Laura, Emily, and I outside the Court
We started our day early. Victor took us to the notary to get a document notarized. We also stopped by a photo store to get some pictures of Emily printed for court. After completing these items, we ate pizza for lunch. The pizza restaurant in this town is very good. After eating, we returned to our apartment to get ready for court.
We left for court at about 2:15pm and our appointment for court was at 3:30pm. When we arrived, Emily was already there and she came outside to meet us. She looked exceptionally beautiful today in her dress. She gave us both big hugs and said “I love you.” Before entering the building, we took some pictures.
We went inside and waited in the hallway outside our courtroom. Emily sat between Laura and I and was being very affectionate toward us. It was explained to Emily that Laura had to return home after court so she could get back to work. We could see the sadness in her face when she heard this but she understood. It didn’t get her down for very long, her excitement for what was about to happen took over and she was smiling again.
At about 3:10pm, we were called into the courtroom. The judge was a very nice man who was a military veteran. Also, before becoming a judge, he had a successful career as a police officer. During the hearing, the judge explained the procedures of the court and our rights. He reviewed our documents and asked us a several questions. He also asked for the recommendations of the Children’s Services inspector and the Uglegorsk Orphanage inspector. Both of them recommended the court approve the adoption petition.
When the judge had all the information he needed, he stated that he and his court officers would deliberate for approximately 20 minutes to make their decision. I looked at Emily and I could see she was slightly concerned. During the deliberation, the prosecutor asked why we wanted to adopt Emily. We showed her pictures of Emily’s visit with us this past summer and explained to her how much we loved her and that our extended families loved her also. The prosecutor was impressed with our answers.
The judge returned and announced his decision. As decision was announced that the petition to adopt was approved, I looked at Emily and saw the biggest smile on her face. She was so happy to become our daughter. As a matter a fact, Emily could barely contain her excitement for the last 3 or 4 days. The people in the courtroom were so happy for Emily that several of them were nearly brought to tears. Laura and I embraced Emily. Emily hugged us back, kissed us, and told “I love you.”
Before the judge left the courtroom, I asked to present him with something. I told him I informed that he used to be a police officer. I told him of the tradition in the United States of police officers trading law enforcement academy class coins with other officers. I told him I would be honored to present him with two coins from my academy class. He appreciated the gesture very much. He told me he would like to take me out shooting sometime before I leave but his schedule doesn’t afford him the time. I told him I would enjoy doing this with him.
After leaving the courtroom, we waited in the hall for Paul and Holly to have their hearing to adopt Masha. They had the same judge as we did. When their hearing was over, we met in the lobby and Victor said we were all going to dinner together. I asked him if that included the children. Victor said yes. Laura and I were so happy that Emily was going to have dinner with us. Up until today, all of our interaction with Emily was at the orphanage.
Before we left, the judge came into the lobby to talk to me more. He presented me with a gift in return. The gift was a plaque of Saint Christopher. I thanked him. We then spent some time talking about our experiences as a police officer. He told me about a famous case he had where he caught a cannibal. He said the suspect was cooking the flesh of one of his victims when he came to arrest him. I took advantage of this moment to interject some humor between him and I. I asked him if it tasted like chicken. He liked this joke very much. He wished me luck and health in life and career. I thanked him for helping make my dream come true with our adoption of Emily.
For dinner, we went to a pizza restaurant. Emily was very hungry and she ate well. The interaction we had with her for dinner was precious. She truly is an amazing young lady and so easy to love. Much of dinner was spent listening to her make jokes and laugh. After eating, she picked up the camera and took more pictures. I asked her if she wanted dessert but she didn’t. She asked for ham flavored potato chips. They didn’t sell any there so I took her to the market next door. She also got me to give in to buying her a bag of sunflower seeds also.
When the time to say goodbye arrived, Emily gave us multiple hugs and kisses. She also said “I love you” several more times. Over the last 3 or 4 days, the hugs , kisses, and “I love you” has become more frequent. Words can’t describe how great it is to add a daughter to our family who loves us so much. Laura received extra affection from Emily during the goodbyes. She knows her mom has to go home and she will miss her. Laura reassured her they will be together again really soon.
Today was tied for the best day of my life.
Our first picture after court
Our Judge
Dinner with Emily
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