Adopting from Russia in 1997

By the Walter Family, Michigan

In January of 1997, our world was on the way of undergoing a change that would forever impact our lives. For it was in January of 1997 that we first applied for an international adoption through International Adoption Association (AdoptionPros) under the direction of Larissa Popova. In the January 5, 1997, edition of the Grand Rapids Press we saw and read an article highlighting the agency and the strong possibility of adopting a child/children from Russia. For over three years we had undergone infertility testing and were unsuccessful in conceiving a biological child of our own. We had already begun to explore the whole adoption arena and when we saw the article, we anxiously read on and followed through with our instincts.

It was with trust and the direction of the staff at the agency that the two of us wholeheartedly pursued onward. Then, on March 5, 1997, we received a phone call from the agency informing us that a baby girl had been chosen for us …

On June 13th, our airplane left from the Kent County International Airport headed to Moscow, Russia, with our beautiful baby girl awaiting us. When we landed in Moscow on Saturday, June 14, we were greeted by the officials who would be assisting us while in Moscow. Our entire trip to Russia was absolutely wonderful … everybody who worked with us in Russia were the most caring, professional people who really loved and took a strong interest in the role in which they were playing.

For my wife and myself, the adoption of our daughter has forever changed our lives. It is amazing how much love can be expressed towards and given by a small child. Our daughter has been 100% accepted and loved by everyone with whom she has come in contact. Family, friends, co-workers, etc. - you name it - she has stolen their hearts. We feel truly blessed as this happy child is now ours to love, nurture and watch grow into a beautiful little girl. Our family has changed since the adoption of our daughter and we have been honored with the privilege of raising her. The adoption of our daughter has given the two of us the opportunity to express the love for a child that we have always wanted. The adoption has also given us the wonderful experience of parenthood that we may not have ever encountered (biologically). The adoption has also given our extended family a wonderful experience of grandparenthood and unclehood, another experience that our family may not have had the opportunity to experience (biologically).

While in Surgut, Russia, the orphanage staff was absolutely wonderful and consisted of people who definitely cared about the children at the hospital where our daughter resided. Our daughter was completely healthy, well cared for and developmentally right on track for her age. This was such peace of mind for us considering that we traveled halfway around the world to become first-time parents. By witnessing the care that these children had, we are forever grateful to the loving staff for the care they provided until our daughter officially became ours. Many happy tears were shed the last time we left the orphanage with a feeling of eternal gratitude.

We will never forget June 16, 1997, as long as we live, for it was on this day that we met our daughter for the first time. For it was also on this day that our videos became reality. Beyond belief was the only way to describe the feelings we had as we held in our arms for the first time our beautiful, happy, healthy seven-month-old baby girl. The staff allowed us to spend private time with our children, a time that seemed to last forever. The initial bonding of our children immediately took place on this special day. It was apparent that the staff was very happy not only for all of the new parents, but for the children as well.

The whole atmosphere of the hospital was favorable as well. A clean, positive, nurturing environment was present, which helped soothe our anxious feelings. There were even large painted pictures of bears, lions and other animals on the walls to help stimulate our children.

Looking back now on our journey, the question has been asked, “What would we do differently?” If we were to adopt from Russia again, we would definitely bring warmer clothes for Surgut. Even though it was June, the weather was in the low 40’s. If we were to travel again, we would pack less items. Our luggage was lost for the first six days of our adventure and with this loss we realized that we could survive on the bare minimum.

Overall, we had a wonderful, blessed trip and would not change much. The relationships that we made not only with the officials in Russia but with the other family members around the United States has changed our lives forever!

Adopting from Russia….

By David and Peggy Kalmeyer (April 1997)

On April 21, 1997, half a world away, and in a special little place called, Surgut, a very beautiful event took place. On that glorious Monday, every dream we dreamed and every wish we wished, became a reality. Not just a wish for Peggy and myself, but something wonderful for our relatives and friends.

Instantaneously, the void that had nurtured itself for so long within our lives, was filled. Suddenly all the heartache, the personal disappointments, and the seemingly insurmountable odds against us having our own family, vanished when we first met our baby from the beautiful country of Russia. When we held her together, time stood still. Everything had suddenly changed. And when we felt the warmth of her spirit within us, the emotion was indescribable. The circle is complete now, and together with our families, our lovely little daughter has touch all of our hearts so very deeply. Everyone of course, asks us all about Russia and Siberia. When someone as beautiful as our little girl comes from a special place, we are assured that Surgut is truly that someplace “special”.

As far as the adoption process within Russia, we were relieved to discover how swift and professional everything went. Although we were delayed in arriving due to airline related problems, we were, nonetheless, met at the airports in Moscow and Surgut by local guides who were warm and seemed very understanding of our problems. At the Moscow airport when we first arrived, we waited for about 30 minutes for our reps. Not knowing what to expect, or what we should or should not do while we waited, my wife and I were a little ill at ease. The one thing I remember with great fondness was how excited the reps were when they first met us. There were so pleased. We were relieved. It set the tone in a warm and positive way for the remainder of our visit to Russia. They made a lasting impression ! ! !

When we visited the orphanage in Surgut, we, of course, wondered what we were going to see. Virtually no English was spoken, but as it turned out, a sense of love was present there. All the attendants and personnel kept smiling, and that was all the encouragement we needed. When we met our daughter and saw how healthy and happy she was, we knew that these people were doing the right thing for humanity. We especially enjoyed the delicious lunch they had prepared for us in their spotless kitchen area. The clean and warm facilities were impressive as well. I’d welcome a return trip to Russia tomorrow, if we could afford it. Fact, is, Russia and Siberia will always occupy a special place in our hearts.

We wish we could have done a little more sightseeing, though. Every town has something about it that distinguishes it from other places. It looked to us that Surgut must have some pretty interesting history about itself. I constantly looked at the ordinary people and wondered about the different origins. It would be exciting to educate one’s self about the people.

I guess the thing that stands out the most in our minds was the fact that Surgut was not at all like we had at first imagined. When we located it in our international atlas, it looked like it was smack dab in the middle of nowhere. Situated in what appeared to be a wilderness beyond the Urals, we were at once struck with the awe that we might just be heading into no man’s land. But for some reason we resigned ourselves to the feeling that this little spot, so very removed from our lifestyle, was the right place for us. We prayed on it, and talked about it constantly, and in doing so, convinced ourselves the this was where the rainbow ended. Surgut turned out to be our pot of gold.

Also, we will never forget the hospitality of our bus driver in Surgut. He was great. And he seemed so understanding, especially when he had to accommodate us at any hour. He did it with a smile on his face so big, it is something I still cherish. I took his picture just before we left, there in the airport parking lot. His heartfelt waving of his arm is now a part of our photo library.

We thank you for everything and we love you all.