From Bulgaria, to Germany to Home

Top: Cheryl and Gunther's Mom Doris in Tegensee, in southern Germany

Other Pictures: Sofia, Bulgaria,

It has been a whole week since we said "we'll be back" to our daughters which is really hard to believe. We are hoping and praying that these next three months, while all of their immigration paperwork is finalized, goes as fast as possible. We spent last weekend in Sofia...this is such an incredible city. The architecure, born from the Communist era, still stands dominant and strong throughout the entire city. We walked for hours looking at the monuments, historic sites and Orthodox churches which were beyond beautiful. At night, it was even more incredible... The people in Sofia were warm and very lovely. Dark hair, dark eyes -- we did not fit in (especially Gunther) but we managed to get by on the Bulgarian we picked up and loved our time in this city. We soaked in the culture -- we thought it was great to learn more about the country our girls were from. We talked about bringing them back when they get older to share this amazing experience we had just been through...this is really important to us...

And then it was time to try to leave. The volcanic ash cloud wreaked havok on travel all over the world...we were told it would be a week before we could leave. We met dozens of people who were desperate to get home but G and I took it in stride thinking it would pass. It was on Monday we started to get really nervous about getting back to Germany. Gunther had to be in Frankfurt for a conference (that we thought may be postponed but was still going to happen) so we decided to head to the airport early Tuesday morning to try and see if we could fly out. The only other guaranteed option to get to Germany was to catch a 20 hour bus ride to Vienna from Sofia and then train it to Frankfurt (another 7 hours). We were beyond lucky...managed to snag the last seats to a plane heading to Vienna (with minutes to spare)...and then a train to Saltzburg, Austria (with minutes to spare)...and then Gunther's mom picked us up and brought us to her lovely home in Rottach Eggen, Tegensee, in South Germany. I felt like I had spent the past 12 hours in an episode of the Amazing Race.

When our plane lifted off from Sofia, I felt my heart warm up...don't worry little girls... we would be back soon to take them home. I know they are in great hands and having Rosi to help us stay connected with them is great. We plan on sending them care packages weekly to keep them aware that we're out here!

As for the last couple of days...Gunther is working in Frankfurt, Stuttgart and then onto Munich for a series of conferences. I am experiencing the beautiful countryside of Bavaria and experiencing things I have never seen or experienced before with Gunther's mom...which is actually really cool.

I touch down in Vancouver on Monday afternoon (the earliest flight I could get back...6 days after I was scheduled to come home!), then Gunther gets home on Wednesday. What a journey...we get our house ready (and enjoy some serious boating) before the next journey back to Bulgaria happens to bring home Yuli and Fana!

Thanks for all of the well wishes from everyone!!! Especially to our dear friend Christin for everything she has done for us while we're away!!!

Julia Sophia and Stefana Marie -- The Next Chapter

April 15-16, 2010

Pictures:

Top: Fana, Galia and Yuli seeing us off

2nd: Momma and Yuli

3nd: Little Fana and Momma at the gate

4rd: Little Fana

5th: Yuli practices her ABCs

To say the last two days has been emotional is an understatement. We spent our last full day with the girls on Thursday...in the morning with our adoption facilitator Nikolay who came to the morning visit to observe the amazing progress we made during the week. And as life goes, both girls were in rare form...Fana was irritable and moody. Even Yuliya was reserved and all over the map. Rosi had told them that this was the last full day we would be there so I think they were feeling the emotions of it all. After a couple of hours though, they calmed down and Fana took us for a walk around the property. She brought me to the gate out of the orphanage and lit up as the cars blasted by. She looked at me and clenched my hand and her eyes said to me "can you please get me out of here!" Soon enough little girl, soon enough. Our afternoon visit was good - we met with the Director of the Orphanage to understand how the break (when we go back to Canada and the paperwork gets processed in Bulgaria) will work in terms of the girls not feeling like we've left and are not coming back. Actually, the support they receive is quite extensive and consistent in terms of getting them ready for leaving. They teach them English and communicate each day that we're coming back. We received some great news regading Fana -- we have arranged to get her special behavioral care with one of the best child specialists here. Her name is Galia and her and Fana have a great connection (she is the only person other than Gunther who will let her hold her). Galia will spend 2-3 hours daily with Fana and will take her to her country house on weekends. The ultimate diagnosis of Fana is that she is so stressed to be here -- she has completely shelled up. Everyone believes that when she has the one on one care she needs that she will flourish into a normal thriving little girl. We do not underestimate the work it will take to get there but when you meet this little girl, you'll see what we mean. Galia is our angel and we are so thankful that she has taken Fana under her direct care.

