Saturday, August 11, 2007
It worked for a while
I put these on very randomly. There is one that is very dark but that is the first hug from Junior at the home. We were allowed to take about 4 photos and Mom was technically challenged with the flash. At least she got it and I can enhance it later. As you can see Junior is a mischief maker. Into EVERYTHING. He put all of his toys on his head including all the napkins from the holder. We took more photos today that I will add if I can later. I'm so excited that some posted.
Shopping excursion
Well we got our taxi at 10:00 and off we went downtown. What an experience. We had the worst rains we've had the entire time. There are two shopping options of course we don't know anything about anything so we first said we wanted African traditional clothing and that was easy. We got Junior an outfit to wear on his special day if he really gets one. Still no word from Jessie or Nadime. I am planning on calling them and asking if we can come out tomorrow or on Monday at the latest.
Next we asked where we could get t-shirts and shorts. What we were told is we had to go to the big shopping warehouse. Okay, so you all can invent your own picture but what we got was a tent town or basically several rows of tents that sold USED clothing. Keep in mind these are lean-too shacks and we are in a massive down pour and puddles over our shoes. So, we got out and hurried while huddled under one of the shacks to get some really expensive used clothes! We tried negotiating but they stuck firm to their price. We were soaked and done so hey at least he has something to wear so better than nothing. We got back in the cab and right back to the damned hotel to yes invent games again to keep us busy.
Junior is still being extremely good but his patience is starting to wane. He actually cried today when I made him take a nap. He is starting to test me but realize when I start to come towards him he better stop. So, pushes but not too far. There is really nothing to do. Later in the day the rains stopped so we went out on the patio by the resturant. Junior LOVES to people watch. I guess lack of exposure.
Right now he is sitting beside me he has chewed up all of our straws and is using them as chopsticks to try to get the ice out of the glass - whatever works. Oh yeah, and he still LOVES to eat!
Next we asked where we could get t-shirts and shorts. What we were told is we had to go to the big shopping warehouse. Okay, so you all can invent your own picture but what we got was a tent town or basically several rows of tents that sold USED clothing. Keep in mind these are lean-too shacks and we are in a massive down pour and puddles over our shoes. So, we got out and hurried while huddled under one of the shacks to get some really expensive used clothes! We tried negotiating but they stuck firm to their price. We were soaked and done so hey at least he has something to wear so better than nothing. We got back in the cab and right back to the damned hotel to yes invent games again to keep us busy.
Junior is still being extremely good but his patience is starting to wane. He actually cried today when I made him take a nap. He is starting to test me but realize when I start to come towards him he better stop. So, pushes but not too far. There is really nothing to do. Later in the day the rains stopped so we went out on the patio by the resturant. Junior LOVES to people watch. I guess lack of exposure.
Right now he is sitting beside me he has chewed up all of our straws and is using them as chopsticks to try to get the ice out of the glass - whatever works. Oh yeah, and he still LOVES to eat!
Good News!
Update this morning is that an email has been sent to the Embassy directly to Alma the woman that did the visa interview. Additionally, the agency director has a copy of the email too. After telling the agency director that I did not think a second interview was required she feels confident that the visa will be issued on Monday. That would make me feel a WHOLE LOT better. Even if it is Tuesday that will still be great. She also said that I NEED to go to the house and let Junior spend time with the his friends and have a very special day the last day. Which means I will be able to see your kids and get more photos - especially those that are desperately needed, like Diamond (Angeline) for Karen. I also will deliver the letters and cards I have - personally since I do not trust Jessie at this point.
Sue - don't feel bad about E-man and the fingernail polish. Junior wants to wear lipstick every day! His special color is pink!
Sue - don't feel bad about E-man and the fingernail polish. Junior wants to wear lipstick every day! His special color is pink!
Friday, August 10, 2007
It looks like Wednesday will be tight!
