I have promised my blog readers that I would always be “real in the midst of the process”, “lovingly honest” . . . always letting God’s wisdom shine through my written words. That has always been my witness and testimony . . . and I wish to close out our adoption journey to Pakistan with that commitment to the Truth.
Our adoption journey to Pakistan is now over . . . Heartbreaking and Incomplete . . . Without our Gracy Girl . . . our Marina Grace . . . our precious Sweet Pea!
There is no room for anger. The emotional pain and grief take up all the space. It takes my breath away and makes me so physically weak that I fall to my knees . . . once there, all I can do is pray.
No one knows what will happen . . . and according to the US Embassy there is little hope, actually slim to none. However, I know God is bigger than this . . . it WILL take a miracle! Please pray for this miracle.
Please understand . . . At this point, I have made public what I wish to be publically known . . . everything else is private. I humbly ask for you to respect my privacy. And yes, there is an on-going US Embassy and Pakistan FIA investigation. If you wish to know the current state of the Lighthouse Pakistan program . . . please contact Lorien Wenger (director of LH) directly with your questions.
I hope to eventually be able to share good news of a Miracle . . . of a 2nd trip to Pakistan to bring our Sweet Pea home! But . . . only time will tell. It is too early in the investigation to know what will happen in regards to being able to complete the adoption.
And, most of all - - - as you go throughout your day, as you walk by a child and as you kiss your children at night . . . please, please pray for precious Sweet Pea/Marina Grace . . . Gracy . . . the innocent victim.
Mama
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Home . . .
The most difficult moment . . . walking through the door of Home without Sweet Pea. I see all the preparation that took place in anticipation of Sweet Pea’s arrival home . . .
. . . the car seat and stroller
. . . the “organized” closet full of her clothes and the changing table
. . . her sweet bassinet in Mama’s room . . . the matching swing
. . . her precious picture on the counter for G’ma and Nicky to see every day.
I don’t even have the emotional energy to cry anymore. It will all be dealt with at some point . . . but not right now, not today.
Tomorrow . . . maybe the pain will begin to subside. Maybe tomorrow I will wake up and it will all just be a dream, a horrible nightmare! I will wake up and have my precious Sweet Pea and all will be right with the world!
Tomorrow . . . God, could you please begin working the miracle, so all will be right tomorrow?
Today . . . I need to hug my sweet boy, my Nicky. Try to help him understand why his mama is so sad and his little sister is not here. What do you say to a 6 year old that can even begin to explain it? Nothing . . . really. He is still too young to understand why the very innocent of our world . . . our children . . . become tragic victims!
But, his questions need to be answered . . . “what happened, Mama?” Deep breath, steady voice . . . My dear Lord . . . give me the right words . . .
Mama
. . . the car seat and stroller
. . . the “organized” closet full of her clothes and the changing table
. . . her sweet bassinet in Mama’s room . . . the matching swing
. . . her precious picture on the counter for G’ma and Nicky to see every day.
I don’t even have the emotional energy to cry anymore. It will all be dealt with at some point . . . but not right now, not today.
Tomorrow . . . maybe the pain will begin to subside. Maybe tomorrow I will wake up and it will all just be a dream, a horrible nightmare! I will wake up and have my precious Sweet Pea and all will be right with the world!
Tomorrow . . . God, could you please begin working the miracle, so all will be right tomorrow?
Today . . . I need to hug my sweet boy, my Nicky. Try to help him understand why his mama is so sad and his little sister is not here. What do you say to a 6 year old that can even begin to explain it? Nothing . . . really. He is still too young to understand why the very innocent of our world . . . our children . . . become tragic victims!
But, his questions need to be answered . . . “what happened, Mama?” Deep breath, steady voice . . . My dear Lord . . . give me the right words . . .
Mama
The Difficult Journey Home . . .
Through each flight and airport, we are the walking numb . . . we automatically move through the required motions to get from point A to point B. I remember little of the 26 hour flight home. Uppa D and I have spoken very little, but we are grieving together. All it takes is a catch of the eye or a look of disbelief between us. We need no words . . . because there are no words to describe our pain.
My thoughts alternate between . . . “we are walking through the airports without our precious Sweet Pea. It is so different than what was planned.” and “Where is she? Is she crying? Does she need her bottle? Is she ok?” Those thoughts keep repeating over and over in my head. And, hopefully, if I keep repeating it enough, it will eventually start to become . . . real.
I was dreading the flight from Dubai to Houston . . . 16 hours of looking at the bulk head wall . . . just the two holes . . . where the bassinet was to have been. 16 hours of a constant reminder that I had lost my baby girl.
But, God knew my pain . . . and provided a healing diversion. There was a mother and 2 children (3 yo & 12 mo) across the aisle in the bulk head seats from us. The 3 yo was a sweet toddler girl, with big brown eyes . . . the very image of Sweet Pea. At first, I cringed when I heard her mother use her name, Maria . . . so close to Sweet Pea’s name, Marina, . . . off only by 1 letter! I just sat there and watched her in her sweet, toddler-like, playful activity. I realized that God was allowing me to catch a glimpse of what my baby girl might look like in 3 years. Such a gift of interaction with this little girl. I played with Maria several times from Dubai to Houston. I eventually felt like I needed to apologize to her mother for staring at her so long and often. I told her mother that she reminded me of a “very special baby girl” with big brown eyes and a beautiful, sweet smile. I told her mother that she should be so very proud of Maria. Her mother asked if I had children, I said yes. She smiled and told me I was a good mother!
We touched down in Houston and I said a mournful good-bye to Maria.
We made it to the gate for our final flight . . . and then . . . my sister was there, gathering me up in her arms! My brother-in-law and sister had driven from Austin to spend the layover in Houston with us. Such a wonderful, refreshing 2-3 hour surprise of support!
We boarded the final leg of our flight home. One more hour and then the difficult journey would be over. But, the hardest moment of all still to come . . . walking into our Home with aching, empty arms.
Finally, it was over. Uppa D hugged me as we walked through the airport to baggage claim.
We were met at the airport with no fanfare, no celebration . . . no grand entrance with Sweet Pea, but by my homestudy social worker, G’ma and 2 of my dearest friends and adoptive mothers. They gathered us up, enveloping us with love and support.
And then . . . Nicky . . . my sweet boy, the love-of-my-life, ran to greet us. I snatched him up . . . tears streaming down.
So very bittersweet . . .
Mama
My thoughts alternate between . . . “we are walking through the airports without our precious Sweet Pea. It is so different than what was planned.” and “Where is she? Is she crying? Does she need her bottle? Is she ok?” Those thoughts keep repeating over and over in my head. And, hopefully, if I keep repeating it enough, it will eventually start to become . . . real.
I was dreading the flight from Dubai to Houston . . . 16 hours of looking at the bulk head wall . . . just the two holes . . . where the bassinet was to have been. 16 hours of a constant reminder that I had lost my baby girl.
But, God knew my pain . . . and provided a healing diversion. There was a mother and 2 children (3 yo & 12 mo) across the aisle in the bulk head seats from us. The 3 yo was a sweet toddler girl, with big brown eyes . . . the very image of Sweet Pea. At first, I cringed when I heard her mother use her name, Maria . . . so close to Sweet Pea’s name, Marina, . . . off only by 1 letter! I just sat there and watched her in her sweet, toddler-like, playful activity. I realized that God was allowing me to catch a glimpse of what my baby girl might look like in 3 years. Such a gift of interaction with this little girl. I played with Maria several times from Dubai to Houston. I eventually felt like I needed to apologize to her mother for staring at her so long and often. I told her mother that she reminded me of a “very special baby girl” with big brown eyes and a beautiful, sweet smile. I told her mother that she should be so very proud of Maria. Her mother asked if I had children, I said yes. She smiled and told me I was a good mother!
We touched down in Houston and I said a mournful good-bye to Maria.
We made it to the gate for our final flight . . . and then . . . my sister was there, gathering me up in her arms! My brother-in-law and sister had driven from Austin to spend the layover in Houston with us. Such a wonderful, refreshing 2-3 hour surprise of support!
We boarded the final leg of our flight home. One more hour and then the difficult journey would be over. But, the hardest moment of all still to come . . . walking into our Home with aching, empty arms.
Finally, it was over. Uppa D hugged me as we walked through the airport to baggage claim.
We were met at the airport with no fanfare, no celebration . . . no grand entrance with Sweet Pea, but by my homestudy social worker, G’ma and 2 of my dearest friends and adoptive mothers. They gathered us up, enveloping us with love and support.
And then . . . Nicky . . . my sweet boy, the love-of-my-life, ran to greet us. I snatched him up . . . tears streaming down.
