12 September 2009

court

It's true. The only glitches were technical communications ones--me forgetting to take a laptop from school, no phone in the flat, and my mobile only able to dial phones that had previously called me (and that was after the director of our school had fiddled with it. Before that it wouldn't call anyone!)

One other communication glitch was that I thought I'd been told I'd receive a transcript of the court proceedings. So, I didn't pay much attention to what was being said, thinking I could read it later. Really, I don't remember much of what was said.

I was calm and confident. Starting the night before, I was just joyful and peaceful. I could feel myself being lifted up by hundreds of prayer around the world. Thank you. It was a precious gift.

I'd been telling people that I really didn't think there was anything to worry about--that by this time so many people had reviewed my paperwork, that the judge herself had asked for more, that I didn't think there would be any problems. The wonderful Olga told me the same thing, so it must be true.

Court lasted an hour and 45 minutes. I had the court laughing a couple of times, which was nice. It was me, the judge, the prosecutor, a recording secretary, the social worker and my translator. Most of the time I remembered to speak English. The prosecutor, according to my translator, was tougher than usual. The social worker was fantastic! She was the one who had amazing things to say about me and really argued on my behalf (even though she was seated at the prosecutor's table).

At one point, the prosecutor muttered that "This child is practically healthy." The social worker is the one who made her look back through the photos and see that the emotional health of this little bunny had improved dramatically because of my visits. She argued strongly that I was uniquely qualified to parent this little girl because of her background and mine. She really was great. (At one point, when she was talking about how many Russian families had declined to meet her, and how it would not be possible to find her a Russian family, she was listing the dx and casually added, "She is not beautiful." Feeling the glances from the other people present darting my way, I gave an exaggerated face of indignation, drew myself up and lightly pounded two fists on the table. The court enjoyed it and was smiling and laughing. The sw, to her credit, drew people back to the pictures and pointed out that the smile and the sparkle came after I'd been spending time with her. Once again--we heart sw'ers.)

At the end, after I'd heard everything (including one disturbing surprise--but not nearly as much information as I expected to be given in court), the judge asked me if I still wanted to adopt this child. Kонечно! I replied. Of course! After about fifteen minutes, she returned a verdict in my favor. Afterwards, the judge told me I was a very warm, very open person. She said that I filled her court with sunshine and asked me to return.

Hmm...


(How obvious is it that my translator that day is NOT a good photographer? Yeah.)

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wonderful!!! You filled a court with sunshine, not everyone can say that!! Can't wait to hear more about your very beautiful girl!
Serena

Nancy said...

I am so happy to read your blog again. I can't wait to see the slideshow of when you met her and how she transformed. I know you both will be so blessed.

J. said...

So happy for you Kate! It is good to see the blog public again!

Dee said...

Great to see your blog and know you are finally a mama!! What a wonderful day!

Your flat is gorgeous, by any standards!

Lisa said...

Yay!! Glad to be back on the blog and can't wait for pictures!!

june said...

Ah great story! And the judge wants you back... hmmm is right. ;) Glad you had a great social worker too - who could see just how great a match you two are.

Debbie said...

What a great court experience! And just so happy for you both...

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

I am so glad to hear this wonderful news and to get to read all about it!!! I think the pictures are wonderful of you!...a new Momma.

Congratulations Kate.

Kristine

beckyww said...

Congrats! I am so happy for you - MOM!

Jim said...

Wow! It sounds like you had a great day in court. And the judge now knows what the rest of us already know-- that you are blessing to the people you meet.

Congratulations to you and Lexi!

EasterApril said...

Oh my goodness, I've missed you! I'm so happy for you and Alexandra and look forward to reading about the many adventures you will have as mother and daughter.

Leesa (and the mother of another Alexandra, nicknamed "Ali")

Jen said...

Congratulations!!!! I'm so very happy that you and Lexi are now a family! You have totally made my day!!!

Heather said...

