COURT DAY!!!

WE GOT OUR GIRLS!!!!!!

After a morning of getting everyone clean and dressed...and keeping them clean and dressed, we were off to court. Our taxi didn't come, so we got on the hot bus and were all sweaty when we got there! We waited in the hallway for about one hour before we were seen....not unlike the U.S.!! This gave us a chance to talk with the prosecutor and others involved (directors, inspectors, social workers) Once in the court room, and I do mean room, we went thru the formalities of everyone stating name, producing passports, etc.. We had to tell the "court" what we were petitioning for: adoption, name changes, and birthdate change (which we had to justify) We answered a few questions about our jobs, home, income, etc.. The girls were asked if they consented and if we had been in contact. The judge asked if the boys were in favor of.....as the boys had all picked a sister's lap to sit on! After we plead our case and were asked a question by the prosecutor, the judge and two "jurists" (I think just people from the public to sit on either side of the judge and help decide cases?) excuse themselves after our closing arguments (all quite comical, to me). After a 10 minute recess, we are all called back into court for the decision. He grants the adoptions, but not the 10 day waiting period...which was expected, but it doesn't hurt to ask. We were told we could appeal that part of the decision....but I'm sure that would take more than the 10 days~

We left court and had lunch before hanging out at the apartment for some down time. Galya had to go back to camp and clean as today was her assigned day. The rest of us headed downtown to meet Ira Azerlyan who has been a tutor to Vita and Galya in the past for English. We had never met her, but have communicated on Facebook and email! She is a sweety!!! Ira's English is so good, she could be mistaken for an American with a regional accent! We celebrated at Mike O'Neill's Irish Pub! I think it was the best meal we have had since getting here and we wish we had discovered it sooner!! After dinner it was the habitual ice cream and some shopping for necessities for the girls. We got them back to camp, late as always!

We are so sad that tomorrow is our last day with our new daughters before we have to leave them. But we know that this is the light at the end of the tunnel and in a few weeks, our kids will all be home, where they belong, for good....not just a visit.