Thursday, June 14, 2007

Success at the Embassy



Last night was better than the night before. Mikias slept well except for a 2-hour span from 2am – 4am when he was wide awake and crying. It seems like his nasal congestion is really giving him problems. Ben ended up holding him upright for an hour, so he could get some sleep. Hopefully, we can get this cleared up before tomorrow night’s flight. We’re very anxious about that flight. We just hope he doesn’t end up screaming for 17 hours all the way back to the U.S.

This morning we were able to talk to both of our parents on the phone. Alemu had given us a cell phone that we purchased some prepaid minutes for. So, the grandparents were able to hear Mikias for the first time. It was mostly crying for Joanna’s parents, but Ben’s parents got to hear some laughing and squealing. For us it was great to hear some familiar voices, if only for a few minutes.

Our only event for today was to attend our Embassy appointment at 1pm. Getachew (our power of attorney here in Ethiopia) took us for our appointment and we were a little late getting there because of some traffic. We were required to bring Mikias along too. This was the first time he has left the guest house compound since we brought him here from the orphanage on Friday. The whole process was pretty easy actually. We had to present some of the documents that we had filled out. Some immigration forms and U.S. tax returns were also required. After this we paid the visa fee and then had a short interview. Really the interview was only a few basic questions and took just a couple minutes. Success!! We were very excited that this went so smoothly. We just have to return to the Embassy in the morning to pick up Mikias’ passport and we should be good to go. Alemu told us later that he was a bit concerned about our appointment today because this is the first adoption AAI had done where the birthmother was known. He wasn’t sure if this would cause any issues. I’m glad he kept his concerns to himself and that everything turned out well.

This afternoon has been uneventful as we’ve spent the entire time around the guesthouse. We are beginning to pack our things up a bit. We also had the opportunity to present gifts to Getachew, Gizesh, and Hiwot for the help they have given us for the past week. Tonight Alemu is picking Kurt up from the airport so we expect to finally meet our adoption consultant this evening. It’s funny that we have to fly halfway around the world to meet him.

Tomorrow we’re hoping to also do some last minute shopping, but we’ll probably spend most of the day “prepping” ourselves and Mikias for the plane trip back home.

11 comments:

Denise Bryant said...

That is one cool picture! I'm glad the embassy appt went well, yay to that!

Karen said...

Congratulations!!!!!!! Good luck with the trip home!

Anonymous said...

Help him to have a clear head as much as possible on the flight. I flew once with a congested head and it was the most painful thing I have experienced. It ruptured my ear drum.

Anonymous said...

Rubbing around the ear and sinus cavities might help.

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see you guys...have a safe trip home.

Anonymous said...

Hi Joanna Benjamin and Mikias,
I am going to try this again. I jusst added something and it didn't go through. I just wanted to say that when I open the lblog there we My beautiful grandson holding the American flag. I knew everything went well. It was so good talking to you Joanna and hearing Mikias cry and knowing that Benj was O.K. too. The only better will be seeing the three of you walking toward us at the airport. I will e-mail to say good night.
Love you all,
Mom and Grandma K

Jo and Keith said...

Congratulations and Godspeed Ben, Joanna, and Mikias! What a wonderful blessing! Love, Jo, Keith, Jessica, & Alex

Deanna said...

Yay :-)

Anonymous said...

So glad all went well at the embassy. Have a safe trip back to the U.S. We know God will continue to bless all three of you.

And Ben - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY a little early!

Love, The Unger Family

kikstra said...

We're so happy for you, and will be praying for a safe, peaceful flight home (as peaceful as it could be with a baby onboard!) What a beautiful family you have- Congrats!
Carl & Betsy

Anonymous said...

I just spent the last 30 minutes rereading your entire blog. Thanks for the tears of joy and I am anxious to meet your little guy!Love,Marcie