Yes, ANya is still wearing glasses. WHen we got there - we were told her glasses were broken a long time ago...and amazingly while we were there, she got new glasses. I still am not convinced that she needs them.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Anya in glasses
Yes, ANya is still wearing glasses. WHen we got there - we were told her glasses were broken a long time ago...and amazingly while we were there, she got new glasses. I still am not convinced that she needs them.
GOD IS GOOD – ALL THE TIME
When things happen, like what has happened to us with our travels over the past dew days, I always start thinking to myself - what is God trying to do with this situation. What am I going to learn? Marty keeps telling me that he thinks at the end of all this, I am going to be one to help families who are adopting with paperwork and nightmares. I can’t truly help unless I have experienced everything there is to experience. Well – as nice as that is, from where I sit right now, I don’t think so!
As we are sitting on our direct flight from Frankfort to Cincinnati – I just noticed what was on the TV in the airplane…Friday Night Lights. And, what got my attention was someone saying ‘South Bend’, and the football players on the show talking about going to Notre Dame.
What truly matters in any story is how it ends. We’re not quite done with the end of our adoption story, but we are turning the page on this chapter. This chapter is going to end with us home…coming into the C Concourse in South Bend! (and right now, after 2 days with very little sleep - that thought is about to make me cry!)
As we are sitting on our direct flight from Frankfort to Cincinnati – I just noticed what was on the TV in the airplane…Friday Night Lights. And, what got my attention was someone saying ‘South Bend’, and the football players on the show talking about going to Notre Dame.
What truly matters in any story is how it ends. We’re not quite done with the end of our adoption story, but we are turning the page on this chapter. This chapter is going to end with us home…coming into the C Concourse in South Bend! (and right now, after 2 days with very little sleep - that thought is about to make me cry!)
Trip from H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks
I don’t think I can put into words, the feeling at the end of a trip – when you reach that point when you are just ready to be home – when you find out that you might not be able to go home (and it’s not your fault, or in your control). I am still reeling over the experience in Moscow yesterday. I swear I don’t understand why no one with any airline would help me. Here is a reiteration of one of my favorite interactions with one of the members of the Aeroflot team:
Me: “hello, please, can you help me”
Aeroflot: “what is your problem”
Me: “I am interested in purchasing a ticket to London”
Aeroflot: “it is very expensive”
Me: “Can you please tell me how much?”
Aeroflot: “Neit!”
Me: “What about Paris, are there seats available on your flight to Paris tonight?”
Aeroflot: “Yes”
Me: “how much for 2 tickets on that flight?”
Aeroflot: “it is not available”
After that enlightening conversation, I decided to call home and get some help on that end. If we could get a hold of someone who could call Sandy, she might be able to help us. I wasn’t thinking that it was Sunday morning (about 11am) at home. In order to use the phones in the Moscow airport – you have to purchase a ‘smart card’. We got 2 smart cards – good for about 6 minutes on the phone. There are about 10 pay phones. 9 of them don’t work. I found the 1 that worked, and started to try to get a hold of ANYONE at home that could help. I started with my Mom (home – no answer. Cell – no answer). On to my brother – he ALWAYS has his cell with him, and always answers it. No answer. Then – I tried to call my friend Kathy – she always answers too. No answer. The on to Melissa – Sandy is her step-mom, so I thought she would know how to get in touch with Sandy. No answer.
After a few attitude adjusting deep breaths, I started to try to call everyone on the list again – from the top down. Where in the world was everyone in my life???? This time, Mel answered the phone – but for some reason, she couldn’t hear me. ARE YOU KIDDING???
After slamming the phone back onto the wall, and noticing that all of the guards and police-types were looking at me, I thought I better take a walk and cool off. A guy came up to me, and was asking me about the phone. I wasn’t in the mood to ‘chat’. Come to find out, there was some trick to using the phone – a trick that wasn’t written in English on the phone. Apparently, when the party answers the phone, you are supposed to hit a button to activate the ability for them to hear you. So – back to the phones I went to call Melissa again. THANK GOD! She answered. I got the phone numbers for Sandy.
