It is Tuesday and we got started by checking e-mails and finalizing our travels.
We had Bfast(came with our room) in the dining area and talked about our plans
for today. These meals have been great, we are warmly welcomed by the staff
and we know that the food is safe and healthy.
We plan to rest up and do a little more shopping in Thamel. I am still worn out
a little from yesterday. It was extremely stressful and frustrating. The issue
with the visa was a small oversite that caused a lot of disappointment on our
part. We were very excited to get home early and see our boys and hear all about
their adventures while we were gone. To have that taken away by a technicality was
upsetting. But the good news is that we took care of it and will still get back on the
original day. Also the big picture is that we have Sujina and have her US Visa in hand.
The rest will just be a good story later down the road.
It seems like we have been here a month. I guess being away from family slows down
time. All of these delays and sacrifices are well worth bringing Sujina home and I am
excited to get home and share her love with the rest of our valued family. Paul
Monday, January 29, 2007
Visa who needs a visa......
After having breakfast, and not eating much we decided to restart our day. We had many things to go before coming back to pack for leaving on Tuesday.
Our first stop was the Thai air office to get our new tickets, we were give a piece of paper and told to go to the Cathay Pacific Office because the second part of the trip was on Cathay through Hong Kong.
So we walk there and stood in line. The nice lady told us that she would gladly change our tickets but we would need a chinese transit visa for Sujina. WHAT????? This is the first we had heard of this from anyone. So we say can we
get
it in one day? Knowing that the answer would be NO, and sure enought it was a laugh and a NO!
We were to pick up Sujina travel documents from the US Embassy at 3 and we could not do anything, travel wise, until then, so we decided to go see Hira and Shree and pay them for our hotel in Dhulikhel. They were very happy to see us, but were worried about our perdicument.
We then went on our way, we had to pick up our laundry, purchase something for the boys and my mom. We were feeling pressed for time becasue if we had to go to the Chinese Embassy before we could buy the ticket for Sujina and everyhing closed at 5 we had little time.
So Paul went to pick up Sujinas travel doc. and he spoke to the Embassy about the transit visa, of course they didn't know and were pretty much "Good luck with that!"
So we decided to go get the ticket from Thai air and then to the Chinese Embassy. The Thai lady said we needed to go to the travel agent just down the street and pick up both tickets from Thai and Cathay Pacific. Paul and I thought well if they are going to issue them both them maybe the lady at CP was wrong. We got to the travel agent and handed them Sujina's travel Document. They started the process and then came out and said, you will need a Chinese transit visa for her. We said but we will not leave the airport, we are just changing planes. He said I am sorry but I can not issue you her ticket with out it.
UGH.............. so we say okay is the Chinese Embassy open now? He said yes and it is close. So we are irrationally thinking that we can march down to the Chinese Embassy and aske them to give us a visa for our daughter in less than 24 hours! ( take me to Gate 3 please!!) Why we thought that was a great idea, would they just take a look at us and say oh yes
you are a sweet couple and isn't she precious, we will curb our policy for you!
HELL NO!!!! They would not even let us in the gate! Visa application hours are MWF from 8-11am and then you can pick them up at 4-5pm. Well we had missed it for Monday and even if we came on Wed we would miss our flight picking the visa up! We were totally screwed! Paul was more than a little mad. Take a lot to make him mad but he was boiling over. I told him to go back to the room, I would go to the travel agent and I would get back with him. Sujina was asleep on his shoulder again. Poor thing.
So I walked back in the travel agency, they said " did you get the visa?" Knowing full well that I could not get it. I said no and almost started to cry, but I didn't. We talked about what to do. The nice man looked at my ticket and said we could get a refund from the old tickets and he could sell us new tickets going straight from KTM to LA via Bangkok. So I jumped at the chance, earlier the Thai lady was telling people that all the flight out of KTM to Bangkok were full for a few weeks.
So I bought us all new tickets, we leave on Wed. The catch was that he could only get us to LA! After speaking to Eric and emailing our travel agent in the USA I bought us tickets for LA to Tulsa for $77 each. They were $360 each from LA to XNA!
So that is where we stand now. I feel good because we are going to be able to go home on Wed. but I am really bummed that there was a misunderstanding with visa's and we are having to pay for it.
It will be laughable after a while but right now it stings a little.
Our first stop was the Thai air office to get our new tickets, we were give a piece of paper and told to go to the Cathay Pacific Office because the second part of the trip was on Cathay through Hong Kong.
So we walk there and stood in line. The nice lady told us that she would gladly change our tickets but we would need a chinese transit visa for Sujina. WHAT????? This is the first we had heard of this from anyone. So we say can we
get
it in one day? Knowing that the answer would be NO, and sure enought it was a laugh and a NO!
We were to pick up Sujina travel documents from the US Embassy at 3 and we could not do anything, travel wise, until then, so we decided to go see Hira and Shree and pay them for our hotel in Dhulikhel. They were very happy to see us, but were worried about our perdicument.
We then went on our way, we had to pick up our laundry, purchase something for the boys and my mom. We were feeling pressed for time becasue if we had to go to the Chinese Embassy before we could buy the ticket for Sujina and everyhing closed at 5 we had little time.
So Paul went to pick up Sujinas travel doc. and he spoke to the Embassy about the transit visa, of course they didn't know and were pretty much "Good luck with that!"
So we decided to go get the ticket from Thai air and then to the Chinese Embassy. The Thai lady said we needed to go to the travel agent just down the street and pick up both tickets from Thai and Cathay Pacific. Paul and I thought well if they are going to issue them both them maybe the lady at CP was wrong. We got to the travel agent and handed them Sujina's travel Document. They started the process and then came out and said, you will need a Chinese transit visa for her. We said but we will not leave the airport, we are just changing planes. He said I am sorry but I can not issue you her ticket with out it.
UGH.............. so we say okay is the Chinese Embassy open now? He said yes and it is close. So we are irrationally thinking that we can march down to the Chinese Embassy and aske them to give us a visa for our daughter in less than 24 hours! ( take me to Gate 3 please!!) Why we thought that was a great idea, would they just take a look at us and say oh yes
you are a sweet couple and isn't she precious, we will curb our policy for you!
HELL NO!!!! They would not even let us in the gate! Visa application hours are MWF from 8-11am and then you can pick them up at 4-5pm. Well we had missed it for Monday and even if we came on Wed we would miss our flight picking the visa up! We were totally screwed! Paul was more than a little mad. Take a lot to make him mad but he was boiling over. I told him to go back to the room, I would go to the travel agent and I would get back with him. Sujina was asleep on his shoulder again. Poor thing.
So I walked back in the travel agency, they said " did you get the visa?" Knowing full well that I could not get it. I said no and almost started to cry, but I didn't. We talked about what to do. The nice man looked at my ticket and said we could get a refund from the old tickets and he could sell us new tickets going straight from KTM to LA via Bangkok. So I jumped at the chance, earlier the Thai lady was telling people that all the flight out of KTM to Bangkok were full for a few weeks.
So I bought us all new tickets, we leave on Wed. The catch was that he could only get us to LA! After speaking to Eric and emailing our travel agent in the USA I bought us tickets for LA to Tulsa for $77 each. They were $360 each from LA to XNA!
So that is where we stand now. I feel good because we are going to be able to go home on Wed. but I am really bummed that there was a misunderstanding with visa's and we are having to pay for it.
It will be laughable after a while but right now it stings a little.
Passing the time.....Mt flight anyone
So on Sunday we are back in Kathmandu but I dont feel hot and so we just lay low. Dont go out
much, ate room service at night.
We did how ever get an email from our travel agent in the US saying that they had confirmed
tickets for us to come home on Tuesday instead of Wed. We were so happy, but knew we had to
get our act together for Monday because we had some things left to buy and people we wanted to
see etc... We also wanted to take a Mt. flight. This flight takes you right up to Mt. Everest and along
the whole range of the Himalaya's. What could be better than that???
So we had Shree call and book us the flight. We would get up early the next morning, at 5am, and
be at the airport about 6, it was so foggy that the taxi driver, whom I am sure had been to the airport many, many times, got confused and what not sure where to turn.
Needless to say the flight was delayed because of weather, we were supposed to take off at 7am but they delayed until 8:15, then it was 9:15 and then 9:30. When we decided to leave they were saying they would take off around 10am, but this time Sujina was going crazy because she could not get down and play or crawl around.
When they delayed the plane until 9:15 we decided to go up to the airport coffeeshop and get some tea and maybe something simple to eat eggs etc.... We ordered some hotchocolate and two
omelets with cheese. When we got our hot chocolate before I took one drink there was a small cockroach floating on the top. Now I have seem a lot of bugs in my food from Africa, but after being sick so bad just two nights ago I could not eat or drink anything. The omelets came and Paul started eating his, he soon stopped and said that the cheese was terrible.
We went back down to the waiting room and then Paul had to go to the bathroom and vomit!
Not the best way to start your morning! That was when we decided to cut our loses, turn in our ticket for a full refund and go have breakfast at the hotel. We should have seen that this was the way things were going to go the whole day!
much, ate room service at night.
We did how ever get an email from our travel agent in the US saying that they had confirmed
tickets for us to come home on Tuesday instead of Wed. We were so happy, but knew we had to
get our act together for Monday because we had some things left to buy and people we wanted to
see etc... We also wanted to take a Mt. flight. This flight takes you right up to Mt. Everest and along
the whole range of the Himalaya's. What could be better than that???
So we had Shree call and book us the flight. We would get up early the next morning, at 5am, and
be at the airport about 6, it was so foggy that the taxi driver, whom I am sure had been to the airport many, many times, got confused and what not sure where to turn.
Needless to say the flight was delayed because of weather, we were supposed to take off at 7am but they delayed until 8:15, then it was 9:15 and then 9:30. When we decided to leave they were saying they would take off around 10am, but this time Sujina was going crazy because she could not get down and play or crawl around.
When they delayed the plane until 9:15 we decided to go up to the airport coffeeshop and get some tea and maybe something simple to eat eggs etc.... We ordered some hotchocolate and two
omelets with cheese. When we got our hot chocolate before I took one drink there was a small cockroach floating on the top. Now I have seem a lot of bugs in my food from Africa, but after being sick so bad just two nights ago I could not eat or drink anything. The omelets came and Paul started eating his, he soon stopped and said that the cheese was terrible.
We went back down to the waiting room and then Paul had to go to the bathroom and vomit!
Not the best way to start your morning! That was when we decided to cut our loses, turn in our ticket for a full refund and go have breakfast at the hotel. We should have seen that this was the way things were going to go the whole day!
Is it Dhulikhel or Dhulikill?????
After we went to our room and unpacked a bit, we decided to walk around the village. It was a
traditional Newri village, small streets, beautiful wooden carved doors and windows and animals
everywhere.
Of course we were the talk of the village, not only being whities, but having a Nepali baby makes
heads turn twice as fast. I think the word spread throught the town because I swear I saw the
same ladies over and over again staring.
