Hearings!

The weeks that Andy was in Moldova prior to my coming were spent negotiating a court hearing, strategizing, attempting to understand the Moldovan legal/court system, and making daily visits with Lena and Will.  He was also stayed on top of work matters and some very hard issues regarding Children's Hope.  The original plan was to have the court hearing on Will scheduled for either March 6 or 7.  We also hoped that he could persuade the court to allow me to me absent from the hearing to avoid my return to Moldova alone.  Andy was scheduled to return home on Saturday, March 8.

However, despite his very hard work, our plans did not come to fruition.  I traveled to Moldova on March 8 and arrived Sunday, March 9.  The hearing for Will was to be held at 11:30 on Monday.  We were told there was a small possibility that the hearing on Lena might take place later in the day or on Tuesday but come prepared to WAIT!

Will's hearing surprisingly began roughly on time with the judge dismissing our facilitator (Albina), and two translators we had hired.  The judge called in a different translator who was familiar with translating Romanian and Russian but not English.  Fortunately, our attorney spoke excellent English and was able to translate with the designated translator got stuck.

With the new adoption law in Moldova, a prosecutor is required to attend.  One of our translators went by her office this morning to make sure she was coming.  She argued that she was not required.  However, our translator persuaded her that she was indeed required to be there and that the hearing would be rescheduled without her.

Will's hearing seemed to have gone well.  Once it was over, the judge went immediately to Lena's hearing.  We were really pleasantly surprised!  While our time ran out before the judge could address the prosecutor and representative from Children's SErvices, Andy and I were addressed and answered questions from the judge.  Since the prosecutor and Children's Services had no questions for us, the judge continued both hearings until March 21 but our presence will not be required.  At that time, we hope to get rulings on both children and learn how long the appeal period will be.  The appeal period can be up to 60 days.  At the end of the appeal period, we can return to Moldova and bring the children home.

One funny concern of Wills about the trip home is riding in the airplane.  At first he was excited about it but someone mentioned to him that you had to be tied down in the seat.  Andy tried to explain it was a buckle that went across your lap.  Andy said he was still concerned about it the next day but he reminded Will that Hope had done it and this seemed to convince him that he could too.