So very bittersweet . . .
Mama
The US Embassy Interview . . .
The best way for me to begin this post is to start with the day’s ending . . .
It is early in the wee hours of the morning, Thursday (10/15/09) about an hour before we leave Pakistan to fly home to the US.
We will be returning home . . . without our precious Sweet Pea!
Several hours ago, I read the latest blog comments and I noticed one particular comment from a parent, currently in Pakistan adopting. She gave me her email address in hopes that we could connect while we both were still here in Pakistan. I sent her an email a couple hours ago, introducing myself and just now received a reply email back from her. Her email stated she has just gone through court and received the Permanent Guardianship Order. Thursday she will have her US Embassy interview for the child’s visa. She mentioned that she was just informed by the embassy that there may be delays because of a very recent case where the child’s documents had been forged. She had read my blog and knew I was to have our US Embassy interview on Wednesday and asked if I had heard anything about this particular case while at the embassy? Had I encountered any delays? I sent back an email that “Yes, I had heard about the case” and I wished her well, safe travels, as she finished her adoption of her daughter.
Yes, I am very, very familiar with the case she mentioned . . . because . . . that case, is my adoption of Sweet Pea.
Wednesday (10/14/09) started just like any other morning of our 3.5 weeks in Pakistan. Sweet Pea woke up around 5:30 a.m. desperately wanting her bottle. Then we snuggled back to sleep until we needed to Skype with big brother, Nicky, at 6:30 a.m. Just a regular early morning . . . the only difference was, Sweet Pea turned 14 weeks old today! And, it was hopefully our last day in Pakistan – with the absolute priority of the day being the US Embassy interview and issue of Sweet Pea’s visa. We were to be there in the morning around 11:00 so we needed to be ready by 9:00 to catch the embassy diplomatic shuttle service to the security gate of the US Embassy. We all quickly got dressed . . . Sweet Pea in her precious red, white & blue dress, specifically purchased by a good friend just for this special embassy interview occasion (thank you K!). We took pictures, Sweet Pea holding her new country flag - - - USA!
Both Sadeem (Director of Global Adoption Services) and the orphanage social worker (Pastor Bhatti of Great Gospel Church) were to accompany us to the US Embassy, per the request of the Chief of American Citizens Services Unit on Tuesday (10/13/09). The Chief of ACS had called me late Tuesday to inform me that my “systems issue” was FINALLY resolved. He also mentioned that he would like for Pastor Bhatti and Sadeem to accompany me to the embassy on Wednesday morning.
Sadeem has always been our transportation, so we had to wait for Sadeem to arrive. Due to details that really are not important, we ended up running very, very late, once again. So, we had the manager of the guest house snap a couple pictures of Sweet Pea, Mama and Uppa D in front of the guest house. Due to our time restraints, that would have to do for an embassy picture! Little did I know - - - that would be the last picture we would take of precious Sweet Pea.
We FINALLY arrived at the embassy around 1:00 p.m. The Chief of ACS was waiting for us and we were allowed to immediately go into “window #1”, a small, closed room with a glass window where the adoption interviews take place. The Chief of ACS was sitting behind the window, ready for us! He needed us to submit our final documents: the court order, I-600 and I-864. Once done, he asked us to take a seat out in the waiting area. Then he wanted to visit with the Pastor. After about 40-45 minutes, Pastor Bhatti came and sat behind us. Then the Chief of ACS wanted to visit with Sadeem. After another 40-45 minutes, Sadeem emerged and I was finally called back to “window #1”. In my mind, I was thinking “YEAH! Issue of Visa is next!
Inside “window #1” we sat down, Uppa D was holding Sweet Pea so I could concentrate on the final discussions for the visa. The Chief of ACS looked up at me and said “Ms B., I’m sorry to inform you, we cannot issue a visa for ‘Sweet Pea’ . . . “ The blood immediately drained from my body, I looked at him in disbelief. He continued on to explain . . . “It has been verified that several of Sweet Pea’s identity documents have been forged.” You see, the Chief of ACS is also the head of the Fraud Division of the US Embassy.
Important discussion about the documents continued, but the details are not publicly available. What is important . . . Everything I thought was "True", is not true at all. Being my nature, I immediately went into “crisis management” mode. Since we have 5 days left on our visa (30 day duration) I told the US Embassy I wanted to stay in Islamabad and see what we could do. But, according to the Chief of ACS, unfortunately at this point in time, no amount of additional time spent in Pakistan, on our part, will make any difference, especially over a weekend. The embassy recommended that we keep our flights for the next morning, Thursday (10/15/09) and return home to the US. They would keep us posted, or try to, on any new developments in the case.
And . . . this I remember specifically, imprinted on my memory forever . . . the Chief of ACS looked down at the floor for a few seconds (the words obviously difficult for him to say). Then he looked back up at me and said, “Marina will need to be taken into custody by the Pakistani Welfare Services (FIA). An FIA employee will be here shortly to take Marina into custody. Please take as much time as you need.” My mind couldn’t comprehend, couldn’t grasp the words he was saying . . . he had to repeat it again. I looked over at Uppa D, my mind and body wracked with grief.
They are going to take my baby girl away!
We held, hugged and kissed our Sweet Pea until the FIA employee entered the small room. I was again taken to my knees with grief . . . she said “take as much time as you need.” So, I spent my last few moments with my daughter . . . I fed Sweet Pea her last bottle, rocked her and sang our special song. I stroked her face and chin (she loves that!) just so I could hear her coo and giggle one last time.
Through tears, Uppa D began to go through the diaper bag, taking out my personal items (wallet, sunglasses, lip stick, etc). He kept asking me if I wanted to “send this and send that” with her. Again, Uppa D was visibly shaken when I told him to please fold the blanket (I made especially for my baby girl) and put it in the diaper bag to go with her. I then took out an extra passport photo of me, Mama, from the dossier binder. I wrote a special note on it to my sweet, baby daughter and slipped it down in a pocket of the diaper bag. The social worker assured me that she would try to make sure the picture of Mama and blanket stayed with Sweet Pea as long as possible.
I hugged my Sweet Pea tight, I gave her a “hundred kisses” . . . then the FIA employee had to take her out of my arms . . . As the FIA employee walked to the door, I stopped her . . . I cried “Please, one more time”. She let me kiss her one last time. I then placed my hands on her sweet, beautiful, baby head and prayed a Mother's Blessing upon her - "God’s grace would surround her and His hands of protection would cover her all her life, until we meet once again!" Then the FIA employee walked out the door. We watched that beautiful, sweet baby walk away, down the corridor, taken out of our lives possibly . . . probably . . . Forever.
The Consular General of the US Embassy and the Chief of ACS came back into “window #1”. They sat with us, the Consular General held my hand for the longest time, repeating how very sorry he was. He had no choice . . . no choice at all, but to do what he did. I told him . . . I know . . . I understand . . .
We sat there for another hour, crying, trying to gain composure - - - the Chief of ACS made a call for an embassy car to take us back to the Diplomatic Shuttle Service to collect our electronics that we had to check prior to boarding the shuttle to the embassy. He then accompanied us to the shuttle and then back to the guest house. He made sure we were well taken care of there and also made arrangements for a US embassy car to transport us to the airport for our flight early Thursday morning. Before the Chief of ACS left, he made sure that we knew he was available all night long for anything we needed. The US Embassy has been very compassionate, in the midst of a very difficult situation.
Over the course of 3.5 weeks, we have gotten very close with a few of the guest house workers. They have been so kind and loved on Sweet Pea so. When we returned without her, they knew something was not right. They could tell we were visibly shaken. They finally approached Uppa D and asked . . . Uppa D very briefly stated the facts. They were shocked and one-by-one they came into our room, hugged me and told me how very, very sorry they were for my loss. They were so kind . . . we might have a language barrier at times, but their genuine concern was so apparent!
After some quiet time, I finally called the US via Skype and broke the news to my family . . . so much disappointment and sadness. And, then, there was nothing else we could do . . . but begin to pack.
I had planned on giving most of Sweet Pea’s clothes (0-3 month summer) to Global Adoption Services' (Sadeem’s agency) to give to the orphanage in Faisalabad and had gone through almost all of her clothes in anticipation of that donation. In lieu of a different plan, we asked the manager of the guest house if he knew of an orphanage close by that would accept our donation . . . he assured us he did. So, I tearfully went through her clothes one last time . . . keeping only the special ones (gotcha day dress, “pretty girl” onesie, “little miracle” romper, pink sleeper from the last night with her “baby” smell, etc). The rest we left in the room for the manager to take to the orphanage.
So . . . now I am at the end of the day, where I initially began this post . . . we are now waiting for the US Embassy driver to arrive to take us to the airport, to leave Pakistan . . . without our precious Sweet Pea.
