[slm_tbm]

K, exciting news is we have finally been assigned a region. Ufa is the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan. It's about 500 miles outside of Moscow. The orphanage is only 2 years old. Our agency is still relatively new to this area being that it's only been around for two years!

Does anyone know anything about this area. Like what the wait time for referrals run, whether the ten day period is waived, etc. We don't know what to expect so we are trying to find out all the information we can!

Thanks!
Shana

[schroeder]

I know nothing about the area but wanted to say CONGRATS on the referral. I hope everything is perfect with the babies.

Anna

[mommytobug]

Try adoptingfromrussia.com There is a place that gives regional info and if 10 day waits are usually waived, etc CONGRATS

[citymom]

If I am not mistaken, Military Momma is there right now. I think! She'll be back this weekend so I am sure she'll have tons of info for you. I hope I am right about that!

Congratulations !

[MyHeartsDesire]

I don't know anything about the region, but wanted to say CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!! It's such a relief to know where you'll be going.

Lisa

[waitinginnj]

Great news about moving the process along. Can't help on the region - sorry.

May things contine to fall into place.

[slm_tbm]

We were so excited to be given a region, now we're sitting here trying to figure out what's next. How long do people normally wait in this region? We understand that the majority of the children are Tartars, but have no real understanding of what that is. I can tell that it comes from being Mongols under Genghis Khan, but other than that....clueless!!

Shana

[skiboo]

Congrats on getting your region assigned Shana! That is awesome news... baby Micah will be home asleep in his beautiful nursery before you know it!

I know that each region has different wait times, etc. and I don't know much about Ufa in particular.
Here is a story about a family that adopted from Ufa... their kids are adorable!
http://www.ftia.org/stories/natalie.html

Good luck with everything... keep us updated

[ahnasmom]

Congrats...one step closer to your baby!!!

Try rin.ru for info on the region; nothing adoption wise, just basic info on where your baby is.

Hoping to see good news soon!

[jtraut28]

Congrats Shana! My dh and I have actually 'unofficially' noted a preference for a Tatar baby. I have seen the most absolutely gorgeous Tatar babies. Many of them seem to have beautiful dark hair and eyes and lovely olive skin. I'm naming my baby girl Olivia and somehow whenever I dream about her she has these similar features. Although if I end up with a blonde/blue eyed Olivia that would be wonderful too! Our agency works with UFA and although I don't know much about it, it is one of the regions that has stuck out in my mind as one I'd like to travel to.

good luck

Jodi

[slm_tbm]

It's funny you listed that link Skiboo, that's our agency and I've talked on the phone to the mother of those children this week already! Aren't they gorgeous! She was very complimentary on the orphanage and how the children were cared for by staff. I've been doing alot of research about the region and have a more thorough understanding of the people and culture there.
I think it will help us during our stay.

Jodi - It seems many people request that region for a child with the more Asian features that the Tartar people possess. Our agency said the region comes in high demand from people who for one reason or another cannot adopt from China and desire an Asian featured child. Because of how our preferences were listed our agency said they don't think our match referral will be a Tartar child, with so many people doing "unofficial" requests for them they are in high demand I believe. I really hope you get assigned there!! We simply requested a child with as similar traits to us as possible, which since we are both red hair, green eyed and VERY pale she didn't think they would place one of the Tartar children with us. Hopefully we'll find out soon! You should try for orphanage #2, I understand it is one of the better orphanages in the area and was ony built in 2001.

Thank you everyone! If it takes any longer I will be calling for the chant soon!!

Shana