I slight feeling of relief came over me…I picked up the phone, and tried to call. No answer.
At this point, I think Marty was getting scared of me. I could feel that I was about at the point of losing it. You know that feeling where you really just want to cry – but you can’t? So you are using all of your energy to fight back the tears?
I walk back up to the Aeroflot counter, the ONLY one with an agent (imagine that!). Again, this woman would not help me. I don’t know if she didn’t understand English or what. I was done – totally and completely done.
Marty and our driver, Max (yes, poor Max was with us, trying his best to help) went to the counter. I told Marty I didn’t care where we went, but we needed to get out of the country – and we only had a few hours to do that.
We ended up in Munich. Of all the places we could have ended up – it was perfect. Just what we both needed. That is a beautiful airport. The people are so pleasant, very helpful, very willing to handle whatever your problem might be. A great example is when we got off the plane, and went up to the information desk. We were trying to find a hotel. Rather than simply telling us where the hotel was, the person at the desk called the hotel, got the rate, reserved the room and gave us a kind-of confirmation. By the time we got to the front desk (about a 5 minute walk), our room was ready for us – with an upgrade to a suite! Although we were only going to be in the hotel for a few hours, it was so nice! Internet access to contact our family (and Sandy) to help us figure out how to get out of Munich, a huge bed, great shower, room service with food that was some of the best we’ve had in a LONG time!
From Munich – we headed to Frankfort – and had the same outstanding experience with everyone we dealt with. If you ever have the chance to fly Luftansa, go to Munich or Frankfort – do it! And of course, call Sandy at A World of Travel to help you. She has been our lifeline over the past few days. I seriously do not know what we would have done – or even where we would have started to find a flight home. Sandy was able to give us EXCELLENT advice, and more importantly, tell us what we needed to do to get home.
Me: “hello, please, can you help me”
Aeroflot: “what is your problem”
Me: “I am interested in purchasing a ticket to London”
Aeroflot: “it is very expensive”
Me: “Can you please tell me how much?”
Aeroflot: “Neit!”
Me: “What about Paris, are there seats available on your flight to Paris tonight?”
Aeroflot: “Yes”
Me: “how much for 2 tickets on that flight?”
Aeroflot: “it is not available”
After that enlightening conversation, I decided to call home and get some help on that end. If we could get a hold of someone who could call Sandy, she might be able to help us. I wasn’t thinking that it was Sunday morning (about 11am) at home. In order to use the phones in the Moscow airport – you have to purchase a ‘smart card’. We got 2 smart cards – good for about 6 minutes on the phone. There are about 10 pay phones. 9 of them don’t work. I found the 1 that worked, and started to try to get a hold of ANYONE at home that could help. I started with my Mom (home – no answer. Cell – no answer). On to my brother – he ALWAYS has his cell with him, and always answers it. No answer. Then – I tried to call my friend Kathy – she always answers too. No answer. The on to Melissa – Sandy is her step-mom, so I thought she would know how to get in touch with Sandy. No answer.
After a few attitude adjusting deep breaths, I started to try to call everyone on the list again – from the top down. Where in the world was everyone in my life???? This time, Mel answered the phone – but for some reason, she couldn’t hear me. ARE YOU KIDDING???
After slamming the phone back onto the wall, and noticing that all of the guards and police-types were looking at me, I thought I better take a walk and cool off. A guy came up to me, and was asking me about the phone. I wasn’t in the mood to ‘chat’. Come to find out, there was some trick to using the phone – a trick that wasn’t written in English on the phone. Apparently, when the party answers the phone, you are supposed to hit a button to activate the ability for them to hear you. So – back to the phones I went to call Melissa again. THANK GOD! She answered. I got the phone numbers for Sandy.
I slight feeling of relief came over me…I picked up the phone, and tried to call. No answer.
At this point, I think Marty was getting scared of me. I could feel that I was about at the point of losing it. You know that feeling where you really just want to cry – but you can’t? So you are using all of your energy to fight back the tears?