Never in a million years, when I woke up this morning and kissed my “pretty girl”, did I think this would be the end of our day . . . but nonetheless . . . here we are! How did we get Here . . . ???
I have no Anger . . . just bottomless, bottomless Grief . . . There simply are no words to describe it.
Mama
It is early in the wee hours of the morning, Thursday (10/15/09) about an hour before we leave Pakistan to fly home to the US.
We will be returning home . . . without our precious Sweet Pea!
Several hours ago, I read the latest blog comments and I noticed one particular comment from a parent, currently in Pakistan adopting. She gave me her email address in hopes that we could connect while we both were still here in Pakistan. I sent her an email a couple hours ago, introducing myself and just now received a reply email back from her. Her email stated she has just gone through court and received the Permanent Guardianship Order. Thursday she will have her US Embassy interview for the child’s visa. She mentioned that she was just informed by the embassy that there may be delays because of a very recent case where the child’s documents had been forged. She had read my blog and knew I was to have our US Embassy interview on Wednesday and asked if I had heard anything about this particular case while at the embassy? Had I encountered any delays? I sent back an email that “Yes, I had heard about the case” and I wished her well, safe travels, as she finished her adoption of her daughter.
Yes, I am very, very familiar with the case she mentioned . . . because . . . that case, is my adoption of Sweet Pea.
Wednesday (10/14/09) started just like any other morning of our 3.5 weeks in Pakistan. Sweet Pea woke up around 5:30 a.m. desperately wanting her bottle. Then we snuggled back to sleep until we needed to Skype with big brother, Nicky, at 6:30 a.m. Just a regular early morning . . . the only difference was, Sweet Pea turned 14 weeks old today! And, it was hopefully our last day in Pakistan – with the absolute priority of the day being the US Embassy interview and issue of Sweet Pea’s visa. We were to be there in the morning around 11:00 so we needed to be ready by 9:00 to catch the embassy diplomatic shuttle service to the security gate of the US Embassy. We all quickly got dressed . . . Sweet Pea in her precious red, white & blue dress, specifically purchased by a good friend just for this special embassy interview occasion (thank you K!). We took pictures, Sweet Pea holding her new country flag - - - USA!
Both Sadeem (Director of Global Adoption Services) and the orphanage social worker (Pastor Bhatti of Great Gospel Church) were to accompany us to the US Embassy, per the request of the Chief of American Citizens Services Unit on Tuesday (10/13/09). The Chief of ACS had called me late Tuesday to inform me that my “systems issue” was FINALLY resolved. He also mentioned that he would like for Pastor Bhatti and Sadeem to accompany me to the embassy on Wednesday morning.
Sadeem has always been our transportation, so we had to wait for Sadeem to arrive. Due to details that really are not important, we ended up running very, very late, once again. So, we had the manager of the guest house snap a couple pictures of Sweet Pea, Mama and Uppa D in front of the guest house. Due to our time restraints, that would have to do for an embassy picture! Little did I know - - - that would be the last picture we would take of precious Sweet Pea.
We FINALLY arrived at the embassy around 1:00 p.m. The Chief of ACS was waiting for us and we were allowed to immediately go into “window #1”, a small, closed room with a glass window where the adoption interviews take place. The Chief of ACS was sitting behind the window, ready for us! He needed us to submit our final documents: the court order, I-600 and I-864. Once done, he asked us to take a seat out in the waiting area. Then he wanted to visit with the Pastor. After about 40-45 minutes, Pastor Bhatti came and sat behind us. Then the Chief of ACS wanted to visit with Sadeem. After another 40-45 minutes, Sadeem emerged and I was finally called back to “window #1”. In my mind, I was thinking “YEAH! Issue of Visa is next!
Inside “window #1” we sat down, Uppa D was holding Sweet Pea so I could concentrate on the final discussions for the visa. The Chief of ACS looked up at me and said “Ms B., I’m sorry to inform you, we cannot issue a visa for ‘Sweet Pea’ . . . “ The blood immediately drained from my body, I looked at him in disbelief. He continued on to explain . . . “It has been verified that several of Sweet Pea’s identity documents have been forged.” You see, the Chief of ACS is also the head of the Fraud Division of the US Embassy.
Important discussion about the documents continued, but the details are not publicly available. What is important . . . Everything I thought was "True", is not true at all. Being my nature, I immediately went into “crisis management” mode. Since we have 5 days left on our visa (30 day duration) I told the US Embassy I wanted to stay in Islamabad and see what we could do. But, according to the Chief of ACS, unfortunately at this point in time, no amount of additional time spent in Pakistan, on our part, will make any difference, especially over a weekend. The embassy recommended that we keep our flights for the next morning, Thursday (10/15/09) and return home to the US. They would keep us posted, or try to, on any new developments in the case.
And . . . this I remember specifically, imprinted on my memory forever . . . the Chief of ACS looked down at the floor for a few seconds (the words obviously difficult for him to say). Then he looked back up at me and said, “Marina will need to be taken into custody by the Pakistani Welfare Services (FIA). An FIA employee will be here shortly to take Marina into custody. Please take as much time as you need.” My mind couldn’t comprehend, couldn’t grasp the words he was saying . . . he had to repeat it again. I looked over at Uppa D, my mind and body wracked with grief.
They are going to take my baby girl away!
We held, hugged and kissed our Sweet Pea until the FIA employee entered the small room. I was again taken to my knees with grief . . . she said “take as much time as you need.” So, I spent my last few moments with my daughter . . . I fed Sweet Pea her last bottle, rocked her and sang our special song. I stroked her face and chin (she loves that!) just so I could hear her coo and giggle one last time.
Through tears, Uppa D began to go through the diaper bag, taking out my personal items (wallet, sunglasses, lip stick, etc). He kept asking me if I wanted to “send this and send that” with her. Again, Uppa D was visibly shaken when I told him to please fold the blanket (I made especially for my baby girl) and put it in the diaper bag to go with her. I then took out an extra passport photo of me, Mama, from the dossier binder. I wrote a special note on it to my sweet, baby daughter and slipped it down in a pocket of the diaper bag. The social worker assured me that she would try to make sure the picture of Mama and blanket stayed with Sweet Pea as long as possible.
I hugged my Sweet Pea tight, I gave her a “hundred kisses” . . . then the FIA employee had to take her out of my arms . . . As the FIA employee walked to the door, I stopped her . . . I cried “Please, one more time”. She let me kiss her one last time. I then placed my hands on her sweet, beautiful, baby head and prayed a Mother's Blessing upon her - "God’s grace would surround her and His hands of protection would cover her all her life, until we meet once again!" Then the FIA employee walked out the door. We watched that beautiful, sweet baby walk away, down the corridor, taken out of our lives possibly . . . probably . . . Forever.
The Consular General of the US Embassy and the Chief of ACS came back into “window #1”. They sat with us, the Consular General held my hand for the longest time, repeating how very sorry he was. He had no choice . . . no choice at all, but to do what he did. I told him . . . I know . . . I understand . . .
We sat there for another hour, crying, trying to gain composure - - - the Chief of ACS made a call for an embassy car to take us back to the Diplomatic Shuttle Service to collect our electronics that we had to check prior to boarding the shuttle to the embassy. He then accompanied us to the shuttle and then back to the guest house. He made sure we were well taken care of there and also made arrangements for a US embassy car to transport us to the airport for our flight early Thursday morning. Before the Chief of ACS left, he made sure that we knew he was available all night long for anything we needed. The US Embassy has been very compassionate, in the midst of a very difficult situation.
Over the course of 3.5 weeks, we have gotten very close with a few of the guest house workers. They have been so kind and loved on Sweet Pea so. When we returned without her, they knew something was not right. They could tell we were visibly shaken. They finally approached Uppa D and asked . . . Uppa D very briefly stated the facts. They were shocked and one-by-one they came into our room, hugged me and told me how very, very sorry they were for my loss. They were so kind . . . we might have a language barrier at times, but their genuine concern was so apparent!
After some quiet time, I finally called the US via Skype and broke the news to my family . . . so much disappointment and sadness. And, then, there was nothing else we could do . . . but begin to pack.
I had planned on giving most of Sweet Pea’s clothes (0-3 month summer) to Global Adoption Services' (Sadeem’s agency) to give to the orphanage in Faisalabad and had gone through almost all of her clothes in anticipation of that donation. In lieu of a different plan, we asked the manager of the guest house if he knew of an orphanage close by that would accept our donation . . . he assured us he did. So, I tearfully went through her clothes one last time . . . keeping only the special ones (gotcha day dress, “pretty girl” onesie, “little miracle” romper, pink sleeper from the last night with her “baby” smell, etc). The rest we left in the room for the manager to take to the orphanage.
