Day 1 Pictures

Day 2 Pictures

The morning routine was pretty much the usual clean and dress but with breakfast in a plastic wrapper. Yes, we ate oatmeal raisin bars carried with us from the USA. As mentioned yesterday there was no shower curtain so the water just splatters everywhere. But he bathroom is built for it; tile from top to bottom throughout, even a rain shield for the TP holder!

We were on time this morning by being in the lobby at 10:30, and yes, Alexander (agency), Lena and Constantine were there waiting, just like I knew they would be. Alexander obtained our passports in order to make copies at a nearby copier business. We waited in the lobby for his return and took the time to query Lena on a few words and phrases, especially the children's names and the name of the town in which they were located (Chernyahovsk).

Alexander then explained that we would proceed to the DoE and meet the Head of the Department. He was to explain the situation and ask our agreement on seeing the children. We left the hotel with Lena and Constantine as Alexander rides in his own car.

The trip was short from the hotel, no more than 10 blocks away; they have small blocks here.

We entered the DoE and waiting in a foyer as Alexander checked on the logistics. Then we entered the Head's office and spoke with him for about 20 minutes. He went through the files of the boys and explained how they came to be where they are and some information about health. He was kind, smiled a bit and I believe genuinely wanted us to be well prepared for the task at hand -- older children and the learning challenges we were about to undertake. He finished the expose and immediately asked if we wanted to see the children. We said no. ... Just kidding. Of course we agreed to see them. He said very well wished us great progress in this endeavor.

We were taken to the foyer again by Lena as Alexander stayed behind with the Head of DoE. In the foyer were montages of children adopted from Kaliningrad. These were the 6, 12 and 18 month update photos similar to those we will have to provide after returning home with the boys. These are the insurance and positive feedback the DoE has on our effort and their effort to place the children is qualifying homes (this is my belief). Also there is a listing of adoptions either completed or in progress since, I think, 2003. We are listed as number 222.

Alexander joined us again in about 5 minutes and we departed from DoE around 11:30 knowing that we were expected at the orphange at 3pm. We asked Constantine and Lena to take us to a classic Russian restaurant for lunch. I had meatballs with tomato sauce; Carol had beef stroganof. There were many choices of meats, including fish varieties, salads, vegatables, rice, potatoes and many ornate desserts. The prices were comparable to cafeteria style restaurants in the US.

C and L then took us to a supermarket (Victoria) for some supplies (water, juice). The market was two levels with an elavator between. An elevator in Russia is an escalator in the US, but with built as a moving ramp (i.e. not steps). By the way, a lift in Russia is an elevator in the US. The store shelves were very full with goods of all kinds. The first floor was a grocery while the second was like a mini-KMart. There were many and good selections in the grocery in the bakery, deli and coffee/tea isles. Unfortunately for the Kaliningrad people, the prices of many items were much the same as for us in the Raleigh area. We returned to the hotel momentarily for a bio break and stock our supplies. We then departed for the orphanage around 1:20pm

We took A229 all the way to Chernyahovsk. The road was sometimes four lane highway and sometimes only two lanes between tall, old trees with white stripes on the trunks as they were close to the edge of the road. We passed through several villages with perhaps 20 structures, mostly homes and some barns. There were cattle and sheep, though not many of either. About 2/3 of the way there is a place where C says you stop to relax a bit. On one side of the road is a bar (have a beer and keep driving?). On the other was a small restaurant where Carol and Lena bought some ice cream. It was very warm this day. Mid 80s which is quite warm for Kaliningrad. We arrived in Chernyahovsk a bit before Alexander so we had to wait on the outskirts of town. But he arrived in about 10 minutes. It gave us a little more time with Lena in getting prepared with some Russian and practicing Eugeniy's name. Prounce as yef-GEN-e where the G is hard.

