New Friends

Adopting from Russia is challenging and Ekaterinburg has its own special nuances that don't make the process any easier. For this reason, I've noticed that folks adopting from Ekaterinburg tend to bond and "commiserate" together over the journey as no one truly knows what you're going through until you've actually lived through it. (Mmmmm, kinda sounds like my infertility mantra over the many, many years!)

Earlier this year, I joined the So Cal EU Yahoo! Group and connected with other people who have adopted from Russia. I haven't had the time to yet participate in any outtings or get-togethers, but as soon as things calm down, I hope to get the chance. I do get the chance to keep in touch with several really nice people and keep tabs on how their kiddos are doing.

By joining an Ekat Yahoo! Group, I have "met" some really, really wonderful people who provided us with priceless insight as to what to expect on our first Trip, prepare for the Judge, tips to get through the paperwork, etc. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and also hope to meet fellow Ekat "survivors" and their beautiful children.

While in Russia, we had the rare opportunity of meeting some special people.

• Lori, from CA, was there (for what seemed a lifetime!!) to adopt her twin girls. Since it was 2 days before Court, we didn't get to meet the girls but we went to dinner with Lori, her daughter Katy, and friend, Angela. It was such an enjoyable evening even though we just stayed at the Hotel for dinner instead of venturing out to the streets.

Dinner at the Park Inn, Wednesday, 9/24/2008.

Left-right: Lori, Katy, Angela, me, JD.

Taken the evening of the day we met K for the first time.

• We first met Dawn and Jeff from NH at the Dept. of Education when we were receiving our referral for K. It turned out that we were all staying at the Park Inn so we went to dinner Thursday (once again -- at the Park Inn) and had a really great time. Turns out we have lots in common and the most important thing.....their little boy is in the same Orphanage as K *and* in the same Grupa! As I write this, they may be playing together on the playground not realizing that their parents are conversing via e-mail and keeping in touch.

Breakfast Buffet at the Park Inn on Sunday morning, 9/28/2008,

before leaving to come home to LA.

Left-right: Dawn, me, JD, Jeff.

So, this process of going across the world to become a family and bring K home has also brought us together with people we otherwise would never have had the chance to get to know ~~ whether in person or via the internet. But one thing is for sure: I can see and feel the love that all my "new friends" have for their children...and there are so many more children out there who need that love.