I walk back up to the Aeroflot counter, the ONLY one with an agent (imagine that!). Again, this woman would not help me. I don’t know if she didn’t understand English or what. I was done – totally and completely done.
Marty and our driver, Max (yes, poor Max was with us, trying his best to help) went to the counter. I told Marty I didn’t care where we went, but we needed to get out of the country – and we only had a few hours to do that.
We ended up in Munich. Of all the places we could have ended up – it was perfect. Just what we both needed. That is a beautiful airport. The people are so pleasant, very helpful, very willing to handle whatever your problem might be. A great example is when we got off the plane, and went up to the information desk. We were trying to find a hotel. Rather than simply telling us where the hotel was, the person at the desk called the hotel, got the rate, reserved the room and gave us a kind-of confirmation. By the time we got to the front desk (about a 5 minute walk), our room was ready for us – with an upgrade to a suite! Although we were only going to be in the hotel for a few hours, it was so nice! Internet access to contact our family (and Sandy) to help us figure out how to get out of Munich, a huge bed, great shower, room service with food that was some of the best we’ve had in a LONG time!
From Munich – we headed to Frankfort – and had the same outstanding experience with everyone we dealt with. If you ever have the chance to fly Luftansa, go to Munich or Frankfort – do it! And of course, call Sandy at A World of Travel to help you. She has been our lifeline over the past few days. I seriously do not know what we would have done – or even where we would have started to find a flight home. Sandy was able to give us EXCELLENT advice, and more importantly, tell us what we needed to do to get home.
The Mosquito Diaries
I hope the roving gang of mosquitoes that made a meal out of me are happy. I do tend to exaggerate, but this time, I promise that I am not stretching the truth. I have roughly 25 bites. I do not understand how I can have all these bug bites, and Marty has none! The other odd thing is that I didn’t feel any of them! At home, you can generally feel a mosquito attack…in Russia, they’re like ‘no-see-ums’.
…and of course, since we left Russia, I have not had any kind of bug bite me!!!
…and of course, since we left Russia, I have not had any kind of bug bite me!!!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Getting out of Russia
Well, we have had one HECK of a time trying to get out of Russia. Our flight was delayed by 8 hours, causing us to miss our connecting flight home. With the help of Sandy from A World of Travel (and everyone should use her for travel needs!!), we booked a flight from Moscow - Rome - Paris. Well.....those darn Ruskies, we missed that flight too. And wouldn't ya know it, NO ONE in the Moscow airport could help us. We spent roughly 2 hours going from desk to desk, asking for help. We tried to get a ticket to Paris - and were told 'no'. No one would help us. The ONLY place someone would allow us to buy a ticket to was Munich - so that is where we are - Germany...
Why not overnight in Moscow? Well, our Visa was only valid through Sept. 9 - so we had to get out of the country by midnight. If we were there any longer, we would not be allowed to leave - and according to the Embassy, it would take at least 5 days (up to 20) to get the right documentation to get us home. UGH! Not allowing us any leeway on our travel dates is another "thanks Russia" thing. Our Visa came directly from the Russian consulate in Houston. They required that we only have a visa for the exact dates of travel.
I don't even want to think about how much time, money and frustration this is causing us. We've been awake for about 27 hours. I've not eaten (Aeroflot doesn't serve food I can eat...nice!)...so we're a little DONE with this traveling thing.
We're heading to Frankfort tomorrow a.m., then catching a flight home. We will post again once we get home.
Praying for safe, efficient and hassle free travels!
-Kathy and Marty
Why not overnight in Moscow? Well, our Visa was only valid through Sept. 9 - so we had to get out of the country by midnight. If we were there any longer, we would not be allowed to leave - and according to the Embassy, it would take at least 5 days (up to 20) to get the right documentation to get us home. UGH! Not allowing us any leeway on our travel dates is another "thanks Russia" thing. Our Visa came directly from the Russian consulate in Houston. They required that we only have a visa for the exact dates of travel.