We spent our last evening at our favorite restaurant with Rosi and the Director of the Orphanage, Dona. She is an amazing woman, a doctor pediatrician. She told us more about Fana's stressed out state and was very reassuring...providing examples of other kids who were worse than Fana but came through and made amazing progress once the children left the orphanage and were in supportive, calmer and stable environments. She told us how advanced Yuliya is regarding her ability to learn. Yuliya counts to ten with me and repeats the alphabet to about M when she becomes distracted. Over this unbelievable meal (the restaurant actually gave me their own secret Bulgarian spices to take home) we felt so confident (more than we were) and excited about the future of our family!

Saying goodbye the next morning was really, really hard. We spent an hour or so with the girls...Fana was in a great mood -- bouncing around laughing and screetching. One of the things we learned over the course of the week and witnessed in our last visit is her LOVE of music, especially classical music. When she hears melody, her eyes open wide and it's like she sees the music. The doctors and specialists believe her love of music will be part of her life ultimately. It's really remarkable. The hour or so flew by and then it was time to say good bye. Galia brought the girls outside to wave goodbye to us and I found it really hard to hold it together but I did. Yuliya said to Rosi a couple of times "please take me with you, please take me with you." Hard stuff. As we pulled away it was Fana who was waving and smiling (knowing it had to be done but that we were coming back) and Yuliya was sad. Outside of the gate, I broke down into tears.

And so we were off to Sophia -- ripping through the countryside again en route to the lawyers/notary to sign the papers. We arrived in Sofia at 3 and were taken to a Notary office where we were ready to sign 5 documents stating that court proceedings would begin to finalize our adoption. Gunther and I signed all of the paperwork and so it's now official. Julia Sophia and Stefana Marie, both middle names honoring our mothers...would soon be ours. The only down side is that it can take up to 4 months...depending on the expediency of the courts here. What a tough 4 months this going to be...but we know in our hearts we will be back soon.

So we are in Sophia now for the weekend. This city is stunning....it is a sunny day and we are looking forward to walking all over the city. We are scheduled to fly to Munich tomorrow but who knows how that will go with this situation with the volcano. We'll see.

So the end of our stay here in Bulgaria winds down. This week has changed Gunther and I -- we have found something in ourselves and in each other that is indescribable...I guess it's something that comes with the love of your children. We are blessed to have found it.

A Family was Born

Pictures:

Rosi, Cheryl and Yuli

Fana is chilling out

Gunther with the girls

Video Below: Yuliya Sings!

April 14, 2010

We decided that today was the day that we were going to explain to Yuliya and Fana that we were their parents -- forever. The last three days has been nothing short of a small miracle when it comes to how little Fana opened up to us. This child does not speak and shows her emotions through crying spurts...but her connectedness to us through her eyes...the way she stars at us, touches our hands, and smiles with this big grin from ear to ear - it is heartwarming and we love her so much. And Yuliya, the life of the party, the showgirl...with a deep desire to be loved and to love. This girl is just the cutest, smartest little thing. They are both remarkable in their unique ways.

