Nov 9, 2007: Metcha Day!

11/9/07: Our first stop in Mariupol was the regional inspector’s office. We quickly received regional approval to meet the little boy, but we couldn’t go to the orphanage until 1:30 so we went grocery shopping. We found a large store, Abzhora (loosely translated, Glutton). Luda showed us which water was un-carbonated and pointed out snack items that were favorites among other adoptive families.

We then went to the orphanage. Leonid drove down a bumpy driveway and up to a large and brightly colored building. We had arrived at Centre Opiky (one translation says Custody Center, but we’ve heard others as well).

Luda went to talk to the director while we waited in another room. After about 10 minutes, we were told we would meet the boy, and then talk to the director and doctor. We went into another room, this one filled with paintings done by children at the orphanage. We then were told that it was nap time, so the boy was in bed. I said we’d be glad to wait so that they didn’t have to wake him. Luda left us in the room alone, and within a couple of minutes, a lady walked in, holding the hand of a precious little boy.

He was shy and still sleepy, but gave us a little smile. He was dressed in a Mickey Mouse sweater, black Wrangler jeans, navy tights, and brown sandals. I couldn’t tell what the lady was saying, but I heard Papa and Mama. He hesitantly walked towards Zack and gave him a weak hug, then did the same for me. He sat down with us, and the caregiver left. We gave him a Kinder Surprise (a hollow chocolate egg with a toy inside). He devoured the chocolate, then got out the toy. I looked at Zack and said “What do you think?” His answer: “He’s perfect.”

We met with the director and doctor. Zack held him the whole time we were in the meeting. His name was Stanislav and they said he went by Slavik (more on that later...). We learned a bit about his background and his half-brother who was adopted by a woman in Chicago.

We went back into the art room and began playing with him. Luda then came to the room and asked if we were ready to make a decision or if we needed more time. Without any hesitation, we both agreed we were ready to get things moving.

We spent about 3 hours with Stanislav that day, and it was love at first sight. We said our goodbyes and told him we’d come back tomorrow. We went to get settled into what would be our home for the next 3 ½ weeks. We went to bed exhausted, excited... and very homesick.