The orphanage was on the north side of town not far form where A229 passes. It is a massive structure, a home actually, built by a major in the German army back in WWII. The boys have been living in a huge piece of history. As you may have guessed, the building is not exactly in great shape. But we later learned that the descendants of the major were funnelling money to renovate the structure in his memory. They evidently decided to work the bathroom facilities first, I suspect they were in the worst shape, and have done a marvelous job. The bathroom now looks very similar to the Marriott Royal Aurora! These kids are now using a marble facility so the descendants have done quite well over the years.

We entered and met the Director who took us to the 'special room.' Here she provided much the same information as the DoE with us, Lena and Alexander in attendance. When she came to the medical history she summonded the doctor and she read the files for us which included such things as injections (our innoculations) and the various illnesses they have had. I'll spare the medical details of the boys.

We were then asked if we wanted to see them and how. We requested to see Alexander first and then Eugeniy. The Director left and moments later there appeared Alexander. We were still in the same 'special room.' He was a little shy, not entering the room, which was about 18'x18' with 10' ceilings. There were mounds of toys in one corner and book shelves lining two walls. It turned out that this is where the teacher comes and they learn things. Alexander was coaxed over to the table, a narrow six foot table with five adults in small chairs. The Director took her seat, at the head of the table, and comforted Alexander by telling him who we were and why we were there. He came around the table and offered to shake my hand, which I did, at a little of a surprise as I was not expecting a hand shake. I then hugged him and he I. Carol was to my left and he stepped over to her and hugged her neck. There were smiles. He then got a chair and placed it between ours and sat down.

The next few minutes were passed by the Director asking him questions and obtaining his replies. He was very pleasant, thoughtful and glad that we were there. Carol took a tennis ball out of her pack and handed it to him. He fingered it for a little while as we listened to the end of the information about him from the doctor. He would peer at us and smile as we made eye contact. The Director then had him read some from a Russian kids book. They were very proud he could read as they don't enter school here until 7 yrs old. Alexander would start school in September.

Somehow during all this comotion, which got a little bit disorganized, the Director slipped away, returned and beckoned Alexander. He disappeared for a while and returned with Eugeniy, much to our surprise.

Eugeniy stopped at the door much as Alexander had done, but was not as shy as Alexander. He came over to the table a bit quicker and listened to the Director explain the situation. He then came over to our side and hugged us both, after telling the Director he was fond of Papa. This revelation will be explain some behaviors as he gets older. He then wanted to sit on my lap which I promptly took him aboard.

Another ball came out of the bag. Each had their own. I was getting Eugeniy to grasp it with both hands (checking coordination, etc.) while Alexander was watching much of the interaction ... he had also decided to sit on a lap, Mama. They were following and understanding simple hand signals I was giving them so I think we'll get through the language barrier with only a moderate amount of difficulty.

The doctor and Alexander (agency) then left to attend other duties. They were satisfied with the children's and ours acceptance of each other. We were given the ability to call them with any questions we may have and asked that we give an acceptance of the boys by tomorrow. We agreed and thanked them.

Now it was just the boys and us and Lena who was a great help in telling them what we were saying and giving us their answers. Eugeniy was then quick to begin playing with the toys in the corner while Alexander let us know this was a 'special room' that they didn't get to use often. They were given a bag of legos by Carol which were quickly made into an airplane and car; by quickly I mean within 20 seconds all the pieces were used and had formed these machines. We asked if they wanted to fly on an airplane: Eugeniy yes, Alexander no. Alexander then said he wanted to fly in a helicoptor. Eugeniy went over to the toy corner and returned with a helicopter.

Carol then tested their independence a bit. She did so by offering M&M's to see how they would take them and whether or not they'd allow us to put them in their mouths. We learned what we needed to know.

The Director returned and asked the boys to prepare a snack for us -- coffee, tea, bread with tomato and ham, and a sweet tray. They did set the table and brought in some trays of food. This, to me, was obviously well prepared and practiced. But the Director made a point at ensuring we knew all the things that Alexander could help with around the house. It was a long list actually.

We all ate and talked. The boys were not bashful at this point and made good eye contact throughout.