We arrived at the orphanage and we spent 30 minutes of so in the main room, a nicely decorated pink and yellow room that is warm and comfortable. Gunther was sitting with Fana and Yuliya and I were styling our hair. Rosi came over and asked Yuliya if she understood who we were. She didn't say anything but she smiled. Rosi then went on to say that Gunther and I were her momma and date (pronounced da-tee) and she looked at us and she grabbed me. Fana sat with Gunther and said nothing but she smiled and let out her happy screetch. Rosi then went on to explain that we had to go back to Canada to arrange their room (all Yuli wants is a pink room with a big TV) and the paperwork. She doesn't understand this. She asked Rosi if she was going to fly tomorrow. Rosi explained that it would take some time and Yuliya seemed to accept this. The next hour -- the four of us just went a bit nuts. Yuliya was bouncing off of the walls with happiness. She went back and forth saying Momma and Daddy and was just euphoric with happiness.

Little Fana moved from corner to corner laughing at Gunther and Yuliya playing together. She had a hard time at a few points trying to absorb everything. This little girl doesn't speak but she understands everything. We left at 12:30 and Rosi, Gunther and I walked with a skip in our step back into town. We stopped for lunch at the BEST restaurant we've been to yet called House. We celebrated with a great meal and a toast to family!

Back to the orphanage at 4 and all of the kids were hanging out playing. Yuli, Fana, Gunther and I had our snack together separate from the rest of the group. Usually Fana sticks all of the food she is given right into her mouth so no one will take it from her. This time, she held her cookie in her hand, taking small bites with the calm and resolve that we haven't seen before. It took her almost 30 minutes to eat a small biscuit. Yuli was still drunk with happiness! The four of us and Rosi had the most incredible two hours...playing, loving and dealing with toilets, feeding, games, etc. like a family does. It is hard to be in an orphanage with other caregivers who need to lead and direct. We are the parents but we are respectful of caregivers who require having control of all of these children. This afternoon was so special for Gunther and I...we are a family and it felt so amazing.

Two hours just flew by and all of the kids came back in, so we knew it was time to say goodbye. Yuli, Gunther and I had a group hug and then we sat next to Fana (who likes to sit against the wall and watch everything) and said our goodbyes. When we kiss her head and her cheeks she gives us this look of love that cuts right into your soul. For someone who can't speak, boy can she communicate.

Tomorrow is the last full day that we spend with them before leaving. I hope and pray that all of this immigration and judicial paperwork happens as fast as possible because we just want them to be home with us. We left them with blankets for their cribs that Gunther and I have been sleeping with for the past 5 nights so they could feel our presence with them while they sleep and dream. We just want them to know we'll be back as soon as possible to take them home.

Another Beautiful Day in Yambol

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Each day, we visit the girls twice at the orphanage. Once in the morning from 9:30am, after they've had their breakfast and are dressed, to around 12:30 when they have lunch. We then go back around 3:30 until around 6:30 when it's dinner time. The orphanage is roughly a 30 minute walk and Rosi (our amazing translator), Gunther and I thought it would be great to walk to and from our hotel to the orphanage each way. It's an amazing walk...about 10 minutes through the busy main street of the Yambol, then 10 minutes through the older part of the city where we see the babushkas, and then through this beautiful park which leads right to the entrance of the orphanage. We stop each day for lunch at cafes for super-fueled espressos, salads (the best tomatoes and Feta cheese ever)...and the Bulgarian fare for dinners which we eat each night at around 7:30pm after our afternoon visit is nothing short of culinary perfection. Gunther and I love this food...Yambol is an amazing city, full of drab communist architecture and the new beginnings.
The people are lovely and eastern euro chic.

Speaking of new beginnings, our visit with the girls today was very special. We arrived with our special treats and Fana and Yuliya came outside to us with such sweet smiles. Unfortunately little Fana was not feeling so well. Her nose was runny and she just looked a bit tired. We brought them water and fruit and yogurt treats which they ate intently and quickly. Gunther took Fana inside for quiet time since she was not feeling well and Yuliya sat with Rosi and I -- she just loves my sun glasses and loves looking at my jewelry. We have been blessed with the most beautiful weather so we just laughed and played in the sunshine.

