Day 20--08Jan2009

8^th, January 2009

We arrived safely to Almaty Kazakhstan around 12:30am on the 8^th. We left the US on the 6^th, we can definitely say the 7^th flew by. We are staying in a hotel on this trip so we have some amenities that are more typical of home, although multiple towels and washcloths are not some of them. They were really nice when we asked for them, and brought them to us right away. Our room is nice—standard bed, TV, desk and bathroom.

We met up with Olga (our coordinator) and Azziz (out translator for court). Olga wanted to go over the questions that we can be expected to answer in court. She also gave us some news that is both exciting and terribly intimidating: the court asked Olga to find Aidar’s parents and notify them that we were coming to adopt him. It was a horrible ride for them—they were told in the hospital when he was born that he would not survive. They felt that they had to let him go at that time. To learn that he is alive, happy, and could be receiving the best medical care in the world must have been such a shock. They took a week to consent to relinquishing their rights as the parents. Olga said that they asked if we could stay in touch with them and let them know how Aidar is doing. Of course we said we would—a child cannot have too many people to love him, could he? I’m just very nervous that they might re-think their decision, and come either tomorrow or within the 15-day appeal window.

We did get to go to the baby house and see Aidar this afternoon. He was thrilled to see us. He saw John first, and went straight into his arms. I think he was a little apprehensive at the same, time, but then fell right back into his comfort zone within minutes of spending time with us. We are about a 40-minute walk from the baby house, which was easy “directions-wise”, but difficult in the actual walking. The sidewalks are covered with snow and ice, and I went down on my back in a heartbeat. I’m fine, but may have injured my knee (it really hurts), and was incredibly embarrassed.

Olga will pick us up for court, which starts at 9:00. I have no idea where we fall within the court queue. We’ll let you know…..