We said our goodbye's around 5:15pm promising to return tomorrow and returned to Kaliningrad. We stopped by Victoria once again for some things for Wednesday and returned to the hotel.

The plan for tomorrow:
9am Return to orphanage.
12noon lunch at orphanage.
1pm return to Kaliningrad.
2:30pm Time with Lena for some Russian lessons.

Day 3 Pictures

We were picked up by C and L at 9am sharp. We headed back to Chernyahovsk to visit the boys. The trip didn't seem as long today as yesterday. Of course, we didn't stop for ice cream this time either and the traffic was moving a little better also. It is cooler today as clouds have moved in. This was a relief from the mid 80s of yesterdays trip. We were taking two bags full of stuff for the boys: clothes, calendar, stickers, monkeys, candy for other children, candy for them, shoes, clothes for younger children, and more pictures for their albums. They are very interested in the calendar. They know that they are not leaving just yet so they want to be able to keep up with the days (by using the stickers) until we return to take them home. They are nearly demanding in this respect. The candy for the other children is a tradition they do at the orphanage. The boys take us to the playground, hand in hand, to provide a piece of candy to each child. This is done to show that they have a mama and papa and they are providing the candy for them.

As we pull into the parking lot at the orphanage the five yr olds are exiting the door to go to the playground. One stops at the top of the steps to observe our car arriving. He stalls a moment and peers closely at the car. Then yells 'My mama, my mama!' The caretaker stops and turns toward him, she cannot see us, and says, 'Where's you mama?' Eugeniy says, 'There!, there is my mama!' We could see and hear all of this from the backseat of the car. It was very, very rewarding and emotional.

Eugeniy came running out to the car to greet us. Then the word spread and Alexander also came out to see us. The Director motioned that she wasn't quite ready for our entrance so we waiting a few minutes before going to the 'special room' again.

The next 2 hrs went pretty quick. We gave them their candy, clothes, etc. and played with them in the room. We took a tour of the orphanage and we went to the playground to hand out the candies. The boys were very proud of their mama and papa. They were not too protective but the idea was firm in all their minds as to what was going on. It was both gratifying and greatly sad at the same time. To see so many kids, around 30, there looking at us, hoping, smiling, knowing they were happy for Alexander and Eugeniy but still waiting for their own family to pick them up. We didn't stay long there as the boys herded us back to the orphanage. They say the kids want to show off their new parents but don't want to share for fear of taking one of the others instead.

The tour upstairs was short but interesting. It had been upgraded already so the areas were orderly and clean. The rows of beds were just classic from pictures we've seen in the past. This is real.

Most of our time was without the Director this time, only Lena was present to help interpret. This gave the boys a chance to exhibit their usual behaviors which we were very much interested in. I had them draw pictures and also drew outlines of their hands and feet. They were very interested in this and had to outline my hands also. We are very pleased with Alexander and his mental status. He is in much better shape than we had guessed. Eugeniy, however, will be a challenge. We think he has little internalized at this point and will need a bit of time to establish the bonding that he needs. We'll get it done.

Lunch was served and the boys ate heartily. Tomatoe salad, chicken broth soup and cabbage/beef entre. All was good. We all ate together: Carol and I, Lena, boys and the Director. The boys have nap time just after lunch so we had to depart fairly quickly afterwards. It was a sad departure for the boys. They were sleepy and obviously a bit more attached to us given the three hours we spent with them today.

On the return trip to Kaliningrad we looked for blueberries along the roadside vendors for Alexander, the agency rep. We did finally locate some at a good price and continued back to Alexander's office. He met us at the car and described tomorrow's plan: visit the boys in the morning, complete paperwork after our return.

We then rode into the downtown area to locate a Kodak store. The boys wanted more pictures of us and them. I had taken two dozen while there so we dropped of the digital files and will return tomorrow morning to pick up the prints for their albums (they keep until we return in Sept). The Kodak place was well stocked and very busy.

C and L dropped us off at the hotel around 4:30pm. I had been charged for 5 nights and Lena helped to obtain the credit as we're only here for 4 nights this time.

