We decided to adopt at the end of 2004 when the Asian Tsunami hit Indonesia and left thousands of children orphaned. Impacted by the devastation and realizing the love we could give to yet another child led us to Adoption Ark who helped us bring our two wonderful daughters home. From the very beginning we felt very comfortable with the ladies who work at Adoption Ark. They proved to be honest, trustworthy, and most of all devoted to working for the children who ultimately are the only ones that should really matter in the adoption realm.
After much consideration, we chose to adopt from Russia and signed with AA mid February 2005. With so many children already at home, we wanted a country that required very few in country travel days. After submitting our dossier at the end of April we were able to travel a couple of weeks later. On May 22, 2005 when we met Anna and Sveta all the hard work and frustration that goes hand in hand with international adoption seemed to disappear and was replaced with two of the most adorable smiles we could imagine. To be able to add these two girls to our family was going to be such a blessing.
In September 2005, we returned to Russia to bring our girls home. It was a very beautiful experience--- process, paperwork, delays, and all that I will forever be reminded of every time I look into our two daughters' bright blue eyes!
Now that we are a family of ten, we are enjoying the simple pleasures that a big family provides---- heartwarming conversation around the dinner table, family movie night, walks around the neighborhood, etc. As I watch all of my children interact with each other, I feel silly ever wondering if they would all get along.
Thank you Adoption Ark for all your support and encouragement! The journey that led us to our girls would not have been possible without you.