Fri & Sat April 28 & 29

Well, its official, Vitalik is officially Samuel Vitaly McCaffery. I have mixed emotions about this day. Although I’m glad Sam is ours, it was bittersweet having his farewell party at the Detsky Dom. While I’m certain his roommates enjoyed the party, food and fun, I’m also certain they were a bit envious and sad that they have yet to be chosen and may not ever find a forever family. We took a taxi to court. It was hilarious. This roly-poly man with sunglasses cranking his stereo with house music pulled up to the apartment. No need to turn down the radio to find out where we need to go or if Aika’s cell phone rings. His driving tactics were amazing. How we made it in one piece is beyond me. Court was in a cinder block building on a dusty road that looked more like a housing complex vs. a courthouse. The interior was gloomy, dark, and dirty. Our courtroom had its own private jail and the power wasn’t working for the majority of our court proceeding, which was a-ok by me as it kept the room semi-cool. Our court hearing was quite long but not antagonistic by any means. Ian felt it was taking far too long and fell fast asleep while the judge was speaking and slept for a good 1.5 hrs. Our judge was young and thus very careful to address every issue and every legal document. She then took an hour to make her decision. As we left the courthouse we met up with my on-line friend A. Brewer, and it was so nice to see a friendly face and speak English. Unfortunately, A.Brewer and her family are not having a good start to their adoption process here in Karaganda and we wish them all the best. We hope to meet up with them on Saturday night for some pizza, beer, and good conversation. Before court we were told we would not have the party after court but maybe a different day and we’d buy the orphanage their “gift” a different day as well. Come on, this is Kazakhstan, and there are no set rules or plans, so after court we dashed home, got the gifts, headed to the supermarket and then to the detsky dom. Of course this was the day the batteries in my camera died and I shorted out my battery charger, but we did get some candid shots and most of the musical his classmates performed on our video recorder. I began crying at least 5 times while I was there because I felt guilty for only taking Vitalik. There are 2 older children, a boy and a girl, perhaps both, 6 or 7 that have pulled on my heartstrings since we have been here. Whereas most of the children are kind and friendly in his group for hopes of treats or possible adoption, these two were different. Even after they knew we were there to adopt Vitalik, they were still always kind, smiling and truly interested in trying to talk to us or show us things. Of his group I think these two would have the best chance of finding a family via a summer program as their personalities are kind, mellow, and respectful. We had many champagne toasts with the Director, Olga, Aika, and various caregivers. Even if we did not have Aika to translate their thoughts and wishes, I’m amazed how (through facial expressions and body language) we could tell these women truly cared about Vitalik and knew that our heart was in the right place with him as well. I felt just awful as we were walking out of the destky dom for the last time, knowing how many more children will forever remain inside those walls. Saturday morning we woke up to grey and wet skies. We later found out from Olga that there is snow in Western Kazakhstan, I hope it does not visit us here in Karaganda. Not too much to report. We went to a notary’s office signed some more paperwork and that was about it. We walked to the Assorti Café the owner is quite nice and likes to converse with us which always makes our visit a bit more pleasant. She was amazed the boys were the same age and she was pleased to see they behave so well and likes to here Sam speak English. I’m certain Sam and I will be visiting her often in the next 3 wks that we’re here in Karaganda. Looks like Sam and I will plan to leave Almaty for the states on May 27 or 28th. I’m certain tomorrow will be a bit of a rough day for Sam and I, but we’ll just push through as needed.