We walked all over the village, we talk to some villagers, took some photos, bought some Sari's
and watched the village men play their games, cards! They would not let me take their photo though. I did happen to get these two guys playing ping pong on a small shrine, pretty impressive.
As we were leaving the village we noticed men across the road selling fruit and roasted peanuts. We sauntered over and proceeded to a bag of nuts and some oranges. Thinking the peanuts had a shell and were roasted they would be fine. The oranges were very tasty as well.
We walked home and Sujina fell asleep on dad's shoulder. No milk it was a first!!! We are excited.
Back at the room Paul and I sat our on our little veranda and enjoyed the view, the sounds of Nepal and just being together. We could see the highway across the valley and you could hear the bus horns like they were right behind you.
We ate the nuts and a few oranges. Sujina woke up, we played for a while, put more layers on because it was getting chilly and went up for dinner. The resturant had a nice large fireplace in teh middle. Sorta like a ski lodge, it was round so people could sit around it. We asked if we could sit around it when they lite the fire, but the waiter said the the fireplace was reserved. I had never hear of anything more funny. So we went and sat across the resturant and had a nice dinner. Of course the waiters all wanted to pick up and hold Sujina while we ate. She didn't seem to mind and we were able to eat a little.
We had them make a child portion of Dal Bhat and she loved it. That night she slept very well, an didnt drink very much milk. I had fried rice and Paul had chicken with veggies. He loved his and my was not bad.
Back in our room we had left the heater on to warm the room up, you really could not tell when we came back so we pilled on the clothes and jumped in bed. Sujina was out like a light and Paul and I watched Star Wars Empire Striks Back on Indian TV.
Somewhere around 2-3 in the morning I woke up with a strange feeling in my stomach and then spend the next 5 hours in the bathroom, freezing and vomiting like crazy. There would be nothing left in my body by 8am! NOTHING!
I remember at one point getting up off the floor of the bathroom and noticing I could see my breath when I breathed, that's how cold it was.
Paul and Sujina slept like rocks! Which was good because what could you do, and you really didn't want to listen to me.
The next day Paul and Sujina woke up about 8:30am, they went to breakfast and then for a walk. I was not vomiting by then but sure did feel like I had run a marathon and my stomach muscles killed me.
Everytime they would come back to the room all I could do was roll over and smile. At one point Sujina looked at me like " why aren't you up yet?" Paul suggested that we go back to Kathmandu and see the doctor at the hotel. I thought it would be nice to get back to Kathmandu to have a warm shower and sit in a heated room. So we called our friends and the car was sent.
By 2pm we were back in KTM and I was asleep on the bed. I actually was feeling much better, not vomiting but not feeling good either.
When Paul called for the car he also call the Annapurna Hotel to see if there was a room for us, htey were expecting us to be gone two nights. When we arrived back here everyone was asking how I was feeling from the front door man to the reception ladies, to the man who brings us team in the morning. It was very sweet.
I was actually sad to leave Dhulikhel, is was a beautiful and peaceful place. I really wanted to do some hiking and Paul was loving it. But what can you do. I think it was the peanuts!
traditional Newri village, small streets, beautiful wooden carved doors and windows and animals
everywhere.
Of course we were the talk of the village, not only being whities, but having a Nepali baby makes
heads turn twice as fast. I think the word spread throught the town because I swear I saw the
same ladies over and over again staring.
We walked all over the village, we talk to some villagers, took some photos, bought some Sari's
and watched the village men play their games, cards! They would not let me take their photo though. I did happen to get these two guys playing ping pong on a small shrine, pretty impressive.
As we were leaving the village we noticed men across the road selling fruit and roasted peanuts. We sauntered over and proceeded to a bag of nuts and some oranges. Thinking the peanuts had a shell and were roasted they would be fine. The oranges were very tasty as well.
We walked home and Sujina fell asleep on dad's shoulder. No milk it was a first!!! We are excited.
Back at the room Paul and I sat our on our little veranda and enjoyed the view, the sounds of Nepal and just being together. We could see the highway across the valley and you could hear the bus horns like they were right behind you.
We ate the nuts and a few oranges. Sujina woke up, we played for a while, put more layers on because it was getting chilly and went up for dinner. The resturant had a nice large fireplace in teh middle. Sorta like a ski lodge, it was round so people could sit around it. We asked if we could sit around it when they lite the fire, but the waiter said the the fireplace was reserved. I had never hear of anything more funny. So we went and sat across the resturant and had a nice dinner. Of course the waiters all wanted to pick up and hold Sujina while we ate. She didn't seem to mind and we were able to eat a little.
We had them make a child portion of Dal Bhat and she loved it. That night she slept very well, an didnt drink very much milk. I had fried rice and Paul had chicken with veggies. He loved his and my was not bad.
Back in our room we had left the heater on to warm the room up, you really could not tell when we came back so we pilled on the clothes and jumped in bed. Sujina was out like a light and Paul and I watched Star Wars Empire Striks Back on Indian TV.
Somewhere around 2-3 in the morning I woke up with a strange feeling in my stomach and then spend the next 5 hours in the bathroom, freezing and vomiting like crazy. There would be nothing left in my body by 8am! NOTHING!
I remember at one point getting up off the floor of the bathroom and noticing I could see my breath when I breathed, that's how cold it was.
Paul and Sujina slept like rocks! Which was good because what could you do, and you really didn't want to listen to me.
The next day Paul and Sujina woke up about 8:30am, they went to breakfast and then for a walk. I was not vomiting by then but sure did feel like I had run a marathon and my stomach muscles killed me.
Everytime they would come back to the room all I could do was roll over and smile. At one point Sujina looked at me like " why aren't you up yet?" Paul suggested that we go back to Kathmandu and see the doctor at the hotel. I thought it would be nice to get back to Kathmandu to have a warm shower and sit in a heated room. So we called our friends and the car was sent.
By 2pm we were back in KTM and I was asleep on the bed. I actually was feeling much better, not vomiting but not feeling good either.
When Paul called for the car he also call the Annapurna Hotel to see if there was a room for us, htey were expecting us to be gone two nights. When we arrived back here everyone was asking how I was feeling from the front door man to the reception ladies, to the man who brings us team in the morning. It was very sweet.
I was actually sad to leave Dhulikhel, is was a beautiful and peaceful place. I really wanted to do some hiking and Paul was loving it. But what can you do. I think it was the peanuts!
Going to Dhulikhel
Paul and I decided to be adventrsome and get out of Kathmandu, we needed some new
scenery and wanted to get out of the grit and grim of the city. After a while it can take its toll on
you.
We called our friends Hira and Shree and asked them to set us up a deal. They were great and on Friday mid morning we were off. We were all excited about getting out, up into the Mts for a few days. We were told to come on Monday at 3 for our Visa so we didn't have anything else pressing to do so why not leave?
We drove for about an hour, a good 35-40 minutes it took to get out of the sprawl of Kathmandu. Then we climbed up, going southeast. If we kept going on this road we would eventually be in Tibet! To bad we didn't have more days.
Once we got out of the city the road was amazingly good. We were impressed. Lonely Planet said the road was built by the Japanese. They would build a little and then the Maoist would blow it up, they would build a little more and the Maoist would blow it up. Much like two steps forward one step back.
The driver wasn't exactly sure where the Lodge was so we stopped and asked a few times. We finally arrived and were pleasantly surprised to find this quaint little lodge. It has about 25-30 rooms and they all were on the side of a cliff. The rooms all looked over a valley with the Himalayans just behind, it would have been a world class view if there was no fog.
We could see the tips of the Mts. but it wasn't the same as the photos we saw in the lobby. The resturant was on top of the lodge for the best views. Did I mention it was COLD!!!! There was not heat in the Lodge just small heaters for each room.
When we arrived it was mid day so we didn't realize how cold it was going to get, but later that night when the sun went down, boy was it cold.
scenery and wanted to get out of the grit and grim of the city. After a while it can take its toll on
you.
We called our friends Hira and Shree and asked them to set us up a deal. They were great and on Friday mid morning we were off. We were all excited about getting out, up into the Mts for a few days. We were told to come on Monday at 3 for our Visa so we didn't have anything else pressing to do so why not leave?
We drove for about an hour, a good 35-40 minutes it took to get out of the sprawl of Kathmandu. Then we climbed up, going southeast. If we kept going on this road we would eventually be in Tibet! To bad we didn't have more days.
Once we got out of the city the road was amazingly good. We were impressed. Lonely Planet said the road was built by the Japanese. They would build a little and then the Maoist would blow it up, they would build a little more and the Maoist would blow it up. Much like two steps forward one step back.
The driver wasn't exactly sure where the Lodge was so we stopped and asked a few times. We finally arrived and were pleasantly surprised to find this quaint little lodge. It has about 25-30 rooms and they all were on the side of a cliff. The rooms all looked over a valley with the Himalayans just behind, it would have been a world class view if there was no fog.
We could see the tips of the Mts. but it wasn't the same as the photos we saw in the lobby. The resturant was on top of the lodge for the best views. Did I mention it was COLD!!!! There was not heat in the Lodge just small heaters for each room.
When we arrived it was mid day so we didn't realize how cold it was going to get, but later that night when the sun went down, boy was it cold.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Picking up Visa on Monday at 3pm!!!!!!!!!!!
YEAH!!!!!! We just heard from the Embassy and we get to go pick up the
Visa on Monday at 3pm! We are so happy, so now we are going to the Thai air office
to see if we can change our flights for Tuesday. We will see what happens.
Will let you know.....
WE ARE SO HAPPY!!!!!
Visa on Monday at 3pm! We are so happy, so now we are going to the Thai air office
to see if we can change our flights for Tuesday. We will see what happens.
Will let you know.....
WE ARE SO HAPPY!!!!!
Waiting, waiting and more waiting. To leave the city or not?????
So here we sit in this hotel room waiting again for people to call and let us know our fate for
next few days. We have called the Embassy twice today and we still do not know if we have
the Visa or not. We did go out to the Supermarket that Chip and Mary told us about. Friends
dont let friends shop at Bluebird! It was a nice market, they had pretty much the same items
that Bluebird had but it was a cleaner market. We thought they might have some different baby
food and some new formula, but it was the same. We are almost out of Similac so we bought some Nestly. I just didn't think about food very well for this trip, I was more concerned about the books. Silly me.
( I was in the middle of the Haas/Gonzales match and the TV decided to show snow instead of a picture! UGH.....)
After we finished at the market the taxi guy drove us to the Tibetan Carpet place. We wanted a
large carpet to go in the living room, but they were $800, so we decided to buy two smaller ones
that we can just put side by side, and when we move (if ever) we can use them in other places!
The ladies at the carpet place went crazy over Sujina. The were playing with her, holding her, changing her diaper, feeding her a bottle. She was a little cranky and they were doing
everything they knew to keep her happy. It was refreshing to me that when I came over to her
and held her she stopped crying and was content. ( small victory for mom!) I asked the ladies where they thought she might be from or who she looked like to them. They all said she looked
Tibetan. That is what Paul and I had thought as well, but what do we know. The ladies were lovely and wanted to know all about Sujina. She is a very beautiful child regardless of where she is from, we are truly blessed.
