We never thought we were candidates for adoption much less
international adoption but after much consideration Jim and
I found that it was an idea worth pursuing and we found ourselves
ready to embark on one of the greatest journeys of our lives.
Our
first hurdle to overcome would be to find the perfect agency,
one we could trust and that would answer all of our questions.
Our expectations were set rather high as we began the arduous
process of weeding through hundreds of agencies to find the
perfect fit for our needs. We came upon Happy Families International
by way of referral and it didn’t take long after speaking
with a representative to know that this was our agency.
The people at HFIC were totally professional throughout the
entire process as well as sympathetic to our fears and patient
with our questions. As we began the mountain of paperwork their
expertise was invaluable as they guided us through each phase
step by step. No sooner had we completed our paperwork HFIC
moved quickly to begin the second phase of the process that
would bring our little girl home to us.
As we made preparations to travel our first trip to Russia,
HFIC checked and re-checked that all of our paperwork was in
order and provided us with an itinerary assuring that we would
be taken care of at all times. On October 6, 2001 Jim and I
left the US to meet our daughter Alina for the first time. We
flew into Moscow and were immediately met by a representative
of HFIC and driven to our host family who could not do enough
for our comfort.
Although
we were only in Moscow for one day, we enjoyed both a driving
and walking tour of the city with our host Leo. Plane tickets
and a delicious dinner were waiting for us when we returned
from our tour and the following day we were driven to the airport
and personally put on the plane to Kaliningrad.
A short flight later we arrived at the Kaliningrad airport
where we were again met by another HFIC representative Tatiana
and our driver Nikoly. Tatiana was to be our lifeline throughout
the most emotional portion of our adoption. Every aspect of
our trip was described to us before we left and everything had
taken place EXACTLY as we were told it would. After meeting
and spending time with Alina, Jim and I found that everything
that we had been told about Alina’s health and background
was absolutely true. There were no surprises except for how
powerful that first meeting would be for us.
The entire group of HFIC representatives worked tirelessly
behind the scenes during our entire stay in Kaliningrad and
Moscow. They ensured our comfort, safety and entertainment at
all times, answering any questions or concerns we had without
hesitation. Their professionalism was only matched with a sense
that they truly believed in what they were working toward. We
returned to Moscow two weeks later and found that nothing had
been left to chance. The entire process was orchestrated beautifully
and the moment had finally arrived when we could claim our daughter.
Guided
again through every step of the process, and assuring us that
everything was in the strictest order, we found ourselves at
the moment of truth. November 1, 2001, mine and Jim’s 15th
wedding anniversary we stood in front of a judge in a Kaliningrad
courtroom and waited for her to decree us as Alina’s legal
Mother and Father. When those words were finally spoken and
tears came shamelessly and I realized then the absolute commitment
and care that HFIC takes to bring couple upon couple to this
very same moment.
Hugs, kisses and congratulations all the way around were only
pushed aside long enough to pick up Alina.Now home with our
new family I often wonder if anyone at HFIC could possibly know
how much all their hard work is appreciated.
My mom and Jim's mom are so IN LOVE with her you wouldn't believe
it. Alina adores her grandmas TOO and loves to have them visit
or go visit them! She has just won everyone's heart here like
you wouldn't believe. Friends, family EVERYONE just feels that
she is right where she belongs! This whole thing is nothing
short of a miracle to me! My family and I will forever be heartily
thankful to all who helped to bring this little angel into our
lives. I can tell you honestly that for the first time in 15
years I finally feel complete!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
You and those you work with are true angels because you have
delivered a little piece of heaven into our lives. And for as
long as I live I will never forget all that you have done for
our family.
Thank you,
Carol, Jim, JT and Alina Genovese
