Thursday... 6/9/11 (day 14)

 

Met with April at the embassy this morning at 11 am.  Getting into the embassy is not like you see in the movies.  You don't go running into the safe haven of a gated building and people rush to your every whim just because you are an American (unless someone is shooting at you, I guess).  There are lines and thorough security checks.   We were actually the only Americans there.  Ironic, I know.  Other than April and the other people working in that department (I don't know what you call it), everyone else working there that we encountered was Nepali.  My only reaction to that is surprise.  Nice people though. 

 

The interview process was painless, other than not getting a conclusive answer as to when the visa will be issued.  There was paperwork provided on my end, questions from April and an embassy officer.  Finley had to be present with me.  She did quite well for the 1.5 hours that we were at the embassy, other than a little figiting.  Just to explain things more clearly...  Today's visit was to apply for Finley's visa for travel.  The travel document that was issued yesterday was required for today's appointment. She does not qualify for a passport b/c she is not yet a US citizen.   Now, we wait for the visa to be approved/issued.  April says that 48 hours is allowed for processing, but it COULD be sooner.  They close tomorrow (Friday) at lunch and are closed Saturday and Sunday.  It remains a big IF that it would be issued before they close tomorrow b/c it will only be 24 hours.  Even if it is issued Monday am, it will be difficult for us to get on a flight that same day.  Every family has to go through a similiar process, depending on the country.  It is a nail biting time, but part of the process nonetheless.   All of these steps have been taken by many who have adopted from the paperwork to the travel to the bonding / adjustment.  Adoptive parents are tough cookies and I guarantee a lot smarter than they were when they started!  I digress....anyhow, April should email me as soon as she has an indication of the time and day the visa will be ready.  So I am attached to the computer, just waiting for some word.  It will come soon.  As an act of faith, I have already started packing my bag. 

 

 

On a lighter note, we had the most fabulous meal at Woodstone Pizza.  As close to American food as we have had.  Bacon, spinach, garlic pizza with sizzling brownie and ice cream that we shared. This is the most self indulgent meal we have had and the first without hesitation for Erin since being sick.  Erin is all better.   Finley is also a fan of ice cream.  I can see that I should better pace her at the rate I am introducing her to the luxuries!  She says, "momma, momma" and opens her mouth like a bird.  When she gets a bite of something she likes, she rocks her head from side to side and her eyes get big and you can see the smile across her face.  Beautiful.  She is also turning into a singer.  She is still at about 40% with pottying, She will  need to learn table manners and manners for wearing a dress when we get home.  I am learning that it is difficult to fool Finley even with a language barrier.  However, I seem more subject to being duped by the 2 year old.  How is that? 

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sweet messages and for keeping us in your prayers.  Be home soon!  Love to you all.