The First Meeting

Oleg...Dede's facilitator/attorney picked us up at around 9:40am to take us to the adoption office. He warned on the way that Dede might not have a meeting...that there were presently no children available but that they would advise her on writing a letter to send...and that she would have a meeting within a week or two. That however...was not the case. Julie...the interpreter...escorted us into the psychologist's office where Dede was given files and pictures on 5 children. First...she was told that domestic adoption was very active presently...and that there were no "healthy" children available for international adoption. To explain that a bit further...an "unhealthy" or "sick" child usually means that they are developmentally challenged. Consider the fact that these children have lived most or all of their very young lives in an orphanage...with little or no guidance...and noone to assist in their development...therefore...most of the young children are considered to have "health" issues. Dede's first choice is a young girl under the age of two. They showed her 3 boys ages 2.5, 2.5, 3...and a little girl aged 4. You are only allowed to meet one child...and...although none of these met her preferred criteria...she decided to meet one of the little boys for several reasons. For starters...it is important not to offend...or to seem ambivalent towards the children that are shown to you. She also felt that it is important to get a feel for the process.

The young boy that Dede has chosen to meet was born in January of 2005. He was literally found in the street when he was about 6 months old. I know...I just heard your collective sigh clear across the globe. We did too. He does not speak...and has just recently begun to walk. They say that he is also quite weak. It is not a perfect choice by any means...and for the child to be so underdeveloped at this age could be deeper rooted problems than just the fact that he has lived in an orphanage without much attention his entire life. Dede has been a pediatric nurse her entire adult life...so health issues are not a major roadblock. The child is relatively close to Kiev...about an hour's drive...and we will go to meet him on Monday. It is a major holiday this weekend...therefore the city shuts down tomorrow for a long festive weekend...or we would be going tomorrow. After meeting and spending time with the child...she will set up a second meeting...which could be anywhere from two weeks to another month. This could be a long trip.

There is a lady staying in the same apartment building...Dana Hale...from Virginia...who is here adopting two older children...13 & 16 year old sisters. She adopted a young boy from Russia 4 years ago. He is with her here...he is 5.5...and he is precious. She is very knowledgeable about the region...the process...and is a great person to have close by. She is leaving however on Friday.

We do not believe that there are no healthy children...Dede just believes that they are testing her will...and her desire. I know Dede. She definitely has the will...and the desire. They will not break her.

My battery is dying...and I must sign off. I believe that is all of the information that I have about the process today...but if I think of anything that I have missed...I will update you in the morning. Thanks for stopping by....

Peace...

Dede & the Nomad...
(sounds like a cheesy 70's TV show) hehehe