Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Almaty..............apples
Well, I survived leaving her behind. Barely. It was so hard to walk away. But I have to keep my eye on the prize and know that soon she will be with us all, forever.
Today we flew to Almaty. Wendy, Joel, and I are in a Guns and Roses Pub in our hotel and feel like we're back in Kansas again. Everything is in English. We're listening to American music. We are eating cheeseburgers and fries, and they have free wifi!!
While I'm here in Almaty for a mere 10 hours, I would like to share with you some information about this city. I planned to write about it on my arrival on October 5th, but the wifi here was out. It's kind of integral to my story, so this is my last chance.
Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan. It was the capital until 1997, when President Nazarbayev moved it to Astana to be more centrally located. Almaty used to be named Alma-Ata which means father of apples. You see apples are from Kazakhstan. In early years apple orchards surrounded the city. They used to grow a famous giant Aport apple that grew as big as a baby's head. They would wrap them in paper and ship them to Europe and Russia. A famous Russian scientist, Nikolai Vavilov, was sent here to prove that apples originated in Kazakhstan. (He was a Stalin scientist until he fell out of favor with Stalin and he was sent to the Gulag (labor camp) like the one we went to visit near Karaganda.) In the 1920's, after investigating climate, topography, and apple species, his theory was that the original apple did come from here. They now have DNA evidence that proves his theory correct. By the way, I am getting much of my information from a book titled Apples Are From Kazakhstan. After reading it, I fell in love with this country. It is a history/travelogue book written about 2 years ago. If anyone out there is interested in learning more about this great land, I recommend it.
Hence, my "Apple Baby" blog. My baby comes from Kazakhstan, too.
There has been a change in plans for bringing Sofia home. Originally, I was going to come back here to Kaz to pick her up. The agency has convinced me to let them escort her home. My little apple will be arriving in the Big Apple the first week in December. A date is not secure, I'm hoping its sooner.
This morning at 2am I will go to the airport and fly to Istanbul, Turkey. I arrive at O'hare on Thursday afternoon. Funny, I leave on the 29th and I arrive on the 29th after traveling for about 22 hours. Its a free day.
These last three weeks have zoomed by for me. It has been an incredible experience. It's a fantastic start to a new life with my new daughter.
Thanks to all of you for following along. I plan to post periodically as I get updates on our reunion in NYC.
See you soon!!
Today we flew to Almaty. Wendy, Joel, and I are in a Guns and Roses Pub in our hotel and feel like we're back in Kansas again. Everything is in English. We're listening to American music. We are eating cheeseburgers and fries, and they have free wifi!!
While I'm here in Almaty for a mere 10 hours, I would like to share with you some information about this city. I planned to write about it on my arrival on October 5th, but the wifi here was out. It's kind of integral to my story, so this is my last chance.
Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan. It was the capital until 1997, when President Nazarbayev moved it to Astana to be more centrally located. Almaty used to be named Alma-Ata which means father of apples. You see apples are from Kazakhstan. In early years apple orchards surrounded the city. They used to grow a famous giant Aport apple that grew as big as a baby's head. They would wrap them in paper and ship them to Europe and Russia. A famous Russian scientist, Nikolai Vavilov, was sent here to prove that apples originated in Kazakhstan. (He was a Stalin scientist until he fell out of favor with Stalin and he was sent to the Gulag (labor camp) like the one we went to visit near Karaganda.) In the 1920's, after investigating climate, topography, and apple species, his theory was that the original apple did come from here. They now have DNA evidence that proves his theory correct. By the way, I am getting much of my information from a book titled Apples Are From Kazakhstan. After reading it, I fell in love with this country. It is a history/travelogue book written about 2 years ago. If anyone out there is interested in learning more about this great land, I recommend it.
Hence, my "Apple Baby" blog. My baby comes from Kazakhstan, too.
There has been a change in plans for bringing Sofia home. Originally, I was going to come back here to Kaz to pick her up. The agency has convinced me to let them escort her home. My little apple will be arriving in the Big Apple the first week in December. A date is not secure, I'm hoping its sooner.