So . . . now I am at the end of the day, where I initially began this post . . . we are now waiting for the US Embassy driver to arrive to take us to the airport, to leave Pakistan . . . without our precious Sweet Pea.
Never in a million years, when I woke up this morning and kissed my “pretty girl”, did I think this would be the end of our day . . . but nonetheless . . . here we are! How did we get Here . . . ???
I have no Anger . . . just bottomless, bottomless Grief . . . There simply are no words to describe it.
Mama
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Return Flight . . . Plans have changed!
Return flight schedule has changed.
TBD & I will let you know . . .
TBD & I will let you know . . .
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
OK, the US Embassy . . . MAJOR snag!
Quick update today, Tuesday (10/13/09) - We need some mighty prayers going up!
On the US Embassy/Visa side - we STILL have a problem. I just spoke with the Chief of American Citizens Services Unit - this is a definite contact to have for adoptive families needing info from the US Embassy in Pakistan.
They have received the new uploaded file with country change update from 8/24/09 and the transfer from Russia. However, the US Embassy cannot access the file. They can "see" the file, but cannot "work" with the file. They say it is a "systems issue" and have notified the US Consulate's Office in the US. The "technical team" is supposedly working on it and everyone anticipates it should be resolved by EOB today (10/13/09). Until the "systems issue" is resolved with the file . . . unfortunately, the visa cannot be printed and they cannot issue it by hand.
I cannot believe this twist! But, then again, NOTHING surprises me in Pakistan! :)
We FINALLY have all the documents, except delivery of the "attested" (certified) court order - Sadeem is to deliver this any moment - always waiting on that man! :).
We had planned on making the 1:00 p.m. US Embassy Adoptive Family Interview (the embassy reserves 1:00 p.m. for adoption interviews) TODAY. We have to take the shuttle (due to heightened security), a 2 hour trip to the US Embassy. But, the US Embassy says if we know we have all the documents, and nothing is missing, we should wait until tomorrow (Wednesday 10/14/09) for the US Embassy interview. The interview will take around 30-45 minutes since we only have a few documents left and then the visa can be issued while we are there, approx 2 hours for printing the visa. Otherwise, if we go ahead and go to the embassy today, we would just have to make another trip tomorrow.
Wednesday is our FINAL day in Pakistan. I really didn't want to spend it at the US Embassy! I wanted to go see some sights of Islamabad! And, I hate waiting until the "last day" . . . before we are supposed to leave! And . . . the issue is something the embassy has known about for a week! I'm not going to be very happy if we have to reschedule our flights (and incur the expense) because of a "systems issue" that someone didn't get resolved timely! A little hard to swallow after the stress of the court order! :)
But, I do know that God is in control . . . knows our situation. So, I am going to turn this over to Him since there is NOTHING I can do about it. I'm going to enjoy my last 2 days in Pakistan, soak up the culture, shop until I drop and giggle with my baby girl! :)
Oh, yes, Sweet Pea's debut pictures will be posted this evening . . . which will mean morning for those in the US! If a biased Mama can beam just a bit . . . I'm telling you . . . Sweet Pea is just ADORABLE!
Thank you all for your prayers! :)
Love to ALL . . . from Pakistan!
~Hugs
Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea
On the US Embassy/Visa side - we STILL have a problem. I just spoke with the Chief of American Citizens Services Unit - this is a definite contact to have for adoptive families needing info from the US Embassy in Pakistan.
They have received the new uploaded file with country change update from 8/24/09 and the transfer from Russia. However, the US Embassy cannot access the file. They can "see" the file, but cannot "work" with the file. They say it is a "systems issue" and have notified the US Consulate's Office in the US. The "technical team" is supposedly working on it and everyone anticipates it should be resolved by EOB today (10/13/09). Until the "systems issue" is resolved with the file . . . unfortunately, the visa cannot be printed and they cannot issue it by hand.
I cannot believe this twist! But, then again, NOTHING surprises me in Pakistan! :)
We FINALLY have all the documents, except delivery of the "attested" (certified) court order - Sadeem is to deliver this any moment - always waiting on that man! :).
We had planned on making the 1:00 p.m. US Embassy Adoptive Family Interview (the embassy reserves 1:00 p.m. for adoption interviews) TODAY. We have to take the shuttle (due to heightened security), a 2 hour trip to the US Embassy. But, the US Embassy says if we know we have all the documents, and nothing is missing, we should wait until tomorrow (Wednesday 10/14/09) for the US Embassy interview. The interview will take around 30-45 minutes since we only have a few documents left and then the visa can be issued while we are there, approx 2 hours for printing the visa. Otherwise, if we go ahead and go to the embassy today, we would just have to make another trip tomorrow.
Wednesday is our FINAL day in Pakistan. I really didn't want to spend it at the US Embassy! I wanted to go see some sights of Islamabad! And, I hate waiting until the "last day" . . . before we are supposed to leave! And . . . the issue is something the embassy has known about for a week! I'm not going to be very happy if we have to reschedule our flights (and incur the expense) because of a "systems issue" that someone didn't get resolved timely! A little hard to swallow after the stress of the court order! :)
But, I do know that God is in control . . . knows our situation. So, I am going to turn this over to Him since there is NOTHING I can do about it. I'm going to enjoy my last 2 days in Pakistan, soak up the culture, shop until I drop and giggle with my baby girl! :)
Oh, yes, Sweet Pea's debut pictures will be posted this evening . . . which will mean morning for those in the US! If a biased Mama can beam just a bit . . . I'm telling you . . . Sweet Pea is just ADORABLE!
Thank you all for your prayers! :)
Love to ALL . . . from Pakistan!
~Hugs
Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea
Monday, October 12, 2009
Finally . . . the Court Order!
We finally have the Permanent Guardianship Court Order!!! It is officially official!
Yeah!!! Yippee-Skippee!!!
We were sitting on pins-n-needles ALL day today - - - waiting, waiting and more waiting for the judge to issue the order. That was the absolute priority task of the day! Our "# in line" or "case to be heard" number was #82 and if you have been following along with the Pakistani court system, that is an "iffy" line-up number to make it into the day's cases to be heard. But . . . at around 4:50 p.m. (court closes at 5:00 p.m.) the judge finally decided that he would issue the order. Nothing like making us wait until the Last Minute!!! Yes, from 3:00 - 5:00 we were on "pins-n-needles"!!!
If the order wasn't issued today . . . there was a certainty that we probably would have not been able to make our return flights home on Thursday (10/15/09).
So, all we have to do now is visit the US Embassy tomorrow (10/13/09) and get Sweet Pea's visa issued! I have to tell you, I'm so glad we are finally almost there. We are hoping that the visa can be issued tomorrow, which is Tuesday or hopefully no later than Wednesday. Then, Thursday, we are on our way HOME! There is still a slight chance that the US Embassy will not be able to issue the visa in 1-2 days time, but we are going to try our best to make it all happen! Sweet Pea will bat those pretty brown eyes . . .
I'm so excited!!! Not that I haven't had a wonderful time in Pakistan, but I am just so ready to GO HOME!
We do have a little administrative task to do first thing in the morning - - we have to attest (certify) the copies of the court order for the US Embassy. That should be done around 9:00 a.m. Then we will leave for the US Embassy at 11:00 a.m. There is heightened security this week due to the recent current events in Pakistan, so we cannot be taken directly to the security gate at the US Embassy. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the shuttle station. We will have to go through a security checkpoint at the shuttle station, then ride a shuttle bus for 1 hour and be dropped off at the security gate of the US Embassy. Then we will have to go through another 20-30 minutes of security before being able to enter the US Embassy American Citizens Services Unit, hopefully making it by the 1:00 p.m. Adoption Interview appointment.
There we will present our final documents: Permanent Guardianship Court Order, I-864 form - Affidavit of Support for a US Permanent Resident and I-600 form - Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative. And then . . . Sweet Pea's Visa!!!
I promise, promise I will post pictures as soon as I can, but the next 2 days are jammed packed full of last minutes "tasks" before we leave. I am in the process of trying to decide on my favorites to post to the blog (it will be hard because there are sooo many!). And . . . honestly today was so stressful that I couldn't think of anything but the court order! I'm exhausted!
. . . But here is a "teaser" to hold you over! The "back" of my sweet baby's head! LOL!
Yeah!!! Yippee-Skippee!!!