Sujina and I are going to have to work on patience. She had none when it comes to being fed and getting her bottle, especially at night, but in the day too. I wonder if other adoptive parents have
had that problem and how they over came it. It can be like she had never been fed in her life and she is starving. I know she was fed well at the Children's Home, but she was on a strict schedule.
I am feeling a little anxious today. I guess it is because I can feel this is coming to an end and I am a little concerned abut the flight home, and then of course being home. Three kids! WOW!
It really seemed like a long wait and a short wait at the same time.
We need to hear from the Embassy to know what we are going to do, if we are going to leave the city or not. We really want to get out of this hotel and this city for a while, but we dont want to get stuck anywhere.
We love you all and are blessed to have such wonderful friends and family!
next few days. We have called the Embassy twice today and we still do not know if we have
the Visa or not. We did go out to the Supermarket that Chip and Mary told us about. Friends
dont let friends shop at Bluebird! It was a nice market, they had pretty much the same items
that Bluebird had but it was a cleaner market. We thought they might have some different baby
food and some new formula, but it was the same. We are almost out of Similac so we bought some Nestly. I just didn't think about food very well for this trip, I was more concerned about the books. Silly me.
( I was in the middle of the Haas/Gonzales match and the TV decided to show snow instead of a picture! UGH.....)
After we finished at the market the taxi guy drove us to the Tibetan Carpet place. We wanted a
large carpet to go in the living room, but they were $800, so we decided to buy two smaller ones
that we can just put side by side, and when we move (if ever) we can use them in other places!
The ladies at the carpet place went crazy over Sujina. The were playing with her, holding her, changing her diaper, feeding her a bottle. She was a little cranky and they were doing
everything they knew to keep her happy. It was refreshing to me that when I came over to her
and held her she stopped crying and was content. ( small victory for mom!) I asked the ladies where they thought she might be from or who she looked like to them. They all said she looked
Tibetan. That is what Paul and I had thought as well, but what do we know. The ladies were lovely and wanted to know all about Sujina. She is a very beautiful child regardless of where she is from, we are truly blessed.
Sujina and I are going to have to work on patience. She had none when it comes to being fed and getting her bottle, especially at night, but in the day too. I wonder if other adoptive parents have
had that problem and how they over came it. It can be like she had never been fed in her life and she is starving. I know she was fed well at the Children's Home, but she was on a strict schedule.
I am feeling a little anxious today. I guess it is because I can feel this is coming to an end and I am a little concerned abut the flight home, and then of course being home. Three kids! WOW!
It really seemed like a long wait and a short wait at the same time.
We need to hear from the Embassy to know what we are going to do, if we are going to leave the city or not. We really want to get out of this hotel and this city for a while, but we dont want to get stuck anywhere.
We love you all and are blessed to have such wonderful friends and family!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
They last few days!
1/24/07
Yesterday I called the Embassy and after I got our appointment we just relaxed and talked with
the other adoptive parents. They are all dealing with the anxiety of being so close to finishing this
lengthy process. To beak it up I made an appointment with Childrens Home to come for a visit in
the afternoon and drop off our supplies and gifts to the staff. It was strange for all of us to go back
to the Home. We are grateful that they did such a nice job taking care of Sujina and the rest of the
kids with limited resources. We are also very happy to have Sujina with us and starting her life with our family. We are sad as well because we won't be back very soon and we wish the Home
and all of the lives they touch all the best. Sujina looked a little bewildered and had a strange look on her face. It must have been bitter/sweet for her as well.
After our visit we met Mr. Tamata(the Home Director) at the new Childrens Home. It is about a
month away from being finished. It really looks nice and will be able to hold 100 kids. It is
in such a nice location just outside the city. I am glad all of the new children and caregivers
will be able to use such a nice facility.
On another note it has added another level of emotion for Steph and I to know that Rowe was in the hospital back home. We got pictures of him in his bed with his oxygen and IV hooked up
and it really hurt me that I could not be there to confort him. Thankfully he is better and I can now concentrate on finishing matters in Nepal. Many thanks to our Team in Fayetteville that have given Rowe and Beck so much love while we are halfway around the world!!!
Paul
Yesterday I called the Embassy and after I got our appointment we just relaxed and talked with
the other adoptive parents. They are all dealing with the anxiety of being so close to finishing this
lengthy process. To beak it up I made an appointment with Childrens Home to come for a visit in
the afternoon and drop off our supplies and gifts to the staff. It was strange for all of us to go back
to the Home. We are grateful that they did such a nice job taking care of Sujina and the rest of the
kids with limited resources. We are also very happy to have Sujina with us and starting her life with our family. We are sad as well because we won't be back very soon and we wish the Home
and all of the lives they touch all the best. Sujina looked a little bewildered and had a strange look on her face. It must have been bitter/sweet for her as well.
After our visit we met Mr. Tamata(the Home Director) at the new Childrens Home. It is about a
month away from being finished. It really looks nice and will be able to hold 100 kids. It is
in such a nice location just outside the city. I am glad all of the new children and caregivers
will be able to use such a nice facility.
On another note it has added another level of emotion for Steph and I to know that Rowe was in the hospital back home. We got pictures of him in his bed with his oxygen and IV hooked up
and it really hurt me that I could not be there to confort him. Thankfully he is better and I can now concentrate on finishing matters in Nepal. Many thanks to our Team in Fayetteville that have given Rowe and Beck so much love while we are halfway around the world!!!
Paul
Embassy Interview
1/25/07 3pm(Nepal) or 1/24/07 3:15am(Fayetteville)
We just got done with our interview at the US Embassy.
It seems that things went well, but they didn't give us a definite ok for our VISA. They
did say that it looks good so far. As with this whole process we will Trust and keep
moving forward. The men that inerviewed us were very kind and treated us with respect.
They said they will look at our case one more time and call us in the morning to let us know
how our case stands and when our visa would be ready. So we are very close!
I thought that Steph and I would be very nervous but we both had a sense of peace about the
interview. We have heard many negative stories about the Embassy but we did not have anything out of the ordinary in our case and feel
confident that Sujina is a legitamate orphan and that we are meant to be her parents.
We will celebrate our small victory with our Nepali friends Sthree and Hira. I know you all are
celebrating back home as well. Thank you for all of your support, prayers and well wishes. It
has made a difference!! Keep them coming though!
Paul
We just got done with our interview at the US Embassy.
It seems that things went well, but they didn't give us a definite ok for our VISA. They
did say that it looks good so far. As with this whole process we will Trust and keep
moving forward. The men that inerviewed us were very kind and treated us with respect.
They said they will look at our case one more time and call us in the morning to let us know
how our case stands and when our visa would be ready. So we are very close!
I thought that Steph and I would be very nervous but we both had a sense of peace about the
interview. We have heard many negative stories about the Embassy but we did not have anything out of the ordinary in our case and feel
confident that Sujina is a legitamate orphan and that we are meant to be her parents.
We will celebrate our small victory with our Nepali friends Sthree and Hira. I know you all are
celebrating back home as well. Thank you for all of your support, prayers and well wishes. It
has made a difference!! Keep them coming though!
Paul
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Is the wedding in my room???
We found out today that we have an appointment with the Embassy tomorrow at 2pm. We are
excited and anxious at the same time.
After we found this out we decided to go to the Childrens Home to see the staff and give them the gifts we had brought, the books, clothes and to say goodbye.
I didn't think it was going to be as emotional as it was. It felt as if we had come full circle. I was a bit worried about what the didi's would think of how we had been treating the girls, I was also a little worried about how Sujina would feel. Would she want to stay with them, would she be upset and sad?
When we arrived and got out Sujina looked around and stayed close to us. She was with Paul and he said that she pushed into him, like she didnt want him to put her down. We went into the home and talked with Kusum, we gave her the books
and she was really happy to get them. I might have to buy some book shelves for the new home.
We also gave her the clothes we brought. She could not believe that we had brought all of these items. I was happy that she was so thrilled with the books.
We then gave out the gifts for the didi's. They were all very grateful, especially this one woman who is the cook. She was an older woman and you could tell that she would never spend money on lotion, soaps etc... for herself.
We got to see Rajan and give him the Razorback shirt, he didn't seem too impressed, but was happy to see us. He looked great and was using his crutches. He said that he was very happy to recieve the letters from all of the parents and friends. It was great to see him up and around.
We took some more photos with everyone and then we had to leave. They were going to take us back out to see the process on the new Children's Home. It looks wonderful and is painted so fun, with fish and stars and moons on the ceilings of different rooms. They have done so much work in the five months that we have been gone.
The workers had their children there so of course we took their photos. Paul showed them the picture in the camera, they loved it.
These people work so hard it is amazing.
My only concern about the home is how they are going to heat it in the Winter?
We came home and had dinner at the hotel using our free dinner we were given for being their models.
There was a wedding out in the court yard last night with very loud Indian music, they are having a second one tonight and we are told they will have
another one tomorrow night as well.
While we were having dinner our friend Shree called. They brought the phone to our table, I have never had that happen before. We will get to see them tomorrow.
Sujina and Paul are sleeping and the wedding sounds like it is in our room!!! At least it is fun music.
I watched Kim Clijsters beat Martina Hingis so I am happy. I was Kim to win it all.
Rowe came home this am, and seems to be doing great. Thanks for all of your prayers, now if we can get home quickly as well I can start praying for other people.
excited and anxious at the same time.
After we found this out we decided to go to the Childrens Home to see the staff and give them the gifts we had brought, the books, clothes and to say goodbye.
I didn't think it was going to be as emotional as it was. It felt as if we had come full circle. I was a bit worried about what the didi's would think of how we had been treating the girls, I was also a little worried about how Sujina would feel. Would she want to stay with them, would she be upset and sad?
When we arrived and got out Sujina looked around and stayed close to us. She was with Paul and he said that she pushed into him, like she didnt want him to put her down. We went into the home and talked with Kusum, we gave her the books
and she was really happy to get them. I might have to buy some book shelves for the new home.
We also gave her the clothes we brought. She could not believe that we had brought all of these items. I was happy that she was so thrilled with the books.
We then gave out the gifts for the didi's. They were all very grateful, especially this one woman who is the cook. She was an older woman and you could tell that she would never spend money on lotion, soaps etc... for herself.
We got to see Rajan and give him the Razorback shirt, he didn't seem too impressed, but was happy to see us. He looked great and was using his crutches. He said that he was very happy to recieve the letters from all of the parents and friends. It was great to see him up and around.
We took some more photos with everyone and then we had to leave. They were going to take us back out to see the process on the new Children's Home. It looks wonderful and is painted so fun, with fish and stars and moons on the ceilings of different rooms. They have done so much work in the five months that we have been gone.
The workers had their children there so of course we took their photos. Paul showed them the picture in the camera, they loved it.
These people work so hard it is amazing.
My only concern about the home is how they are going to heat it in the Winter?
We came home and had dinner at the hotel using our free dinner we were given for being their models.
There was a wedding out in the court yard last night with very loud Indian music, they are having a second one tonight and we are told they will have
another one tomorrow night as well.
