Fifteen Months

I actually almost lost track of how long we've been waiting now! We started this journey in November 2008 when we went to that first FTIA meeting and began the process of deciding if adoption was for us. We made our final decision in February 2009, submitted our application in March and began the process in April. Our completed dossier was sent to Russia in July 2009, and we've been paper pregnant ever since. So, officially, we've been waiting for 15 months! Our turn to travel and meet our daughter should be coming very soon!!

Last week, I had the privilege of talking with another family who is on this journey with us. They received their invitation to travel in August and returned from their first trip to meet their daughter in September. They are assigned to the same region as us, so they were able to share some invaluable tips that will make our first trip much easier. I was told that going to Moscow is like taking a trip to New York City. However, arriving in our region is like stepping 50-60 years back in time and the orphanage, even further.

There are many things they were able to share with us that I'm uncertain I am allowed to share here, so I'll resist the temptation to do so. Suffice it to say, we are really happy that we made the decision to adopt from Russia and more excited that we are closer than ever to the day we will finally meet Hope!