For anyone in the midst of their adoption journey, and who has wondered “how will I know...?” and who has been told “you will just know it, feel it when you meet your child for the first time ”...believe me that is sincerely true.

When I first traveled to Russia and met Kristina, the moment she looked up into my eyes as she held my hand, I just knew we would be mother & daughter. There is something loving that naturally comes from deep within you that lets you know that special bond has started. It was so hard to leave the baby home after the very first day I met and spent time with Kristina, especially as she hugged and kissed me and her little hands held so tight to mine as it was time to leave until the next day. I had a very special dream in my heart for a quite some time about adopting a child and the more I learned about adoptions, the stronger it became.

Following a trip to Poland with my sister and her husband where they adopted 3 beautiful children and experiencing the love of my new nieces & nephew as an aunt for the first time, I knew my own special dream was to be a reality in the near future. After that, I contacted World Links. Everyone at World Links is very understanding, sincere, helpful, professional, knowledgeable and supportive. Tatiana and her staff are the best and in my mind they are “adoption angels.”

The entire adoption paperwork process and the long trips filled with schedules and adoption details to take care of were well organized both here and in Russia. Everyone working for World Links in Russia was there for me “every step of the way” on each trip. From the days spent at the baby home with Kristina, to all that is involved in completing the adoption process, to the wonderful experience of traveling in and learning about Russia as part of my daughter’s heritage, all of that brought such enriching, special memories to cherish with her forever.

Kristina is doing very well and watching her with love, joy and pride in my heart as she enjoys life is a feeling beyond words. She is so happy and a very loving, smiling, bright, caring 5 year old who loves to happily sing, dance, read books, laugh & play, learning everything she can. We are extremely happy together in every way. It seems like only yesterday I stepped off the plane with her here for the first time and now it is almost 3 beautiful years later!

Anyone who is in the adoption process needs to look ahead with loving commitment and positive hearts and minds in changing a waiting child’s life with love and caring forever. Yes the paperwork, the waiting, and the traveling takes a ton of faith, patience and perseverance. Then... before you know it that special moment arrives when you meet your child and soon your child is home with you and suddenly all the waiting and wondering melts away as you see your child finally there in your home... that makes all the difference in the world.

I am truly happy that Tatiana and everyone at World Links continue to work with Russia and other countries to sincerely help make so many children’s and parents’ special dreams become a loving reality as they are brought together as a family.

Karen H.

Karen has agreed to speak to our prospective adoptive parents about her experiences. Please contact us and we will forward your information to Karen.