While we were having dinner our friend Shree called. They brought the phone to our table, I have never had that happen before. We will get to see them tomorrow.
Sujina and Paul are sleeping and the wedding sounds like it is in our room!!! At least it is fun music.
I watched Kim Clijsters beat Martina Hingis so I am happy. I was Kim to win it all.
Rowe came home this am, and seems to be doing great. Thanks for all of your prayers, now if we can get home quickly as well I can start praying for other people.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Free day...lazy day... but still some stress.....
So the day was all about being lazy and stress free. It would have been that way had we not learned
that Rowe was in the hosptial. We do hear that he is doing better, so I am hoping the next update
we get he will be back home.
Can I tell you how hard that is to have a child in the hospital and not be able to get to him!
After much napping in the am by husband and child, we went and walked around a new part of
Kathmandu. We went up around all the Embassys. Found a store called Bluebird, they have a lot
of American items, so we bought some baby food. Sujina is working her way through the Similac
so we are feeding her table food, mashed bananas, mashed potatos and the like. She doens't seem
to mind the spicy foods either.
Saw some guys making Chapitis in a local eatery, so we stopped took some photos and bought a
few
for 4 Rupees. There is 68 Rupees to the dollar!
We then found ourselves back in Thamel, so we had lunch and came home. We had this amazing
salad, it was called Peanut Masala. WOW was it tasty. Paul and I want to try and make it at
home.
So here are some of the sights of today.
We love you Rowe, get well soon.
that Rowe was in the hosptial. We do hear that he is doing better, so I am hoping the next update
we get he will be back home.
Can I tell you how hard that is to have a child in the hospital and not be able to get to him!
After much napping in the am by husband and child, we went and walked around a new part of
Kathmandu. We went up around all the Embassys. Found a store called Bluebird, they have a lot
of American items, so we bought some baby food. Sujina is working her way through the Similac
so we are feeding her table food, mashed bananas, mashed potatos and the like. She doens't seem
to mind the spicy foods either.
Saw some guys making Chapitis in a local eatery, so we stopped took some photos and bought a
few
for 4 Rupees. There is 68 Rupees to the dollar!
We then found ourselves back in Thamel, so we had lunch and came home. We had this amazing
salad, it was called Peanut Masala. WOW was it tasty. Paul and I want to try and make it at
home.
So here are some of the sights of today.
We love you Rowe, get well soon.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Diptee's first birthday.....
Elizabeth's daughter Diptee turned 1 while we were on the plane coming to Kathmandu, so we
decided to have a party for her here. It was great for all of us to get together and rehash all the
events of the day.
Going to the Embassy was very stressful, so it was great for us to let our hair down, watch the kids
play together and be so happy, and just relax for a bit.
A unique and diverse group of people, wonderful to be sharing this experience with.
Nepali custom is to let the birthday person cut the cake so Diptee got to!
Today is another "free" day because of a Nepali holiday, so my daughter and husband are sleeping.
We talked to my mom this am and she told us that Rowe was in the hospital for respitory problems,
something like pnemonia. So the stree of the Embassy is nothing compared to the stress of a
parent who can not be with her child in the hospital. I am trying to breath!
Prayers are apperciated.....
decided to have a party for her here. It was great for all of us to get together and rehash all the
events of the day.
Going to the Embassy was very stressful, so it was great for us to let our hair down, watch the kids
play together and be so happy, and just relax for a bit.
A unique and diverse group of people, wonderful to be sharing this experience with.
Nepali custom is to let the birthday person cut the cake so Diptee got to!
Today is another "free" day because of a Nepali holiday, so my daughter and husband are sleeping.
We talked to my mom this am and she told us that Rowe was in the hospital for respitory problems,
something like pnemonia. So the stree of the Embassy is nothing compared to the stress of a
parent who can not be with her child in the hospital. I am trying to breath!
Prayers are apperciated.....
Sunday, January 21, 2007
What next? Modeling?....
So here is a funny story. After breakfast this morning we came back to the room to get our papers inorder for the Embassy. The phone rings and it was one of the girls down at the front desk. She asked me if Paul, Sujina and I would come down to have our photos made for the Hotel and we would get a free lunch. She told us to be down there at 11am. Meanwhile Paul and Clay were supposed to be going to Children' s Home to get our last peices of paperwork and check on some dates.
Well 11am came and went and Paul had not left yet either. Sujina and I went down to the lobby to meet the lady and she told us it would be around 12:30. We told her we had to be a the Embassy at 1:30pm for our appointment. Raja Kumar finally came and brought all the papers we needed, so we were ready for the Embassy. At around 12:45 the lady at the front desk said they were ready, and she took us back up to the 3rd floor to a room that was very lovely and very large.
The hotel was shooting a peice for their new broshures and they had asked us to be their models. They asked us to sit on the couch with Sujina. They didn't direct us as to how to sit, just told us to be still.
The took about 10 shoots an dthen said we were done. As we were leaving the lady asked us when we were coming back from the Embassy. We told her about an hour or so we weren't sure. They said "would you come back for the bedroom shot?" I had to giggle, but we said yes. Did I need to bring my jammies?
We then went straight to the Embassy, we were all there. Elizabeth, Clay and Diptee, Dan, Lalaine, Sandha and Zachary, Radha and Pratistha and us. There were two other families as well, one we knew from the hotel and a new family from California.
We were all a little stressed. We wanted to be sure all of our paperwork was in order and that we had all of our photos we needed etc. We were supposed to by for the visa, we had travellers checks, you either pay in cash or Rupees. We didn't know this.
Finally they called us up to the window and told us we had all of our paperwork and they would call us on Wed to set up an appointment. So we will probably have an appointment on Thursday or Friday. It takes 24-72 hours to get the visa, so if we have our appointment on Thursday/Friday and we get through with no mishaps we will have our visa by Wed of next week when our flight home is! That is pushing it a bit I think.
So Paul ran out to the bank to change the travelers checks to cash and went back to the Embassy and paid.
When he came back to the hotel we had to finish our modeling shoot! We went back to the fancy room and in to the bedroom. They turned on the TV, put some magazines and the newspaper on the bedstand. We sat on the side of the bed and held Sujina. She really hammed it up for them, and I think they got some good shots. At least of her.
So tomorrow night we get a free dinner! Yeah!
Tomorrow is a holiday so we will just be hanging out. Tonight we are all getting together for dinner. Elizbeth sit it up with the banquet people, we have our own room and yummy food. Should be a good time. I think there will be some drinking of parents that need to relieve some stress.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but it will be one day closer to coming home.
Well 11am came and went and Paul had not left yet either. Sujina and I went down to the lobby to meet the lady and she told us it would be around 12:30. We told her we had to be a the Embassy at 1:30pm for our appointment. Raja Kumar finally came and brought all the papers we needed, so we were ready for the Embassy. At around 12:45 the lady at the front desk said they were ready, and she took us back up to the 3rd floor to a room that was very lovely and very large.
The hotel was shooting a peice for their new broshures and they had asked us to be their models. They asked us to sit on the couch with Sujina. They didn't direct us as to how to sit, just told us to be still.
The took about 10 shoots an dthen said we were done. As we were leaving the lady asked us when we were coming back from the Embassy. We told her about an hour or so we weren't sure. They said "would you come back for the bedroom shot?" I had to giggle, but we said yes. Did I need to bring my jammies?
We then went straight to the Embassy, we were all there. Elizabeth, Clay and Diptee, Dan, Lalaine, Sandha and Zachary, Radha and Pratistha and us. There were two other families as well, one we knew from the hotel and a new family from California.
We were all a little stressed. We wanted to be sure all of our paperwork was in order and that we had all of our photos we needed etc. We were supposed to by for the visa, we had travellers checks, you either pay in cash or Rupees. We didn't know this.
Finally they called us up to the window and told us we had all of our paperwork and they would call us on Wed to set up an appointment. So we will probably have an appointment on Thursday or Friday. It takes 24-72 hours to get the visa, so if we have our appointment on Thursday/Friday and we get through with no mishaps we will have our visa by Wed of next week when our flight home is! That is pushing it a bit I think.
So Paul ran out to the bank to change the travelers checks to cash and went back to the Embassy and paid.
When he came back to the hotel we had to finish our modeling shoot! We went back to the fancy room and in to the bedroom. They turned on the TV, put some magazines and the newspaper on the bedstand. We sat on the side of the bed and held Sujina. She really hammed it up for them, and I think they got some good shots. At least of her.
So tomorrow night we get a free dinner! Yeah!
Tomorrow is a holiday so we will just be hanging out. Tonight we are all getting together for dinner. Elizbeth sit it up with the banquet people, we have our own room and yummy food. Should be a good time. I think there will be some drinking of parents that need to relieve some stress.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but it will be one day closer to coming home.
Sorry to leave you hanging....
The taxi situation was a very confusing one, because first we were told there was not transport, then we were told that tourist could travel and no one would get "into trouble", but it seemed every time we went somewhere, Ministry, doctor, hotel we had to really negotiate for a taxi. This was not the case before, usually we would have a car waiting for us provided by Children's Home, or a taxi that waiting, but this time it seemed like they wanted to get away as soon as we got out. So everytime we had to find a new taxi and it also seemed that everytime they go smaller and smaller. We finally put Paul in the front seat and Clay in the back with Elizabeth and myself and the babies.
We arrived at the Dr. office, crossing the busy street which was not so busy but cars going much faster. The Doctor was out, due to be back at anytime. UGH... so we wait on the stairs. 15 minutes later here he was, very nice and apologizing for keeping us waiting. By the time he arrived there was a line of people waiting to see him. We walked in to his office, he had a large waiting room maybe 25 chairs and one door leading to his office. In his office he had two chairs, his desk, a stepon scale, and an examining table to laydown on. Nothing was clean, and his desk was a mess. I had flash backs of going to the dentist in India!
The doctor filled out the paperwork, we sat the girls on the scale to get their weight, he handed me a tape measure to try and see how long they were, he asked us their age and if we were happy with the girls. A rather strange question if you ask me. Then we had to go down the street and make two copies of all of all the forms and bring them back. He signed them and gave us the original copy in a envelope sealed only for the Embassy to open. Then we were finished.
We went back out to the street and hailed a new taxi and yes it was the smallest of them all. I kept telling Sujina not to get used to being held in a car because in America that doesn't happen.
We came back to the hotel and shared a bottle of wine between the four adults as the girls played on the floor. We now have all of our paperwork we need to take to the Embassy and we have an appointment there today at 1:30pm. Fingers crossed all will be well and go smoothly.
We arrived at the Dr. office, crossing the busy street which was not so busy but cars going much faster. The Doctor was out, due to be back at anytime. UGH... so we wait on the stairs. 15 minutes later here he was, very nice and apologizing for keeping us waiting. By the time he arrived there was a line of people waiting to see him. We walked in to his office, he had a large waiting room maybe 25 chairs and one door leading to his office. In his office he had two chairs, his desk, a stepon scale, and an examining table to laydown on. Nothing was clean, and his desk was a mess. I had flash backs of going to the dentist in India!
