Prayers Answered

Thanks to everyone who helped us sail through court today! Your prayers and ours were answered. It has to have been the easiest court proceeding ever in the world. Everyone was introduced, the motions were read, our rights were explained, then we were asked to present anything we wanted to support our petition. We explained that we always wanted a child and how we would care for Ruslan. The prosecutor made a statement, saying basically that she did not contest the petition. Then, the social worker read a statement, explaining why she thought we would make a good home for Ruslan. The judge did NOT ASK us even one question. He just asked us to leave the room while he made his decision. Two minutes later he asked us to come back in and he read his final decree. As he pronounced that we were officially Ruslan Cole Rachko’s parents, I started to cry. The serious nature of the court did not lose any meaning on me. All rose to depart the room as Ken and I embraced in a very joyous and emotional hug. The whole affair lasted around 20 minutes. HALLELUIA!!!

Now what you ask? Now we wait for the mandatory 10 day waiting period to see if any one comes forward to contest. I thought that any Russian family could come forward and decide to adopt him, but I am told that this is not true. The only ones, who can come forward at this time, would be his biological family. Since no one has been able to contact them, it is very unlikely. After the 10 day wait period is up, the official court decree can be obtained. Then, we can go pick up Ruslan and take him with us as we process his paperwork for travel (passport, visa, etc.).

During the next 10 days, we will be staying with a missionary in Rybinsk, the town where Ruslan’s orphanage is. We hope to be able to see him daily and begin to forge our bond with him. The orphanage director told us that she could not let him go with us overnight, but that we can take him out during the day, so long as someone from the orphanage is with us. Chaperoned visits only. It’s not what we hoped for, but we will take what we can get. Our chaperone will be Olya, the assistant orphanage director that we like so well.

This is truly a time for REJOICING! I think Ken and I will go out now and celebrate.