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CHOICES Families

The following are some families with whom CHOICES has had the pleasure of helping with adoptions from Russia.

Gisela & Eckhard

From the day we got married, we always knew we wanted children. But alas, we discovered that we were infertile. We decided to go the 'natural' route, and tried IVF cycles for several years. But it didn't work for us, and we weren't getting any younger. We finally realized that we just wanted a child to raise and love, and he or she didn't have to be biologically related to us, although it would be nice if our child at least looked a bit like us.

After talking to friends who had adopted, and doing copious amounts of research, we decided to adopt an infant from the Republic of Georgia. The homestudy process was scary at first, but CHOICES sent us an awesome social worker, and she allayed our fears and got us through it. But just as our homestudy was finished, and we began compiling our dossier for Georgia, that country closed to foreign adoptions. We were devastated, and had to rethink our options. Again, we realized that we were only getting older, and we didn't really need to adopt a newborn infant, so we switched to the Russia program and requested any child under the age of 2. Our dossier was sent to Vladivostok in December 2004, and we received a referral for a beautiful 20 month old boy in February 2005. Because of my husband's work commitments, I had to make the first trip by myself, and as soon as I met Lukas, I knew he was meant to be ours. He looks just like my husband's brother did at that age, and even more miraculous, Lukas has a natural notch in his earlobe, exactly like my own!

Both my husband and I traveled in late April for our court date, and after a mandatory 10 day waiting period, Lukas was officially ours on May 11, 2005 - my birthday! We celebrated his 2nd birthday here in Canada, and have been literally rolling on the floor laughing every day since then. Lukas is quite the ham, and enjoys making us laugh. He spent his first 23 months in a baby hospital, with nothing to call his own. Now he has his own Mommy, Daddy, Oma, Opa, cat, room, bed, clothes, toys, and the list goes on. But we're the ones who hit the jackpot - we have our very own Boy! If we ever decide that one is not enough, and want a sibling for Lukas, we will not hesitate to go back to Russia with the help of CHOICES. Thanks, Rachel!

Gisela Perk

You can contact Gisela & Eckhard at perks@telus.net if you have any questions about their adoption experience.

Bob & Marianne

You can contact Bob & Marianne at bmglobal@hotmail.com if you have any questions about their adoption experience.

Jayne & Joe

You can contact Jayne & Joe at Jayne_Perrault@vancity.com if you have any questions about their adoption experience.

Judy & Wayne

Within a year and a half, our family expanded from three grown children to nine children. Throughout the process, CHOICES supported and encouraged us with their caring, friendly, and professional attention to our plans.

While adopting our two infants from Russia, we met and were haunted by the beautiful faces of older children eagerly hoping for families. We hosted children for a summer holiday, and four months later brought three more children into our family. Discovering that one of the three had a younger brother, we returned five months later to bring him home.

Following our example, our eldest daughter also found her son in Russia. She was equally impressed with the support, dedication, and caring of the CHOICES staff.

Having adopted infants, a toddlers, and older children, we have experienced the best of adoption at each stage. It has been the most rewarding and wonderful experience we could have been blessed with and are so thankful CHOICES was with us all the way. The staff of CHOICES will always hold a special place in our hearts.

ME?

I don't know who you are
But I know why you're here.
I've seen many like you
But, I'll not come near.

When I was little
I'd run and call out,
But now that I'm older;
You choosing me I doubt.

Babies are cuddly;
They smile and coo.
Toddlers are sweet,
They're wanted too.

But when you are my age
There isn't much hope?
I won't smile; I'll stand back.
It's the way that I cope.

But why does the "mama"
Who's always cared for me.
Point in my direction
So that me you can see?

You're coming towards me.
Why? What did I do?
You're smiling and crying.
I'm told, I'm for you!

I don't understand
I'm not cuddly and cute.
You're arms go around me
I find myself mute.

Many are talking
I'm told I should smile.
I feel so confused,
It might take me a while.

I don't understand you.
I don't know words that you say.
But I do understand,
I have a family this day.

You can contact Judy & Wayne at round_table@shaw.ca if you have any questions about their adoption experience.

Maria & Wilf

Dave & Antonella

You can contact Dave & Antonella at david_and_antonella@islandnet.com if you have any questions about their adoption experience.