I don't even want to think about how much time, money and frustration this is causing us. We've been awake for about 27 hours. I've not eaten (Aeroflot doesn't serve food I can eat...nice!)...so we're a little DONE with this traveling thing.
We're heading to Frankfort tomorrow a.m., then catching a flight home. We will post again once we get home.
Praying for safe, efficient and hassle free travels!
-Kathy and Marty
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Anya
Anya was asking a lot today if she could go with us. She asked Julia (our interpreter) several times when she was going to go with us. We still don’t think she completely understands the whole concept of being adopted – but she does know that she is going to go home with us – although she thinks ‘home’ is like where she is now. I think I had a worse time leaving today than Anya did. As we were leaving, she asked if we were coming tomorrow…we said no, but we would come back one day. She kind of sighed and said that she would be waiting, and would miss us. My heart broke. Every single one of her caregivers has asked us when we are taking her home. I know they have no idea what is going on with the court and the Judge.
In Anya’s daily English lessons, we taught her to say I love you. Today she was putting together ‘I love you mommy’ and ‘I love you daddy’.
We’ll have more photos and video to post next week when we get home. We leave Irkutsk tomorrow morning at 8am.
THE THING ABOUT RUSSIA
There are a few things about Russia that I can not understand. I’ve been here 4 times, each visit, I stay at least 7 days…and I still can not figure out why texi drivers and clerks at stores (specifically at grocery stores) get peeved when you don’t have the exact change. It makes no sense!
I also don’t understand the driving here. It is like one of those crazy video games – in real life. It is unusual to be here for any length of time and not see a fatal accident. Which brings me to another oddity of Russia. When there is a bad accident – no one seems too excited about it. We saw one (again) today, there looked to be a dead guy in one of the cars…and no one was really doing anything. A few people standing around and a police officer measuring something on the road. Odd.
Wearing the same outfit for days on end. Maybe it is because of what I do for a living, but I don’t get it. Apparently, Russians wash out their clothes at night, and wear the same thing the next day.
Beer…everywhere beer. Not vodka – beer. Beer in the hands of everyone on the streets; kids, grandmothers, amputees, men, well dressed women. Everyone!
The inequality of good looking people. As I mentioned in another post – there are a lot of beautiful women here. Even those girls who are ‘ok’ have striking features. Men – not so much. I think I’ve only seen maybe 3-4 good looking men.
Fish for breakfast. I know that this is a ‘thing’ at home too (I watch Martha Stewart – and yes, I know she has salmon every morning). But common – yuck! A little fish with your corn flakes!?
Why are there SO MANY ½ built buildings all over the place…but a ton of new construction going on?
And I really do not understand how I got SO MANY mosquito bites all over my arms and hands! UGH!
I do understand feeding children tea, pushing and shoving instead of orderly lines (to get on an airplane, pay for something, walk through a door…), and how ridiculously hot it is in the mall. The bottom line? There’s no place like home!
I also don’t understand the driving here. It is like one of those crazy video games – in real life. It is unusual to be here for any length of time and not see a fatal accident. Which brings me to another oddity of Russia. When there is a bad accident – no one seems too excited about it. We saw one (again) today, there looked to be a dead guy in one of the cars…and no one was really doing anything. A few people standing around and a police officer measuring something on the road. Odd.
Wearing the same outfit for days on end. Maybe it is because of what I do for a living, but I don’t get it. Apparently, Russians wash out their clothes at night, and wear the same thing the next day.
Beer…everywhere beer. Not vodka – beer. Beer in the hands of everyone on the streets; kids, grandmothers, amputees, men, well dressed women. Everyone!
The inequality of good looking people. As I mentioned in another post – there are a lot of beautiful women here. Even those girls who are ‘ok’ have striking features. Men – not so much. I think I’ve only seen maybe 3-4 good looking men.
Fish for breakfast. I know that this is a ‘thing’ at home too (I watch Martha Stewart – and yes, I know she has salmon every morning). But common – yuck! A little fish with your corn flakes!?
