Russia: The Karasek Family

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The Karasek Family

We began our adoption journey in January of 2008. My husband and I have two biological sons ages 9 and 12 who were conceived using infertility treatments. We had seriously considered adoption prior to becoming pregnant with our sons. During the summer of 2007 we felt a calling to have another child. God placed adoption back on our hearts. We felt that with all the children who desperately needed a home, adoption was the answer.

After much research we decided on Russia and submitted our application to CWA in January of 2008. I worked quickly to complete our home study and dossier. The more forms that we completed, the closer I felt to bringing our daughter home. Our dossier was registered in the Pskov region in July of 2008. During the next eight months we waited for a referral. The waiting was the hardest part! We knew that God was in control and that his timing is perfect but there were days that I wondered if we would ever get “the call”.

In February of 2009 I received a phone call from Anya that there was a little girl waiting for us to meet her. She was the most beautiful little girl! We traveled to meet her in March and knew instantly that she was meant to be our daughter!

Our first trip to Russia was amazing. We stayed with a wonderful host family in Pskov, which is near the border of Estonia. Each morning we made the 45 minute drive to the orphanage to visit our daughter. She had the most beautiful eyes and a gentle spirit. Leaving her to return home was one of the hardest things I have done! We waited nearly five months to return to Russia for court. Our family prayed for this little girl every night. We prayed that she had some one to love her and hug her and tuck her in to bed each night.

In July 2009 we returned to bring our daughter home. We spent the first couple days sight-seeing in St. Petersburg. We were able to learn more about the culture and history of Russia. After 3 days we returned to Pskov for court. The court process went smoothly and we became the proud parents of Grace Albina! After court my husband returned home to be with our boys. My mother remained with me in Russia. We spent the 10-day wait visiting Grace in the orphanage. Each day we got more smiles and hugs. It was so nice to be able to watch Grace interact with the other children in her group and see how she spent her time. Her caregivers seemed very loving and kind and gave lots of hugs. I realized that our prayers for loving caregivers had been answered! Once the ten day wait was over, we said goodbye to Grace’s friends and caregivers one last time. I will never forget walking out of the orphanage with my daughter!

The next day we boarded a train to Moscow where we spent our remaining six days. We had our appointment with the Embassy and obtained Grace’s visa. We explored old Arbat and saw Red Square. The memories made will never be forgotten. On August 21 we boarded a plane for the long journey home.

We have been home now for 6 months and Grace is doing wonderful. Her brothers adore her and she is such a joy. She is a happy, smart, spirited little girl. The adoption process had taught our entire family about trusting God even when things seem uncertain. We are so thankful for this experience, for the support of our friends and family, and for CWA who helped us find our daughter!

— Stephanie, Mike, Grace, Austin & Parker Karasek