We are legal!!

We went to the embassy today. Elle has her Visa and we are legal to travel home!! We leave the hotel tomorrow at 9:30 am. Please pray for our safe travels. If any of you see Emma, tell her how very much I love her. Merinda

Love is thicker than Vomit

This morning started like every other with a trip downstairs to the breakfast buffet. Elle has had some intestinal challenges since leaving Vladivostok. Today, though, we had both ends. As I held her in my lap, in the restaurant, she threw up everything she had eaten -- apparently for the last year - all over me. As I was covered from shirt to pants, to shoes, I worried about my little baby. It must be love.

I am so very blessed

When I adopted my daughter Emma, my good friend Caryn flew all the way to Moscow to help me bring her home. Now with Elle, my good friend Debbie flew all the way to Moscow to help me bring her home. As I type this my new daughter is sleeping quietly in her crib and it is just five day until I get to come home and hug my little Emma and see our family. I have received emails and posts from people I love encouraging me throughout this process. This has been so terribly hard, but has been a wonderful opportunity to remember how very blessed I am.

God Works in Mysterious Ways

So, today I traveled to Moscow. I was placed in a bulkhead seat where a bassinet would fit. Aeroflot reserves these areas for families traveling with children because of the bassinet and there is a bit more room. It looked like I might be sitting alone, when a man appeared, obviously put out at the sight of a baby (which he continued to communicate throughout the flight). Understand, there were other seats empty on the airline, so he would have had to have requested the bulkhead -- where the families sit. But, that was not the worst of it. This man smelled worse than any person I have ever smelled in my entire life. I do not have a sensitive nose and have spent time around people from other cultures who believe BO is an aphrodisic, so when i tell you it was bad -- it was soooooooo bad. I actually started feeling nauseous because of the odor. He sat down and with every effort to get settled, a fresh waive of scent was released until finally, he became still and the odor became bareable. But then, a fresh waive of stench, horible, but different than before. Yes, you guessed it -- he took off his shoes!!!! Oh dear Lord, help me!! Nine hours next to that!!!

But, there is a silver lining. My poor dear darling did not have a good flight. She slept all of seven minutes during the flight and have three fairly bad (very -- oh my goodness horrible) bowel movements. One of which soiled an outfit to the point I threw it away on the plane.

If I had been seated next to a pleasent, non stinky person, I would have felt terribly about the stench, the constant movement, and the periodic crying. As it was, I felt free to concentrate all of my energies on the welfare of my daughter, with out a concern for my fellow passenger. As I said, the Lord works in Mysterious ways.

However, without further ado, the moment you have all been waiting for . . . (drum roll please)

ELLE RACHEL CONDRA

Tomorrow -- Moscow

This day started with a phone call to my family. My daughter, my niece, and my parents were all able to see the newest member of our family on via webcam. It was wonderful. I can't wait for us all to be together. Oksana took me to pick up Elle's passport, get her ticket to Moscow and then to the doctor approved by the U.S. Embassy. She is realy just amazing and so very nice. Tonight another family arrives who is adopting through Adoption Covenant and Beacon House and I will get to eat dinner with them. I excited to see them. Tomorrow, Oksana picks me up at 11:30 am to go to the airport. It will be nice to have a change of scenery and even nicer to see Debbie, my friend who is going to Moscow to site see and help me bring Elle home. Progress! Please pray for a safe flight (we are flying on a Russian airline!) Love Merinda and Elle.

Finally -- Elle Rachel Condra

This morning started with a trip to the court to pick up the decree -- then to the office of vital statistics -- then to the passport office -- then to the office which apostiles documents -- then to the gas station -- then to the grocery store -- and finally to the baby hospital. Glory Glory Halleluia, I have my Elle! At this very moment she is taking a nap in the crib which the hotel placed in my room. I cannot tell you how relieved I am that this day has finally come. Tomorrow we go to pick up the passport and then to the doctor to have her examination. I am still a little paranoid and will post pictures when we get to Moscow. Love Merinda and Elle

Getting My Baby Tomorrow

Tomorrow I get to pick up my little Elle from the baby hospital. The day will start early with a trip to court to pick up the court ruling, a trip to the office of vital statistics, a trip to get apostiles and then to the passport to apply for Elle's passport. They we will pick up Elle. I went to see her She was full of life -- playing and playing and playing!! And she has such a wonderful laugh! Anyway, less than eighteen hours until I get her. The next day I take her to see one of the doctors approved by the U.S. Embassy and the next day to Moscow.