The doctor filled out the paperwork, we sat the girls on the scale to get their weight, he handed me a tape measure to try and see how long they were, he asked us their age and if we were happy with the girls. A rather strange question if you ask me. Then we had to go down the street and make two copies of all of all the forms and bring them back. He signed them and gave us the original copy in a envelope sealed only for the Embassy to open. Then we were finished.
We went back out to the street and hailed a new taxi and yes it was the smallest of them all. I kept telling Sujina not to get used to being held in a car because in America that doesn't happen.
We came back to the hotel and shared a bottle of wine between the four adults as the girls played on the floor. We now have all of our paperwork we need to take to the Embassy and we have an appointment there today at 1:30pm. Fingers crossed all will be well and go smoothly.
Ministry and travel documents.....
So yesterday we were told to be in the lobby around 10 to go get the girls travel documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After breakfast we go ready, Sujina went to sleep but Paul, Elizabeth, Clay and Diptee went down to the lobby. At 11:30 they were all back up here. They told me that they had learned that there was a transportaion strick and that all the hired vehicles were not supposed to be working. That meant that we woulld not be able to go to our appointments nor would we be able to get Sujina's travel doc and this would set up back going to the Embassy. We have an appointment for 1:30 on Monday.
(Paul and Sujina are getting dressed. It is funny to hear him talking to her about wearing tights, and pretty shirts etc....)
So instead of sitting around the room all day we decided to go out for another adventure. Mr. Tamata told Elizabeth that Raja Kumar would call us around 3pm to tell us about our paper work.
So we set out to Thamel and Durbar Square. We wanted to show Elizabeth and Clay where we were on Sat. We walked and shopped and walked and shopped, there were very few cars or motorcycles on the road and besides it putting us behind in paperwork it was great for walking around.
We saw soem young guys playing Parcheezi, they told Paul he could play for 20$, they were very cheeky. Little did they know that Paul plays with the Wilson Family so he could probably take them!
Paul bought a very cool wool coat and I bought a very cool diaper bag, some earrings for my mom and some overalls for Sujina. It was a good shopping day. We went back to the pizza place and ate.
It was close to 3 so we decided to get back to the hotel to see what was going on. You know Murphy's Law, when you told one thing the opposite thing comes true.
We walked back to the hotel and when we came in the door Raj Kumar was there out of breath saying " I have been looking for you!,we must go now because the Ministry wil close." What??? we were told no taxi etc.... well I guess for tourist they make exceptions. In fact ther were many people at our hotel that were waiting of a way to get to the airport. There was a large bus that came around to all of the hotels and picked us tourist to take them to the airport. The bus had a big sign that said Tourist only. I guess people get very upset if the taxi drivers dont obey the stricks and will put up blockades or ever shoot at them. Yikes.....
We got a little and I mean little taxi to take the six of us to the Ministry, and we were able to get Sujina's travel documents (passport). It was very anti climatic once we got there. The other bad news about the strick was that with out all of the other cars on the road the taxi's and motorcycles could go extra fast! Not fun. We felt like the clowns at the circus, the little car that has about 25 clowns get out of the tiny car.
We then drove to the Doctors office, but that is a different story.... breakfast is calling....
(Paul and Sujina are getting dressed. It is funny to hear him talking to her about wearing tights, and pretty shirts etc....)
So instead of sitting around the room all day we decided to go out for another adventure. Mr. Tamata told Elizabeth that Raja Kumar would call us around 3pm to tell us about our paper work.
So we set out to Thamel and Durbar Square. We wanted to show Elizabeth and Clay where we were on Sat. We walked and shopped and walked and shopped, there were very few cars or motorcycles on the road and besides it putting us behind in paperwork it was great for walking around.
We saw soem young guys playing Parcheezi, they told Paul he could play for 20$, they were very cheeky. Little did they know that Paul plays with the Wilson Family so he could probably take them!
Paul bought a very cool wool coat and I bought a very cool diaper bag, some earrings for my mom and some overalls for Sujina. It was a good shopping day. We went back to the pizza place and ate.
It was close to 3 so we decided to get back to the hotel to see what was going on. You know Murphy's Law, when you told one thing the opposite thing comes true.
We walked back to the hotel and when we came in the door Raj Kumar was there out of breath saying " I have been looking for you!,we must go now because the Ministry wil close." What??? we were told no taxi etc.... well I guess for tourist they make exceptions. In fact ther were many people at our hotel that were waiting of a way to get to the airport. There was a large bus that came around to all of the hotels and picked us tourist to take them to the airport. The bus had a big sign that said Tourist only. I guess people get very upset if the taxi drivers dont obey the stricks and will put up blockades or ever shoot at them. Yikes.....
We got a little and I mean little taxi to take the six of us to the Ministry, and we were able to get Sujina's travel documents (passport). It was very anti climatic once we got there. The other bad news about the strick was that with out all of the other cars on the road the taxi's and motorcycles could go extra fast! Not fun. We felt like the clowns at the circus, the little car that has about 25 clowns get out of the tiny car.
We then drove to the Doctors office, but that is a different story.... breakfast is calling....
the rest of the story.....
We are slowly getting our bodies adjusted to Nepali time, so we are not waking at 4am any longer. The down side is that it is harder for me to have time to blog. I tried last night but was just to tired to really make good sense so I stopped.
Walking around on Saturday just Paul, Sujina and myself helped me come to some understanding about this process and feelings I am having. I really dont like being the center of attention, especially in a foreign place when you just can't help but stick out. Adding to that differentness (new word I just made up)with a baby has been not only stressful but made me feel uncomfortable too. I am feeling very conscious of how I treat her, how she is feeling and what I do about it, as well as how she looks, as far as being clothes and covered properly. I have had several ladies come up to me and tell me she doesnt have enough clothes on, that it is cold.
People also feel the need to come up and touch Sujina or give her things. I didn't like that with the boys and I forsure dont like it now. I am a bit over sensitive if you can't tell, I am hoping it will be better once we get home.
Sujina seems to be doing very well. She is sleeping like a champ. She will go to sleep with her bottle and she wants a bottle around 6am on the dot even if she is not ready to wake up. She is a very happy baby and smiles all the time. She is becoming more and more affectionate with us.
The firt day/night she was with us after she would wake from her nap or sleep she would cry a little. To me it seemed like she was saying "Oh I am still here with you guys." Once she realized where she was she was okay. She is sleeping wiht us, and of course Paul and I love that, and I think she likes being with us and feeling our presence but she does not like to cuddle up. I am hoping that will change.
Last night we were all very tired, we had a long day and were up late, at least late for us. She just wanted to go to bed and have her bottle and be left alone. So we gave her her bottle and she went to sleep. The bottle was dripping and Paul and I didn't realize it until her shirt was soaked, we took the bottle away and tried to change her shirt adn you would have thought we were putting hot pokers on her feet or something. She screamed and grabbed at our faces and kicked. It was a different little girl!
We will have to work on that.
Walking around on Saturday just Paul, Sujina and myself helped me come to some understanding about this process and feelings I am having. I really dont like being the center of attention, especially in a foreign place when you just can't help but stick out. Adding to that differentness (new word I just made up)with a baby has been not only stressful but made me feel uncomfortable too. I am feeling very conscious of how I treat her, how she is feeling and what I do about it, as well as how she looks, as far as being clothes and covered properly. I have had several ladies come up to me and tell me she doesnt have enough clothes on, that it is cold.
People also feel the need to come up and touch Sujina or give her things. I didn't like that with the boys and I forsure dont like it now. I am a bit over sensitive if you can't tell, I am hoping it will be better once we get home.
Sujina seems to be doing very well. She is sleeping like a champ. She will go to sleep with her bottle and she wants a bottle around 6am on the dot even if she is not ready to wake up. She is a very happy baby and smiles all the time. She is becoming more and more affectionate with us.
The firt day/night she was with us after she would wake from her nap or sleep she would cry a little. To me it seemed like she was saying "Oh I am still here with you guys." Once she realized where she was she was okay. She is sleeping wiht us, and of course Paul and I love that, and I think she likes being with us and feeling our presence but she does not like to cuddle up. I am hoping that will change.
Last night we were all very tired, we had a long day and were up late, at least late for us. She just wanted to go to bed and have her bottle and be left alone. So we gave her her bottle and she went to sleep. The bottle was dripping and Paul and I didn't realize it until her shirt was soaked, we took the bottle away and tried to change her shirt adn you would have thought we were putting hot pokers on her feet or something. She screamed and grabbed at our faces and kicked. It was a different little girl!
We will have to work on that.
No taxi? A strike? What?????
Saturday is the day that Nepalis rest, no school, no govt offices etc.... So it was a free day for us. After breakfast most of the moms and babies got together and had a playgroup in the hallway on the third floor. It was great to have all the babies together again and for us to just get to sit and chat.
We played for a few hours, then we all went back to our rooms for snacks and nap. Paul and I decided that after Sujina woke up we wanted to go for a walk. Actually I wanted to go to Bodnath Stupa and have Sujina's picture made by my favorite stupa in Kathmandu.
It was a great day, pretty busy since everyone was out and about. We got a taxi and we were on our way. We didn't stay at Bodnath for very long, about 45 minutes. We walked around adn took photos. Paul bought a prayer wheel, but most of all we just took in the peacefulness of the area.
We then took a taxi over to Durbar Square, it is close to Thamel so I knew we could walk home from there, and that is what we did. It was a great walk, we saw some sights, people looked at us and commented to each other, some looks of approval and some not.
It is interesting to me how people look at us when we walk down the street. I find myself really wanting them to approve and be happy. I also find myself being very sensitive to whether Sujina is happy or not while we are out. I dont want her to cry or seem like she is not happy in anyway. I guess I am afraid that the Nepali people will come and take her away if they think I am not a good mother.
Our walk took us through some side streets that were off the beaten path, which I love, and let us see some of Kathmandu that we wouldnt normally see as tourist.
We played for a few hours, then we all went back to our rooms for snacks and nap. Paul and I decided that after Sujina woke up we wanted to go for a walk. Actually I wanted to go to Bodnath Stupa and have Sujina's picture made by my favorite stupa in Kathmandu.
It was a great day, pretty busy since everyone was out and about. We got a taxi and we were on our way. We didn't stay at Bodnath for very long, about 45 minutes. We walked around adn took photos. Paul bought a prayer wheel, but most of all we just took in the peacefulness of the area.
We then took a taxi over to Durbar Square, it is close to Thamel so I knew we could walk home from there, and that is what we did. It was a great walk, we saw some sights, people looked at us and commented to each other, some looks of approval and some not.
It is interesting to me how people look at us when we walk down the street. I find myself really wanting them to approve and be happy. I also find myself being very sensitive to whether Sujina is happy or not while we are out. I dont want her to cry or seem like she is not happy in anyway. I guess I am afraid that the Nepali people will come and take her away if they think I am not a good mother.
Our walk took us through some side streets that were off the beaten path, which I love, and let us see some of Kathmandu that we wouldnt normally see as tourist.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Free Day.
