 My husband Troy and I started our adoption journey about fifteen months ago. We began to research the different options. We knew from the beginning that we wanted to go overseas. We looked into several different areas but felt most attracted to Russia. We knew we would want to try to adopt more than one child at the same time. Russia seemed to have the best opportunity for that. I did some research on the Internet searching for an agency. Once I had a small list of agencies I began to call. The first time I talked with Natalia from Alaska International I knew this was the agency we would use.
Natalia seemed to have a greater knowledge of the whole adoption process in Russia. That was only my first impression. It only got better from there. She was so professional to work with. She made things as easy as possible. She was great at answering all of our questions and helping us through the paperwork. I remember thinking the paperwork would never end but it did.
We had requested two boys under the age of three, brothers if possible. I really didn't figure they would find us brothers. In February of 2004 Natalia called us to ask if we might consider older children because the coordinator in Russia was having trouble finding us the younger two. We talked it over and decided our minds were set. The very next day Natalia called us to tell us they had found us brothers one three the other thirteen months. Their names were Maxim and Nikolai. We were so happy. We wrote our acceptance letter the next day.
We started on the court dossier right away. We were hoping to go get the boys as soon as possible. We finished the court dossier on May 4th. We did not expect to go to Russia until the end of June and possibly not until July. My husband and I are lucky to be Christians and to have many family and friends who also are. We all prayed for the process to speed up. Maxim was going to turn four on June 14th and I really wanted to be with him by that time. I trusted the Lord would take care of it and he did. We received a call from Natalia that our court date would be June 15th. We were thrilled. We started to work on the travel arrangements. Then we got a call and our court date had been changed to June 9th.
Natalia found us a wonderful travel agent in Seattle who we worked with to get our Visa's and travel arrangements.
We left on June 5th from Portland, Oregon. We flew to Seattle and then caught a plane for Seoul, Korea. The flight to Korea was about 10 hours. We flew Asiana Airlines and spent that night in Seoul. The next day we flew from Seoul to Sakhalin on Asiana Airlines. It was about a three-hour flight.
The first day we saw the boys was June 7th. We were so excited. The boys were both a little shy at first but it didn't take long for them to warm up. We brought some small gifts for each of them and within twenty minutes they were both playing with us. We went outside and played. Later we went back and visited more. We also went and got their passport pictures taken. It was a great day. The next day we didn't get to see the boys because it was our court date. I was so relieved when the judge said she was giving us the boys.
Later we were able to pick up the boys and take them to our hotel. The first two days in the hotel our youngest son was very quiet. The oldest was a firecracker from the beginning. Troy and I had learned a little Russian and thank goodness. We were able to understand most of what he was saying. He just talks and talks and talks. He also loves music. The little one after the couple of days started to babble and he also loves music.
We flew to Moscow. The flight to Moscow was about nine hours. Unfortunately Nikolai decided it was a prime opportunity to push through a new tooth. It was a pretty hard flight. We were very thankful to get to Moscow. Our interpreter met us at the airport. He was fantastic. The driver was also wonderful. Both were so helpful with the children, luggage and anything else we needed. We were looking forward to the hotel because we had booked the Marriott. At last, American style accommodations. It was like a little piece of heaven. We were close to everything that we wanted to see. Moscow is a beautiful city. We went to Red Square and walked around many other parts of the city. The boys loved riding in their stroller. In fact we could hardly get them out of it. They always wanted to go. Our hotel in Moscow was $199.00 per night. This also included breakfast. This breakfast was a wonderful buffet.
The day of our doctor's visit we were picked up in the lobby. Our interpreter went with us. The doctor said they were both healthy boys. She said Nikolai was a big boy. I agreed since he often wants me to carry him. Later that day we went to the embassy. The embassy visit was very smooth. It took no time at all. The Moscow team really does a fantastic job.
A few days later we were on our way home. We flew from Moscow to Prague then on to New York. The flight from Moscow to Prague was about 3 hours. From Prague to New York was 9 hours and New York to Seattle was 6 hours. We traveled on Czech Airlines from Prague to New York. I would highly recommend them. They cater to families. They gave us diapers for Nikolai and toys for Maxim. It was a great flight. Both kids slept most of the way. (Our total cost for the flights home was $2407.35.)
We have been home now for two weeks. We love our boys. They have just adjusted wonderfully. It was even better than I expected. If I go again I will be using Alaska International. They made everything so easy. I was never stressed out because I knew everything either was or would be taken care of. Natalia was so wonderful to work with. I now feel like I have a new friend in her. I cannot say enough for her and Alaska International. We spoke with other parents in Moscow who had used other agencies and they did not have such an easy time. A lot of them were in country for a month or more. I would highly recommend Alaska International Adoption agency.
Troy and Heather. |
