[SingleMama2B]

Hello Doreen!!! Welcome to your new home

The people here on the board are extremely supportive, and UNDERSTAND what you are going through, and what comes next. I brought my DD (Darling Daughter) from the Moscow Region home FOREVER on 01/25/05. When my DD came home, she was 8.3 years old. I hosted her in my home the summer before for 2 weeks. I am a single parent, and love my life. You are right... parenting an 'older child' that has been through things that some adults have never, is somewhat of a challenge. B U T, it is also a wonderful experience. As the other posters have said..... research and read as much as you can to prepare for any challenge. This does NOT mean, that you will have these challenges, but to be able to recognize any (if they come up), you will not waste time. Our wonderful children, have been through alot, and they DESERVE every chance possible of a wonderful future.

As far as traveling to Russia..... I was petrified myself. Adopting as a single mom, I traveled by myself. Now, I had not flown in a plane for 20 years, never outside of the US, and work at the FAA (which sometimes you know too much ), and when that call comes..... you go! I had 5 days notice, but I had to be on the plane in 4 days.... Honestly, I was thinking about DD, if I remembered everything, etc. that the flight was NO BIG DEAL. I choose to stay at the Marriott Rennissance (sp?) hotel, and was very comfortable in a Western Hotel. The Business Center (where they have internet access) was my travel compannion. I was in there ALOT. The driver(s) and Translator(s) that I had, where WONDERFUL. I was never ONCE Scared. I did however choose NOT TO WALK around (outside of the hotel) by myself. When I had some time, I hired the driver and translator to go to Red Square, Kremlin, Bolshoi, Old Arabet Street, etc. I was there over Christmas (Court was 12/23/04, and was allowed to see DD at the orphanage on 12/24/04 (which was a Friday), the her orphanage would NOT allow me to see her on the weekend (even though the Judge granted the adoption, but the 10 days wait was NOT waived), since they said that there wasn't enough staff on weekends.... So, I spent Christmas day walking around Red Square....

Here are some things I would take:
a Journal.... Jot down things (even small ones) every night... It will be a whirlwind in your mind when all is said and done.

Pack some or your favorite snacks.... Feels more like home, and if you run like I did, there won't be alot of time to eat during the day.

Woolite.... This saved me.... I was there, between both trips, 17 days..... I washed my clothes in the tub, and hung them to dry, and it worked great. The cost for washing in the hotel was ALOT. I also opted to take solid sweaters so I could mix and match with my slacks. I did take a black suit for court, and heels. Take VERY Comfortable SHOES. If the weather is going to be cold.... dress your feet for it!! I wore UGGGSSS, and it was the BEST. Moscow and DD's village was extremely DIRTY with soot, etc. Dark color comfortable shoes are the best.

Toilet Paper is a PREMIUM in Russia. Most restrooms do NOT have it. Even at GUM Department Store in the Mall in Red Square, I have to pay 50 Kopeck for 4 squares of TP. Take Travel size TP rolls, and pocket Kleenex packs. You will be VERY HAPPY YOU DID. Also, purse size Hand Sanitizer. Alot of facilities did NOT have SOAP!!!

I agree, purchase your souvenirs this trip, and purchase MORE then you think you Need or have. I thought that I had SOOOO MUCH, but when I got home, I realized how LITTLE I actually had. The second trip, I didn't have as much time to shop, and still regret not getting ALOT MORE!!!

I'll post more as I think of them..... Welcome again, and enjoy!

Blessings...............