Suzanne Romanoff, Ph.d. (Florida Regional Director), is an educator who has spent her life working to teach and prepare children to be part of the world around them. When she added working with EAC to her life schedule in 2000, she set three goals; establish a Florida office and secure a Florida License for EAC work; present seminars throughout the state so that couples could hear and see the story of international adoption; and, create a climate of understanding about international adoption in this sunshine state. Goals accomplished! Now, She is reinforcing the EAC philosophy through one-on-one client contact, and continuing to broaden the focus and scope of our many EAC Florida seminars. Suzanne said, "international adoption is one of those wonderful life changing experiences that is sharing at its highest form: parents fulfilling a dream through finding the child they can teach and love, and giving to them a whole new life."

"She is a little younger than you were thinking!" stated Kollene. "How much?" I asked. "Four." "How four?" I asked "Well, she will be four next month." After some thought, I heard myself saying "OK"--but with doubts. Being single and older, I was going through Alex's Angels program for a five or six year old child.

The next day a package arrived with the word "Aizhan" on it. The minute I saw her picture, she was MINE. When a friend found out her name meant "Soul of the Moon," I stated that my name meant "Moon"--a definite sign. I called to find out when they wanted me to go.

One month later, my friend Donna and I were being greeted at the airport in Almaty, Kazakhstan. After a couple of days to see the sights, we were off for the two hour drive to our region. Soon we were at the orphanage having tea with the orphanage director. Aizhan was brought in wearing an interesting outfit of orange shoes, red tights, blue skirt, yellow top and green sweater. She climbed onto my lap to enjoy the tea and cakes, looking warily at this mama from far away.

I had twice daily visits with Aizhan as I settled into my apartment. I found out how good the EAC staff was, especially when the bumps started. Aizhan did not like the visits! Mama had come for her and she wanted to go HOME! Her cries upset everyone, even the cooks. EAC got permission to have our visits outside where she would leave me more peacefully. She spoke a bad baby talk mixture of Kazak and Russian which the translator could not understand; luckily, our driver, who had small children, could communicate with her.

The laws were changing to include an after court waiting period. Luckily, EAC worked to get the time waived, and on May 13, 2004 (my 46th birthday), the judge said "Happy birthday -- you have a daughter!" We spent a week in Almaty sightseeing and doing paperwork. The only finalization was paperwork from the capital which was on a train not due until ten minutes after the consulate closed. Our driver met the train and got there with five minutes to spare!

Within a month she understood English, and her teachers were impressed at how fast she learned. Aizhan is now six and a half and is in first grade. She is outgoing and friendly, loves gymnastics, bicycling, talking, and still wears interesting outfits.

I can honestly say I can not remember what I did before she came into my life. I don’t know how EAC did it, but they found the perfect match for me.

Cynthia

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