It's Friday the 19th and we are in a holding pattern. We are waiting for the Nepali Foreign Ministry to process our travel documents. On Sunday we will be going to get these documents and get our medical exam. Then we will be ready to go to the US Embassy on Monday. We have an appointment to submitt our paper work at 130pm. So today we have a day to go for a nice walk to Thamel and get a little shopping and lunch.
It is nice to have a day to just enjoy ourselves and bond with Sujina. She already recognizes us as her protectors which is a great feeling for all of us. She still has a "were am I" look when she gets up in the morning but she gets over that quickly. We saw many adoptive families walking around the town. I guess everyone is trying to beat the Ministries Break on the 21st. We have met families from the US, Austalia, and France. It was a clear day but we were not able to get high enough to see the Mountains.
I am still very excited and blessed to be part of this process. I have had many chances to exercise my trusting abilities! Besides feeling blessed with our family I am also very appreciative of the chance to get to come to and learn about Nepal. Most people here live without many of the material items we have in the States. The great thing is that they don't let that get them down and still live their lives with a real sense of peace. Which to me mean that all of the material items don't mean much if you have spiritual trust and family and friend that love each other.
Tomorrow is Saturday and that is the day off work for most people. Sunday is the first day of their 6 day work week. So we will have for the most part another free day. We will probably take a cab to the large Stupa and Tibeten Community.
Paul
It is nice to have a day to just enjoy ourselves and bond with Sujina. She already recognizes us as her protectors which is a great feeling for all of us. She still has a "were am I" look when she gets up in the morning but she gets over that quickly. We saw many adoptive families walking around the town. I guess everyone is trying to beat the Ministries Break on the 21st. We have met families from the US, Austalia, and France. It was a clear day but we were not able to get high enough to see the Mountains.
I am still very excited and blessed to be part of this process. I have had many chances to exercise my trusting abilities! Besides feeling blessed with our family I am also very appreciative of the chance to get to come to and learn about Nepal. Most people here live without many of the material items we have in the States. The great thing is that they don't let that get them down and still live their lives with a real sense of peace. Which to me mean that all of the material items don't mean much if you have spiritual trust and family and friend that love each other.
Tomorrow is Saturday and that is the day off work for most people. Sunday is the first day of their 6 day work week. So we will have for the most part another free day. We will probably take a cab to the large Stupa and Tibeten Community.
Paul
waking up again.....
We came home from Thamel, I was so ready to crash. After several days of waking up at 4 and not going to bed until 9-10pm I was wiped. We layed down and Sujina and I went right to sleep. I did not wake up until this morning at 4am again. I looked at Pauls watch and thought it was 6:30 for some reason.
Sujina and Paul woke up too. This was the best nights sleep we have had.
So here we are up at 5am, Sujina is playing around the floor looking very cute as she does, I am typing on the computer and Paul is just watching us. He fed her some baby food that Elizabeth shared with us and she seemed to like it. She also loves the Cheerios we had in our bag from home. She loves to pick them up with her fingers and put them in her mouth.
The first night we were having dinner, she would try to pick up the rice that fell in our lap, so we decided to give her some on the table. She loved playing with it, then we thought of giving her the Cheerios.
It is fun to be back in baby mode! We keep remembering things from the boys. We did bring our Dr. Sear's book along so that is helpful too.
Today is Saturday and most offices/businesses are closed on Sat. so we get another free day. Mr. Tamata, the Children's Home director, is supposed to bring us our papers for the Foreign Ministry office in order to get Sujina's travel papers. We have to look over them to make sure they are correct.
I love being here, and I am for sure loving having my baby girl with me, but I do miss my boys something terrible.
Sujina and Paul woke up too. This was the best nights sleep we have had.
So here we are up at 5am, Sujina is playing around the floor looking very cute as she does, I am typing on the computer and Paul is just watching us. He fed her some baby food that Elizabeth shared with us and she seemed to like it. She also loves the Cheerios we had in our bag from home. She loves to pick them up with her fingers and put them in her mouth.
The first night we were having dinner, she would try to pick up the rice that fell in our lap, so we decided to give her some on the table. She loved playing with it, then we thought of giving her the Cheerios.
It is fun to be back in baby mode! We keep remembering things from the boys. We did bring our Dr. Sear's book along so that is helpful too.
Today is Saturday and most offices/businesses are closed on Sat. so we get another free day. Mr. Tamata, the Children's Home director, is supposed to bring us our papers for the Foreign Ministry office in order to get Sujina's travel papers. We have to look over them to make sure they are correct.
I love being here, and I am for sure loving having my baby girl with me, but I do miss my boys something terrible.
Again 4 am and we are wide awake.....
Yesterday, Friday, was a "free" day. We didn't have any appointments or places to be, it was very nice. After the first few days of being a whirlwind of activity it was nice to wake up and leisurely get dressed for breakfast etc...
This hotel if full of babies and it is funny when we go down to breakfast how many babies are around. The Staff here could not be more lovely and respectful of this process. They come a take the babies while we eat, just walk around the resturant with them, talk to them, make faces to them. It is truly very sweet and mainly the men that do this.
Yesterday when Paul and I were going down to breakfast with Sujina of course, one of the ladies cleaning the rooms stopped me and said "Madam, it is too cold outside for this." She was talking about the little dress I had on Sujina. She had tights on as well and was very cute, but she was right, not approiate for outside.
It is interesting to me that people are assuming that this is my first and only child.
So after breakfast we decided to go for a walk in Thamel. I had to get out of the hotel and walk. I was feeling very closed in. I admit that I was a little apprehensive about walking through the street with her but I quickly got over it.
We shopped a good deal. Elizabeth and I get a long very well and seem to have the same tastes. She is adventuresome and of course I love that. Clay is good for Paul, it is nice that they have each other to talk about the cars, knives, and motorcycles they see. Paul is also a good role model dad for Clay.
We stopped at the Pilgrim book store, Clay and Elizabeth didn't get to walk around Thamel their first trip so we showed them the sights. We had momo, and some drinks. Sujina had a nap and I started having stomach pains. Luckily Paul brought some Immodium and I took it and felt better.
We had a lovely afternoon, walked and walked and walked. Shopped and shopped. The girls were getting tired and so were we. Finally we decided to go home and Diptee fell asleep on Elizabeth. With all the noise of the streets and she slept all the way home.
This hotel if full of babies and it is funny when we go down to breakfast how many babies are around. The Staff here could not be more lovely and respectful of this process. They come a take the babies while we eat, just walk around the resturant with them, talk to them, make faces to them. It is truly very sweet and mainly the men that do this.
Yesterday when Paul and I were going down to breakfast with Sujina of course, one of the ladies cleaning the rooms stopped me and said "Madam, it is too cold outside for this." She was talking about the little dress I had on Sujina. She had tights on as well and was very cute, but she was right, not approiate for outside.
It is interesting to me that people are assuming that this is my first and only child.
So after breakfast we decided to go for a walk in Thamel. I had to get out of the hotel and walk. I was feeling very closed in. I admit that I was a little apprehensive about walking through the street with her but I quickly got over it.
We shopped a good deal. Elizabeth and I get a long very well and seem to have the same tastes. She is adventuresome and of course I love that. Clay is good for Paul, it is nice that they have each other to talk about the cars, knives, and motorcycles they see. Paul is also a good role model dad for Clay.
We stopped at the Pilgrim book store, Clay and Elizabeth didn't get to walk around Thamel their first trip so we showed them the sights. We had momo, and some drinks. Sujina had a nap and I started having stomach pains. Luckily Paul brought some Immodium and I took it and felt better.
We had a lovely afternoon, walked and walked and walked. Shopped and shopped. The girls were getting tired and so were we. Finally we decided to go home and Diptee fell asleep on Elizabeth. With all the noise of the streets and she slept all the way home.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
expect the unexpected always......
Yesterday at the Ministry office I was very pleasantly suprised by the compassion and kindness in the voice of the man who told us "You are now the parents of Sujina, you are free."
He looked us in the eyes,shook our hands with great respect and genine happiness for us, and gave us our paperwork. What a great feeling of joy and excitment ran over me. But I know that is this only half of the process. Now we go and face the US Embassy. I am not naive enough to say we are free and clear. But in the eyes of Nepal we are Sujina parents forever and that was no small feat!
Going to the "clinic" was another sureal adventrue. It is hard enough crossing the streets here, where there are really no traffic laws, no lanes and no cross walks. It is a little dicy just getting yourself across, but when you add an infant, the degree of difficulty goes up substantually! I just try to stay in the middle of the crowd.
Added to this crazy adventure is the fact that everywhere we go we must be driven because, a) we dont know where we are going, and b) to get into the govt building you need a Nepali guide. So we have a driver from Children's Home. Wonderful man named Kisur. He loves the children and they him. When they are fussing at us he will take them, talk to them sweetly and hand them back.
Needless to say we have no car seats, so we are left holding the babies in the backseat, changing diapers going 30 miles an hour and giving them bottles as well. Just a little stressful. Again as if driving in this crazy town wasn't scary enough, adding an infant in the mix just pumps your stress level up a bit.
This is truly an amazing adventure, one I am so happy and proud to be a part of and I would do it all over again if giving the chance. I only hope I can bring as much back for Sujina as possible, for I know she will have questions and I want to provide as many answers as I can.
He looked us in the eyes,shook our hands with great respect and genine happiness for us, and gave us our paperwork. What a great feeling of joy and excitment ran over me. But I know that is this only half of the process. Now we go and face the US Embassy. I am not naive enough to say we are free and clear. But in the eyes of Nepal we are Sujina parents forever and that was no small feat!
Going to the "clinic" was another sureal adventrue. It is hard enough crossing the streets here, where there are really no traffic laws, no lanes and no cross walks. It is a little dicy just getting yourself across, but when you add an infant, the degree of difficulty goes up substantually! I just try to stay in the middle of the crowd.
Added to this crazy adventure is the fact that everywhere we go we must be driven because, a) we dont know where we are going, and b) to get into the govt building you need a Nepali guide. So we have a driver from Children's Home. Wonderful man named Kisur. He loves the children and they him. When they are fussing at us he will take them, talk to them sweetly and hand them back.
Needless to say we have no car seats, so we are left holding the babies in the backseat, changing diapers going 30 miles an hour and giving them bottles as well. Just a little stressful. Again as if driving in this crazy town wasn't scary enough, adding an infant in the mix just pumps your stress level up a bit.
This is truly an amazing adventure, one I am so happy and proud to be a part of and I would do it all over again if giving the chance. I only hope I can bring as much back for Sujina as possible, for I know she will have questions and I want to provide as many answers as I can.
It's Official!!! (In Nepal)
As the Ministry Secretary said after we signed his log "You are the legal parents in Nepal, you are free." So at about 1pm on January 18th Sujina legally became our daughter in Nepal. Now we are working on the rest of our documents for the US Embassy and the Nepali Foreign Ministry both of these entities will be providing travel papers for Ms. Sujina.
