Up early the next morning...there were many places to go before we could leave the City.  Rich went to the Police Station with our passports and visas and to register our presence.  This was required by Russian law and we had previously registered in Moscow.  With all the paperwork complete from the various centers, we were ready to pick up our little girl and deliver the 5 foot bag of donations we had brought for the children who would remain behind.

The orphanage workers donned in white medical coats, had us remove all of our child's clothing and give them back to them.  We then dressed her in the clothing we had brought and got an approval from all assembled when we had her thoroughly swaddled. (Thank you L.L. Bean)

The doctor and workers gave us a doll to save for Alexandria and wished us much happiness.  Further, they extracted promises to send them pictures and let them know of their native daughter.  There were no language barriers or cultural differences when we exchanged hugs and tears.  They reminded us that Alexandria meant, "helper of mankind", and we collectively hoped that she would grow to be just that.

The van ride to Moscow began at 10:00 a.m. but we didn't arrive in Moscow until 6:00p.m.!  The trip took 8 hours due to the onslaught of a strong snow storm.  The roads were plowed in remote towns by the simple travel of cars on the road.  Our van had holes and was cold on the sides of the passenger seats and blasting hot in the middle from the heater.  There were no seat belts, so we rode with a chronic case of " white-knuckles."  At one point the van stalled and Rich and the driver pushed the van, along with the kind help of a fellow motorist to restart the engine.

Arriving eventually in Moscow, was both a relief and treat.