We
would like to thank Happy Families International Center for
all their extraordinary efforts associated with the adoptions
of our daughters, Elena and Maria. We were very impressed and
grateful for this organization's attention to detail with the
required paperwork. All documents assisted with and translated
by Happy Families were accepted as complete and correct by both
the Russian and United States governments. We were also provided
with timely health updates, pictures, and videos regarding our
children once they were identified. It was a tremendous, reassuring,
and wonderful feeling to be able to see our daughters' twinkling
eye or hear their laughter.
We would also like to share that since adopting our daughters,
we have had the opportunity to discuss with several other American
families, their experience with Russian adoption. It became
obvious what we perceived as a normal and expected experience
in Russian adoption, had been the exception, not the rule. We
both know now how fortunate we were to have chosen Happy Families
International Center for many reasons.
Many families using other organizations reported difficulties
at every level of the adoption process. They included: inaccurate
medical information on the children, long waiting times for
court dates after their children were identified, incorrect
and/or inaccurate paperwork, incomplete documentation of the
children that either delayed or discontinued the adoption after
the parents had traveled to Russia, poor accommodations, and
lack of education and preparation regarding the process of international
adoption in Russia.
We can confidently state all details of our adoption, pre
and post placement, have always been attended to by Happy Families
International in a professional but personal manner. We were
very pleased with the people who assisted us and host families.
They worked very hard to ensure our business of adoption was
accomplished in a timely, professional manner. They also placed
great importance on providing us adequate time to spend getting
to know our daughters. Their hospitality was excellent and they
took great pride in sharing their Russian culture with us. Steve
was required to travel twice in three and a half months to complete
the adoption of both our daughters. We were overwhelmed by the
sincere generosity, warmth, and the many gifts given to our
family.
We would also like to comment on the president, Natasha Shaginian-Needham.
Perhaps because she is from Russia, Dr. Shaginian-Needham has
been able to provide a flavor and insight into this type of
program that appears to be lacking for many others. She has
always displayed and communicated a knowledge, educating us
regarding the importance of keeping our daughters' Russian heritage
proudly acknowledged and displayed in our home. We are also
aware Dr. Shaginian-Needham is involved with other activities
to attempt to help sick children obtain medical care and intensive
efforts to place older, or special needs children. It is obvious
to our family that she cares very deeply about the tragedies
and struggles of these Russian children.
From our experience with this organization, and all of the
above stated information, we strongly recommend that Happy Families
continue to be considered an organization worthy of the opportunity
of building families.
For the time and attention you so willingly gave to our family,
Spasebo.
Steve and Sandra Destrampe
Elena and Maria's Mama and Papa