Why are there SO MANY ½ built buildings all over the place…but a ton of new construction going on?
And I really do not understand how I got SO MANY mosquito bites all over my arms and hands! UGH!
I do understand feeding children tea, pushing and shoving instead of orderly lines (to get on an airplane, pay for something, walk through a door…), and how ridiculously hot it is in the mall. The bottom line? There’s no place like home!
Friday, September 07, 2007
IRKUTSK
For any of you who have been to Irkutsk – you will appreciate how much it has changed. When we first came here (3 years ago), very few places took credit cards, and the only familiar place was Benetton. Now, there is what appears to be a Domino’s Pizza, Burger King, and most places take credit cards.
There is construction all over the place - lots of new buildings and places to go. It's like a new city!
There is construction all over the place - lots of new buildings and places to go. It's like a new city!
Anya's mama and papa
Anya has gone past calling us mama and papa. Now, we’re officially mommy and pappy. More specifically – HER mommy and pappy. Anya goes back and forth to who is her favorite. Today – I was her favorite. Everything I did – she did. It was so cute! She asked me to get her 2 lipsticks, because I had 2 lipsticks (her lipstick is Pooh chap stick). She wants sunglasses because mama has sun glasses. She wants earrings, because I have them (we have those play stick on earrings…yesterday she had 4 on each ear!). She likes her red shoes because Mama has red shoes. She has taken to mimicking everything that I do…I stand and put my hand on my hip – and so does she. Whatever I say – she repeats. Needless to say, I probably need to be careful about the words I choose!
Little Stinker
We are back at the apartment for lunch after our time with Anya this morning. When we got there, she was being taken into the doctor's office for some kind of finger-prick. She was not happy about that!
After she calmed down from that - she was in a mood! I don't know what they fed her for breakfast, but it really wound her up! I seem to remember during our last trip - toward the end of our stay, she started testing her boundaries and so on. One good thing is when she starts acting up (throwing toys, climbing on furniture etc.), we tell her no - and she does stop. It's easy to redirect her attention to something more productive.
We brought some string and beads with us today so Anya could make necklaces for all of the kids in her group. There are 10 children - 3 girls and 7 boys. All of the children loved their new bead necklaces! It will be interesting to see how many of them survive lunch.
more later!
After she calmed down from that - she was in a mood! I don't know what they fed her for breakfast, but it really wound her up! I seem to remember during our last trip - toward the end of our stay, she started testing her boundaries and so on. One good thing is when she starts acting up (throwing toys, climbing on furniture etc.), we tell her no - and she does stop. It's easy to redirect her attention to something more productive.
We brought some string and beads with us today so Anya could make necklaces for all of the kids in her group. There are 10 children - 3 girls and 7 boys. All of the children loved their new bead necklaces! It will be interesting to see how many of them survive lunch.
more later!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Document update
Before we head to the Detski Dom today, I thought I would post a quick update on our paperwork.
The statement from the Judge was interesting. The main problems she has with our documents is our Indiana State apostille. I did work with the State Department to have them change it, however, apparently it is not a PERFECT square (something that you could only find if you measured it with a ruler...by eyeballing it, it looks like a square). She is also saying that the way the apostille is attached to the document isn't legit. Whatever that means.
We will need to find the Russian version of the Hague detailing the 2003 (I think) update/revisions. We just need to show her that the things she is asking for are not the law.
Other changes are minor. Nothing we can't take care of swiftly. We have until September 25th to comply. Our lawyer said that typically, families do not comply with every change detailed in the Judge's first statement. Some of the things the Judge asked for in the statement, she was provided - which means that our lawyer needs to go back to her to show that we did provide that. Once the lawyer and Judge agree - the legal statement is revised, deleting that point.
This morning I will need to get a hold of our friends in Moscow to help us redo some medical forms, and to redo a letter from the Embassy. The Embassy provided us with a standard letter that is used throughout Russia...but of course, this letter isn't good enough for the Judge.
