Day 51

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be here, on Day 51, facing this next hurdle. How can I not be angry when so many others have come and gone ~ their adoptions no doubt stressful and with its share of obstacles…but ultimately ending in joy? I can’t help but feel bitter that this is happening to us, especially after losing Stas. It just seems cruel and unjustified.

I can’t begin to explain how desperately I want to go home. I miss my husband and I miss being home. I have a greater appreciation for all of the luxuries we have and take for granted. I want my son to get on that plane with me and return to our life in America ~ a new chapter for all of us.

I struggle with my feelings toward Inna. One part of me has pity for her and the circumstances she was placed in that led to her less than ideal position in life right now. Another part of me is seething with anger as I learn new information every day about the conditions Stephen lived in during his first 18 days of life ~ and throughout her pregnancy. There is little doubt that she drank during the pregnancy. Almagul spent several hours talking to the police officer that took him from her and the conditions he found the baby in. When he first arrived there were several people there, all drunk, and Stephen was screaming his head off – most likely hungry. Inna returned after two hours and the police took her and the baby to the orphanage. She was quiet the entire time and did not object to bringing the baby to the orphanage. They admitted him there and that was the last she ever saw of him.

Sadly, my suspicions regarding this man who is her Power of Attorney were confirmed. The police officer knows who he is and said he is not a good person at all. God only knows the relationship he has with Inna or his motivations for helping her. Trafficking and prostitution are HUGE problems here, particularly among teen orphans and street teens.

Joe and I are hoping to know the ruling by Friday. As I said in a previous post…these things are decided before court. A great many efforts have been made by everyone involved and we are so thankful for the diligence of those fighting for us. Almagul is sick right now and didn’t get home until 9 pm last night after working all day without lunch. Axana has worked hard behind the scenes to gather statements about Inna’s character. The social workers, doctors and director at the baby house have all prepared detailed statements and covered all their bases with documentation. Even the first judge who ruled in our favor has done his share to help. We couldn’t ask for more. There is not a single hole I our case. Her only ground at this point is that she gave birth to him.

I have been warned that her Power of Attorney will lost likely bring the press along with him to court. I could care less. Freedom of the Press is not like the freedoms afforded in the US. Bringing the press is only going to aggravate the judges.