Trip 1 - Day 1

Over the next week or so, I want to write all about our first trip to meet our "little man". I'm not the world's greatest "journaler", but I want him to be able to read, someday, all about our adventure to bring him home. I don't want to forget a single detail either because this has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Last Friday, March 2nd, we left San Antonio around 7:15am for Moscow. We arrived in Moscow on Saturday, around 11:15am. After we got our bags and went through customs, we were greeted by our driver. He was holding a sign that said "Coul". I figured it was close enough to "Cole", so we went straight to him and shook his hand. I felt a little better that we had found the right person when he said "Stephanie". He helped us with our bags and we headed for his car. It did feel a little "uneasy" getting in the car with someone you've never seen before and with whom you can't communicate at all. (Lots of praying was going on!) Pasha (and I'm sure I'm spelling his name wrong) then took us to Tatyana's home. (our Gladney Russian coordinator) Tatyana went over our week with us briefly and let us know what time we would be leaving the next morning. Pasha then took us to our host's home (Liudmila) so that we could rest. When we arrived at Liudmila's home we were greeted by the kindest, warmest woman I have ever met! I couldn't have hand-picked a better person for us to stay with while in Moscow. She already had lunch on the table for us to eat. As soon as we finished eating, she took us to our room and told us to get some rest. I think I was asleep before my head even hit the pillow! Troy and I were able to get 3-4 hrs sleep and then Liudmila woke us up for dinner. She is a fantastic cook and an even more wonderful hostess! I have never felt so welcomed and comfortable. I instantly felt like she was part of our family. After dinner and tea, Troy and I headed back to bed to get rested for what was going to be an extremely busy and emotionally exhausting 5 days!

I will try to upload pictures later. For some reason, blogger isn't letting me upload any photos right now!