Like I said, the changes are minor - and a matter of "majoring in minors". The most concerning thing I can see is the apostille. Gathering all 125 documents last time for our dossier about sent me over the edge. I can't imagine having to do that again. I will...but the thought of it makes me want to curl up in a corner and hide.
Please pray that we can quickly find the information on the Hague in Russian. I have a weblinnk - however it is in English. If anyone out there has a link - please forward it to me!
The statement from the Judge was interesting. The main problems she has with our documents is our Indiana State apostille. I did work with the State Department to have them change it, however, apparently it is not a PERFECT square (something that you could only find if you measured it with a ruler...by eyeballing it, it looks like a square). She is also saying that the way the apostille is attached to the document isn't legit. Whatever that means.
We will need to find the Russian version of the Hague detailing the 2003 (I think) update/revisions. We just need to show her that the things she is asking for are not the law.
Other changes are minor. Nothing we can't take care of swiftly. We have until September 25th to comply. Our lawyer said that typically, families do not comply with every change detailed in the Judge's first statement. Some of the things the Judge asked for in the statement, she was provided - which means that our lawyer needs to go back to her to show that we did provide that. Once the lawyer and Judge agree - the legal statement is revised, deleting that point.
This morning I will need to get a hold of our friends in Moscow to help us redo some medical forms, and to redo a letter from the Embassy. The Embassy provided us with a standard letter that is used throughout Russia...but of course, this letter isn't good enough for the Judge.
Like I said, the changes are minor - and a matter of "majoring in minors". The most concerning thing I can see is the apostille. Gathering all 125 documents last time for our dossier about sent me over the edge. I can't imagine having to do that again. I will...but the thought of it makes me want to curl up in a corner and hide.
Please pray that we can quickly find the information on the Hague in Russian. I have a weblinnk - however it is in English. If anyone out there has a link - please forward it to me!
Thursday
I tell ya, the more time that we spend with Anya, the more in love with her I seem to be. There is something to seeing our little girl’s face in the morning light us as we walk into her room. And the look of disappointment at the end of the day when we tell her that it is time for us to go.
I know leaving this time is going to be very hard.
Anya didn’t want to play outside today. We can’t figure out why – other than to notice a change in her personality when we go outside. There are always lots of other kids playing, and Anya clings to us. Maybe showing that we’re hers? One thing I noticed is that when we pay any other child any kind of attention (even to say hello), Anya instantly wants to be picked up. We stayed in for the morning, but were told that she must go outside in the afternoon. She was even taken to the doctor’s office, so the doctor could tell her that it is good for her health to go outside.
We’ve been playing a lot of catch with her. She loves that game. These are some photos of us playing outside this afternoon:
And yes, she has worn the same pants since we gave them to her on Sunday. I bring her new outfits every day, but she insists on wearing those jeans (that are falling off of her booty).
Anya loves to pretend play. We have had several tea parties, we ate a dinner of cabbage, soup and meat at her restaurant (the cost was 5), and we watched her play house with some dolls. She is so imaginative, and so good at imitation. We’ve been working with her every day on English. She likes to show off to the other kids in her group using English words. We will try to put up a video of her speaking some English.
I know leaving this time is going to be very hard.
Anya didn’t want to play outside today. We can’t figure out why – other than to notice a change in her personality when we go outside. There are always lots of other kids playing, and Anya clings to us. Maybe showing that we’re hers? One thing I noticed is that when we pay any other child any kind of attention (even to say hello), Anya instantly wants to be picked up. We stayed in for the morning, but were told that she must go outside in the afternoon. She was even taken to the doctor’s office, so the doctor could tell her that it is good for her health to go outside.
We’ve been playing a lot of catch with her. She loves that game. These are some photos of us playing outside this afternoon:
And yes, she has worn the same pants since we gave them to her on Sunday. I bring her new outfits every day, but she insists on wearing those jeans (that are falling off of her booty).
