I would like to begin by thanking Adoption Ark for providing my husband David and me with one of the greatest gifts: A daughter to call our own. Words cannot express how grateful we are to have completed our adoption with an agency that was professional, accessible, honest, efficient and fast. We are convinced Elina Filippova has a magic wand, given the adoption of Julia only took five months!
My husband and I have three biological sons and wanted to experience the joy of having a daughter. Having been foster parents, we knew we could love a child that was not ours by birth. Therefore, adoption was an easy choice for us to make.
Once the decision was made, I began the process of researching any information I could find on adopting from Russia. In an effort to be as informed as possible, particularly in choosing an agency, I spent many months reading message boards, talking personally with adoptive families and reading books on international adoption.
My first contact with Adoption Ark was with Kim Fury. I called her several times to inquire about the agency and the children available for adoption, some of which I learned, had mild special needs. She was warm, friendly, and patiently answered all of my questions. What struck me the most, however, was her honesty. She shared the information she had with absolute frankness. This, coupled with the agency’s great reputation, is why we selected Adoption Ark.
Fast forward five months. We just returned home with our lovely daughter Julia. She is such a wonderful addition to our family and truly a dream come true. The orphanage in the region was very impressive and the regional coordinators superb. We are so amazed at how quickly and smoothly our adoption went with Adoption Ark. Our deepest gratitude, once again, to Elina, Kim, and the Adoption Ark staff for making our adoption experience a remarkable one.
Ricca Richardson
Houston, Texas