Rosi, Gunther and I had a great salad in the town center and walked around to buy toys and goodies for our afternoon visit. We got to the orphanage at 3ish and the girls came out. Yuliya came out first as Fana was still napping. We ate our pretzals and played with the toys we brought. We brought a play phone for the girls and Yuliya loves this toy. Rosi told me that Yuliya picked up the handset to pretend she was talking with me and this is what Rosi said that she said "Hello Cheryl, I love you and I want you to take me on a plane and to be my momma." My heart grew, I felt it. We played outside -- she painted my nails and gave me a massage -- which consisted of nail polish on my finger tips and pinched cheeks. Hilarious. She is my girl.

Fana and Gunther played on the swings, walked around, and then went inside to sit quietly as she was still feeling a bit under the weather -- Fana just has a huge crush on Gunther. This is a very special girl. We will need to work with her to bring her out of her shell and we are hopeful that with love and support, she will blossom. We feel blessed to have the opportunity to be her momma and pappa. She has a fierce will and is one determined little girl -- just has a hard time expressing herself. She has the same voracious appetite as Gunther...do not try and limit her food or she'll be pissed off.

I cannot go on without acknowledging th role that our translator Rosi has made in this whole week. She has been with us from morning to night, working with us as we communicate with the girls, the doctors and caregivers at the orphanage, getting through the city...and she is and will be part of our family forever. We have come to love her and feel so blessed to have her in our lives!

So tomorrow we tell the girls that we are going to be their momma and poppa forever. The hard part will be waiting between trips to get their paperwork finalized. We love these girls so much and can't wait to get them home to start the journey of being a family.

Getting to Know the Girls...and then some...

Monday, April 12, 2010
We both were up really early this morning...met Rosi for another great Bulgarian breakfast (the espresso coffee kicks the ass of jetlag) and we decided we would walk to and from the orphanage...a 30 minute walk which was really nice on a perfect Bulgarian spring day.

We arrived at the orphanage at 9:30am and spent about 15 minutes with the director of the orphange to really understand the girls` background. We talked about Yuliya first -- she is remarkably smart, loves (and is gifted) with music and art...and from our observations (and her agreement) is the leader of thè 16 or so children in their group. We then discussed Fana...who is definitely delayed in her cognitive development with regard to speech, communication and behavior control. Fana is likely dealing with issues regarding some sort of major stress and/or development delay as a result. We knew from her profile that she had issues, and we witnessed her behavior yesterday. The director said she was a smart, focused and energetic girl...but that she had problems with communication and control. We saw her open up to us...so let's see what Day 2 holds.

The girls were brought in...and Yuliya jumped right into my arms and Fana walked right to Gunther and motioned to sit on his lap. Rosi brought them chocolates so we sat while they gulped down their Kindersurprise. Yuliya is such a sweet girl...and Fana was smiling and engaged. We then were told to bring the girls to a playroom upstairs. We walked up the stairs and Fana wanted to go outside. Gunther led her by her hand but this was not what she wanted and had a major meltdown as such. This girl has some serious vocal chords! She screamed and cried. Gunther and I looked at each other, and I don't think either one of us was quite sure what to do. Yuliya sat quiet looking at her sister - she wanted her to just calm down but Fana had to work through it. After about 10 minutes, Fana calmed. The caregiver told us that she intentionally put Fana in this situation to show us what she was possible of in an unwanted situation...in terms of her behavioral issues. She screamed, got over it...and then she motioned to Gunther by hand that she really wanted to go outside. And so we went.

We spent the rest of the morning in the beautiful sunshine walking around the grounds. It became very clear at this point that Fana was very much calm and confident around Gunther. They walked hand in hand for an hour or so while Yuliya and I collected wild flowers and played with the other kids at the orphanage. These children are so adorable, some quite challenged -- they all just desire love and hugs. We all wound up playing on one part of the playground...these children just swarmed Gunther and wanted to be held or taken for a special G "airplane ride"...I taught them all to say Hello. Yuliya and I played together and she can know say Hello, How are You. She likes to play the same game over and over again and loves hugs! We left for the children to have their naps and lunches at around 12:30.