Anya loves to pretend play. We have had several tea parties, we ate a dinner of cabbage, soup and meat at her restaurant (the cost was 5), and we watched her play house with some dolls. She is so imaginative, and so good at imitation. We’ve been working with her every day on English. She likes to show off to the other kids in her group using English words. We will try to put up a video of her speaking some English.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
more miracles
We just found out that the Judge will have a statement ready regarding our documents tomorrow afternoon. This is crazy! Legally, she has 5 business days, and we are getting a statement within (basically) 48 hours! Our lawyer and interpreter are dumbfounded. Everyone is scratching their heads, with smiles on their faces. We were also told that no other American family has been able to get this far in the system in 2 years. No one knows what to expect.
Of course, we don't know what this statement will say, but we are continuing to pray that Judge sees everything that she requires in the documents, and doesn't see the things that cause her to reject documents.
It's all too much...we are simply amazed at what God does when a situation is covered in prayer.
...more when we know more!
Of course, we don't know what this statement will say, but we are continuing to pray that Judge sees everything that she requires in the documents, and doesn't see the things that cause her to reject documents.
It's all too much...we are simply amazed at what God does when a situation is covered in prayer.
...more when we know more!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
IT WAS A MIRACLE
The plan was to meet with the Chief Judge on Tuesday, to ask her to tell Judge Stepanova (and I know I spelled that name wrong) to accept our documents. We had a meeting scheduled yesterday with the Chief Judge, and today with Judge Stepanova.
The miracle started when Judge S. accepted an appointment from us. She only accepts adoption cases and/or appointments every 2 weeks, and this is not a week she was accepting appointments.
Yesterday, we went to the Chief Judge’s office, and within a 2 minute meeting, our documents had been officially submitted to the courts, Judge Stepanova’s assistant got the documents, and the Chief Judge told Judge S. to expedite the review of our documents. The Chief Judge also made sure we knew that all cases are reviewed the same, regardless of nationality. The Chief Judge also said that in the future, if we need to submit changes to our documents, we can do it through her office, and they will be accepted.
When we walked out of the Chief Judge’s office, our lawyer and interpreter both turned to us with looks of awe on their faces. When we got outside, they both said, “that was a miracle”. They did not expect the Chief Judge to accept our documents.
The Judge now has 5 days to review our documents, and give us a written legal response. The response will be those things in our documents that need to be changed, or additional requirements she might have. We will then have 2 ½ weeks to resubmit any changes she has.
Our lawyer will check with Judge Stepanova’s office tomorrow to see if she has reviewed our documents yet. Because the Chief Judge asked her to expedite the review, our lawyer doesn’t think she will take the full 5 days.
We are continuing to pray for miracles. We are praying that Judge Stepanova reviews our documents, and finds no changes or additions. Now THAT would be a mracle!
The miracle started when Judge S. accepted an appointment from us. She only accepts adoption cases and/or appointments every 2 weeks, and this is not a week she was accepting appointments.
Yesterday, we went to the Chief Judge’s office, and within a 2 minute meeting, our documents had been officially submitted to the courts, Judge Stepanova’s assistant got the documents, and the Chief Judge told Judge S. to expedite the review of our documents. The Chief Judge also made sure we knew that all cases are reviewed the same, regardless of nationality. The Chief Judge also said that in the future, if we need to submit changes to our documents, we can do it through her office, and they will be accepted.
When we walked out of the Chief Judge’s office, our lawyer and interpreter both turned to us with looks of awe on their faces. When we got outside, they both said, “that was a miracle”. They did not expect the Chief Judge to accept our documents.
The Judge now has 5 days to review our documents, and give us a written legal response. The response will be those things in our documents that need to be changed, or additional requirements she might have. We will then have 2 ½ weeks to resubmit any changes she has.
Our lawyer will check with Judge Stepanova’s office tomorrow to see if she has reviewed our documents yet. Because the Chief Judge asked her to expedite the review, our lawyer doesn’t think she will take the full 5 days.
We are continuing to pray for miracles. We are praying that Judge Stepanova reviews our documents, and finds no changes or additions. Now THAT would be a mracle!
Monday, September 03, 2007
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