After we received our Ministry forms we were off to the Medical Clinic for a TB test and blood tests. So after parking, crossing a very busy street(very tricky and scary), walking down a long alley we came to the clinic of one of the two US Embassy approved Doctors. Sujina did great and only cried a little after being poked with a needle and having her finger pricked. That was our busy day we then went back to the Hotel for naps. Sujina and I napped and Steph and our friend shopped for water and a place to get passport photos for Sujina.
It has been great to be back in Nepal it is a special place. I feel at ease here which is strange because of all of the hustle and bustle. I was excited yesterday but the real triumph will be getting her travel papers from the US Embassy.
After we received our Ministry forms we were off to the Medical Clinic for a TB test and blood tests. So after parking, crossing a very busy street(very tricky and scary), walking down a long alley we came to the clinic of one of the two US Embassy approved Doctors. Sujina did great and only cried a little after being poked with a needle and having her finger pricked. That was our busy day we then went back to the Hotel for naps. Sujina and I napped and Steph and our friend shopped for water and a place to get passport photos for Sujina.
It has been great to be back in Nepal it is a special place. I feel at ease here which is strange because of all of the hustle and bustle. I was excited yesterday but the real triumph will be getting her travel papers from the US Embassy.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
4am part two....
I started this blog an hour ago and then the computer shut down so I lost it. I am saving them this time! We have wireless in our rooms, so it is wonderful to be able to use the computer in the room rather than go down to the computer office.
We arrived at the Ministry office, these building take you back in time a little. They are made of concrete beams and stuccoed red bricks painted white. Like most govt buildings they are ornate in their own ways, but these building are so old and worn down. The white stucco is chipping and has mold on the inside and out. The building was square with a courtyard in the middle. Much like a motel, where you have the building and offices but hte hallways are open to the outside. There are no elevators, but there are three floors. Our office was on the third floor. Walking up these wooden stairs, that were very steep and alittle rickity, was a little unerving with a baby.
Once in the office, which was no larger than a 12x14 room, we sat and waited. The room had a small couch and chair to sit on. We were told to sit and wait. There were large filing cabinets in front of us so we could not see the men in the back of the office. I believe there were at least five. Our driver went to talk to the men, they spoke for a while and after about 10 minutes we were told the power was not working and we should come back the next day at 10am! What could we do, but say okay and leave.
I was not that disappointed, I was to tired and just happy to see my girl. We then cam back to the hotel and unpacked a little. The staff at the Annapurna is wonderful, they remembered us from our last visit and were excited to see the girls. Sujina had fallen asleep so we brought her up and let her sleep for a while.
Paul and I unpacked a bit, the room we were given had two twin beds. At first we were bummed and asked to change rooms, they told us to wait until tomorrow and we could change. We pushed the beds together and have decided to stay. A big reason is we had unpacked and dont want to repack again. We are right next to Eliz and Clay so that is good incase either of us needs some help.
Elizabeth came over later in the evening and said that Clay was sick and so they were just going to stay in. They are a very sweet couple, but as all new parents a bit overwhelemed!!!
Sujina woke up and was not the happiest little girl. We gave her a bottle and that seemed to help some but mostly I think she was just missing being at the home and her natural surroundings and who can blame her. She would look up at us an then start to cry, not hard just a little cry like " oh man my world is changing again."
She and Paul went for a walk around the hotel while I showered and emailed. Paul is great at that and Sujina loved it. When he came back and put her down she started crying again. So needless to say we have not put her down much, which is fine by us!
She is so small, not undernourished small just small in body size. She is wearing the 3-6 month clothes I brought but those are still too big! She will grow. She looks so wonderful, very healthy, and had that incredible suck you in smile.
We played on the floor until Paul and I just could not keep our eyes open any longer. Tennis was on so I was in heaven, my little girl and tennis what more do you need!
We are gearing up for a long day. Sujina is still asleep, she has had a bottle and then went right back to sleep!WOW!
Paul is in the shower and the sun is coming up over Kathmandu. When we flew in yesterday the clouds were so heavy and low it was like a fog almost. I am hopign for clear skies and some great views of the Mountains!!!
We are blessed and we love you all....
more soon.
We arrived at the Ministry office, these building take you back in time a little. They are made of concrete beams and stuccoed red bricks painted white. Like most govt buildings they are ornate in their own ways, but these building are so old and worn down. The white stucco is chipping and has mold on the inside and out. The building was square with a courtyard in the middle. Much like a motel, where you have the building and offices but hte hallways are open to the outside. There are no elevators, but there are three floors. Our office was on the third floor. Walking up these wooden stairs, that were very steep and alittle rickity, was a little unerving with a baby.
Once in the office, which was no larger than a 12x14 room, we sat and waited. The room had a small couch and chair to sit on. We were told to sit and wait. There were large filing cabinets in front of us so we could not see the men in the back of the office. I believe there were at least five. Our driver went to talk to the men, they spoke for a while and after about 10 minutes we were told the power was not working and we should come back the next day at 10am! What could we do, but say okay and leave.
I was not that disappointed, I was to tired and just happy to see my girl. We then cam back to the hotel and unpacked a little. The staff at the Annapurna is wonderful, they remembered us from our last visit and were excited to see the girls. Sujina had fallen asleep so we brought her up and let her sleep for a while.
Paul and I unpacked a bit, the room we were given had two twin beds. At first we were bummed and asked to change rooms, they told us to wait until tomorrow and we could change. We pushed the beds together and have decided to stay. A big reason is we had unpacked and dont want to repack again. We are right next to Eliz and Clay so that is good incase either of us needs some help.
Elizabeth came over later in the evening and said that Clay was sick and so they were just going to stay in. They are a very sweet couple, but as all new parents a bit overwhelemed!!!
Sujina woke up and was not the happiest little girl. We gave her a bottle and that seemed to help some but mostly I think she was just missing being at the home and her natural surroundings and who can blame her. She would look up at us an then start to cry, not hard just a little cry like " oh man my world is changing again."
She and Paul went for a walk around the hotel while I showered and emailed. Paul is great at that and Sujina loved it. When he came back and put her down she started crying again. So needless to say we have not put her down much, which is fine by us!
She is so small, not undernourished small just small in body size. She is wearing the 3-6 month clothes I brought but those are still too big! She will grow. She looks so wonderful, very healthy, and had that incredible suck you in smile.
We played on the floor until Paul and I just could not keep our eyes open any longer. Tennis was on so I was in heaven, my little girl and tennis what more do you need!
We are gearing up for a long day. Sujina is still asleep, she has had a bottle and then went right back to sleep!WOW!
Paul is in the shower and the sun is coming up over Kathmandu. When we flew in yesterday the clouds were so heavy and low it was like a fog almost. I am hopign for clear skies and some great views of the Mountains!!!
We are blessed and we love you all....
more soon.
4am and I can't sleep......
I am stilling on the floor using the light of the bathroom to type by. My body says that it is time to wake up. Paul and Sujina are still sleeping. We had a wonderful time last night. We went to eat and when we can back we are all down on the floor with the toys we brought for her. She loves the rattles, and Pauls watch. She is a super crawler and zoomed all over the room. She was also pulling up on anything and everything she could find!
We put her in the bathroom sink to have a bath and she loved playing in the water. All smiles and coos.....then we all hit the wall and went to bed!
So here I sit waiting for my family to wake and recapping the last 24 hours.
We finally got on the plane at XNA around 5:30pm after waiting since noon. Got to LA, found Elizabeth and Clay and boarded the plane to Bangkok. (Elizabeth and Clay are from Seattle, actually Bainbridge Island, and are adopting their first child through FAITH as well.
Once we got on board the flights went smooth as silk but let me say that 17 hours on a plane sucks!!!! I am actually glad that we are going through Hong Kong on the way back just to break it up a bit.
Once we got to Kathmandu we had to go through and get our Visas. Everything worked like clockwork and all of our bags came. We had eight large bags between the four of us and several carryons. When we came outside the driver for Children's Home was there with a sign reading Bamber and Wilson-Scott. I love seeing my name at airports. Silly I know.
The Childeren's Home has gotten a new SUV, it was about the size of a Toyota Highlander, so not so big. We put our bags in the back but only 6 would fit, the other two we put in the back seat and we sat with our feet on them and our knees in our noses. Paul sat in front with several carryon bags.
We were informed by the driver that we would be going straight to Childrens Home to get the girls, (I giggle every time I say "girls") and then straight to the Ministry office. We need to get the last document from the Nepal govt stating that our adoption is legal in their eyes. The Adoption Decree I believe it is called.
Elizabeth and I laughed because we looked around the car and thought where are we going to hold these "girls"? We got to Children's Home, said our hellos quickly and then were given our marching orders. Off to the Ministry we went. Babies in our laps, bags in our faces, holding bottles the didi's had just made and toys we were getting out of our bags. It was quite the sight. In the states we would have been pulled over for sure. The girls were very calm, and just sat looking around in amazement. Not sure how much they had been out and about in the big city.
When we arrived at Children's home the girls were in the FAITH room. We peeked in and Sujina was on the floor, she had a huge smile and started crawling over to me. I was thrilled to see her and so happy that she seemed thrilled to see me. I quickly learned that she was heading for the door, not to her new mom.
We put her in the bathroom sink to have a bath and she loved playing in the water. All smiles and coos.....then we all hit the wall and went to bed!
So here I sit waiting for my family to wake and recapping the last 24 hours.
We finally got on the plane at XNA around 5:30pm after waiting since noon. Got to LA, found Elizabeth and Clay and boarded the plane to Bangkok. (Elizabeth and Clay are from Seattle, actually Bainbridge Island, and are adopting their first child through FAITH as well.
Once we got on board the flights went smooth as silk but let me say that 17 hours on a plane sucks!!!! I am actually glad that we are going through Hong Kong on the way back just to break it up a bit.
Once we got to Kathmandu we had to go through and get our Visas. Everything worked like clockwork and all of our bags came. We had eight large bags between the four of us and several carryons. When we came outside the driver for Children's Home was there with a sign reading Bamber and Wilson-Scott. I love seeing my name at airports. Silly I know.
The Childeren's Home has gotten a new SUV, it was about the size of a Toyota Highlander, so not so big. We put our bags in the back but only 6 would fit, the other two we put in the back seat and we sat with our feet on them and our knees in our noses. Paul sat in front with several carryon bags.
We were informed by the driver that we would be going straight to Childrens Home to get the girls, (I giggle every time I say "girls") and then straight to the Ministry office. We need to get the last document from the Nepal govt stating that our adoption is legal in their eyes. The Adoption Decree I believe it is called.
Elizabeth and I laughed because we looked around the car and thought where are we going to hold these "girls"? We got to Children's Home, said our hellos quickly and then were given our marching orders. Off to the Ministry we went. Babies in our laps, bags in our faces, holding bottles the didi's had just made and toys we were getting out of our bags. It was quite the sight. In the states we would have been pulled over for sure. The girls were very calm, and just sat looking around in amazement. Not sure how much they had been out and about in the big city.