For those of you on the "other" group (all my adopting sisters) I posted the message from the agency rep in email since I know you all have a very vested interest. For the rest of you... I have been told that the state of OK has agreed to email the V-37 we are waiting on. The rep will request an appointment to see me again this will be done on Monday for Tuesday and the visa issued Wednesday. There should be a celebration party at the home for Junior to say good-bye to his friends and former family (all the kids) and then off to the airport. It is really pushing it but it still works. I don't think the woman needs to see me again at the Embassy and so possibly the visa will be ready sooner than that. When I was there she seemed satisfied with our appointment and said I could pick up the visa on any day of the week. It was only the interview that needed to be on a specified day. So, with any luck we will get word on Monday to pick up Tuesday and it will not be cutting it so close. I think I will email the agency director and tell her I do not think another appointment is necessary. See if that speeds things up. More to come... Sorry about photos everyone it sucks!
Still can't upload photos
So, I came down to the restuarant it's 10:15 the place closes at 11:00 and I thought that it would be quiet and no one would be on here and the band width would be wide open but much to my surprise everyone is out! The place is hoppin'. I've been trying to upload for about 20 minutes and again it just times out. Grrrr.
To answer questions from some of the comments posted. Aunt Tammy - yes he laughs a lot! He is an extremely pleasant boy. He plays well by himself and with me. The only time he has been sad at all is during the ride at night and twice when I wouldn't let him climb the curtains and play with the phone. He gave me a mean look because I made him stop. So, he threw his truck.
He is so funny. He has a truck, a doodle pad (which he figured out an I could not), a sippy cup he still can't get to work right (I tried it you have to suck really hard -dumb), the two tape measures (the retractable one is really cool) and tonight a man gave him a flashlight you shake and it lights so no batteries. He carries ALL of them everywhere we go. It makes taking him to dinner or to the market very interesting. I've got him high fiving everyone and he is saying that things are cool! Next he'll be saying DUDE (too many years in CA). I can't believe how good he has been. Mom is having fun but a bit cabin fevered. It's tough because with the rain we can't even let him out to play on the patio area by the dining room. So we really are confinded to the room. I hope the car ride and shopping tomorrow helps unwind him a bit and burn some time.
Thanks for all of your comments of love and support. We will get through this and be home soon. It appears the agency director gave the reps a slap around I imagine I will hear from them tomorrow inviting us to the house so maybe I'll get those pictures taken and letters delivered afterall. I will do my best for all of you. I know you are counting on me.
Okay, better send before the power goes out again.
To answer questions from some of the comments posted. Aunt Tammy - yes he laughs a lot! He is an extremely pleasant boy. He plays well by himself and with me. The only time he has been sad at all is during the ride at night and twice when I wouldn't let him climb the curtains and play with the phone. He gave me a mean look because I made him stop. So, he threw his truck.
He is so funny. He has a truck, a doodle pad (which he figured out an I could not), a sippy cup he still can't get to work right (I tried it you have to suck really hard -dumb), the two tape measures (the retractable one is really cool) and tonight a man gave him a flashlight you shake and it lights so no batteries. He carries ALL of them everywhere we go. It makes taking him to dinner or to the market very interesting. I've got him high fiving everyone and he is saying that things are cool! Next he'll be saying DUDE (too many years in CA). I can't believe how good he has been. Mom is having fun but a bit cabin fevered. It's tough because with the rain we can't even let him out to play on the patio area by the dining room. So we really are confinded to the room. I hope the car ride and shopping tomorrow helps unwind him a bit and burn some time.
Thanks for all of your comments of love and support. We will get through this and be home soon. It appears the agency director gave the reps a slap around I imagine I will hear from them tomorrow inviting us to the house so maybe I'll get those pictures taken and letters delivered afterall. I will do my best for all of you. I know you are counting on me.
Okay, better send before the power goes out again.
Still can't upload photos!
Still can't get any photos to upload but neither can anyone else. I'm going to try to come back down after Junior is asleep and Grandma can watch him to see if the traffic slows down on the wire and get a couple of photos on here. Damn this is frustrating!
Here we are!
Everything is fine but still no word from the Embassy. Cheryl has been working with the State Department and I feel pretty confident that it will work out. But hate the fact that it is the weekend and NOTHING will happen now.
Junior is doing well. The biggest problem is keeping him entertained in the small hotel room. He has been a jewel. He has not cried once only wimpered a couple of times when he didn't get his way, but mostly just plays and chatters to "Mommy" or "Grandma" the whole time. I was afraid he didn't talk WRONG he talks all the time!