This morning at 2am I will go to the airport and fly to Istanbul, Turkey. I arrive at O'hare on Thursday afternoon. Funny, I leave on the 29th and I arrive on the 29th after traveling for about 22 hours. Its a free day.
These last three weeks have zoomed by for me. It has been an incredible experience. It's a fantastic start to a new life with my new daughter.
Thanks to all of you for following along. I plan to post periodically as I get updates on our reunion in NYC.
See you soon!!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
It's official...There is one more ZACHARI in this world!!!!
Hip Hip Hooray!!
The court of Kazakhstan approved Sofia Meruert Susanna Zachari's adoption!!
I'm a mom!!
Court was held in a non-heated courthouse. We were freezing since it is only 16 degrees today! We waited about 3o minutes, then it was my turn. The court room is about the size of a classroom. The judge was a woman dressed in a maroon robe. She sat at the front on a raised platform. There was a prosecutor, a court secretary, a woman from the Ministry of Education office, a doctor from the orphanage, Tamara our coordinator, Natasha, and me. We stood for the judge when she entered, and when I had to tell the court why I want to adopt a baby from Kazakhstan as well as other explanations. The judge read excerpts from my home study in Russian. Each person read a statement of opinion. They all looked through my photo album. (The prosecutor said Sofia is a very, very beautiful girl.) This took about 20 minutes. The judge left the court room to make a decision and write a statement. So 10-15 minutes later she returned, read her statement which approved my adoption and wished me well and hoped that I will give my daughter many opportunities in her life.
Then we went to the baby house to see our babies. Sofie was so happy to see me, even though it was her nap time.
We had a tea party with the three doctors, which was actually lunch, and it was very nice to sit and talk to them.
We still have an afternoon visit which will include another tea party with the nurses for our babies rooms.
The court of Kazakhstan approved Sofia Meruert Susanna Zachari's adoption!!
I'm a mom!!
Court was held in a non-heated courthouse. We were freezing since it is only 16 degrees today! We waited about 3o minutes, then it was my turn. The court room is about the size of a classroom. The judge was a woman dressed in a maroon robe. She sat at the front on a raised platform. There was a prosecutor, a court secretary, a woman from the Ministry of Education office, a doctor from the orphanage, Tamara our coordinator, Natasha, and me. We stood for the judge when she entered, and when I had to tell the court why I want to adopt a baby from Kazakhstan as well as other explanations. The judge read excerpts from my home study in Russian. Each person read a statement of opinion. They all looked through my photo album. (The prosecutor said Sofia is a very, very beautiful girl.) This took about 20 minutes. The judge left the court room to make a decision and write a statement. So 10-15 minutes later she returned, read her statement which approved my adoption and wished me well and hoped that I will give my daughter many opportunities in her life.
Then we went to the baby house to see our babies. Sofie was so happy to see me, even though it was her nap time.
We had a tea party with the three doctors, which was actually lunch, and it was very nice to sit and talk to them.
We still have an afternoon visit which will include another tea party with the nurses for our babies rooms.
Monday, October 26, 2009
One more day
It snowed today! It's nice to see Kazakhstan in white, but it was even nicer to have such mild weather for most of my stay.
Today a new couple arrived from New York to adopt a baby. They may be adopting Melvina, Sofie's friend. It will be nice to know where Melvina goes to live so we can stay in touch. We spent time today showing them places to shop and going out to eat. I hope they have as great an experience as we did.
Today Sofia was very happy. She laughed a lot and squealed. The caregiver who was working today was hugging her and kissing her. It makes me feel better about leaving, knowing that she will be in good, loving hands when I am gone. They all are so good. I wish I could tell them in Russian how much I appreciate what they do. Maybe Natasha will be in there to translate for me tomorrow.
My court appointment for the official adoption is at 9:30am. After court we will go to buy cakes. Then we bring them to the orphanage to celebrate with a tea party. The doctor and the orphanage director and I don't know who else will be there. I think the caregivers will get some of the cake. I'll find out tomorrow.
I do get to go back in the afternoon to spend one last time together with my Sofia.
Tomorrow is a big, big day. I am so very excited!!!! Not about leaving her, about being her mom!!
