Sunday, June 15, 2008

We're Here

Hello Family and Friends,

We made it. After forty hours, Frankfurt without euros, conversations with Belgians adopting from Kareganda, KZ, breakfast in an outdoor restaurant in Almaty, and a stunning view of Ural mountain range we are settled in our hotel in Ust-Kamenogorsk. What an adventure. We have already met about 4 American moms or couples in our hotel also adopting. Across the hall from us is Crytal and her gorgeous daughter Adell, who turned one and learned to walk here in the hotel. Next door is Laurie and her 8 year old daughter Marina.

The boys have been wonderful. Joe is more accommodating than most adults I know. Matthew wondered if we could slip back to our house to pick up something for him. Both are willing to change diapers for their new baby girl.

We go to the baby house tomorrow. Seems surreal. Our adoption coordinator met us at the airport and before she left our hotel she said the baby she has in mind for us will be a wonderful fit for our family ?!

Had breakfast with Lauren from DC. She had a picture of her five year old daughter Tanya. She is already a proud beaming mom and told us wonderful stories about Tanya. She said the other children in the orphanage break her heart. Another little girl there said “I love you – now can I come home with you.” What can you say.

More tomorrow. Lots of love,

Allison, Dan, Joseph and Matthew

9 comments:

Bridget Linneman-Bayer said...

We can't wait to hear more. I'm so glad to hear that your trip there went smoothly. It sounds like the boys did wonderfully. I'm checking the blog everyday and I'm continuing to pray that things keep moving in the right direction. Hope to hear from you again soon.

Bridget

Kelly and Sne said...

Wow, that was fast! Well, we're neighbors now at least for a few days as we are in Semey, just 2 hours east of you (in fact, our coordinator has to go to Ust often to file our paperwork). Our "Gotcha Day" is Monday or Tuesday though when we take custody of our beautiful now 11 mos old boy and we expect to head to Almaty by the end of the week.

All the best to you and your family as you embark on this adventure!

Karen, Glenn, Allie, Max, and Sam said...

I'll be refreshing my browser approximatley twice each minute on Monday! We are so excited for you, and we are so thrilled that you are in Ust. We are JEALOUS that you were able to meet Crystal and Anell -- we are so sorry we will be missing them. We will be keeping you in our thoughts over the next couple of days. We know that once you are through that emotional time, you are going to settle in and absolutely love Ust. See you soon!

dnd82001 said...

Wonderful to hear you guys had a good trip to start this journey.

Best wishes at the babyhouse visit, sounds like it will be pretty smooth sailing.

Darlene

Sandi said...

So happy that you are there safe and sound. Today is the big day and I can't wait to keep checking in to see how your meeting goes.

Sounds like your coordinator has everything set up for you to meet your child. Best of luck and many happy wishes.

Sandi

Linda said...

I'm so happy to hear from you and know that you arrived safely. I hope everything continues to go smoothly for you. Good luck today at the baby house. Sounds like the perfect little girl is waiting for you.
I can't wait to hear what happens today. Give the boys a hug and kiss for me. Know that you are always in my thoughts. Be safe. Love you all. Aunt Linda

Julie & Aria Carpenter said...

So glad to hear your trip went well. We are praying for you every day and so excited for you! What a wonderful family adventure!!! Enjoy every moment! And we can't wait to hear more... Good luck today!

Love,

Julie & Aria

klephardt said...

How wonderful!! So great to hear the trip over went smoothly, and that you've already met such wonderful people! Just a prelude to finding a beautiful baby girl! Thanks so much for the update...we can't wait to hear more!

Katie, Matt, and Ella

klephardt said...

I have to also add that Ella loved the pictures! She wouldn't allow me to scroll away from the photo of the boys in the airport! We miss you already!

k,m,and e