We walked back into town and found the cosmopolitan side of Yambol (thank goodness!) We discovered that Yambol has this very cool pedestrial main street with lots of cafes, well dressed people and amazing atmosphere. We returned to the orphanage in the afternoon and the girls were ready to play outside (such a BEAUTIFUL day here) so off we went. Fana led Gunther by the hand again -- she has made remarkable progress in making eye contact, controlling her outbursts, etc. -- in just 2 days. All of the caregivers are in absolute disbelief how she has taken to us, especially Gunther. She is definitely going to be a daddy`s girl. I think she just loves his calmness, while Yuliya wants to look at my shoes, sunglasses, earrings, purse and loves to play with my hair...a real girly girl. We spent the next couple of hours playing, and hanging out with the other kids in the orphanage too. We headed inside around 6 and Gunther and Fana sat in the corner. She stared into his eyes -- and loves to grab his fingers. Her ultimate sign of affection to him is a good smack in the forehead. We all laugh about this. In all seriousness, this little girl who has had so many behavioral problems has taken to Gunther and shocked us all. It is heartwarming beyond belief. Yuliya is the model child -- her adjustment to orphanage life, and her intellect, spirit and childlike curiosities are amazing given her background. Seeing all of these children who just want to be loved...an experience we will never ever forget.

We said goodbye to Fana and Yuliya and tell them we`ll be back tomorrow -- they give us kisses and hugs. What a day of change, hope, love and children.

A Day We'll Never Forget

April 11, 2010

Today was one of those days which truly defies words but here goes. We woke up after a very on and off sleep, no wonder. We popped out of bed at 8 and met Rosi and Nikolay for breakfast -- an assortment of Bulgarian breads, meats and cheeses...which was amazing. After breakfast, we packed the two dolls and a selection of books for our first meeting with the girls. We were silent holding hands as we drove to the outskirts of Yambol. As Nikolay pointed out the orphanage, I felt my hands start to shake and I looked at Gunther and he had such a full expression. We pulled up to this building, words cannot describe it and I'll load the pictures at a different time because i didn't take any at that time. We walked in and we were led to an office where they were going to bring the girls. We sat there for 10 minutes or so and finally the door opened. In walked Yuliya, with this huge big smile on her face...and right behind her was Fana. Based on the report we received, we weren't sure what to expect but she came bolting in full force. I embraced her as Gunther embraced Yuliya and it was very sweet and emotional. We gave them the dolls-Fana threw hers across the room and Yuliya sat quiet and pensive. We took them out into the yard, a big space with plenty of swings and ladders and things to climb on. Both girls were very reserved...especially Fana who would not let the hand of her special caregiver go. After 30 minutes Yuliya was fully engaged with us...laughing and playing and singing. She is quite the performer. Fana was showing signs of opening up but still very introverted. Both girls absolutely LOVE to swing (definitely need one for the backyard). We took them inside after about two hours and saw the 16 other kids in the orphanage -- so beautiful. They bombarded Gunther and I -- reaching out for love and affection. At this point, Yuliya and Fana were quite possesive of us and you could see the other kids were envious. We stayed for 30 minutes...and said good-bye. We were coming back in the afternoon at 4:30 for a second visit after their rest and lunch.

The car ride back to the hotel quiet...what an experience. We went to the Bulgarian version of Safeway to buy some water and snacks. Gunther and I then rested for a couple of hours to get ready for our next visit back. We left the hotel at 4 to head back to the orphanage and when we arrived we were taken to a private playroom where the girls were. We walked in and Fana made eye contact with us and came running into my arms with Yuliya behind her. Then they hugged Gunther who brought pretzals for them ( a special snack they love). We sat and ate the pretzals and both girls were smiling and very cuddly. We took them outside and we played for a couple of hours. Fana and Gunther really made a connection while Yuliya and I played and practiced her ABCs. She is remarkably talented with music. Fana marched around (she does this happy walk) so proud. She is a very hands on girl who likes to throw things and make noises...but she is so alert and energetic.

