The Home Stretch

Here is most of everything that happened yesterday-
Pre-court went well. We went first, which we both appreciated, and the questions were perfunctory and easy. It was in the judge’s office, and was attended not only by us with Almira, but also by the director of the baby house and the gold toothed social worker we bumped into at the market. It took about 7 minutes. Our second court is set for Wednesday at 10:30 am. We have plane tickets to Almaty for Friday, 10am. We are cautiously hopeful. If all were to go well, we would get custody Thursday, the day after court. Of course, we still don’t know what will happen with the 2-week waiting period (enforced or waived), and that is key. We’re still holding our breath(s?) on that one.
Today we are stuck in the apartment because Vladimir Putin is meeting the president of Kazakhstan here in Uralsk to sign an energy deal. We’ve been told not to leave at all, because we would be asked for our papers, etc., if we were out on the street, so we’ll read, play scrabble, cards, nap, etc. It’s an official holiday for workers and all the stores will be closed. We won’t see Sultan again until after court on Wednesday.
Yesterday when we visited in the morning (only one visitation since yesterday afternoon was pre-court instead), S was crying when we arrived. The caregiver said it was because he was waiting for Mama. Would that it were true, but who knows? Sounds like the perfect line to tell a pre-adoptive mother.
So, that’s the report. Please keep praying or sending the good energy. We’re not out of the woods yet, it’s not over til it’s over and the fat lady sings. When we get off the plane in Boston I will heave a huge sigh and kiss the ground.
Update from today- Tuesday- finally connected to the ‘puter, and can report that our trio of helpers: Nadya, Almira, and Igor stopped in this morning to help us complete paperwork, a process that took well over 90 minutes. This is paperwork that will be needed at the Embassy in Almaty whenever we get there. We have our fingers crossed. PLEASE, if you have any last few good vibes left in you, we could use them!
Much love & good tidings to all.
xo,
S & K