We were sitting on pins-n-needles ALL day today - - - waiting, waiting and more waiting for the judge to issue the order. That was the absolute priority task of the day! Our "# in line" or "case to be heard" number was #82 and if you have been following along with the Pakistani court system, that is an "iffy" line-up number to make it into the day's cases to be heard. But . . . at around 4:50 p.m. (court closes at 5:00 p.m.) the judge finally decided that he would issue the order. Nothing like making us wait until the Last Minute!!! Yes, from 3:00 - 5:00 we were on "pins-n-needles"!!!
If the order wasn't issued today . . . there was a certainty that we probably would have not been able to make our return flights home on Thursday (10/15/09).
So, all we have to do now is visit the US Embassy tomorrow (10/13/09) and get Sweet Pea's visa issued! I have to tell you, I'm so glad we are finally almost there. We are hoping that the visa can be issued tomorrow, which is Tuesday or hopefully no later than Wednesday. Then, Thursday, we are on our way HOME! There is still a slight chance that the US Embassy will not be able to issue the visa in 1-2 days time, but we are going to try our best to make it all happen! Sweet Pea will bat those pretty brown eyes . . .
I'm so excited!!! Not that I haven't had a wonderful time in Pakistan, but I am just so ready to GO HOME!
We do have a little administrative task to do first thing in the morning - - we have to attest (certify) the copies of the court order for the US Embassy. That should be done around 9:00 a.m. Then we will leave for the US Embassy at 11:00 a.m. There is heightened security this week due to the recent current events in Pakistan, so we cannot be taken directly to the security gate at the US Embassy. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the shuttle station. We will have to go through a security checkpoint at the shuttle station, then ride a shuttle bus for 1 hour and be dropped off at the security gate of the US Embassy. Then we will have to go through another 20-30 minutes of security before being able to enter the US Embassy American Citizens Services Unit, hopefully making it by the 1:00 p.m. Adoption Interview appointment.
There we will present our final documents: Permanent Guardianship Court Order, I-864 form - Affidavit of Support for a US Permanent Resident and I-600 form - Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative. And then . . . Sweet Pea's Visa!!!
I promise, promise I will post pictures as soon as I can, but the next 2 days are jammed packed full of last minutes "tasks" before we leave. I am in the process of trying to decide on my favorites to post to the blog (it will be hard because there are sooo many!). And . . . honestly today was so stressful that I couldn't think of anything but the court order! I'm exhausted!
. . . But here is a "teaser" to hold you over! The "back" of my sweet baby's head! LOL!
Love to ALL . . . from Pakistan!
~Hugs
Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea
Sunday, October 11, 2009
3 weeks now in . . . Pakistan!
Today was another Sunday here in Pakistan. We had planned on attending our wonderful little Christian church, Saint Thomas, again this Sunday. But . . . Sadeem's car broke down and he was not able to take us. In hind sight, Uppa D and I wished we would have just started walking (it is only about a 20 minute walk, 5 minute car ride). We joked that a taxi would have come by in an instant and we could have made it there in no time! The taxi is a joke because every time we go for a walk, we have at least 6+ taxis come by asking if we need a ride! LOL!
Anyway, once we knew that church was not going to happen, we changed our clothes, ate lunch and took a much needed nap . . . all 3 of us! Of course, the power went off in the middle of the nap and woke Mama up, but Uppa D and Sweet Pea slept on!
Then Mama started in on getting caught up on her blog. The last couple of days the blog has been quite. Mama wasn't feeling too well a couple of days and the power outages have been quite the challenge lately. So, while the power was on, Mama started in . . . and now we are all caught up!
Later in the evening, Sadeem came by and said we needed another outing. I think Sadeem realized that Mama "desperately needed" to get out of the guest house this weekend and experience some Pakistani culture! We went back to the wonderful restaurant in Margallah Hills Park. It was another very nice, cool evening (this time Sweet Pea was properly attired in a long "onsie" and heavy blanket!) We enjoyed the coolness of the air and scenic drive. Thank you, Sadeem!
So, now we are back at the guest house. Everyone is asleep and Mama is just finishing the last post on the blog for the weekend.
Tomorrow . . . we are hoping for the Permanent Guardianship Order! Please pray that the judge will FINALLY agree to issue the order!
I know everyone is waiting to see pictures of Sweet Pea! And . . . I would LOVE nothing more than to post them. However, the judge presiding over our case is a new judge and both Sadeem and I agree that it just is not worth the risk of adding any more reason for delays! I assure you, I will post pictures of my sweet baby girl, as soon as I can!
I thought I would post an interesting picture we recently took. A motocycle/bicycle is a very popular mode of transportation. This is how the Pakistani women sit on a motorcycle/bicycle. Riding "side-saddle"! Enjoy!
Anyway, once we knew that church was not going to happen, we changed our clothes, ate lunch and took a much needed nap . . . all 3 of us! Of course, the power went off in the middle of the nap and woke Mama up, but Uppa D and Sweet Pea slept on!
Then Mama started in on getting caught up on her blog. The last couple of days the blog has been quite. Mama wasn't feeling too well a couple of days and the power outages have been quite the challenge lately. So, while the power was on, Mama started in . . . and now we are all caught up!
Later in the evening, Sadeem came by and said we needed another outing. I think Sadeem realized that Mama "desperately needed" to get out of the guest house this weekend and experience some Pakistani culture! We went back to the wonderful restaurant in Margallah Hills Park. It was another very nice, cool evening (this time Sweet Pea was properly attired in a long "onsie" and heavy blanket!) We enjoyed the coolness of the air and scenic drive. Thank you, Sadeem!
So, now we are back at the guest house. Everyone is asleep and Mama is just finishing the last post on the blog for the weekend.
Tomorrow . . . we are hoping for the Permanent Guardianship Order! Please pray that the judge will FINALLY agree to issue the order!
I know everyone is waiting to see pictures of Sweet Pea! And . . . I would LOVE nothing more than to post them. However, the judge presiding over our case is a new judge and both Sadeem and I agree that it just is not worth the risk of adding any more reason for delays! I assure you, I will post pictures of my sweet baby girl, as soon as I can!
I thought I would post an interesting picture we recently took. A motocycle/bicycle is a very popular mode of transportation. This is how the Pakistani women sit on a motorcycle/bicycle. Riding "side-saddle"! Enjoy!
Another interesting picture of life in Pakistan . . . "Day Labor". This gentleman was looking for day work. Riding around on his bicycle . . . looking for yards to mow!
Love to ALL . . . from Pakistan!
~Hugs
Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Still waiting . . . for the Court Order!
So, it is now Saturday (10/10/09) and we are still waiting for the court order to be issued. According to the attorney, the judge took "leave" of court today and was not "on his bench" at all today. So . . . we are getting somewhat concerned about next week's return travel on Thursday (10/15/09). If we get the court order sometime on Monday (it probably will be in the afternoon, since the judge usually doesn't begin hearing cases until around 11:00-12:00), that will mean we will be able to make the 1:00 time slot for US Embassy adoption interviews on Tuesday (10/13/09). The embassy reserves that time slot (1:00 p.m.) each day just for adoption cases. We would submit our final documents, including the court order, and then HOPE the visa can be issued in 1.5 days. Yes, we would only have late Tuesday/Wednesday to have the visa issued. We are supposed to leave early in the morning Thursday to fly back home. Will we make it . . . ? we don't know. But, there is no more time and we may have to reschedule our return flights! Not a huge deal, but definitely added expense and . . . we are really ready to go home!!!
So, what did we do today? Made bottles, washed bottles, gave baby a bath, laundry, took a walk, played patty-cake, sat out on the balcony in the cool morning breeze, saw our friend Mr. Lizard, did I mention make bottles/wash bottles? - our normal daily "stuff".
In the early evening, around 5:00 p.m. Sadeem came and we went to a wonderful park. There was a scenic overlook that gave a wonderful, panoramic view of Islamabad. We could spot our guest house, Diplomatic Enclave (country embassy) and other points of interest. I guess we have been here long enough to finally get the "lay of the land"! It was wonderful to get out and walk, stretch our legs on new territory.
On the way back, Sadeem gave us a wonderful surprise! He took us to visit a couple that is wanting to adopt a Pakistani child. Bart (Belgium) and Lorain (Swiss). They are doctors that have worked for the Red Cross for 15 years. It was just a wonderful couple of hours visiting with them about their desire to adopt an orphaned Pakistani child. Of course, they oohed and ahhed over our precious Sweet Pea! The visit ended much too quickly and then we "needed to move" per Sadeem. And . . . back to the guest house we went!
Some pictures of our Saturday in Pakistan . . .
The daily routine of "making the bottles/washing the bottles"! LOL!
Sweet little hands to play "patty cake" with . . .
I love "hanging out" with my Uppa D! Mama is doing the laundry!
Yeah!, for laundry service . . . all Mama has to do is put it away!!!