Missing My Baby

My friend Kristi left today. So I am sitting in the hotel room alone. It is Staturday night, about 8:30pm here and I am missing my little Emma so very much. I so wish she was here with me. It is 10 days until I get to come home with Elle and see my Emma. I am having a full blown pitty party -- no cake, but I might be able to dig up a party hat.

Baby Hospital #4

This is the baby hospital where Ellie is currently living. It is terribly run down. It has some new windows purchased with money raised in the U.S., but fo rthe most part the windows are old and drafty. The building is dimly lit with worn floors and peeling wall paper. The workers there seem very devoted to the children. But there is an overall feeling of sadness. It functions both as an orphanage and a children's hospital. Please pray for all of these children. Merinda

Elle took her first steps!!

Elle stood by herself and took three, count them THREE steps -- all by herself!!! My baby is brilliant. Kristi went with me to see Elle this morning and as an ECI professional declared her officially wonderful!! Then I went with her to see her little girl and as a attorney -- also declare her wonderful -- for what that is worth!! So, I am exhausted and Kristi and I are headed to dinner. Love to everyone!! Merinda

Day Four of the Wait

In Russia the court ruling does not take effect until 10 days after the decision. So, I wait and wait and wait. I had held out a slim hope that the doctor at the orphanage might let me keep Elle in hotel with me. But yesterday she told us "no." She is a really nice doctor, but it could cause them problems. So, I wait and wait and wait.

My friend Krisi arrived yesterday. That was a real treat. I went with her and Oksana to get her permission to visit her daughter. Then we had an adventure at the grocery store. I know, don't envy me my adventures.

It is currently 5AM and I have been awake since 3:30. I figure I will finally adjust to the time just before the flight home.

Tomorrow Kristi will accompany Oksana and myself to see Elle, and I will go with them to visit her little girl. It should be a nice change of pace.


Elle is showing more and more of her personallity. She can stand up by herself!!! No support or help. She gets soooooo tickled when I make a fuss. She just grins from ear to ear and hugs me tight. Then we start over!!

More to come. Keep those prayers coming!!

So Far So Good

Yesterday morning started with an all too brief trip to see Elle. Another family was using the visitation room, so we spent most of our time in the hall because the other available room was too cold. In Russia public buildings are centrally heated and the government turns off the heat in late April or early May. However, no one told the weather it was time to warm up. It is not terribly cold, but in a concrete building with no heat, it does get pretty chilly pretty quick. Elle, however, did not seem to mind. She was bundled from head to toe and ready to cuddle. It amazed me how she clung so very tightly to me. She quickly fell asleep as I held her. I remember Emma doing the same when I came to see her and feeling such a love for her.

Before too long, I had we had to leave. The head doctor of the hospital came with Oksana and myself back to the hotel. They drank coffee while I changed for court. We all then went to pick up the social worker for court. When we arrived, we were met by the idependant translator who would be translating the court proceedings.

We waited what seemed like forever, probably ten minutes, and then filed into the room where the court proceedings would take place. Oksana, had to wait outside the room.

The prosecuter (sometimes mispronouced by Russians as the persecuter -- not confidence inspiring) came into the room. She appeared to be about 12 years old -- gosh I am getting old. she was about five foot six, thin as a rail, tired blond hair, wearing an outfit that was either designed in the eighties or was some sort of uniform with padded sholders and gold stars. On the other side of the room sat the secretary -- or court reporter -- complete with scratch paper and a pen. There were computer monitors in the room, but they were never turned on.

At the front of the room, sat THE JUDGE. She was probably early forties, long black hair pulled back except for wisps that had escaped as a part of a hard day, little or no makeup, a little on the heavy side, and of course wearing a black robe.

This woman some how mastered the ability to remove all expression from her face, all warmth from her eyes, and all inflection from her voice. She grilled me for the better part of an hour. Why did I want to adopt again, why this girl, what if I got married, what if my husband did not like my children, what if I had biological children, what if, what if, what if . . . .

