[SingleMama2B]

Hi KaydensMama.....

I adopted my DD from the Moscow Region 20 months ago! I absolutely loved Russia. Moscow is beautiful in it's architecture, history, etc. Once you leave the City limits on your way to another village, city or town, you will see that it is truly a 3rd World Nation still.

I live in NJ and flew Non-stop from JFK to SVO (Moscow International Airport). I am a single Mama, and traveled by myself for the 2 trips. At first I was nervous (am also affraid of flying too), but once I got the last minute call.... I flew, and was fine. I stayed at the Renanscence Marriott (sp?) in the Northern part of Moscow. Being it was a Western Hotel, the staff spoke decent English, and I felt very comfortable and safe. My DD's orphanage was 62 miles ESE of Moscow. It litterally took up to 4 hours to drive these 62 miles (one way) due to weather (I was there in December and January 2004/2005), and the horrid road system. Her village was extremely Depressed.

The flight was a bit long, but uneventfull, the agency that I used was extremely well organized, and we remained on schedule both time that I was there. The sites to see are numerous, and enjoyable. Red Square, St. Basil's, Church of Christ the Savoir, Arabet Street (old and new), the restaurants, street markets, the Bolshoi Ballet, etc.

As I am sure that you have read or been told. Russia continually changes their laws and paper requests for International Adoption. The VERY FIRST and MOST important point.... Make sure that the Agency that you select has registered their NGO, and make sure they get their REACCREDITATION. The last that I have read/heard is that NO NEW REACCREDITATIONs have been issued as of yet. It may take a few months as the MOE (Ministry of Education signatore) is being reassigned along with some other changes. Research your choice of agency very closely, as this Journey is a very EMOTIONAL one, and you must have the Utmost Confidence in your agency!

Blessings to you on starting this most wonderful Journey of the Heart!