Today a new couple arrived from New York to adopt a baby. They may be adopting Melvina, Sofie's friend. It will be nice to know where Melvina goes to live so we can stay in touch. We spent time today showing them places to shop and going out to eat. I hope they have as great an experience as we did.
Today Sofia was very happy. She laughed a lot and squealed. The caregiver who was working today was hugging her and kissing her. It makes me feel better about leaving, knowing that she will be in good, loving hands when I am gone. They all are so good. I wish I could tell them in Russian how much I appreciate what they do. Maybe Natasha will be in there to translate for me tomorrow.
My court appointment for the official adoption is at 9:30am. After court we will go to buy cakes. Then we bring them to the orphanage to celebrate with a tea party. The doctor and the orphanage director and I don't know who else will be there. I think the caregivers will get some of the cake. I'll find out tomorrow.
I do get to go back in the afternoon to spend one last time together with my Sofia.
Tomorrow is a big, big day. I am so very excited!!!! Not about leaving her, about being her mom!!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
An unexpected surprise
It is Sunday evening here in Karaganda and we just had an unexpected brilliant day. We had no plans for the day, believe it or not. We thought maybe if its not too cold we would walk to another mall that is less expensive than the downtown malls. The day began with breakfast at the hotel restaurant, laundry, and even a nap. Then Wendy and Joel's Karaganda connection called to ask if we would like to go out to eat and see his shop. They know Victor's brother, Igor from a glass blowing factory (Simon Pierce) in Vermont. Igor asked Wendy and Joel to bring things to his family here in Karaganda from the States. Now Victor wanted to thank them by taking us out.
He took us to an outstanding restaurant. We were seated in a private room with giant furniture. He ordered for us. We started with a meat platter which included chicken breast, beef tongue, horse meat, and horse sausage. My favorite was...you guessed it, the horse sausage. Very good flavor. Its the kind they serve on special occasions. Well this was special. Then I had roasted lamb. I wanted to try lamb while here, because it is a staple food in Kaz, so I thought it would be very good.. I was right. We also had more Manties (dumplings) but this time roasted instead of steamed.
Next, he took us to his shop which is in a mall....guess which one....you're not going to believe this...it is the mall we were going to walk to if it wasn't too cold out! We cannot believe our luck on this trip! I am certain that I have angels watching over me. (Thanks dad). Things just keep falling into place. Victor has a men's clothing store. Very excellent, fashionable styles. Joel bought jeans and two shirts. It's amazing how the right fit can make you look so good. Then we walked across the hall to the tailor and she shortened his jeans for him in 15 minutes. We need an on call tailor at our malls in the U.S. How convenient!
We were able to get some things at a lower price than downtown so we are very, very happy. What a nice man. I've read that Kazakhs are very hospitable people and now after spending three weeks here, I can say that it is very true.
Tomorrow is my last full day with Sofia. I will savor every moment.
He took us to an outstanding restaurant. We were seated in a private room with giant furniture. He ordered for us. We started with a meat platter which included chicken breast, beef tongue, horse meat, and horse sausage. My favorite was...you guessed it, the horse sausage. Very good flavor. Its the kind they serve on special occasions. Well this was special. Then I had roasted lamb. I wanted to try lamb while here, because it is a staple food in Kaz, so I thought it would be very good.. I was right. We also had more Manties (dumplings) but this time roasted instead of steamed.
Next, he took us to his shop which is in a mall....guess which one....you're not going to believe this...it is the mall we were going to walk to if it wasn't too cold out! We cannot believe our luck on this trip! I am certain that I have angels watching over me. (Thanks dad). Things just keep falling into place. Victor has a men's clothing store. Very excellent, fashionable styles. Joel bought jeans and two shirts. It's amazing how the right fit can make you look so good. Then we walked across the hall to the tailor and she shortened his jeans for him in 15 minutes. We need an on call tailor at our malls in the U.S. How convenient!
We were able to get some things at a lower price than downtown so we are very, very happy. What a nice man. I've read that Kazakhs are very hospitable people and now after spending three weeks here, I can say that it is very true.