Carol and I are pooped about now. We rested in the room. I picked up some groceries at a nearby market and we ate in the room. We talked and dreamed about what was to become of our time during the waiting period. It will be a long August.

Day 4 Pictures

C and L were waiting for us again at 9am sharp in front of the hotel. We headed to the photo shop to pick up the pictures we ordered last evening. The attendant there could not locate the 52 pictures we ordered; she had several other attendants frantically looking also as Lena knew her from school (university) and stressed the importance of these photos. They finally decided the pictures could not be located and they would need to reprint them, but would do so immediately. This took about 15 more minutes but within our time requirements for going to the orphanage. The cost was about $0.30 per picture, the same as in the US (which I think is high for Kaliningrad).

The ride to Chernyahovsk was uneventful and getting shorter yet again. Carol and I talked of the things we would say and do with the boys. It would be a short visit today as we needed to return to Kaliningrad to meet with Alexander to sign papers. We did stop for ice cream again. (7.50r)

All the children were on the playground when we arrived. The Director asked that we approach the playground to find the boys, or better yet, let the boys find us. It is very distinct that the children watch the walkway like hawks. We didn't get half way down the walkway before it was evident to all of them that someone was there and, of course, the boys were frantically making their way to us at full speed. Eugeniy saw us first but Alexander beat him to us. Alexander said he had been cleaning and that he wanted to put on clean clothes. Eugeniy followed in his brother's foot steps. Eugeniy put on his new clothes we had brought just yesterday.

We then went to the 'special room' and the boys wanted to know what we brought them today. No surprise there; but we had intentionally severely limited what was new. We had chocolate eggs which had a toy surprise in the middle and the new pictures. They really liked the eggs and adored the pictures. Later, the picture albums were in front of the other helpers and kids -- how they show off to others at the orphanage. 'This is our mama and papa.'

Carol spent a lot of time with Eigeniy today. I had Alexander draw another picture. The time went very fast. We were only there for an hour or so and left around 12:25pm. I did get pictures of the outside of the orphanage; something the boys will enjoy in the years to come.

The departure was tough this time knowing we wouldn't be back until September. We reminded the boys about their calendars while the Director promised to help them with the star stickers and the calendars so they would know the days were passing for our return. The hugs were intense, the reality of the situation well known to all.

We returned to Kaliningrad thinking of all the things we need to do to prepare for September. There is much to be done. This trip has really helped cement the things that we're not yet ready for at home. For this we are grateful.

We stopped for lunch at a cafeteria across from the hotel; the best food we've had since arrival. Too bad we didn't venture over there earlier. Carol had a chicken dinner while I had pork.

We then located a post office and bought stamps for post cards. $0.56 to mail each card back to the US.

We then met Alexander at the Agency to sign the court papers giving our approval to adopt the boys. There were five sets for each child. This did not take long. The legalities are not as verbose as in the US.

Next we headed toward The Turtle, a hotel where we thought we'd be staying this trip. This hotel is very nice; a notch or two more upscale than where we are now. It is more secluded, however, which would have made it difficult to easily stop by the market. But, with kids in tow, it will be ideal as they are equipped with a fenced play yard and other amenities for adopting families -- their business I believe. The attendant was very helpful by showing us four different rooms; they only have 11. We made reservations for Sep 2 for six nights; this is the anticipated span of time across the court date, which we believe to be on the 6th. We will confirm the date tomorrow.

It is now 5pm and we returned to the hotel thanking C and L for all they've done for us. We are in need of exercise but rain has moved in so we were unable to walk. I did venture to the Internet cafe and market again for some supper items. We ate in the room, talked about the future and retired later than in past nights, around 11pm. Tomorrow's plan is to be picked up at 11am and head for the airport for a 12:45pm flight to Moscow. That's 5:45am ET.

Day 5 Pictures

C and L met us promptly and we headed for the aiport. Alexander was contacted but there was no court date set as yet. We soaked up the views as we rode towards the airport.

