Helena Maria Sweitzer-Bush’s Story
One constant theme throughout our adoption story is that Helena is the light of our life! Adoption is an experience that is rich with many emotions. I truly don’t think that anyone fully understands the range of emotions that adoption possesses until they actually experience it for themselves. Our story is filled with many adventures and miracles; many of which are unimaginable. But, we made it and Helena was worth every struggle.
We began the process in the pursuit of a Russian 2006 adoption. As our luck would have it, just as our paperwork was completed and sent in country, Russia had decided to close for reorganization of their adoption procedures. We then began the long wait for Russia to resume. During this wait, World Links, in March of 2007, provided us with new country options, Kyrgyzstan and the Ukraine. We then decided to pursue both countries, simultaneously. In late August of 2007, World Links contacted us regarding a referral of a then, two week old baby girl. We immediately accepted this referral. It was as if time stood still. We had to pinch ourselves to actually believe that our time had come. World Links gathered as much information as they could with regard to our referral and even arranged for us to meet our in-country coordinator, while she was visiting in the United States.
As I look back at the process, what seemed to be an eternity, actually proceeded rather quickly. World Links arranged for us to make our first trip to Kyrgyzstan in late October of 2007---to meet our then, 10 week old, Helena. W e then prepared for our trip (actually everything was ready from the moment we signed with World Links, lol). We carefully selected our flights and hotel, coordinated our phone communications, and checked and rechecked our passports and visas. Everything seemed to be in place. When we arrived at the airport and checked in, we were informed that Air France (our carrier) had just announced (2 minutes ago) that they were on strike. Our hearts sank. Scott was immediately on the phone with American Express and they readily re-booked us to arrive on schedule, via alternative airlines. I am now confident that we could win on The Amazing Race.
When we arrived in Kyrgyzstan, the in-country coordinator picked us up at the airport and took us to our hotel. We had a few questions at Passport Control due to Scott’s last name (go figure), but, everything turned out well. The next morning, we traveled to meet Helena. It was an indescribable experience. We couldn’t believe that this was actually happening. From the time that she entered our arms, we knew that she was the one! She never took her eyes off of us, she grasped our fingers, and she readily let us feed her. We spent the next 5 days visiting with her, each day for many hours as we were allowed. It was heartbreaking to leave, but we told her that we would be back as soon as we could, to bring her home. We gave a little glow worm. To this day, she becomes instantly relaxed by the glow worm’s song.
The next few months seemed like forever. Our final INS (change of country form was completed) and we had sent it directly to Kyrgyzstan, in the hope of saving time. Well, obstacle number 2 reared. The carrier had lost our letter. I called Regina at World Links frantic (this was during the Thanksgiving Holiday and she still answered my call on a Saturday night). She assured me that everything would be ok and that she would contact the in-country coordinator to alert her. After many phone calls to the carrier, the letter was found and the in-country coordinator called World Links to let Tatiana know that she had received the letter.
In late December of 2007, we received confirmation that Helena was officially ours, following the court date. We then traveled 30 days later, in late January of 2008 to pick Helena up. This time there were no glitches with the travel arrangements. When we arrived, we were overjoyed to see Helena; words cannot describe the feelings that transpired - she was ours.
World Links could not have been more supportive and truly went above and beyond with respect to their commitment to us. When we arrived, Helena had pneumonia and had to be admitted to the in-country hospital. World Links not only found us a medical translator but also communicated with us many times throughout each day that we were there. Regina, Laureen, and Tatiana spoke with my mother in the United States many times, each day, and assisted us with coordinating our trip back home. This was a very stressful time (as you can imagine), but World Links clearly made us feel secure and assisted us with every aspect that arose. For this, we are eternally grateful!
Now, one year later, Helena is very a healthy and happy toddler. She is walking, talking, and learning new things each day. Our life has not changed, as many people ask, but is is greatly enriched by this bundle of giggles and joy! She is so very special and worth every obstacle that we encountered. World Links truly came through on many levels for us.
Sincerely and with gratitude,
Emily Sweitzer and Scott Bush
Grateful parents of Helena Maria Sweitzer-Bush