The guest house we live in is circled in RED - Section F-7 . . .
Our new friends, Bart & Lorain (Red Cross Doctors)! Also wanting to adopt from Pakistan. Sweet Pea was very, very sleepy!
Love to ALL . . . from Pakistan!
~Hugs
Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea
So, what did we do today? Made bottles, washed bottles, gave baby a bath, laundry, took a walk, played patty-cake, sat out on the balcony in the cool morning breeze, saw our friend Mr. Lizard, did I mention make bottles/wash bottles? - our normal daily "stuff".
In the early evening, around 5:00 p.m. Sadeem came and we went to a wonderful park. There was a scenic overlook that gave a wonderful, panoramic view of Islamabad. We could spot our guest house, Diplomatic Enclave (country embassy) and other points of interest. I guess we have been here long enough to finally get the "lay of the land"! It was wonderful to get out and walk, stretch our legs on new territory.
On the way back, Sadeem gave us a wonderful surprise! He took us to visit a couple that is wanting to adopt a Pakistani child. Bart (Belgium) and Lorain (Swiss). They are doctors that have worked for the Red Cross for 15 years. It was just a wonderful couple of hours visiting with them about their desire to adopt an orphaned Pakistani child. Of course, they oohed and ahhed over our precious Sweet Pea! The visit ended much too quickly and then we "needed to move" per Sadeem. And . . . back to the guest house we went!
Some pictures of our Saturday in Pakistan . . .
The daily routine of "making the bottles/washing the bottles"! LOL!
Sweet little hands to play "patty cake" with . . .
I love "hanging out" with my Uppa D! Mama is doing the laundry!
Yeah!, for laundry service . . . all Mama has to do is put it away!!!
Our friend . . . Mr. Lizard! Nicky . . . this one is for YOU!
Our trip to Margallah Hills Park . . .
The guest house we live in is circled in RED - Section F-7 . . .
And of course, the beautiful Pakistani children . . .
Our new friends, Bart & Lorain (Red Cross Doctors)! Also wanting to adopt from Pakistan. Sweet Pea was very, very sleepy!
Love to ALL . . . from Pakistan!
~Hugs
Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Day After . . . waiting on the Court Order!
Today was "mixed up" day . . . nothing happened as planned! :) First of all, I woke up with a screaming headache. Sweet Pea was up more than usual during the night and I was somewhat distraught and still reeling over the previous day's court hearing "happenings". Also, the power went out several times in the night and the generator was turned on. Each time, the noise of the generator fried my already raw nerves. The power outages continued throughout the day (just a way of life here) and my headache continued. :). So, I needed to take a "time out" today. Uppa D helped with Sweet Pea and I "tried" to get some much needed rest in the morning. Yes, I went off and forgot my headache medicine, but I eventually got Sadeem to take me to a "Chemist" shop (drug store) and I got some Excedrin Migraine. That seemed to eventually help.
One outstanding item from the court hearing was the signed court order. I still needed to sign (including purple fingerprint!) the Permanent Guardianship order for it to be officially official. However, the document has not been issued yet. This is because there is a new judge presiding over my case and even though he has ruled and announced that I am Permanent Guardian of Sweet Pea, he has delayed the official document order. He has told my attorney that he needs "more time to review". I'm told this delay is only because he is a new judge and I should not worry about him revoking his decision. We will get it! But . . . I am concerned.
Sadeem was to call today if/when the order was ready to sign. So, I was up and ready early, waiting for the call. We waited for most of the day, but never received the call that the order was ready. Finally, Sadeem called late afternoon and said that the judge sat on his bench for only an hour today, then he took "leave" of court the rest of the day.
Our original plan for the afternoon was to take the final documents, the court order, I-864 and I-600 to the US Embassy so the visa could be issued Monday or Tuesday of next week. But, without the court order, there was no need to go to the US Embassy. So we will need to wait . . . for the court order. The Pakistani court system works 6 days a week, so there is hope that the order will be ready tomorrow, Saturday (10/10/09) . . . and the judge will be "on his bench". However, regardless if we get the order tomorrow, we will have to wait until Monday to go to the US Embassy, since the embassy adheres to a US custom of Saturday/Sunday being a "weekend" and offices are closed.
I guess I should bring everyone up to speed on the US Embassy side and the issues of my lost "physical file". The "rest of the story", so to speak! :) My file has been found, however I'm still unclear on exactly which I-600A they are using. You see, I have had to do multiple updates to my I-600A. With every paid I-600A application, you receive one free extension. I have had 3 different updates. In July 2006 I was initially approved, 18 months later, I had to update since the I-171H expires after 18 months. So, in January, 2008, I received my "1x free update/extension" from my 1st paid I-600A. So, 18 months later, June 2009, the I-171H expired again. This time, however, I had to pay the I-600A fee (had already used my free update!). You can begin the update process 90 days from expiration date, so I began the update process in May, 2009 for my June, 2009 expiration. I received my update in July, 2009. Then, I had a country change in August, 2009. Again, with any paid update, you have a "1x free update/extension". So, I used my "1x free extension/update" for my country change.
Whew! I know, a lot of updates!
But, when the US Embassy contacted me via email on Thursday, they said they have my electronic "physical file" and the case number is a "MOS" 2009 number, so that leads me to believe they are using my 2nd actual paid I-600A application that I submitted in May, 2009 (remember I had to pay for that one!). I'm not sure that they ever received the initial July, 2006 approved I-600A from Russia, as they originally thought they needed.
I did find out on Wednesday night (10/7/09) when I called the National Visa Center that the supervisor "took it upon herself" (her exact words) to resend/upload again, on Tuesday 10/6/09, my updated file from 8/24/09 when I did my country change. I am thinking (just trying to piece it all together) that the 8/24/09 upload from the NVC with my country change did not make it to Islamabad and the re-upload on Tuesday (10/6/09) did make it.
In any case, I have an official email from the American Citizen Services Unit of the US Embassy that states they have an electronic "physical file" with my name as petitioner for our adoption. YEAH! What that means is . . . once we get all the documents submitted, there shouldn't be any delay in issuing Sweet Pea's visa.
Now . . . we just need the Permanent Guardianship Order!
So, what else is going on? . . .
We constantly are plagued with power outages, usually 4-6 times a day, lasting a few minute to an hour until the generator can be turned on. This is such a normal way of life here in Pakistan. But, it makes for using the laptop somewhat difficult. We really can't count on working a very long stretch of time, so what I have began to do, is write using MS Word and the laptop on battery, then when we do have Internet connectivity, I past the post into my blog. Uppa D has tried to do work, but has found it somewhat difficult to do, but it is working ok. You constantly have to save your work for fear of a power outage at any time! We have also missed several Skype sessions with home because of the power outage. Once we are able to finally Skype, the 1st thing Nicky now asks us is "did you have a power outage?" LOL! But, all-in-all, we are sooo glad that we have the laptop and the Internet! We really don't know what we would do without that link back to home!
We ended our Friday (10/9/09) with a visit to the Foster Home again in the evening, which helped my headache tremendously! We had been plagued with power outages all day and I desperately needed an outing! :) So, Sadeem came by and asked if we would like to go to the foster home. There is a 12-month-old baby girl that has just arrived in foster care and Nanny Kathlene is taking care of her. This baby girl is just precious and we had such a good time visiting with Nanny Kathlene's family. I wish I could show pictures of this precious little girl, but I cannot . . . but she is just precious. She has worked her way into both Uppa D and Mama's hearts. Such a doll!
So, Friday was not anything that we had originally planned it would be . . . but nonetheless, another day in Pakistan!
Here are a few pictures of the last couple of days . . .
Instead of going to the court hearing on Thursday, Mama did laundry . . . we do use the laundry service, but Mama still likes to wash a "few" delicates by hand!
Our "friend" the Mr. Generator . . .
Foster Home . . . a wonderful, loving place . . . for children to heal!
Love to ALL . . . from Pakistan!
~Hugs
Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea
One outstanding item from the court hearing was the signed court order. I still needed to sign (including purple fingerprint!) the Permanent Guardianship order for it to be officially official. However, the document has not been issued yet. This is because there is a new judge presiding over my case and even though he has ruled and announced that I am Permanent Guardian of Sweet Pea, he has delayed the official document order. He has told my attorney that he needs "more time to review". I'm told this delay is only because he is a new judge and I should not worry about him revoking his decision. We will get it! But . . . I am concerned.
Sadeem was to call today if/when the order was ready to sign. So, I was up and ready early, waiting for the call. We waited for most of the day, but never received the call that the order was ready. Finally, Sadeem called late afternoon and said that the judge sat on his bench for only an hour today, then he took "leave" of court the rest of the day.