I did my best to explain to the judge that, in my heart, Elle was already my daughter -- that I would never chose a suitor over my children -- that I knew the first time I held Elle that she was my daughter. Finally the judge wanted to know what my bad habits were -- well hmmm I rarely drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs, don't gamble -- I told her quite truthfully that I eat too much chocolate, but otherwise was pretty boring. Finally, the barest hint of a smile which disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

The judge went through every single on of my documents aloud. She made quite a point to check the dates on my medical report. "April 3, 2009" HMMMM My mind raced -- they are only good for three months -- they expired on the 3rd -- oh no oh no oh no -- but wait they expire on July 3rd. Ok as soon as I can find someplace to throw up, I think I my live.

After chewing on the social worker, and questioning the doctor, and asking me on no fewer than four occasions if I still supported my petition -- the judge kicked us out of the room to deliberate.

While waiting out in the hall, the doctor told me that I had answered questions better than any parent she had seen. The interpreter gave me a piece of candy -- not chocolate -- but she thought I deserved something. Finally the judge called us back in.

With great slowness and deliberation, she read the decision. When she finally read the part where I get Elle, much to my surprise, my eyes welled up and tears started to fall.

For the first time, the hardness left the judge's face. She told me congratulations.

The doctor's husband picked her up, we took the social worker home, and Oksana dropped me off at the hotel. I spent the next fourteen hours awake, asleep, obsessing. worrying. anxious, and over all a real joy to be around.

We are one step closer, but as with Emma, I won't truely breathe until the flight home takes off.

Court Hearing Tomorrow

It took over forty hours, but I arrived without incident in Vladivostok on Wednesday and then slept the rest of the day. It is currently 11:00 pm on Thursday. I went to see Elle today. She is doing so well. I can't believe how much she has grown. She cuddled with me today and fell asleep in arms. I so wished I could have slipped her under my shirt and taken her back to the hotel. Tomorrow morning I get to see her again and then tomorrow afternoon I have my court hearing. The hearing will last an hour to an hour and a half. I probably won't get back to the hotel until 6:00 pm. I will post as soon as I get back. Please pray for an easy and successful hearing!!

Leaving my baby to bring my baby home

This morning started at around 4:00AM. Last minute packing, trying to rethink everything I had stuffed into two fairly large suitcases to determine if I had forgotten anything. Most of all, this day started with such a whirlwind of emotions. Leaving home has been so hard. You may not know this (my family certainly doesn't), but it is my job to protect my family from any thing harmful, hurtful, or otherwise unpleasent. I have failed miserably at this task, but know if I am nearby I have a chance at success. In leaving them, I leave them vulnerable to the world -- I am not able to even mitigate their potential suffering. In case you are wondering, I do know how this sounds -- nuts -- and like I may be a bit overly impressed with my role in the world! Nevertheless, there is it. I have left my daugther, my parents, the rest of my family, and the agency. I am bringing home a miracle to join the others in my life. How blessed am I to be so unhappy to leave my family and happy to bring home a daughter all at the same time. So, I will have to resign as guardian of my little univers, for at tlease the next 24 days and trust that my miracles are all in God's hands.

Twenty Three Hours to Go

This morning Emma woke up sick. I sure wish I could put her in my pocket and bring her with me. I so hate the idea of being apart from her. I believe her staying here is best for her -- but not for me!


Well in approximately twenty three hours, I will be taking off from Lubbock, to Dallas, to Atlanta, to Moscow, to Vladivostok. That is a mouth full!! I will arrive on Wednesday noon their time, (evening Lubbock time). I get to see Elle on Thursday and Friday and go to court Friday afternoon. Please pray for a successful and uneventful court date.

Please pray for Emma and my parents while I am gone.

Getting Ready for a Jet Plane

It is almost here!! I leave for Russia on Monday. I fly to Dallas, then to Atlanta, then to Moscow, then to Vladivostok. For those of you keeping track that is two days of travel!! But all worth it. I have my court hearing on the 19th. The decree is not final for 10 days, at which time I will be posting pictures of my little miracle. I will be in Vladivostok for two weeks and then to Moscow for a week to process out through the U.S. Embassy. My friend Kristi, who is adopting from Russia, might have her first trip at a time that overlaps my trip. I hope I hope I hope!!

I have been very blessed. When I adopted Emma, my wonderful friend Caryn came and met in Moscow and helped me bring Emma home. Now with Elle, my friend Debbie (who also adopted from Russia) will be meeting me in Moscow to help me home. How did I get so very fortunate to have such good friends?

