“We had so many questions and concerns about adopting. We wanted to make sure that we are making the right decision for our family… We knew pretty much right away based on the patience of Yuri and Elliana that we would like to have them assist us with an adoption from Ukraine.
They took time with us, which we needed, to answer every question as it came up. We were scared to trust. I think they sensed that and they tried to make us as comfortable with them as possible. We were also given the names and/or numbers of several people we could talk to about their experiences as references. We learned early on that we could trust Yuri and Elliana and that was what we needed.
Yuri and Elliana helped us from the start of the process to the end. We knew that throughout our Adoption process we were always only a phone call or e-mail away from the answer to our questions. We wanted to know everything that we could about our children’s background and the history of their country.
Yuri and Elliana helped out a lot with this. Any questions that we had about the country were answered very graciously as were any fears we had about the travel. We discussed everything with them, down to what to pack for clothing. They went over the complete adoption process, who we were going to meet while there and at what stage we would be meeting them. They had arranged for us to have our own translator/facilitator named, George, and driver named, Vladimir. They also talked extensively about Ukraine and the different culture. We discussed what we would be paying and to whom.
They strongly believe that the adoption process would be more enjoyable and would go smoother if we were prepared for any conceivable thing, and you know what, they were absolutely right…”
Adoption in 2003. Angie and Don Gudenkauf.
November 8, 2011