January 2000
In
November 1999 we adopted a wonderful six-year-old girl from
Russia through Happy Families International Center in Cold Spring,
New York.
On November 22, 1999 my husband, my eight-year-old daughter
and myself traveled to Ekaterinberg, Russia to finalize the
adoption of our new daughter, Svetlana. Upon arriving in Ekaterinberg,
we were met at the airport. We were taken to our hotel and were
made to feel safe and secure. The next day, we traveled to the
orphanage where Svetlana lived. What we found was quite wonderful
and amazing. The orphanage reminded us of a private school.
We were immediately welcomed and made to feel right at home.
The orphanage staff had prepared meals and treated us like honored
guests. Shortly after arriving, we met our new daughter. Instantly
we found that everything they had told us about her personality,
health, and disposition was true. It was a wonderful experience.
We were then treated to a show where many of the students in
the orphanage performed songs, dances and played musical instruments
for us. Our new daughter sang and danced three songs - what
a thrill. After the show we were taken on a tour of the orphanage.
We visited the children's bedrooms (roomy and comfortable),
a room where they had pets, their drama room, sewing room, arts
& craft room, music and dance room and also classrooms. We were
introduced to their teachers, the resident psychologist and
medical doctor. We were encouraged to ask questions about our
new daughter Svetlana. After a wonderful meal, we returned to
our hotel. That evening at the hotel, we were prepared for our
next day in court.
On Thanksgiving Day we went to court. Again, we were made to
feel very secure and comfortable. The translator accompanied
us in the courtroom and facilitated the proceedings. We were
granted an immediate adoption. Svetlana was legally our daughter.
The next day we took care of the necessary paper work: Svetlana's
passport, adoption degree, adoption certificate, birth certificate,
etc. We then went back to the orphanage to pick up Svetlana.
Again we were treated like honored guests. After a farewell
get-together, we returned to our hotel with our new daughter.
The next day we all traveled to Moscow. In Moscow we were assisted
to our hotel and provided with a guide for the next few days.
We were also escorted to the necessary medical exam for Svetlana
and then to the American Embassy for her visa. Once again, we
were made to feel very comfortable and secure.
Our whole trip took nine days; we left on Monday night and
returned the following Wednesday. The trip was an all around
success, everything went smoothly and without any problems.
We have now been home with our new daughter for six weeks. She
is doing extremely well. She has adjusted wonderfully and she
is a great addition to our family! We are very fortunate.
Sincerely,
The Falco Family
Marlboro, New York