Oh my goodness! I have literally checked your blog EVERY DAY since you went private. I followed you beforehand. I wanted to know how things were going for you so badly! I'm so very happy for you!!!!! So excited for you and your daughter. Can't wait to see pics of you both together and look forward to finding time to go back and read your adventure! congratulations!
Heather
http://onechinesebrother.blogspot.com/

Barb said...

Wonderful, wonderful news. Of course you fill a room with sunshine! Was there ever any doubt? So, when are you going back?!?

A Room to Grow said...

Wow, how neat! Maybe you will still get some information about the court proceedings when you receive all of the paperwork. We got the court document but the transcript was more "general terms" of what was discussed.

We didn't have anything crazy come up in court (a few nuggets of info though).

Jenni said...

That is quite high praise from a Russian court official!

Maura said...

I love that you filled her court with sunshine! What a wonderful way to have your adoption granted! And the "sunshine" shows in the photos. You look calm and happy.

Many congrats and blessings for both you and your new daughter.

Tammy said...

Oh Kate,

Words can't express how happy I am for you. Considering how hard this process has been, it is no surprise the prosecutor was harder on you - but that process sure prepared you for court!! My favorite part of your story is when they said, "She is not beautiful". Your reaction was true mommy style and I hope they saw how unhappy you were at that comment. It is absurd and infuriating that they even think it is ok to say that about a child. I'm assuming you have to wait the 10 days and I hope you can visit and those 10 days go quickly for both you and Lexi. She has a beautiful name and a beautiful mommy. One can only imagine what is going her head but I'm sure you will get a glimpse of it in her face and feel it in your heart.

I can't wait to see pictures but mostly I can't wait to know that she is out of that orphanage and with you, where she belongs.

Kay B said...

Oh, Kate, how I have missed you and your blog!, so glad is it open again. I knew when I saw it on my blog-roll with a recent post that it MUST be good news - and good it is! Congratulations!

Lea said...

Excellent! Congratulations Kate! Can't wait to hear that she is in your custody forevermore. Very exciting!

Annie said...

I think it is a GREAT photograph because it shows your joy! Court is serious, but not bad. They take things seriously. We should be glad about that. But they are not humorless; my husband is always a huge favorite with the ladies somehow. The stupider he looks (as in having to look around to me to tell him our children's ages) the more they like him.

Gosh, I am happy for you.

Matt and Carla Morgan said...

How incredible! Sunshine! And, oh, she is incredibly beautiful - as are you - even when the photographer is not remarkably talented!

Congratulations, Kate. Can't wait until your little angel is with her mama.

cm

Unknown said...

The pictures are wonderful, and you look really good. Your hair! I haven't seen you in sooo long, Megs. (i like it, truly)

I don't know what she's talking about, Lexi is really a stunner. Pictures of her while she is being actively loved are always tear-jerkers, filled with her beauty. And yours.

Love you! Can't wait for your joy to be complete.

Unknown said...

Hello my sweet friend! I am so happy for you - seems like we've been through a LOT of waiting together on this journey. I am honestly very happy your wait is almost over...there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Now...when I have to spend an ungodly amount of time in Siberia - will you and your little piece of sunshine come visit me :)...I hear Irktusk is quite a tourist town (haha!)

JenniferCS said...

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you and know you'll be a wonderful mama - what a blessing the Lord has given both of you in each other. Looking forward to continuing to follow your journey.

Lindsay said...

A great big cheer and hug from Slovakia! So very happy for you both that you will be together forever without much more delay :)

Have a wonderful birthday - Life Begins!

jules said...

You are now a family, a wonderful new family! Oh How I have missed your blog!! Checking everyday to see you back on line. You are such a great story teller. I an so excited to see your BEAUTIFUL little sweathart! It gives us all hope.
with love and peace
Jules

Zoya said...

Congratulations! I'm so glad that you finally got your daughter after such a long journey.

Anonymous said...

Kate!

You seem to leave sunshine wherever you go!!! :) We've missed you over on our board, and I'm happy to read your new beginnings here!!! I don't usually read blogs...but I just could not resist catching up with all your updates!

angie

Suzanne said...

Whoo Hooo! I couldn't access your blog while I was away. So happy to hear that you are a mama at last.