So the way the embassy appointment works goes something like this. They email us, with a big Case Completed blazing across the top of the email. We then choose three dates for possible appointments and after checking to make sure there are flights to get us there for those appointments, submit them to the embassy for them to choose one. They email back with our confirmed appointment and then we book our flights.
We have to arrive in Addis at least 24 hours before our appointment because we need time to pick up our children as they are present with us at the embassy appointment.
So, the day we got "the email" Casey worked all morning and afternoon to figure out flight scenarios so we could determine when we could get back to Ethiopia, what days we should submit for our requested embassy appointment.
To complicate things just a little, the embassy is not assigning adoption appointments from August 25th through September 5th. Who knows why. On Thursday we requested August 23rd or August 24th as our first and second choices for appointments and started planning for a flight to Addis this Sunday. We were moving.
Unfortunately, we did not hear back from the embassy on Friday before they closed. (Naturally, they only work till noon on Fridays.) After talking with our case manager we determined the choice was ours to go ahead and buy a plane ticket to fly out Sunday, arrive Monday and hope we get an email Monday confirming a Tuesday or Wednesday appointment. Or, we wait and request September 6th as our new first choice.
It was not an easy decision. But Casey wasn't thrilled about the possibility of having his wife stuck in Africa for 2 weeks if we didn't get an appointment for next week but went ahead and flew on faith. I was already imagining what I might do for two weeks to kill time... safaris, ancient ruins, rock-hewn churches.... No, really, it was a hard decision but we both feel at peace with it now.
We have to arrive in Addis at least 24 hours before our appointment because we need time to pick up our children as they are present with us at the embassy appointment.
So, the day we got "the email" Casey worked all morning and afternoon to figure out flight scenarios so we could determine when we could get back to Ethiopia, what days we should submit for our requested embassy appointment.
To complicate things just a little, the embassy is not assigning adoption appointments from August 25th through September 5th. Who knows why. On Thursday we requested August 23rd or August 24th as our first and second choices for appointments and started planning for a flight to Addis this Sunday. We were moving.
Unfortunately, we did not hear back from the embassy on Friday before they closed. (Naturally, they only work till noon on Fridays.) After talking with our case manager we determined the choice was ours to go ahead and buy a plane ticket to fly out Sunday, arrive Monday and hope we get an email Monday confirming a Tuesday or Wednesday appointment. Or, we wait and request September 6th as our new first choice.
It was not an easy decision. But Casey wasn't thrilled about the possibility of having his wife stuck in Africa for 2 weeks if we didn't get an appointment for next week but went ahead and flew on faith. I was already imagining what I might do for two weeks to kill time... safaris, ancient ruins, rock-hewn churches.... No, really, it was a hard decision but we both feel at peace with it now.
That was the very long way to say we will not be getting our boys next week, but are hoping for an appointment on September 6th. Now, if any of you decide you want to adopt from Ethiopia, you have a better idea of how this well-oiled machine works. smile.
[If you'd like to see more pictures of Ethiopia, this site has some good ones.]
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| The churches of Lalibela, from the 13th century |
oh my... is there any more possible hurdles for you to jump over??!! Oh well. You are allmmostt there, Emily and Casey!
ReplyDeleteKeep holding on! Just cause there's another hurdle doesn't mean Jesus isn't jumping over with you! He knows what he's doing...
Thanks for keeping me updated. Your sweet boys are almost home! Praying for physical and spiritual rest...Love you lots- Krit
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today and trusting you are finding rest in our Savior!
ReplyDeleteR