Friday, April 15, 2011

Well after waiting five days in Delhi for T's article 23 letter to be issued we found out that the Embassy had not even sent her papers over. Our visa interview was on Monday, granted there were 2 holidays this week but still  the papers had not been sent. Luckily our friends who were also trying to get their article 23 encouraged us to go down to the office with them. The office - hard to find but luckily our friend's driver found it! Good thing we went there when we did, it was then that we found out that they hadn't received any paperwork. I burst into tears. The very nice Indian lady started to say " don't cry, don't panic, everything has a solution, don't cry over a piece of paper, take a chill pill--she said more but I was so distraught. I woke up this morning feeling sick, Mike was sick the day before and we miss our other daughter a lot so feeling like we couldn't leave was very overwhelming. Our friends were so kind they stayed with us and helped us through the paperwork issues and brainstorming on what to do and who to call. I am so appreciative of their help throughout this trip and especially today. The Indian lady returned to tell us that the Embassy was sending someone to deliver all the paperwork. We then had a lovely chat about adoption she was very kind and encouraging. An hour went by, still nothing we continued to wait and sit in this small room anxiously waiting to hear of our paperwork arrival. Some time later she came out and said why dont' you go back to your hotel get some lunch and then return--first i can't eat I'm feeling like I'm going to puke, second what if this guy doesn't show up with our paperwork. We took her advice I went back and retrieved our court order from our room safe, texted our caseworker frantically- poor thing it was 1 am for her. Mike returned with all of the needed papers/info but the man from the embassy did show up and our papers were being processed! Mike then had to go to the embassy- which requires securtiy checks etc. and he retrieved our daughter's visa packet!  So we can board the first of many flights home! If all goes as planned we will be touching down in the US Sunday! I've really enjoyed our time in India but I'm so excited to see our family. Thanks for sharing in this amazing journey with us.

9 comments:

  1. I think I mentioned that I have yet to hear of a family that has not had to step in during this Article 23 process! The two families that were with us had to go camp out at CARA too.

    Hang in there. Traveling this long on such an emotional journey does take it's toll. Funny that when you are run down, dealing with a new baby etc. your normal calm self can be taken over by emotion over the smallest of things in an instant. I think I lost it over wet socks that wouldn't dry :)

    So glad that all is in order and you can get back to your Metali. I hope you continue to blog as the family of four is formed. I would love to see pictures of all of you together.

    Safe travels...
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Being in a different country when problems arise bring on a whole new level of stress. I am so happy that the paperwork is all in order and you can get on that flight home to your little Metali.

    Safe travels. You are on the final stretch home. Hang in there.

    April :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank the Lord for providing you with a support system of friends over there to encourage you through this process. I can relate the the paperwork struggles and the stress and frustration that accompany that. SOOO happy to hear you're coming home Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  4. SOOO happy that all got worked out for you. Heading for the home stretch is quite nice especially when sweet little ones are waiting at home for you.:) Hoping you have a safe and relaxing trip home. Maiya Reela slept over half of the way.:) Gidget

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's such an emotional journey to begin with, and then to add illness and paperwork snafus -- yikes. So happy to hear that your friends were there to help you through it. You're so close to being home -- we will be praying for uneventful travel home. Hugs to you,
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  6. So happy for you that it all worked out and you are on your way home! I remember the feeling of just wanting to be home and another day would feel like a week! Blessings! Jenny

    ReplyDelete
  7. So excited you are coming home!! What an exciting time for your family to finally be together! Praise God for his provision over the situation! Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Way to persevere! We're all excited to see you and our new niece! I hope she travels ok- no harm in a little sedative so you can all rest? Hang in there, you're almost home!

    ReplyDelete
  9. We are all praying for you so know that you are covered in prayer! We will be anticipating your arrival! Please let us know what we can do back here in Bend to help make the transition easier...we want to help! Love you guys!

    ReplyDelete