I first thought about adoption at the beginning of 2002 when the events of September 11, 2001 and the war afterward helped me realize that my life was not fulfilled by a job but by something more important – family. I grew up in a large family but lived hours away from them. It seemed that every time I turned on TV or listened to a talk show, someone mentioned adoption. Over time I realized that I wanted a child in my life. I began working on adopting from Poland in September 2002 and when September 2004 came around and I didn’t have a child, I had to redo all my expired adoption paperwork. At first, I thought of continuing with my attempt to adopt from Poland, but at the end of September I changed my mind. I decided to switch my paperwork to Kazakhstan and Alla started working with me to get my paperwork completed. In May 2005, Alla called to let me know that I received the Letter of Invitation to travel. I started the 23-hour trip from St. Louis to Almaty on 21 May 2005. Then I flew in a tiny plane to the region the next day. I met my daughter for the first time on 24 May 2005 and was told she is called Sasha. They told me at that time that there were medical concerns (rickets and short stature) that weren’t addressed in the initial documentation and ask me to decide if I wanted to continue with her adoption. On May 25th, I told them I came for her and would adopt her. During my time there, I worked closely with my coordinator. She was primarily my interpreter but she helped with so many other things during my stay there. After almost 8 weeks in Kazakhstan, I arrived home with Alexandra in St. Louis on July 15th.
It has been a whirlwind since we arrived home 6 months ago. In September she had surgery to correct her crossed-eyes. The surgery went very well. I also took her to the Shriner’s hospital for an evaluation of her rickets related symptoms. They told me she would grow out of them as she got good nutrition, sun, exercise and love. She has gained about 7 or 8 pounds and 3 or 4 inches. When she arrived she looked like a toddler and today she looks like a preschooler. She now speaks primarily English and is learning more everyday. She loves music; dancing, clothes, baby dolls, animals especially dogs and helping me clean around the house! She goes to pre-school onsite while I work and is doing great there as well. There are other issues we’ll be working through as she continues to transition from her time spent in the orphanage to living in a family. She is the best thing to happen to me.
Adoption ARK and Alla helped me realize this dream in my life. I’m grateful for Alla's encouragement and positive attitude – Adoption Ark helped me bring Sasha home.