THE EBKEN FAMILY

Like many other couples, we were unsuccessful in conceiving a child. Our fertility treatments left us with broken hearts. We attempted domestic and Polish adoptions as well with no success. Our wish to become parents was finally fulfilled when we worked with Laura at Adopt-A-Child who quickly matched us with our son, Gregory! Words cannot fully express the joy he has brought into our lives! Here's our story

My husband couldn't make the trip and so I arrived in Moscow on Mother's Day May 13, 2000 to begin the journey how appropriate! I was so nervous to meet Gregory and so afraid he wouldn't like me! But after spending time with him in the orphanage, he became more comfortable with me and would run to me when I arrived!

The international adoption laws were changing at the time and so I spent 2 weeks there getting through the process. However, the agency provided me with a safe driver and translator to guide me through every step along the way. Two weeks later I arrived back in Moscow to bring him home! I stayed with a Russian family during my second trip and was glad for the experience to do so.

Gregory was 2 1/2 years old when he arrived home on Father's Day, June 16, 2000. His only medical diagnosis was speech delay but he quickly learned English and in no time was speaking in short sentences. He was not even on the height/weight charts for his age. However, within one year he grew 9 1/2 inches and gained 15 pounds, well within the 80th percentile! What a transformation!

Gregory has been home for 2 years on June 16 2002. He is such a bright, warm and loving child. He had made many friends at pre-school. He enjoys cars, books, ferris wheels, swimming and playing ball.

Many people comment "I bet he's changed your lives!" and I always reply "He's brought Life to our lives!" Best wishes to you on your journey to become adoptive parents!

Christine Ebken