Our original plan for the afternoon was to take the final documents, the court order, I-864 and I-600 to the US Embassy so the visa could be issued Monday or Tuesday of next week. But, without the court order, there was no need to go to the US Embassy. So we will need to wait . . . for the court order. The Pakistani court system works 6 days a week, so there is hope that the order will be ready tomorrow, Saturday (10/10/09) . . . and the judge will be "on his bench". However, regardless if we get the order tomorrow, we will have to wait until Monday to go to the US Embassy, since the embassy adheres to a US custom of Saturday/Sunday being a "weekend" and offices are closed.
I guess I should bring everyone up to speed on the US Embassy side and the issues of my lost "physical file". The "rest of the story", so to speak! :) My file has been found, however I'm still unclear on exactly which I-600A they are using. You see, I have had to do multiple updates to my I-600A. With every paid I-600A application, you receive one free extension. I have had 3 different updates. In July 2006 I was initially approved, 18 months later, I had to update since the I-171H expires after 18 months. So, in January, 2008, I received my "1x free update/extension" from my 1st paid I-600A. So, 18 months later, June 2009, the I-171H expired again. This time, however, I had to pay the I-600A fee (had already used my free update!). You can begin the update process 90 days from expiration date, so I began the update process in May, 2009 for my June, 2009 expiration. I received my update in July, 2009. Then, I had a country change in August, 2009. Again, with any paid update, you have a "1x free update/extension". So, I used my "1x free extension/update" for my country change.
Whew! I know, a lot of updates!
But, when the US Embassy contacted me via email on Thursday, they said they have my electronic "physical file" and the case number is a "MOS" 2009 number, so that leads me to believe they are using my 2nd actual paid I-600A application that I submitted in May, 2009 (remember I had to pay for that one!). I'm not sure that they ever received the initial July, 2006 approved I-600A from Russia, as they originally thought they needed.
I did find out on Wednesday night (10/7/09) when I called the National Visa Center that the supervisor "took it upon herself" (her exact words) to resend/upload again, on Tuesday 10/6/09, my updated file from 8/24/09 when I did my country change. I am thinking (just trying to piece it all together) that the 8/24/09 upload from the NVC with my country change did not make it to Islamabad and the re-upload on Tuesday (10/6/09) did make it.
In any case, I have an official email from the American Citizen Services Unit of the US Embassy that states they have an electronic "physical file" with my name as petitioner for our adoption. YEAH! What that means is . . . once we get all the documents submitted, there shouldn't be any delay in issuing Sweet Pea's visa.
Now . . . we just need the Permanent Guardianship Order!
So, what else is going on? . . .
We constantly are plagued with power outages, usually 4-6 times a day, lasting a few minute to an hour until the generator can be turned on. This is such a normal way of life here in Pakistan. But, it makes for using the laptop somewhat difficult. We really can't count on working a very long stretch of time, so what I have began to do, is write using MS Word and the laptop on battery, then when we do have Internet connectivity, I past the post into my blog. Uppa D has tried to do work, but has found it somewhat difficult to do, but it is working ok. You constantly have to save your work for fear of a power outage at any time! We have also missed several Skype sessions with home because of the power outage. Once we are able to finally Skype, the 1st thing Nicky now asks us is "did you have a power outage?" LOL! But, all-in-all, we are sooo glad that we have the laptop and the Internet! We really don't know what we would do without that link back to home!
We ended our Friday (10/9/09) with a visit to the Foster Home again in the evening, which helped my headache tremendously! We had been plagued with power outages all day and I desperately needed an outing! :) So, Sadeem came by and asked if we would like to go to the foster home. There is a 12-month-old baby girl that has just arrived in foster care and Nanny Kathlene is taking care of her. This baby girl is just precious and we had such a good time visiting with Nanny Kathlene's family. I wish I could show pictures of this precious little girl, but I cannot . . . but she is just precious. She has worked her way into both Uppa D and Mama's hearts. Such a doll!
So, Friday was not anything that we had originally planned it would be . . . but nonetheless, another day in Pakistan!
Here are a few pictures of the last couple of days . . .
Instead of going to the court hearing on Thursday, Mama did laundry . . . we do use the laundry service, but Mama still likes to wash a "few" delicates by hand!
Our "friend" the Mr. Generator . . .
Foster Home . . . a wonderful, loving place . . . for children to heal!
Love to ALL . . . from Pakistan!
~Hugs
Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea
Monday, August 3, 2009
Baby B's Blog Name . . . Sweet Pea!
Well, we are still discussing names, but have finally decided on the blog name for her. She will be known as "Sweet Pea".
Nicky & I have been looking at her picture & we keep saying that she is "just a little peanut"! I keep telling him that I think having a baby is one of the "sweetest" things that can ever happen to a loving family. He thinks driving a fire truck would be waaayyy more cool & special! LOL!
Sweet Pea it is, for NOW!
Nicky & I have been looking at her picture & we keep saying that she is "just a little peanut"! I keep telling him that I think having a baby is one of the "sweetest" things that can ever happen to a loving family. He thinks driving a fire truck would be waaayyy more cool & special! LOL!
Sweet Pea it is, for NOW!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Court Dossier - FINISHED!
The Court Dossier was electronicly sent to Lighthouse Adoptions (LH) today! Yippee!The electronic process has not been without the "1st time is the hardest" trial run. We ended up using WinZip to encrypt my files & LH downloaded/installed the WinZip application to open my files. Within a couple of hours, we had it all sent & I think we are finally there. LH will send on to GAS in Pakistan today. Yes, TODAY!
My head is spinning at how very QUICK the process has been with Pakistan. I said YES our sweet baby girl on 7/16/09, just 2 weeks ago!
The key is to be paper-ready with a valid home study & valid I-171H. If you have these 2 key documents, processing can be very quick & travel can be scheduled as soon as . . .
1. Court Dossier is Processed & Court Date is scheduled - with an encrypted electronic dossier & the internet, the court hearing is scheduled within a matter of days once the dossier is received in Pakistan. In fact, GAS has been in contact with LH every day asking "where is the court dossier for family B...?" GAS has been so on top of things, I expect to receive my court date very quickly. There is no translation required since English is the official language of the country. That moves it along even faster!
2. Visas are issued: I applied for my visas at the same time I was completing my dossiers, because the processing time for the visas is about as long as the processing time for the court dossier! We want to be able to schedule travel as quickly as we can, once we receive a court date. The Visa issue date I was given by GAS was 8/15/09. That is only 2 weeks away! Of course, we probably won't travel that quickly since I'm still waiting on the I-171H w/country change.
One thing to note: Pakistan is now issuing only single-entry visas to US citizens. The country entry date can be within 90 days of the visa's issue date. The duration of the stay can be no more than 30 days. According to GAS, the in-country stay for the adoption process is approx ~3-4 weeks, so conservative planning would say 28 days in country. That is cutting it close to the 30 day visa duration limitation, but GAS is saying we can finish within 3 weeks & we should be just fine.
3. I-171H Approval w/country change - Since my previous I-171H was approved for Russia, I had to request, in writing, a country change. I was able to use a "1x free" country change. This hopefully will be approved within a couple of weeks of my written request date (USCIS rec'd Wed - 1.5 more wks to go). Once we have verified that the I-171H has been rec'd in Islamabad, we are good to go on the final major PAP document needed for the adoption! The Embassy Dossier will then be complete with my side (PAP) of it. We will then add the baby's docs to it after the court hearing.
The only documents I'm waiting on are I-171H w/country change & Visa!
If I had been paper-ready for Pakistan, it would have been even quicker! LOL, I don't know if I could have handled that! Seems like I have just "blinked" & we are almost there!
Still working on a Name & trying to figure out what to do about a temp nursery (just not enough time to get her permanent nursery ready before we go!)
I will be officially announcing it at work on Monday. So, then we will need to have a work transition plan since I'll be gone for 4 months in about 3.5 weeks!
We are hoping to have Baby B . . . by 8/28/09 (Yes, just 3.5 weeks away!). She will be 8 weeks old!
And, now to begin the fun of SHOPPING . . . since we need EVERYTHING for a newborn infant . . .
And, reading everything I can on Newborn/Infant care!!! Bottles??? There are just so many options . . . LOL!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Ready - Set - Go! . . . The LAST Dossier!
Yet another dossier pulled together in 1.5 weeks (I believe this is #5)! Hopefully, my LAST!Whew . . . after today, I think I'm on the tail end of it all, finally. Why is it the people you need professional services from just don't have the same sense of urgency that you do?, LOL! THANK GOODNESS there are only 8 docs w/apostille needed for the Pakistan court dossier (yes, very light compared to a Russian dossier!) But all the major docs are there . . .
