Success Stories
My adoption was overseen by Olga Grunberger . From the moment Olga and I made contact she kept me informed of all the steps that I had to complete in order to become a "mama". Mama, what a wonderful word that has become to me. In my 37 years, "mama" was/is the most rewarding sound I've ever heard whispered from a child, our child. I will never grow tired of Zoya's miraculous voice, even when I'm exhausted from my days and nights with our new life together.
I wanted to take the time to let other families know that in my experience, Faithful Adoption did an exceptional job with their organization's responsibilities. I have recommended this organization to every family that has contacted me about adoptions. Believe me, I know the difference between a ineffective adoption agency and one that will take you to the positive ending that each one of us adopters are looking for! I, without a doubt, know that once that contract is signed, you will be in the best hands possible.
The process of adoption is a long and sometimes tough road to go down. Olga did her best to keep me focused and informed along the way. The paperwork is tremendous and sometimes absolutely nerve wracking, but she walked me through everything. I never felt alone. We kept in contact via the phone and emails. The communication was the part that meant the most to me. I am VERY impressed with agency's work ethics. Currently, their professional business like manner is surpassed by none, in my opinion. I'm sure that any of the Coordinators that Faithful Adoption works with will live up to the same set of standards. Olga is honest, diligent and will not leave you hanging for weeks and weeks without some sort of communication. She is a wonderful woman, Coordinator and now I consider her my friend. She is the one special person that put me in touch with the adorable little girl that is now our darling daughter. She will forever be held in a special place within my soul.
I'm enclosing some details about my 2 trips to Siberia , Russia for new adopters to reference. I have shared parts of my story with a few families that have contacted me via the internet and they responded positively. So, I felt it might help others.
There are going to be paperwork setbacks on both sides of the adoption. For example, the paperwork expectations are very time consuming. That is putting it lightly! Also, some delays may cause you to have to repeat a couple documents. That is just the way it is. Do not feel discouraged by what I'm typing to you. I just feel prospective parents need to be realistic in all expectations of the adoption process. I suggest you find a way to stay completely dedicated to your goal be it prayer, finding an adoption group locally or maybe one in an online chat group. I found a chat group through the yahoo site. I found it helpful on both sides of the adoption.
The time I spent in Moscow was very culturally different than life in the USA to say the least, but it was worth every penny I paid. Most families don't have to stay 7 days on the first trip, but my circumstance was a bit different. (My ticket agent sort of goofed on the return date. Which turned out to be to our benefit as we were able to tour the Red Square , the Kremlin Museum and Arbot Street in Moscow for souvenirs, etc.)
My experiences with the Russian Coordinator's were just exceptional! The gentleman that met me at the airport in Moscow was right where he was supposed to be. He was one fast walker so be prepared to move at a slow trot...hahaha. (I had to throw a little humor in here for ya.) He was very nice, polite, and answered all my questions. He made sure I was safe and secure in my hotel room before he left. He also spoke English. I think that is an important point to make. I was very relieved. Olga kept in contact with my Russian Coordinator via the phone and she even caught up with me at the Hotel Ukraina and the Belgrade . That really made me feel safe and comfortable knowing that someone back in the States knew where I was and was watching out for me. The Russian Coordinator made sure I made my airplane connections to Khanty-Mansisk and Surgut in a timely manner and he was dependable upon my return from Surgut . I was met by a very friendly Coordinator in Khanty-Mansisk and she stayed with me at the airport to make sure I was taken care of appropriately. Once I was in Surgut , I was picked up by another Coordinator and my interpreter. The Coordinator didn't speak English, but the interpreter was excellent! I had drivers that were very conscientious of my appointment schedule. They kept me on time every day.
I would have to say the worst thing about my adoption would have to be the time it takes to get from the beginning of the process to the end. Having to stay in Siberia in the dead of winter wasn't wonderful either! I now know I'll never be able to live in -30 C weather!!! I've never been that cold before in my life! But, I would do it all over again knowing that I could have Zoya in my life. It is a long road, but I am so very glad that I continued on when I thought of giving up. 
I just would like to touch on the one other factor that was a major concern of mine at the beginning of my process. First off, I didn't have anyone to talk to about the financial part of the process in my personal life. I don't have any close friends that have adopted. The price of the completed adoption sounded overwhelmingly high in cost to me. I checked around the internet and found my cost was very comparable with others out there. It took me a while to relax on that note. I prepared way in advance for all costs, plus a few extras that just happened to pop up. Olga can give you a breakdown (approx.) of what your costs will be.
It is so incredibly difficult to part with our hard earned money with the hope of having that special child of our own to hug our necks and fill our lives with irreplaceable giggles and even cries. In closing, I can only say to you, your family couldn't be in a better person's hands than Olga Grunberger's at Faithful Adoptions. She has a soul that only wants to connect a child with his/her new mommy and daddy. If anyone needs to ask any questions about the 2 trips that I made to Russia , please feel comfortable enough to contact Olga or anyone at the Faithful Adoptions Organization and they will put you in touch with me. I'm glad to help those that are seeking this wonderful feeling of becoming a parent to a child who needs lots and lots of lovin', guidance and the best chance of having a positive future.
May the Lord bless you and your family on the adventure you are about to partake of.
Thanks Olga!!!
Sincerely,
Lynette W.-"Mama"