We have chartered a taxi to take us downtown tomorrow to shop. It will be a quick trip as I feel it is dangerous but we need to get him more clothes as I did not expect him to be with us the whole time. The Royal staff has been very helpful.
Sharon - I would NOT recommend bringing Tim. To exit the plane they in Monrovia you disembark on the tarmack and must come down 20 stairs or so. Also, with the rain everything is slippery and the ground is very uneven. The baggage area I fear he would get knocked down it is very crazy.
Okay, I'm going to try to post. I hope this works!
Junior is doing well. The biggest problem is keeping him entertained in the small hotel room. He has been a jewel. He has not cried once only wimpered a couple of times when he didn't get his way, but mostly just plays and chatters to "Mommy" or "Grandma" the whole time. I was afraid he didn't talk WRONG he talks all the time!
We have chartered a taxi to take us downtown tomorrow to shop. It will be a quick trip as I feel it is dangerous but we need to get him more clothes as I did not expect him to be with us the whole time. The Royal staff has been very helpful.
Sharon - I would NOT recommend bringing Tim. To exit the plane they in Monrovia you disembark on the tarmack and must come down 20 stairs or so. Also, with the rain everything is slippery and the ground is very uneven. The baggage area I fear he would get knocked down it is very crazy.
Okay, I'm going to try to post. I hope this works!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
I think we have an inventor on our hands!
Junior is into everything. He wants to know how everything works. I picture him being an Engineer of some sort. He already counts to at least 13!
Karen - Diamond IS at the AFAA house but unfortunately I am not and they do not seem anxious to take us there again. I feel bad because I told the kids I would be back today, but this did not happen.
Visa update - we went for the interview and the VISA37 is still not there. The woman seemed optimistic about being able to use the original I171-H. The policeman that found Junior came to the interview and they separated us and first asked me questions about what I had been told about how Junior came to the orphanage. Then they asked him questions. The woman said she would need to verify his story as well as try to find the VISA37. She knows I am scheduled to leave on Wednesday and said she would expedite the process. No committment. Nadime and Jessie seemed optimistic. Let me just say they are not that well verused in the process. They are somewhat confused by the paperwork. Jessie the got out of the car and left with the police officer and Samuel (driver) returned us to the hotel. I do not even have a contact # for Jessie. I guess we wait.
I'm very sorry that I have not yet spent any time with your kids and I fear I will not get to. If I do not get to go back to the house, on the last day give Jessie the letters and cards I was given but I do not know for certain what she will do with them. Hang in there everyone!
Karen - Diamond IS at the AFAA house but unfortunately I am not and they do not seem anxious to take us there again. I feel bad because I told the kids I would be back today, but this did not happen.
Visa update - we went for the interview and the VISA37 is still not there. The woman seemed optimistic about being able to use the original I171-H. The policeman that found Junior came to the interview and they separated us and first asked me questions about what I had been told about how Junior came to the orphanage. Then they asked him questions. The woman said she would need to verify his story as well as try to find the VISA37. She knows I am scheduled to leave on Wednesday and said she would expedite the process. No committment. Nadime and Jessie seemed optimistic. Let me just say they are not that well verused in the process. They are somewhat confused by the paperwork. Jessie the got out of the car and left with the police officer and Samuel (driver) returned us to the hotel. I do not even have a contact # for Jessie. I guess we wait.
I'm very sorry that I have not yet spent any time with your kids and I fear I will not get to. If I do not get to go back to the house, on the last day give Jessie the letters and cards I was given but I do not know for certain what she will do with them. Hang in there everyone!
We're here!
Okay, we made it safe and sound. We went and saw the kids last night but let me say that since Sue's trip things have change a bit I think. Jessie was very insistant that we take Junior the first night and I feel part of this was to keep us away from the house. I have this weird feeling that we will NOT be spending time there. I kind of wanted to ease into Junior getting usd to us before taking him but there was none of that.
The kids are so anxious to leave and I know that is hard to hear. Some observations:
Alomiza is so beautiful and much smaller than she appears in pictures.
