Gotcha Day

One year ago yesterday, we stood in a Russian court room and pleaded our case to a staunch judge and a young prosecutor with a reputation for not playing nicely with American families. We were not only given custody of J and L but a region that NEVER waived the ten day waiting period, did for us. And so began the journey. We rushed from the courthouse to the hotel with orders to get something to eat and pack while Olga began frantic translations so we could be on the 11pm train for Moscow. I have no idea what favors she had to cash in to get people to stay late and push our paperwork through. We were picked up by a driver and a "friend" of Olga's and drove in the dark to the orphanage. We arrived at dinner time and in less than 30 minutes, had signed a few papers, watched food be shoveled into J and L and seen their clothes changed into the outfits we brought. We realized J had a grid like burn mark over half his back, but protocol dictates we not ask questions. The twins were thrust into our arms and hurried into the waiting car.

Both J and L were terrified at the newness all around them. They had rarely been out of the orphanage, let alone at night or with strangers. We flew down tiny roads with little signage to arrive back at the hotel with orders to wait until Olga arrived for the trip to the train station. We did our best to entertain and comfort the new little people we had prayed for so hard. We wanted them to be happy and for that few minutes at the hotel, seemed pretty content with us. It didn't hurt that we had neat trinkets and a non stop supply of vanilla wafers.

Around 10:30, the car with Olga and our paperwork arrived to take us all to the train station. Children in orphanages are put to bed early- think 7 or so. We were long past bedtime and taking them into yet another strange situation. The snowsuits J and L were wearing were too warm for the evening and slippery against our coats. We were carrying diaper bags and luggage. L didn't trust me and instead of snuggling into me was pushing back as hard as she could, making people stare and the trip up and down in front of the train looking for our car seem like miles. We were all four hot, sweaty and nervous. Finally we reach our car and Olga left us. She was coming on a later train. Russian trains are very similar to those pictured on Little House on the Prairie shows. This night it was hot. The twins are very fussy and exhausted at this point. Brian keeps assuring them "Mama has soft blankets to sleep on." Having no Russian, I could only hope the sing song of his voice was comforting.

The trip to Moscow, as all train trips in Moscow are, was long and bumpy. The twins slept fitfully while we watched their every move. We were beginning to realize we had not brought the items L would need. We arrived in Moscow in the dark, and with no translator, were left on our own to find our driver. Thankfully we had been through this stations many times by now and Brian at least acted confident to steer us through it. We arrived at the Mariott at 5am and were met by the embassey docotor. How thankful we were for Michelle's donated rewards points to stay in a western hotel this time. We stepped into our beautiful room with a bathtub, running water, a soft bed and 2 cribs. We closed the curtains and put all of us to bed for a blissful 6 hours or so.

Moscow is very different from our first trip nine years ago. Brian was able to find Sbarro pizza for supper one evening. J was impressed. We took stuffed dogs for both J and L. J was saying "WOOF" before we got home.

We arrived home on Saturday night. We were exhausted, but delighted to see B and H. H chose to stay at a cheer competition until Sunday, but B cam running out of the house in her pajamas, jumping up and down and grinning from ear to ear. She had ballons tied to chairs and toys all set up. She was an absolute joy to watch.

Sometimes we allow the what-ifs to over take us. What if we hadn't gone? What if we stuck to our plan on age and ability instead of allowing God to decide? What if we had listened to the doubts and fears? But then I wipe the tears and thank God that He spoke louder and Brian listened, and we have the most precious children in the world. They make our life meaningful and our hearts full. Happy Gotcha Day J and L!!