The Abraham Family’s Journey to Russia to Bring Home Their Daughter

December 1, 2008

Trip 2 – Day 2: Novokuznetsk

We flew overnight from Moscow to Novokuznetsk. It was really only a four hour flight, but since we traveled four time zones ahead, we landed at 6:45 am. It was a new plane, the food was very good again, and the flight attendants very nice, but the stifling heat prevented Martin and I from getting any sleep. We stepped off the plane to -7 degrees and about a foot of snow! Even though it was still dark, I must say it was very beautiful.

The shuttle bus that took us to the terminal was blaring a techno version of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” and I thought it was a strange song to hear ½ way across the world. Guess what song is now stuck in my head?

We went straight to our hotel, the Novokuztskaya, and met two more adoptive families. Actually, we saw them in Chicago and wondered if they were going to Russia to adopt. I didn’t see them go on our plane to Novo, so it was a pleasant surprise to meet them at our hotel. Both brought little 4 year boys with them and seeing them play made me miss my guys. Both families are here on Trip One – one for a girl and one for a boy. The family adopting a girl has five homegrown boys. When I told Martin that they had us beat, he emphatically said it was not a competition.

We only had five minutes in the hotel to brush our teeth and comb our hair before heading out for our medicals. That was an experience I’ll not soon forget! I’ll post more about it later, but we survived it and about 5 hours later, after tromping through the snow to various medical clinics, I think we passed. We had lots of laughs along the way!

Then the other couple with us was dropped off at the hotel for a nap and Martin and I were taken straight to the Baby Home. The caregiver brought our little girl in to see us and she was a little doll. They had her dressed so cute. She hasn’t grown a whole lot, but her hair is longer and a little curlier. She can stand up and even took a few tiny steps. She was soooo sweet with us today, but I could tell she didn’t feel good (congestion) and/or was sleepy (hey, she was not the only one.) She played for a little while before letting me rock her to sleep in my arms. Martin fell asleep too. He was sitting on a little wooden chair made for a toddler. I took his photo, so maybe I’ll post it later. :0)

Please keep us in your prayers as we go to court tomorrow!

Preston, Garrett, Nolan and Liam… we miss you guys and can’t wait to see you soon!!!

Happy birthday, Ady! I can't believe you are already two years old!!!! You and Lexi are going to have some fun times ahead!
Love you! Mom and Dad

16 comments:

gary said...

What a great update! I'm so glad you've seen your princess. Can't wait for the picture.

Mama Fish said...

Oh I'm thrilled for you! Did you get a coat yet? -7 and no coat doesn't sound good. I alos can;t wait for pictures... on of Martin asleep too! :-) I pray that court tomorrow goes very well!

Anonymous said...

This is the most exciting thing!! I cannot wait to see pictures. Know that we are praying for you all. And it's snowing a bit in TN, but it's not -7!! Kind of makes me feel closer though!! The sights, the sounds, the smells.....soak it all in!

Blessings!
Laura

Anonymous said...

Way to leave the coat at home. After all that packing...hehehe. Glad ya'll made it safe. We're stalking your blog, waiting impatiently for updates. You have no idea how much I wish I was there with you.
Love, Cori

Anonymous said...

You still have no coat or boots? Big Roxie and little Wooki Wok are having a ball at my house in the snow and ice. Waiting for pics.You got phone #'s wrong, but we got them fixed. NANA

Melissa said...

Yuck! Still no coat. You must be a popsicle by now. It is great to hear your update. You must have ben thrilled to see your little girl after so long. Did she change much? How was she when she first saw you? I am so worried about seeing Colby again and having him not remember us...
Melissa

Lindsey Carney said...

We will definitely be praying for you guys. How exciting! We leave for Russia on the 13th, our court date is the 16th :)

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you guys. I've prayed for your safety and for all to go well. I can't wait to see little Lexie. After she is all settled in and accustomed to everyone I'd like to come & see her & her little room and the rest of your house. Give her a little kiss for me. Jan's girls are inpatient to see their little cousin.
Give God the glory!!!
Nora

Carey and Norman said...

I loved the comparison to the family having five boys...very funny.

So glad your visit went well today. Prayers coming your way for a speedy court session tomorrow. It won't be long until you are on your way back to Moscow to meet the boys!!

Ryan and Katie said...

I can visualize each moment of your journey! I celebrate with you the excitment, emotions and joy of this adventure half way around the world. Court will go well, I'm sure. Don't be intimidated--You've got the Lord on your side! Looking forward to posts with pictures of your sweet baby girl!

Anonymous said...

Hey guys! I have been thinking about you guys! It's weird to think that we are actually closer to you than your home. We made it to Anchorage and the temps are about the same! Brrr! I can't wait to hear more and to see all those photos! God be with you!

Barb said...

How awesome Kim! So glad the medicals went well . . . great memories . . . We'll be praying court goes smoothly.
Barb

Troy and Rachel said...

So gald you made it there safe and sound and made it through the medicals. We'll be praying court goes well.

Party Of Six said...

Anxiously awaiting your next post! Can't wait for pictures of the whole family together!!! Hope things went well in court.

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

Can't wait to hear what tomorrow has in store. So glad you made it safely and that everything is going well!

Dan and Alicia Marlowe said...

That would be a funny pic. I remember that feeling. So glad you have your baby girl in your arms again!