I will not be home until the 8th of July. Please keep my parents and little Emma in your prayers. Please also keep the agency and our adoptive parents in your prayers as well. I will be available by email and phone, but I have control issues!!

Thank you all for your prayers so far. Thank you for helping me to bring our little Elle home!

A Surpise Party and Delay

The most wonderful thing ever, my family and friends had a surprise birthday party for Elle. I don't know how they managed, but my mother took Emma and myself to "drop by" my brother and sister-on-law's house and found a wonderful party. Friends were there along with family. Elle (and Emma!) received some lovely gifts and I tried to not cry. We are so very blessed.

I thought perhaps that my court date would be June 5, 2009. Unfortunately, my court date will be on June 19, 2009. I know I know -- just two more weeks. I have been pregnant for a year and a half it is only two extra weeks. So, I am working to get things ready to go. It is high season in Russia and Korea, so flights are extra expensive and difficult to get. But, I am working on patience.

The neatest thing happened, however, a good friend of mine had been adopting from China. China has slowed down to almost a stop, so she changed to Russia. Well, in record time, she received a referral of nine month old little girl in Vladivostok. She will probably accept the referral and be in Russia for here first trip at least a little bit of the time that I am there. So, I will have some company -- hopefully.

Waiting and Waiting and Waiting

Hmmmm, I am probably five weeks out from my trip. I am worried about money for travel and lost income while I am gone. I am worried the most about my Emma. Should I take her with me or not? The depth at which I love her never ceases to amaze me. Can I stand to be away from her for three weeks? Will she be ok for three weeks? Would it be good for her to see Russia and an orphanage to give her some idea of where she came from? Would it be quality time for us together? Would she bond better with Ellie because of the time together away from the rest of the world? Would Ellie? Would she be safe overseas? Could I handle two children without mishap coming home? Would we cause an international incident? So many questions, no answers, and the fear I will make a poor decision. In the midst of all of this angst and uncertainty, I have the clarity of mind to know that I am so very blessed. I have two daughters. One is home and the other is coming. I have my love to share, but also the love of my parents and the certainty that no matter what, that love will continue for myself and my daughters. Perhaps I need to remember this the next time I have fear and anxiety -- I may be in the midst of another miracle and not even know it.

Saying Goodbye -- for now

It is Saturday morning about 10:30 and I am in the Seoul Airport waiting for a 5:00 pm flight. I am so looking forward to seeing my little Emma. Yesterday, however, was the most difficult day of this trip -- saying goodby -- for now. In my heart Ellie is already mine, When I left Emma in Lubbock, I knew she was safe, loved beyond all belief, well fed, warm and night, and her future secure. Leaving Ellie is much less certain. She is in an orphanage with leaky windows, flooring worn by years of repetitive use, mismatched, patched, and in some cases missing entirely. She eats cereal from a bottle and must stop before she is ready. She is constantly bundled in clothes in the belief that doing so will protect her from sickness -- because there are no adequate funds for sufficient antibiotics if she does become ill. Her future right now seems so tenuous. I have heard it said that having a child is the very uncomfortable feeling of having your heart running around outside of your body. I found with Emma that no truer words were ever spoken. With Ellie, part of my heart is beyond my reach. Please pray for her safety and that the rest of this adoption proceeds quickly and without problem. Please pray that Ellie feels our love so many miles a way. Please pray that she comes home to us soon. Love Merinda

The road home

It is 7:00am here in Vladivostok. I have a busy day that includes visiting my little precious one -- one more time. The thought of leaving her is terrible and the thought of seeing my little Emma, bliss. I fly to Seoul today and spend the night. Tomorrow I fly to Atlanta and then Dallas. Then, Sunday, I fly home to my family whom I miss very much. Mom, please give Emma a kiss. Love Merinda

The days just get better and better

Each day is even better. I went to see Ellie yesterday and she was even cuter! Under Russian law I can't post photos, so you will just have to take my word for it. She is ADORABLE!!!!! I love her so much already. I can't wait to bring her home so we can be a family. When I get home it will be two or three months before I can come back and bring her home. I am waiting to go see her again today. Tomorrow I will go to the notary to sign the petition to adopt. Yeah!! More later. Thank you for the posts, they really brighten my day! Love Merinda

I found her!!!