We are so happy how today went...and tired from such a day of emotions and everything. Back tomorrow for two visits like today.

Arrival in Yambol, Bulgaria

Saturday, April 10, 2010
Woke up very, very early this morning to catch our flight from Frankfurt to Sofia. Had breakfast at the hotel in Frankfurt and took another ripping taxi ride to the airport. Had to go through two security checks and then we were off on a bus to take us to the plane. Relatively short flight to Sofia and we arrived in the early afternoon. Our adoption facilitator Nikolay and our translator Rosi met us and we started our journey from Sofia to Yambol. This three and a half hour drive took us through the beautiful plush countryside of Bulgaria. Roads were actually in halfway decent shape and despite a few tense moments on a small two lane highway where we ripped past slow trucks in the passing lane, we arrived in Yambol safe and sound. Our hotel looks like it belongs on Mars compared to the surrounding buildings -- picture above (taken from our hotel room) shows a small glimpse of the expansive red brick roofs that blanket this city.


We had a great dinner with Nikolay and Rossi -- a delicious chicken and vegetable stew cooked in this beautiful ceramic dish. To bed early now to get ready for this BIG day tomorrow -- we meet Yuliya and Fana tomorrow morning. We are excited and nervous...what a day this will be!

Great Day in Frankfurt

April 8, 2010
I arrived in Frankfurt around noon time...was avery long flight but not too bad. After picking up my luggage and going through quick immigration, was in a Mercedes taxi blasting down the autobahn at 180k enroute to the hotel. I arrived at the beautiful Steinberger Hof hotel and after a couple of hours sleep, I walked around Frankfurt and really enjoyed this city -- beautiful sunny day and listened to live street music, drank coffee (to wake up) and soaked it all in. Gunther arrived at 7 p.m. and we headed straight out for dinner in the old part of the city, amongst these beautiful churches and old buildings. We walked around Frankfurt for a bit and then headed back to the hotel for a nightcap. We take off for Bulgaria first thing in the morning and we're really anxious and excited to get into Sofia! For now, not sure what time zone our bodies are on. Watching Germany history channel in our hotel...kinda feels like home!

Bags are Packed...Ready to Go

April 8, 2010

It's a beautiful sunny, windy day and we're all packed and ready to head to Europe on this amazing life adventure. I am flying late this afternoon directly into Frankfurt...arriving tomorrow at noonish (euro time). Gunther is leaving this evening -- through London and into Frankfurt -- he gets in around 7 p.m. We're staying at this beautiful hotel in Frankfurt for one night -- we'll head to one of Gunther's favorite restaurants for dinner and surely indulge in one of the delicious and diet friendly (not) German pork dishes that we love so much! We'll try and get a good night sleep (yeah right) and then it's off to Sofia at 10am on Saturday morning!

We arrive in Sofia and are picked up by Nikolay (our facilitator...whom I'm told looks like a Bulgarian version of Tony Danza!) and a translator who will take us to Yambol where the orphanage is -- we don't see the girls until Sunday morning. It's a three hour ride so we'll have lots of time to ask him about what to expect for our first visit, and the dozens of other questions we have for him about the girls. We're staying at this ultra modern and cool looking hotel called the Riverside Hotel (pictured above) http://www.riverside-hotel.eu/ which is right in the heart of Yambol and very close to the orphanage, which is awesome!

More to come...off to make sure I have everything packed and ready. Have a suitcase of dolls, blankets and books for the girls and special little booklets for each of them describing their new home and all of the people who will be part of their lives!

I have the usual pre-flight jitters -- but nothing a glass of Cabernet can't calm. Will be so happy to arrive in Europe and see Gunther when he arrives. Off we go!

ps: at airport now - a big shout out to Johnny Dub for hooking me up on a laptop that fits in my purse that i can access the web wherever i go!