The Furbecks contacted From the Heart Adoption Services and soon found themselves in the middle of an intricate bureaucratic process that frequently left them frustrated and anxious. There were no less than thirty forms that had to be completed and notarized, and the Russian government’s ever-changing policies didn’t help. Then their wait for their fingerprint clearance from the FBI was extended by the shutdown of the U.S. government, which occurred not only because of the lack of a federal budget, but also thanks to the Blizzard of ’96!
The Furbecks received photographs and a videotape of a little girl named Natalya. Their growing love for this child, combined with their faith in God and the encouragement and help of the dedicated owners of the adoption agency, kept them determined to see the adoption through. Finally, on April 5, 1996, the Furbecks left for Russia with three other couples who were also adopting children.
The trip to the orphanage in Krasnodar was an adventure in itself, but the Furbecks took everything in stride and remained optimistic. When they held Jill Natalya Furbeck, now thirteen months old, for the first time, their hearts soared and they knew this was what they had waited for.
Janet and Michael Furbeck have experienced a joy which few can boast. The story of Jill’s adoption is certain to tug at the heart and encourage others who may be considering taking one of these children into their lives and hearts.