Tomorrow is my last full day with Sofia. I will savor every moment.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Dress up time
Today I dressed Sofia up in one of her new dresses. I think she was more interested in her little bare feet than in wearing a pretty dress. Although she did love the oooos and aahhhs from our friends. To dress her I had to first take off two pairs of socks, then an outfit, then a long sleeved onesie. I left one short sleeved onesie on her. I quickly took off her tights while no one from the baby house was looking. She loves to look at her toes, and her little toes were touching the floor for only the second time. I think she likes the feeling.
We went in to visit the caregivers in her room. They sent well wishes to her on my video camera and gave us a tour of the area where she has lived these past 7 months. They said they are happy that she is going to have such a good mother and a wonderful family. They asked if she has a babushka (grandma) at home in America. I said yes and she can't wait to meet her. This will be a special video for her to see as she grows up.
We went in to visit the caregivers in her room. They sent well wishes to her on my video camera and gave us a tour of the area where she has lived these past 7 months. They said they are happy that she is going to have such a good mother and a wonderful family. They asked if she has a babushka (grandma) at home in America. I said yes and she can't wait to meet her. This will be a special video for her to see as she grows up.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Harvest Celebration
This morning at the orphanage they celebrated Autumn and harvest. First, the older children performed. It was very cute. They sang and danced and recited poems. Just like our school performances. (I videotaped it if anyone is interested in seeing it when I return home.) Some of the younger children, 2-3 year olds came to watch.
Then the staff got together to celebrate. Each Baby room or department had to create the most beautiful and unique display of food. Natasha our translator was one of the judges. They all sang songs,too. It was quite interesting to see. They invited us in to join them and when it was over, we all got to taste their works of art. The table with the cabbage head was first place. Again, I have to say that everything I tasted was delicious.
During our afternoon break we went shopping. Wait until you see Sofie tomorrow!!!
Then the staff got together to celebrate. Each Baby room or department had to create the most beautiful and unique display of food. Natasha our translator was one of the judges. They all sang songs,too. It was quite interesting to see. They invited us in to join them and when it was over, we all got to taste their works of art. The table with the cabbage head was first place. Again, I have to say that everything I tasted was delicious.
During our afternoon break we went shopping. Wait until you see Sofie tomorrow!!!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Fun times
Every day my time with Sofie is becoming more and more fun. She now has a huge smile on her face when I walk in to get her in the morning. When I bring her in the playroom each day, I carry her around to greet all of our friends. She loves saying hello and smiles for them. She loves getting tickled and laughs out loud now. She even does what all 6 month babies do, she pulls my hair. (Last week she didn't reach for anything) It is so much fun to see her hidden personality emerge as she gains trust and our love grows for each other. This is such a wonderful, special time for us.
Hope you all are well back home. It did get cold here today. Darn.
Hope you all are well back home. It did get cold here today. Darn.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The interview
Today was the interview with the Ministry of Education. I had heard that it is what determines whether we are recommended to adopt or not. So it is, very important. Court is just a formality, this is what matters most. I was a little nervous, but Natasha told us that we just have to answer few questions, it will be fine. I went in very confident, but left feeling like I had just taken on a Russian football team. Wow. They fired question after question at me. I knew all the answers, but the most difficult part was that they gave me no feedback, positive or negative. I heard Russian questions, Natasha would interpret for me, I would answer, she would interpret for them, then they asked more....one after another. It seemed to last forever. But finally after about 30 minutes, she said they wished me well, and they feel like a colleague in the same profession. (Ministry of Education) I guess that's good.
I'm one step closer to being Sofia's mom. Court is at 9:30am on the 27th. I leave Karaganda on the 28th and I leave Kaz on the 29th. (How am I going to leave her? I don't know.)
Sofie was great today. I only saw her this morning. We set the children up to take group photos, it was very entertaining.
I'm one step closer to being Sofia's mom. Court is at 9:30am on the 27th. I leave Karaganda on the 28th and I leave Kaz on the 29th. (How am I going to leave her? I don't know.)
Sofie was great today. I only saw her this morning. We set the children up to take group photos, it was very entertaining.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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