Here's the craziest part - we didn't even expect it to be issued until at least tomorrow, and possibly not until later. We were merely calling to get an update on our investigation and to gently prod (possibly, not so gently) the US Embassy in Kinshasa to get a move on our case (we have been waiting four weeks since Embassy appointment today). There was a lot of drama over the last few weeks about when/if our agency's visas would be issued for about ten waiting families. The US Embassy in Kinshasa is apparently extremely understaffed right now and some of the things that needed to happen prior to these visas being issued just weren't happening.
So tonight we expected, at best, a detailed update. At worst, to not get through at all. And we had a lot on the line with this call because I decided a little over a week ago to travel, with or without visa. I basically decided that we'd waited long enough and I would just tough it out in Kinshasa and maybe try to make best friends with some Embassy employees during my extended stay.
So now, instead, I can spend my first days with Jonathan getting to know him over the hundreds of handheld applesauce snacks I packed versus trekking it over to the Embassy each day to hang out until we got that one, oh-so-important stamp. And I can be almost absolutely assured that we will be back in the US in a relatively short time. The day that my entire family is under the same roof is, finally, not that far away.
I'm so happy that we've finally come to the end of this journey and can now begin our way more important journey of knowing, loving and raising Jonathan. This thirteen month pregnancy has gone on LONG enough!
Oh, and yes, please don't judge me - I do have over 150lbs of luggage. In my defense, much of it's donations, and the rest is food (I'm not sure gluten free is a very supported lifestyle in DRC, so I am packing to be on the safe side!). I should be pretty prepared, though. This might be one time where my over-packing actually is very useful.
So in less than a week, I can officially say I'll be holding my son. That is the most surreal and wonderful thing I could ever type on this blog. After years of dreaming of adopting, and over a year of looking at one sweet little face, we will all finally start the next phase in our lives. I cannot wait.
Hello, I have been reading your blog and praying for your sweet family. This one got me very teary eyed! So happy for your family and of course for that sweet little boy :)
ReplyDeleteYay! For lots of luggage. We had 6 bags for us, it was crazy town for sure. But so worth it to have the comforts of home while there. Have a safe journey and get that boy home!
ReplyDeleteSo happy reading this! can't wait to see pictures of you together at last! Your day is finally here!
ReplyDeleteWonderful update! Congrats :)
ReplyDeleteJust wondering, I am GF as well, and have been pondering how I was going to swing it in DRC. Any tips on food stuffs you are packing? Thnx!! God Bless!
I loved the Thai rice noodle meals (veggie and spring onion were my favorites). GF oatmeal was awesome (we had hot pot kettles in our room, so we could make lots of things with that - I stayed at Sunny Day, so we had a kitchenette - lifesaver!). I brought lots handheld applesauces and pureed fruits (for both Jonathan and myself). I also brought Rice Chex, Kind nut bars, lots of raw nuts, peanut butter, small cans of tuna and packets of mayo, gf nut crackers, boxed soups, gf noodles (for spaghetti - I bought sauce in country), instant rice and risotto boxes. I really enjoyed having the kitchen at Sunny Day and I paid the extra $200 to take a third bag with food in it - totally worth it. Hope that helps!
DeleteI just added every item to my travel list. Where did you get packets of mayo from? We will be staying at St. Annes so I'm not sure if we will have a kitchenette option but I see how it would be worth the extra money. Thank you Kristen!
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