Kaliningrad Airport has but two gates presently. Both were busy. We were challenged by our carry-on L.L.Bean bags this time but Lena was successful in diverting their attention saying that the Moscow-to-Kaliningrad flight did not challenge this luggage. They relented and we boarded with no incident.

The flight was uneventful but was late about 20 minutes. There were quite a few clouds between Kaliningrad and Moscow but a smooth flight was enjoyed. I did get to see the greater Moscow area as we approached Domodedovo; it is huge.

Violet and Alexi met us right on time, as usual. We collected our luggage without incident and left the airport for Moscow. We discussed the visit with the boys with Violet; she was very interested and genuinely comforting. They took us by McDonald's for Carol to have a Big Mac. It was actually better than that which she gets in Johnston County! Maybe that's not hard to believe.

We drove to the Agency office where we met with Irena who asked a few questions, most of which had been answered in Kaliningrad and obtained the details of the court date ... September 9. We'll have to spend the 4th through the 17th away from home. Yes, we'll plan to leave Raleigh on Saturday, Sep 4, travelling to Moscow on the 5th and immediately flying on to Kaliningrad Sunday afternoon. We'll plan to stay at The Turtle, an upscale child-friendly hotel in the center of Kaliningrad. We'll be there through the 15th doing various activities necessary to obtain rights to the boys. We'll then fly back to Moscow and pursue the American Embassy documents necessary to fly home on the Friday, the 17th. That's the plan as we know it today. It is long and gruelling in September but to be well worth it in the end. Pray for our continued success in this endeavor as we bring these boys into the loving, caring family they so desparately need and desire.

We then battled the 5pm rush hour traffic and made our way to the Marriott Tverskaya. It is a bit farther out, to the northwest, from Red Square but in a truly upscale area. Our room was magnificent; it overlooks the Tverskaya Street, where the hotel resides, and had a balcony which extended further than any other on the 5th floor. We have dial-up, wireless, and cable connection available. It is difficult to not want to stay here for a while.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the hotel restaurant although the chef was very slow. The food was excellent but the timing sent us back to the room without being able to enjoy the street life still beaming with activity, even at 10pm. Tomorrow's plan is: leave for the airport at 10:30am and fly to USA at 1:30pm on Delta 31. Thanks for reading this far. I hope it was worth your while.

Day 6 Pictures

We had breakfast at the hotel (Marriott Tverskaya) and readied for the trip to the airport. The meal here was much the same as it was at the Aurora but there were pancakes this time.

The trip to the airport took barely 35 minutes; we had prepared for an hour. The outbound traffic was not bad according to Violet. The airport was busy but we made our way through six lines which included four different times through x-ray devices. They are not as thorough as the US lines, however. Nor were the x-ray walkthrough portals. I have to remove my Rockports in the US as they have steel shanks in the sole; never had to after leaving the US.

Since we were nearly 2 hrs early before gate time we had some time to walk around the airport. There are many duty free shops here with some great buys and many expensive items. The number of lights used make it rather warm so I had to retire my sports jacket. We were fortunate at the ticket counter this time; 18A/B which was at a bulkhead immediately behind business class. Ahhh, the pleasure of knee room on a 9 1/2 hour trip to NY.

The flight was long (9 1/2 hrs) but uneventful. It was cloudy most of the way; I only got to see the coast of North America as we re-entered Canadian airspace as well as the Boston area.

The weather in and around New York was dreadful. Heavy showers were passing but did not hinder our arrival. However, the departure was another issue. About half the commuter traffic for Delta was cancelled but ours, somehow, was spared so we departed 2 1/4 hrs late. Carol's luggage didn't make the trip, however, but was delivered late Saturday night.

My wonderful parents met us at the airport and provided excellent taxi service for our return to NC. This was very nice. We were very, very tired having been awake for 28 hrs at this point.

Tommorrow's plan: rest, dream, rest, wonder what's happening with the boys, rest, and more rest.