Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 21, 1991 TAG: 9103220542
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MELANIE S. HATTER/ STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It was the last meeting before the group set out to adopt abandoned children in Romania. The group flew from Baltimore on Sunday.
Sitting in Walker's living room in her Lynchburg home recently, group members shared phrases and information with each other.
Spurred by news reports of abandoned children in Romania, Walker organized the group to adopt the orphans. Hundreds of children filled orphanages because people could not afford to keep the large families requested by leader Nicolae Ceausescu, who was overthrown in 1989.
Walker told the group to keep in mind that although Romanian children don't look different, new parents must remember they come from a different culture. "Romania should be spoken and thought of with respect," she said.
This was probably the first time in weeks anyone had actually thought of the children. Everyone was more anxious about what to pack, where they'll live, whether all their paperwork was in order, and where to buy books on the country and its language.
"I haven't had time to think about the baby," Diana Howell of Roanoke, who appeared in a Jan. 31 Neighbors story about the group and its plans to go to Romania said. "I've been so busy thinking about the process."
The process included filling out countless forms, getting original marriage licenses, birth certificates, letters of recommendation - at least one from a lawyer - bank statements, and anything else that proved U.S. citizenship and eligibility to adopt.
At least four copies of everything had to be notarized and translated into Romanian. Some people had six copies made to be on the safe side.
Howell thought she was almost ready but discovered she had to get her passport extended from 30 to 60 days in the event her stay takes longer than a month.
With help, her passport was speeded through the red tape and she got it back with a week to spare. All that's left is to get a translated copy of her papers, she said.
Financially, Howell was not fully prepared to jet off to Romania to adopt a child, but with support from friends and local businesses she gradually raised money to go. The flight alone is more than $900.
The biggest surprise came at the meeting when she received $500 that was donated by a group member who was unable to go.
"I couldn't believe it," she said. "The Lord knows how much I need." She had always been confident the money would come somehow or another, she added.
The uncertainty within the group is high. No one knows how long it will take to adopt a child or if they will even find one. But the group says it has put its faith in God to get there and back safely.
"I feel like I'm jumping off a cliff with no one to lean on," said Terri Vignali of Forest, who is scared at the thought of traveling to what was a communist country.
Although communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu was overthrown in December 1989, the country's political structure remains communist.
Vignali, who has three children, had never considered adoption before but "the plight really touched us," she said.
Through her actions she hopes to teach her children compassion and sharing. It's one thing to state a belief in God, but it's another to follow through with action, she said.
Walker and her husband, Wayne, gave some tips on what to expect and what to do, including taking snacks, because of the shortage of food in the country, and not drawing attention to themselves.
"We must not offend people with our impatience or anger," Walker said.
The group will live with Romanian families because it is cheaper than living in hotels.
Russ Daubert, a speech communications professor at Liberty University who traveled to Romania in December, had shared his impressions with the group in previous meetings.
His experience there was a good one, he said. He had no trouble with theft and found the Romanian people very friendly and kind.
Daubert warned the group to prepare themselves for a culture shock.
"The standard of living is totally different," he said. "I met a factory worker who made about $25 per month. Our American dollars will go a long way."
by CNB