Jeff and Heather
Arizona
Adoption completed July 16, 2006
Magadan, Russia

   We signed on with AIA in July of 2004 to adopt our daughter. It was January of 2005 when we received our first referral of a little toddler girl . Before we could travel, we lost the referral and were subsequently caught up in the reaccreditation problems that so many other families were held up in as well.

   In March of 2006, things began moving again for AIA. We quickly re-did our documents and sent them off. Our official referral of little 18 month old girl came in early May. We traveled to meet her over Memorial Day weekend. The most unbelievable news came when exactly 6 weeks after we had visited, we were back in Magadan to attend court. It was a miracle that after all the time and heartache, things were finally working out the way they were meant to be. We finally have the daughter we wanted so badly to complete our family.

   Olga took care of us and guided us through every step. Zoya, the coordinator in Magadan was top notch. We could not say enough wonderful things about them and how they handled everything for us. There was very little worry as we knew they were handling all the details.

   Olga stayed true to our original contract that we had signed so long ago. She maintained all of her originally quoted fees and she worked tirelessly for us for well over a year with only our initial deposit. We trusted Olga completely and would recommend AIA to anyone else who is thinking about Russia adoption.

Catherine R. California
Adopted 26 month old son
Khabarovsk, August 2006

   I spent a long time researching agencies before signing up with AIA in early 2005. I am so glad that I choose AIA! I had my initial dossier complete in early May and had my referral the first week of June 2005 - a great little 10 month old boy. I had hoped to travel in July to meet him but unfortunately AIA, together with many other agencies, got caught up in the reaccreditation delay in Russia that began in June 2005. During the long wait for action by Russia I was in contact with Olga regularly - she did her best to provide accurate, timely information to all of her "waiting families" - it was a tough time as the months dragged by. Olga always told us the truth and never engaged in passing on rumors or hunches. Sometimes the only news was that there was no news - not what we hoped to hear but it was the truth and it was much better than having our hopes raised by the many inaccurate rumors circulating through the Russian adoption community at that time.

   In late Feb. Olga told us that AIA would be reaccredited in early March and she was right. I then learned that my referral was still available so I made plans to see him at last. I traveled in early April and spent a week in Khabarovsk. It was wonderful to meet him and I knew he was meant to be my son. The staff in Khabarovsk was welcoming and very helpful and efficient in getting us through the paperwork and other requirements while we were there. The staff and caretakers in Babyhouse #2 were great and clearly took good care of the kids and cared about them. The week there flew by too quickly and then I was home again and putting together the paperwork for the final stage of the adoption.

   I went back to Khabarovsk in August and on the 16th I became a mom! We came home in early Sept. and have been busy in our new life in California. He has amazed me with his transition to his new life - he's a healthy, happy, curious toddler who's into everything and wants to run the world - in other words, a normal 2 year old. I can't imagine my life without him.

   The Olga and her AIA team in Khabarovsk and Moscow were great. I always knew I was dealing with ethical, honest people who were doing their best to make my adoption happen. They were reliable, responsible and trustworthy throughout the long process. Now that I have my son home with me, the pain and uncertainty of the long waiting period for action from Russia has faded away but I remember thinking even then that I was glad to be working with Olga during the difficult times as I trusted her and knew she was doing her best to get all her clients through the process. I can't imagine a better team to work with on my adoption and if I decide to go back to Russia for another child, I look forward to working with Olga and here AIA colleagues again.

Ronald and Debra S.
Arkansas
Adoption completed January 2007

   We used Alaska International Adoption Agency for our second adoption in Khabarovsk. We could not have been more satisfied with the agency’s  staff in US and Russia.

   Our first referral was adopted by a local Russian family while we were in route to meet him on our first trip. Though disappointing, Irina (the local Adoption Coordinator) worked with the local Minister of Education and we were able to meet our son, Aleksandr. What could have been more than a disappointment was handled very tactfully. Things do truly happen for a reason!!!

   By the time we went on our second trip, we felt we had everything we needed in order to complete the adoption successfully. The dossier process can be intimidating but Olga Byrnes makes sure you have what you need.

   Olga prepared us 100% for the documentation required by the court. No extra items were requested and court went smoothly.  We felt Olga and the local staff were extremely knowledgeable of Russia law and were on top of all of the desires of the Court.

   Aleksandr developed croup and had to be readmitted to the baby home while we were in Khabarovsk. Irina, the local adoption coordinator, was a tremendous advocate for his care.  Our translator, Lena, was a doll and we enjoyed her company at all times! Her assistance in obtaining our physical exams, visas and every other documentation requirement was bar none! Lena and Irina were both extremely professional and we felt lucky to have their assistance!

   This was our second adoption in Khabarovsk. We have a true fondness of the area and are proud that it is the hometown of both of our sons. We have made many friends there with whom we hope to remain in touch for many years.

   We would recommend AIA to anyone who is adopting from Russia. Their knowledge base and support are excellent. We have Khabarovsk to thank for Nikolai and Aleksandr and are happy to say AIA helped us along the way!!