on Monday! It's just kind of hitting me now!
Thanks goodness for my brother! He is taking care of the house and our pets once again!
We owe him... He just did it for our CO trip, poor guy!
My poor Sam is on heart meds now since he has a heart condition and Solly is still not potty trained. So the dogs are kind of high maintenance. Sasha seems to be the only good one and we aren't sure how that happened! :) She used to be a nightmare but now she is the easy one.
This weekend we just have some last minute things to do and all of our packing.
We wait until the last minute for that, just how we are.
Well that is it for now, hard to believe we are so close to going.
Jenny
I was very happy with the CA travel agency we chose, will definitely use them again.
Rich got a new phone that can be used for IA calling. We don't plan on using it though since it is $5.00 a minute. It will just be in cases of emergency.
We will use our netbook for emails and that will be about it this trip.
Can't believe we actually leave on Monday! It's just kind of hitting me now!
Thanks goodness for my brother! He is taking care of the house and our pets once again!
We owe him... He just did it for our CO trip, poor guy!
My poor Sam is on heart meds now since he has a heart condition and Solly is still not potty trained. So the dogs are kind of high maintenance. Sasha seems to be the only good one and we aren't sure how that happened! :) She used to be a nightmare but now she is the easy one.
This weekend we just have some last minute things to do and all of our packing.
We wait until the last minute for that, just how we are.
Well that is it for now, hard to believe we are so close to going.
Jenny
Monday, July 12, 2010
One week from now....
One week from now we will be on a plane to Russia!!!!
We are so excited!
I went through all of the donations we have picked up for the orphanage. We have compiled A LOT of things for the kids, we have dedicated 1 suitcase for it all. I'm not sure if it will all fit though, we shall see.
Some tips we have heard and been using so far or wish we had used:
We are so excited!
I went through all of the donations we have picked up for the orphanage. We have compiled A LOT of things for the kids, we have dedicated 1 suitcase for it all. I'm not sure if it will all fit though, we shall see.
Some tips we have heard and been using so far or wish we had used:
- We heard to pack light, and to carry on only. So we both are taking 2 bags. I think I will be able to make it work.
- I wish we would have tried to go to Moscow a day early on our day out. I didn't even think to ask the travel agent when he gave our itinerary. Instead we fly on Monday and don't check into a hotel until Wed night. Ikes! The couple we are going with did it the smart way and traveled a day early. I guess I was too excited, or didn't really think of it when Victor (our agent) gave me our plans. Oh well! We, or I should say RICH, will sleep on the plane. I have a hard time.
- I am buying a great travel pillow, it looks so comfy!
- We went out and bought a net book so we have a little computer with us.
- We are taking a disposable camera with us for the caretakers to take pics of him if they can.
So 1 week and counting until our Russia adventure!!!
Jenny
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Moving along
Things are moving along!
Our travel agency got our visas today, we should have them back by next week.
We went back and forth on whether we would stay in Moscow or just at the airport hotel the weekend before coming back home.
We get into Moscow at 9am and leave the next day at 12pm to come home.
So we decided, even though we may be very tired, to stay in Moscow. The weather should be really nice, so wanted to take advantage of it and try to do some sight seeing.
We chose a really nice hotel, figured we would spend extra money on this 1 night. We decided to stay at the Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel. It looks super nice and it's right near
the Kremlin and other attractions we want to see. I also have Marriott points and hope to earn enough for some free stays on our next visit.
It is hard to believe in a few weeks we will be meeting our son! It's so exciting!!!
Jenny
Our travel agency got our visas today, we should have them back by next week.
We went back and forth on whether we would stay in Moscow or just at the airport hotel the weekend before coming back home.
We get into Moscow at 9am and leave the next day at 12pm to come home.
So we decided, even though we may be very tired, to stay in Moscow. The weather should be really nice, so wanted to take advantage of it and try to do some sight seeing.
We chose a really nice hotel, figured we would spend extra money on this 1 night. We decided to stay at the Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel. It looks super nice and it's right near
the Kremlin and other attractions we want to see. I also have Marriott points and hope to earn enough for some free stays on our next visit.
It is hard to believe in a few weeks we will be meeting our son! It's so exciting!!!
Jenny
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Trip 1 scheduled!!
So we are on vacation in Estes Park, CO for the 4th of July, when Rich gets a phone call!
Maeven contacted him to let him know we get to travel earlier than expected. We get to leave on July 19th! Yes only 2 weeks away.Depart July 19th
When we got home I immediately called the travel agency and got everything booked. We used a company out of CA and they were very nice and helpful. Victor did all of the searching for me and found me the best rates he could. We do have a day at the end of our trip where we can stay at the airport hotel or go into Moscow. We are unsure yet what we will do.
Victor suggested the airport hotel, he thinks we will be exhausted. Maeven however advised that the other couple we are traveling with is going to go ahead and go into Moscow for the day. It may be nice to sight see when the weather is nice there.
Anyway, here is our itinerary, we are SO excited. It looks however that we don't get to any kind of hotel until the 21st and we leave on the 19th. Yes we will be very tired!!!
Depart July 19th
Arrive Moscow July 20th
Fly Moscow to Kemerovo July 20th-21st
Arrive Kemerovo July 21st
Visit DOE on July 21st, then drive to Novokuznetsk ( get to go to hotel this night and sleep in a bed)
Visit Orphanage July 22nd and 23rd
Depart Novokuznetsk July 24th
Arrive Moscow July 24th and depart to US
Rich and I have been waiting for this day and so excited it's so close!!!
Jenny
Maeven contacted him to let him know we get to travel earlier than expected. We get to leave on July 19th! Yes only 2 weeks away.Depart July 19th
When we got home I immediately called the travel agency and got everything booked. We used a company out of CA and they were very nice and helpful. Victor did all of the searching for me and found me the best rates he could. We do have a day at the end of our trip where we can stay at the airport hotel or go into Moscow. We are unsure yet what we will do.
Victor suggested the airport hotel, he thinks we will be exhausted. Maeven however advised that the other couple we are traveling with is going to go ahead and go into Moscow for the day. It may be nice to sight see when the weather is nice there.
Anyway, here is our itinerary, we are SO excited. It looks however that we don't get to any kind of hotel until the 21st and we leave on the 19th. Yes we will be very tired!!!
Depart July 19th
Arrive Moscow July 20th
Fly Moscow to Kemerovo July 20th-21st
Arrive Kemerovo July 21st
Visit DOE on July 21st, then drive to Novokuznetsk ( get to go to hotel this night and sleep in a bed)
Visit Orphanage July 22nd and 23rd
Depart Novokuznetsk July 24th
Arrive Moscow July 24th and depart to US
Rich and I have been waiting for this day and so excited it's so close!!!
Jenny
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