Praise God, I found our little Ellie. She is just beautiful. She is a tiny little thing and a woman on the move. She loves playing and is quite ticklish. She also loves hugs and kisses. I will get to go see her again tomorrow. Please keep praying that everything goes ok with the rest of the adoption. God is Good!! Tell Emma I love her and I found her sister!! Love Merinda

Almost!!

I am pins and needles -- waiting -- waiting. I leave to see her in about forty minutes. The hotel I am staying at has many adoptive families. It is so moving to be in the middle of so many miracles. It is estimated that there are over 800,000 orphans in Russia. To see just of few of them find their families fills me with so much love and hope. I am so very blessed to be part of this. I will post just as soon as I get back. Thank you all so much for your prayers. Please include Emma and my parents in your prayers too. Love Merinda

Good news!!

Tomorrow I get to go see my precious little one!! Thank you for the prayers. Mom give Emma a kiss for me. Love Merinda

Waiting and Praying

Well, I am in the airport in Seoul, waiting to board my flight to Vlad. Please pray I will be able to see my precious girl. Merinda

Labor Pains

Well, I always tell families to "go with the flow." I am having some challenges with that right now. I, with almost OCD zeal, reserched this travel plan. I would fly Lubbock to Dallas, fly from Dallas to Seoul, stay at the transit hotel in the airport, fly to Vladivostok the next morning. -- That was the plan. Everything was on track until I got to the airport in Lubbock. The airline person could not figure out how to check my baggage all the way to Vladivostok, so she checked it to Seoul with instructions that I could get it fixed in Dallas. In Dallas the ticket agent told me that he had it fixed. Then while I was boarding (two hours after I checked in) he found me to tell me that it was not fixed and I would need to collect my baggage at Seoul. Still, I am fine -- going with the flow.

Fast forward fifteen hours, we arrive in Seoul (I am traveling with another adoptive family) Their bags are fine. On the instructions of an airline personel, we split up so that I can collect my baggage and they will go to the transit hotel. We will then meet at the transit hotel. After an hour getting through passport control, baggage collection and customs, I enter the main area of the airport and begin to look for a way to the transit hotel. Well, after going to the information desk, the Korean airlines office, and begging a customs officer it becomes apparent that I cannot reenter the departure area (only access to the transit hotel) until tomorrow morning. My fellow travelers, I hope, are safely tucked away in the hotel -- but I cannot get there. After standing bewildered in a stupor, I am brought back to the present, be shouts and signs in what appears to be some sort of protest. Later I decided it might have been a political rally, but quite frankly anything chanted in a language you don't understand by hundreds of people is, to say the least, unsettling.

At this point I am desperate to get out of the airport to a hotel. I was directed to a shuttle, at area 1. Area 1 was blocked off by police because of the demonstrations. I looked for another place, found bus lines with American hotels listed -- tried to buy a bus ticket. Was told "no" "Shuttle free -- go to area 1."

About that time I spotted a Renaisance shuttle and tried to get on -- no -- don't know why. Then it happened, in the distance, I spotted a Hyatt shuttle. I have never seen such a truely beautiful shuttle. I know, there are those of you who doubt me, those who have never discovered the beauty of a shuttle -- but I know -- I am a believer.

This who process took about three and 1/2 hours. Upon arriving at the hotel, I discovered that in the hustle and bustle, my paperwork and itinerary were stolen. Who ever got it was sorely disappointed, but I am terrified that it will keep me from seeing Ellie.

So, a hot bath calls. It is about 7:30 pm on Sunday here. My flight is at 10:00 A.M. in the morning.

Mom and Dad, please give Emma kisses!! By the way, more bars in more places, does not include Korea.

Phase Two

Well, I didn't want to post until I was almost absolutely completely certain is was going to happen. I am getting ready to travel to Russia!! I will be leaving early Saturday morning (6:45 flight). I am traveling to Vladivostok. When I started this process that is the region I said I did not want to go to -- it is far far far eastern Russia. Yet, I am pretty sure that is where my Ellie is. If you want to make God laugh -- tell him your plans. Emma is so excited. I am excited and worried and broke and everything else that comes with international adoption. I know that God will take care of it all. Please remember us in your prayers. I worry about my little Emma while I am gone. Merinda