Running around

Not everything is working out as planned, but we're still on track! We booked my tickets last night. Both days (Wednesday and Saturday) that I wanted to travel, there were no flights - the only 2 days of the week where there are no flights. Go figure. So I will be leaving Amsterdam on Tuesday, June 6th and leaving Almaty on Sunday, June 11th. I was bummed having to stay there longer, but at least they are booked. We also booked our trip to Boston and were only going to stay there until Tuesday (a very short trip) but now Joe has meeting there that week so we may stay until Friday. It's still up in the air as his meetings are notorious for being cancelled last minute.

As far as today, I've pretty much been 2 hours behind all day. I started out the day O.K., woke up extra early, walked Charlie, showered, ate breakfast, etc.

The first "item" of the day was calling the USCIS Office (Immigration) in Frankfurt. They approved us for the adoption but somehow the US Embassy in Almaty doesn't have that approval. This is needed to get her visa. Before our first trip, our agency called and checked that they had it, but somehow now they are saying they don't. Thank goodness for double-checking! I tried calling last night but the office was closed. I spoke with the US Consulate there and she said they opened at 8am. I called at 8am this morning and a man told me it opens at 9am. I waited until 9a to call and voicemail. Of course, the voicemail box is full so I can't even leave a message. I am now late for going to the KZ Embassy in The Hague. They open at 930a and I wanted to be there first thing. Already behind schedule.

I arrived at the KZ Embassy at about 1020a (did I mention it is a 45 min drive?). The gate is locked. I ring a bell and the lady tells me the consular section is closed for the hour. Huh? The opening hours are from 930a-130p but apparently he had something to do. Not knowing where I am really, I just started driving around (after calling Joe and complaining and then trying the USCIS office again - voicemail). I ended up at Schevingingen (try saying that 3 times fast), the beach! I didn't even get out as it is still really cold here and was raining (did I mention it has rained every day here since we've been back from KZ?). After about 30 min. of driving, I started to make my way back to the embassy. Got to love Tom Tom (our GPS).

Right when I got back, the consulate was getting back. Great timing (still behind schedule). He is skeptical by my asking for a tourist visa but then telling him I will be picking up my daughter. He thinks there may be a problem getting her out but I trust my agency's advice and tell him "it's fine" (with my fingers crossed behind my back). He tells me I can pick up my visa Monday. Monday is a Dutch holiday (actually a religious holiday but everything is closed) so I tell him but he doesn't think they're closed. I'll call back tomorrow to check. Of course, I fly Tuesday so I'm a little nervous about being so last minute. Maybe I'll try to sweet talk him tomorrow into picking it up on Friday. Wish me luck!

I came home for lunch, after spending 1 1/2 hr in traffic, and to get the fax # for the Immigration office. Tried faxing it, wrong number on their website. I called and a lady gave me a completely different #. It went through. Still no word back from them and another 5 times trying to call.

After faxing, I went to a lady's house (who I met through the woman's club) to pick up items she is giving to us for Hannah, items her son has outgrown. Oh my goodness, more toys than we know what to do with, baby gates,....Wow! So great! I made it home pretty quickly (only 40 min) from her house and went to the grocery store to get something for dinner. Then onto my pre-2nd trip pow-wow with Don at our agency (only 2 hrs late). We went over expenses, paperwork, etc. and were trying to figure out what to do about the Immigration office (kind of important)! He ended up getting me direct numbers for a few people at the office from a social worker in Germany (why didn't I think of that?). So I will try again tomorrow at 8am!