So, I thought I would give a brief update on the dossier document requirements for Pakistan. Basically, there are 2 dossiers, a Court Dossier & an Embassy Dossier. I've outlined the documents needed for each.
Court Dossier:
1. Home Study - updated & approved for country change
2. Medical Form – Adoptive parents only, Russian template used
3. Employment Verification - Russian template used
4. Passport Copy - Facing page
5. Marriage Cert/Birth Cert (single parent)
6. Bank Statements
7. Tax Returns (3 years)
8. Letter from Church - explained in further detail below.
1. Home Study - updated & approved for country change
2. Medical Form – Adoptive parents only, Russian template used
3. Employment Verification - Russian template used
4. Passport Copy - Facing page
5. Marriage Cert/Birth Cert (single parent)
6. Bank Statements
7. Tax Returns (3 years)
8. Letter from Church - explained in further detail below.
Each doc notarized & apostilled. Only 1 original set of court documents needed.
I finalized the home study today! Yeah!!! It has been a few stressful days trying to get all the needed supporting docs pulled together (medicals, financials, employment, etc.), but it was notarized & delivered today. I should receive the last doc tomorrow, my apostilled birth certificate from the state of Colorado. I received the cert w/o an apostille so I had to fedex to CO SOS office yesterday. I won't go into detail about what I had to do to get this expedited. Let's just say . . . "I did what it took to get it done, quickly!!!" The best the CO SOS office could tell me was "at least 3-5 days" (that was yesterday). When I called today, they already had it done & in the fedex overnight mail back to me. Begging, pleading & yes, tears - does help :)
I'll apostille the court dossier on Friday morning. Yes, a drive to OKC to hand carry the documents.
I'll apostille the court dossier on Friday morning. Yes, a drive to OKC to hand carry the documents.
Next, I'll create an electronic dossier - (Yes, this is what Pakistan requires) - You scan in all your final docs & send the electronic dossier to Pakistan. This is then printed in country & used for supporting docs to schedule the court hearing. No translation is required, since Pakistan is an English speaking country. This is the critical dossier since it is what determines when the court hearing can be scheduled, and when travel dates can be finalized. My plan is to have the electronic court dossier completed & sent by this weekend. I'll hand carry the originals court dossier docs & replace the electronic dossier with the originals for the actual court hearing.
Letter from Church (#8) - Document identifying that the PAP is a regular church attendee. Printed on letterhead & signed by church official. Basically, according to Pakistan's adoption requirements, a child must be placed with a christian family when the child is relinquished at a christian orphanage. This document satisfies this requirement.
US Embassy Dossier: (basic Russian document list was used)
1. Visa Fee per child ~$400 US dollars
2. Copies of last three years filed federal tax returns (Notary Statement not required)
3. Income confirmation (I'll be taking my employment verification & a recent pay stub)
Either
- A recent pay stub that shows pay rate, net amount, and year to date amounts
OR
- A recent letter from employer (within last three months, notarized)
2. Copies of last three years filed federal tax returns (Notary Statement not required)
3. Income confirmation (I'll be taking my employment verification & a recent pay stub)
Either
- A recent pay stub that shows pay rate, net amount, and year to date amounts
OR
- A recent letter from employer (within last three months, notarized)
OR
- A letter from accountant, attorney, or bookkeeper stating current status, notarized
4. Adoptive Family Assessment/Home study (Notarized)
5. Original or notarized copy of I-171H (in my case updated w/Country Change). I chuckle at my 7/5/09 post. Yes, I am doing a 4th I-171H update & using the 1x free country change, LOL!
- FBI Fingerprint checks must be valid at time of embassy interview
6. Photocopies of applicants’ passports
7. Drivers license or other identification in addition to passport (copy)
8. Photos of each child
- 3 passport size color photos
- A letter from accountant, attorney, or bookkeeper stating current status, notarized
4. Adoptive Family Assessment/Home study (Notarized)
5. Original or notarized copy of I-171H (in my case updated w/Country Change). I chuckle at my 7/5/09 post. Yes, I am doing a 4th I-171H update & using the 1x free country change, LOL!
- FBI Fingerprint checks must be valid at time of embassy interview
6. Photocopies of applicants’ passports
7. Drivers license or other identification in addition to passport (copy)
8. Photos of each child
- 3 passport size color photos
9. Form I-600
10. Medical information of each adopted child
10. Medical information of each adopted child
I have all the embassy dossier docs copied & notarized (where needed) EXCEPT for the I-171H w/country change. Of course, I needed my updated home study w/country change before I could request this. So, the ink was barely dry on my home study, when I sent my written request for the country change via fedex. I contacted the USCIS (Homeland Security) office today to see how long it will take (you know, we basically only have 3 weeks!) to process. H... assured me there wouldn't be any problem with getting it processed. She is an angel!!! And a single adoptive parent herself & we have formed a good relationship with that common experience. She is just so surprised with the country change (there are just not that many Pakistan adoptions).
Of course, Baby B's docs will be added to the embassy dossier after the court hearing.
Only 1 original set of embassy documents needed.
I'll hand carry the embassy dossier too. it is kind of scary to think that I will have all my original dossier documents traveling along with me. I'll not let them out of my sight!!!
Visa
I finished processing both my cousin’s Visa & my Visa on-line this afternoon with the final housing information sent by GAS (Pakistan agency). THAT is when I found out about the additional document required (Swine Flu Clearance) in addition to the original passports & visa pictures. I'm telling you, it was not listed as a requirement yesterday when I filled out the basic accounts. Today, it was listed. I have been online deligently trying to figure out if this is really required or not & if so, what is actually required??? Are test results required? What is the form template the doctor needs to use? Do you notarize it? Do you pay the visa fee prior to the doctor exam? What if you have paid & then you have the SF? I haven't found out much information so far tonight & the service I used for my Visa processing doesn't have technical/doc support after 5:00 p.m. So, if anyone has any tidbit of info on this, pleeeaaassseee let me know. I have to have my Visa by 8/13-15.
Okee-Dokee - there you have the update. I KNOW, a lot to accomplish in just 1.5 weeks, but I have DONE it! Along with a huge project implementation (8/15/09). And, life with my sweet boy. Nicker starts a new school 8/10/09 & so now I need to turn my attention to getting him all lined out with new school uniforms, new backpack & lunch box & school supplies (waiting for the "no sales tax" weekend 8/8-9).
Seems I do some of my best work under stress . . . And, I love to "check" tasks off my "to do" list. But, I also know I'm running on a lot of adrenaline & excitement. The month of August (Nicky's new school, huge project completed . . . and, NEW BABY) it's just so EXCITING!
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Long Awaited NEWS . . .
I don't want to keep you in suspense any longer . . . !!!Yes, I have a referral . . . a beautiful baby girl! But, surprise, surprise . . . NOT from Russia, from Pakistan! Yes, PAKISTAN!
My head is spinning!
There is so much to do!!! Another dossier (I think this is #5 now) and country change for homestudy & I-171H. My "to do" lists are doubling and tripling before my eyes!
But, first things first, I know you are all waiting for some details on this sweet baby girl . . .
DOB - 6/28/09 (yes, 2.5 weeks old)
weight - 6 lbs
length - 21 inches
How did this all happen, you ask? Our God is the God of Provision and Surprise (as my SW shared with me when I met with her this last week, LOL!)
Pakistan is a new country program for Lighthouse Adoptions, my current IA agency. And, I will be the pilot family for the program. I'm trying not to get to far "out there" since there are definitely "unknowns". But, I do have confidence in my agency and the agency in Pakistan. And, all the decisions have not been made in haste, much thought and prayer have gone into this HUGE decision!
So, where is Russia, you ask? . . . the Russia option is not closed, just put "on hold" until we see if this detour in the adoption journey's path will place my daughter in my arms (I have a very good feeling & I'm thinking it will!).
And some more good news! This could all happen very quickly. We could be in Pakistan by the end of August, just 4 weeks! Only 1 trip, 3-4 weeks is required. I could be home with my baby girl by mid/end of September. Amazing to think that it could happen so quickly.
So, there you have it, the brief "60 second" summary. I'm so very, very excited. And, I will definitely keep everyone updated as we go along this new adoption path. And, please do continue to pray for my little family, as I journey down a path of being "the first". It will be an adventure for sure!
Who would have thought . . . Pakistan! God really does have a sense of humor!
:)
Sunday, July 12, 2009
When you Least Expect IT! . . .
Okay, I have SOME news . . . But I cannot publicly share it yet.
So sorry, but I'm needing to ask for Prayers, Prayers, Prayers!!!
My head is spinning!!!
Thanks.
:)
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