Florence and Diamond - both are fantastic and Florence despite her small size is a ball of energy.
Ishamel - watched and anxiously waited for any words that might be an indicator of when his parents are coming.
Diamond - Female I asked the kids they did not know who I was talking about. I don't think she is there but will ask Jessie specifically today.
Kurker - was totally into a movie and completely well behaved.
Gormah - came and cautiously got close and was anxious to have attention but very shy about it.
We were only at the home a few minutes and they whisked Junior of to change and then took us to the hotel. We never even got pictures. Weird. Junior was scared at first out at night for the first time ever. Not how I pictured it. But, he is fine now. The hotel is a whole lot of fun. Oh and he LOVES FOOD! Fits right in with us!!
We go to the Embassy today - I have no idea what will happen as there are still issues at least according to Cheryl!
The kids are so anxious to leave and I know that is hard to hear. Some observations:
Alomiza is so beautiful and much smaller than she appears in pictures.
Florence and Diamond - both are fantastic and Florence despite her small size is a ball of energy.
Ishamel - watched and anxiously waited for any words that might be an indicator of when his parents are coming.
Diamond - Female I asked the kids they did not know who I was talking about. I don't think she is there but will ask Jessie specifically today.
Kurker - was totally into a movie and completely well behaved.
Gormah - came and cautiously got close and was anxious to have attention but very shy about it.
We were only at the home a few minutes and they whisked Junior of to change and then took us to the hotel. We never even got pictures. Weird. Junior was scared at first out at night for the first time ever. Not how I pictured it. But, he is fine now. The hotel is a whole lot of fun. Oh and he LOVES FOOD! Fits right in with us!!
We go to the Embassy today - I have no idea what will happen as there are still issues at least according to Cheryl!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Blast off!!!!
Well, we are loading the car and on the way to the airport, but in Cheryl's usual form she is stealing the thunder of the moment. She claims she received an email from the Embassy this morning and they do not have the VISA37 or I171-H, despite the fact that I have a confirmation email stating it was sent in Nov 2006. It has been a morning of endless phone calls and well (1) hole in a door! I am so frustrated right now I don't even know how to express it in words. We are going and hoping... so everyone I'll ask you to get on your knees as you did for Heather. We're going to need it....
Monday, August 6, 2007
One...
Tomorrow morning is almost here! The final packing frenzy is on and I think we are ready to go.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Two....
With just hours now the anticipation is growing. Karen got back from Costa Rica and was trying to get her head around all of the crazy things that went down last week with visas. She going to try to make some last minute changes to her plans so that she is certain to arrive in Monrovia on a Wednesday night so that the visa interview is one of the first things that gets done. This should provide for a more relaxing trip as the visa will be approved on Thursday and picked on Friday allowing the remainder of the trip to be enjoyable fun!
I got lucky and that is exactly how my trip is laid out. So, here is the blow by blow: We leave Tuesday from Tulsa at noon - arrive Brussels Wednesday morning and then fly to Monrovia and land at 5:35pm. There is ~ one hour drive to the orphanage from the airport. So, Junior and all of these other children will be in my arms Wednesday night. Thursday we have an appointment to take Junior to the Embassy for the visa exit interview. Providing everything is in order we can pick his visa up on Friday and this is where breathing easy begins. Then the rest of the time is play time. We don't depart until the following Wednesday at 6:55pm. We'll have time for the beach, shopping and lots of play time with all of the kids and hopefully successful uploading of pictures and stories on here to keep all of you tuned in!
I got lucky and that is exactly how my trip is laid out. So, here is the blow by blow: We leave Tuesday from Tulsa at noon - arrive Brussels Wednesday morning and then fly to Monrovia and land at 5:35pm. There is ~ one hour drive to the orphanage from the airport. So, Junior and all of these other children will be in my arms Wednesday night. Thursday we have an appointment to take Junior to the Embassy for the visa exit interview. Providing everything is in order we can pick his visa up on Friday and this is where breathing easy begins. Then the rest of the time is play time. We don't depart until the following Wednesday at 6:55pm. We'll have time for the beach, shopping and lots of play time with all of the kids and hopefully successful uploading of pictures and stories on here to keep all of you tuned in!
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