Why Ekaterinburg?

There's been a lot of discussion amongst Ekat adoptive parents at all stages of the process about how difficult the process is and if they would do it over.  My wait so far is in line with everyone else's - we've all had terrible experiences in trying to get a court date - however, this adoptive parent sums it up as to why we go through it . . . 

" I've read a recent post about how it is now very difficult to adopt from Ekaterinburg. I think that's probably very true. It's also not any different then it has been for years. When we adopted from Ekaterinburg in 2000 it was considered one of the most difficult regions in Russia to adopt from. The posts regarding this have never changed over the years. It has always been difficult to adopt from Ekaterinburg. Our original agency no longer works in the region and very few do. They are much more demanding with their paperwork. 

The flip side of the coin is they have some of the best orphanages in all of Russia. Our daughter came home at 16 months old from Baby Home #1 in the top 75% in both height and weight. When we were there during July we watched them bring out close to 100 kids to the play areas every morning and again every afternoon after their naps. It gave them fresh air and exercise. While we were there we also watched one of the caregivers set up a table outside to work with small groups of children with their fine motor skills with blocks and puzzles. The care they received was wonderful. We have heard similar things from other families about the orphanages in Ekat and the surrounding areas of Revda and Kaminsk Uralski. Our daughter Valerie is now 9 years old and one of the strongest kids I know. She swims like a fish, does sow cows and toe loops and bats cleanup on her softball team. She also scored in the top 1% of her grade last year on the nationwide Terranova tests in of all things, language arts. She also scored near the top in reading and math. She's a happy, well adjusted and affectionate little girl that is the light of our life. 

Yes, it's more difficult to adopt from Ekaterinburg. Yes, it's worth every minute. Don't let the paperwork prevent you from going forward in the region. For what it's worth, court was easy and the judge was actually laughing during one part of our hearing. I haven't added any photos of Valerie to the group in a while, but I'll be adding some soon. Take a look at the picture of her in front of the baby home and try and tell me she's not a happy healthy kid. Isn't that what we all really want?"    

I wish this made me feel better but it doesn't help much right now.