When we arrived at Children's home the girls were in the FAITH room. We peeked in and Sujina was on the floor, she had a huge smile and started crawling over to me. I was thrilled to see her and so happy that she seemed thrilled to see me. I quickly learned that she was heading for the door, not to her new mom.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Disappear Fear
So here we sit at the NWA airport waiting for our delayed flight. Our bags have been packed, our papers looked over and over, our stress levels are on high. For the past three days all eyes have been on the weather and how it will effect us. ICE SUCKS!
We were so lucky in that the Winter Blitz stayed just to the Northwest of us. Not sure how but it did. Yesterdays flights were cancelled and icy rain was coming down, but today it is just snow and not a lot of it.
Sleeping last night was almost impossible, I had a boy on either side of me snuggled so close any other night I would have slept like a queen, but I was listening outside; was it raining, snowing, sleeting??? I would wake up and look at the trees and the ground.
Paul and I went over to a friends house to pick up a package to be delivered in Nepal. On our way home there was a car in front of us. On the window there was a sticker that said "Disappear Fear" it was like God put it there for me to see. My mom, Paul and I went to church yesterday morning and the sermon was much the same, let go and let God. It is like he is hitting me over the head to say dont worry you wil be fine, all will be fine.
I do know that everything will work out, it always does. It might not be the way I want it, but it willwork out. I am trusting that it will now.
I have been on the verge of tears for the last three days. A combination of sadness and total excitment. It was so hard saying good bye to my boys, they were so brave and didn't cry. I could tell that Rowe was unhappy, but he was such a big boy. Beck said, "Good bye mom!" It was like he was saying, "you all have been talking about this for so long just go and do it!"
My mom, dad and Aunt Jan are there to care for the boys, so they could not be in better hands. Now Paul and I need to focus on the task at hand, bringing home our daughter and enjoying the experience while we do it.
Our bags were over weight, the lady checking us in was super nice and she let it go, especially since when we get on the plane in LA the weight limit goes up. I am happy that my brother let me borrow his computer. It is theraputic to be able to write.
The Hogs lost Guz Malzhan, so now what??? Poor Hogs.....
We were so lucky in that the Winter Blitz stayed just to the Northwest of us. Not sure how but it did. Yesterdays flights were cancelled and icy rain was coming down, but today it is just snow and not a lot of it.
Sleeping last night was almost impossible, I had a boy on either side of me snuggled so close any other night I would have slept like a queen, but I was listening outside; was it raining, snowing, sleeting??? I would wake up and look at the trees and the ground.
Paul and I went over to a friends house to pick up a package to be delivered in Nepal. On our way home there was a car in front of us. On the window there was a sticker that said "Disappear Fear" it was like God put it there for me to see. My mom, Paul and I went to church yesterday morning and the sermon was much the same, let go and let God. It is like he is hitting me over the head to say dont worry you wil be fine, all will be fine.
I do know that everything will work out, it always does. It might not be the way I want it, but it willwork out. I am trusting that it will now.
I have been on the verge of tears for the last three days. A combination of sadness and total excitment. It was so hard saying good bye to my boys, they were so brave and didn't cry. I could tell that Rowe was unhappy, but he was such a big boy. Beck said, "Good bye mom!" It was like he was saying, "you all have been talking about this for so long just go and do it!"
My mom, dad and Aunt Jan are there to care for the boys, so they could not be in better hands. Now Paul and I need to focus on the task at hand, bringing home our daughter and enjoying the experience while we do it.
Our bags were over weight, the lady checking us in was super nice and she let it go, especially since when we get on the plane in LA the weight limit goes up. I am happy that my brother let me borrow his computer. It is theraputic to be able to write.
The Hogs lost Guz Malzhan, so now what??? Poor Hogs.....
Friday, January 12, 2007
Kathmandu here we come!!!!!
Boy can things change in a hurry!!! So our file has been cleared and signed as of two days ago, now the whirlwind of getting flighs, baby stuff, paperwork prepared is in full motion.
I feel like I have not been able to sit down since I recieved an email from Eric. We were originally told we would leave around the 21st of Jan. Then the next morning we got an email saying that the Ministry would be leaving country for a few weeks starting on the 21st of Jan. so we needed to be in country by the 18th and that means having two days of travel time to get to Kathmandu which put us leaveing Fayetteville on the 16th. YIKES.... I haven't done any shopping, backing, preparing of any sort.
My head is going to explode, I feel like there is so much to do I dont even know where to start. I am excited, scared and sad, all rolled up into one. Going to get Sujina also means leaving my two beautiful boys. Rowe will be okay, he has friends, school, and going to Papa's house to occupy his mind. Beck is very attached to me, and doens't want me to leave to go play tennis much less travel to Kathmandu for 14 days!
We have been talking about it and Beck will say "Mama Stay home!" Rowe wants to see his new sister and talks about her a lot. Beck says "Mama Stay home." So we will see how this goes. I am glad he has Rowe to talk to and help comfort.
So we had a ticket yesterday that put us into Kathmandu on the 18th leaving Fayetteville on the 16th Tuesday. The same day Rowe starts back to school. Mr. Sudesh our travel agent was trying to get us a different ticket to put us in to KTM on the 17th with the other families that are traveling.
There are three other families that I have been corresponding with via email who are FAITH families, two are first time parents and one has a 7 year old son. We have been a great sourse of comfort, support, strength for each other while we wait and wait and wait for committees to meet, people to show up, others to sign papers. Now we will all be in KTM together and get to share our baby daughters with each other. What a special bond we will have, and our daughters will keep. They are the reason for the bond, they created it.
So I wait this am to hear from Mr. Sudesh about purchasing our tickets and having them FedEx to us overnight. When he trys to purchase the tickets, part of the route was booked and this posed a big problem. So, he started over looking for us flights and seats. This was the problem before there were no seats to LA from Fay. or from LA to Hong Kong!
For a few hours today my stomach was in my throat. I knew it would all work out, but I was still a little scared.
Our flights were purchased and we are confirmed. We leave on Monday the 15th fly to LA direct, then to Bangkok to KTM. This is a much better flight but it a bit more expensive. Yikes......
Coming back is better as well. We leave on the 30th of Jan. fly to Bangkok, to LA, to Dallas and then home by 7:35 pm. SO that will be good for all involved. The boys can come to the airport, Sujina will be awake and hopefully we will too.
So we are set with tickets; now I have to pack. I went to Target and bought, diapers, bottles, cereal, toys, medicine etc.... I also bought one outfit at Gymboree, I couldn't help myself!
And if that is not enough I have asked all of my friends to donate books for us to take to start a library in the new Children's Home building. They will be moving in next month and they need books, so I have several boxes of books we are going to be taking with us. My friends are wonderful....
As I sit here and write I am looking at the weather channel. The forcast for the next two days is rain/icy rain! WINTER BLITZ is what they are calling it. Okay anything else? Why did we choose FAITH International? Because one has to have faith when you are in this process.
One thing I know for sure is that I have tremendous faith and I am very blessed.
Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support! It is funny because while you are pregnant, or in this case waiting for your baby, people say wow this is so hard for you, how are you doing this. But the truth is, this was the easy part, I am coming home to be a mother of THREE! Now that is where the hard part begins, but boy is it going to be fun!!!!!
I feel like I have not been able to sit down since I recieved an email from Eric. We were originally told we would leave around the 21st of Jan. Then the next morning we got an email saying that the Ministry would be leaving country for a few weeks starting on the 21st of Jan. so we needed to be in country by the 18th and that means having two days of travel time to get to Kathmandu which put us leaveing Fayetteville on the 16th. YIKES.... I haven't done any shopping, backing, preparing of any sort.
My head is going to explode, I feel like there is so much to do I dont even know where to start. I am excited, scared and sad, all rolled up into one. Going to get Sujina also means leaving my two beautiful boys. Rowe will be okay, he has friends, school, and going to Papa's house to occupy his mind. Beck is very attached to me, and doens't want me to leave to go play tennis much less travel to Kathmandu for 14 days!
We have been talking about it and Beck will say "Mama Stay home!" Rowe wants to see his new sister and talks about her a lot. Beck says "Mama Stay home." So we will see how this goes. I am glad he has Rowe to talk to and help comfort.
So we had a ticket yesterday that put us into Kathmandu on the 18th leaving Fayetteville on the 16th Tuesday. The same day Rowe starts back to school. Mr. Sudesh our travel agent was trying to get us a different ticket to put us in to KTM on the 17th with the other families that are traveling.
There are three other families that I have been corresponding with via email who are FAITH families, two are first time parents and one has a 7 year old son. We have been a great sourse of comfort, support, strength for each other while we wait and wait and wait for committees to meet, people to show up, others to sign papers. Now we will all be in KTM together and get to share our baby daughters with each other. What a special bond we will have, and our daughters will keep. They are the reason for the bond, they created it.
So I wait this am to hear from Mr. Sudesh about purchasing our tickets and having them FedEx to us overnight. When he trys to purchase the tickets, part of the route was booked and this posed a big problem. So, he started over looking for us flights and seats. This was the problem before there were no seats to LA from Fay. or from LA to Hong Kong!
For a few hours today my stomach was in my throat. I knew it would all work out, but I was still a little scared.
Our flights were purchased and we are confirmed. We leave on Monday the 15th fly to LA direct, then to Bangkok to KTM. This is a much better flight but it a bit more expensive. Yikes......
Coming back is better as well. We leave on the 30th of Jan. fly to Bangkok, to LA, to Dallas and then home by 7:35 pm. SO that will be good for all involved. The boys can come to the airport, Sujina will be awake and hopefully we will too.
So we are set with tickets; now I have to pack. I went to Target and bought, diapers, bottles, cereal, toys, medicine etc.... I also bought one outfit at Gymboree, I couldn't help myself!
And if that is not enough I have asked all of my friends to donate books for us to take to start a library in the new Children's Home building. They will be moving in next month and they need books, so I have several boxes of books we are going to be taking with us. My friends are wonderful....
As I sit here and write I am looking at the weather channel. The forcast for the next two days is rain/icy rain! WINTER BLITZ is what they are calling it. Okay anything else? Why did we choose FAITH International? Because one has to have faith when you are in this process.
One thing I know for sure is that I have tremendous faith and I am very blessed.
Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support! It is funny because while you are pregnant, or in this case waiting for your baby, people say wow this is so hard for you, how are you doing this. But the truth is, this was the easy part, I am coming home to be a mother of THREE! Now that is where the hard part begins, but boy is it going to be fun!!!!!
Monday, January 08, 2007
FOUR 4 Away!!!!!
Received an email from Eric today saying that the committee had cleared files up to 1830! Ugh.... We are 1834. I thought that 34 was hard, but to be 4 away. The great news is that the next time we hear from the committee we are hoping they will have cleared four files at least. We also need the signature of the secretary. Without this we will go no where.
I have yet to pack anything or buy anything like formula, bottles etc... because I just dont want to jinx myself. Sounds pretty funny I know but hey we are this close I dont want to do anything silly.
I have started making mental lists, so I know what I want to buy, pack, bring.
I am collecting books from friends and MOMS club members for the new Children's Home building. I am hoping to create a library in Sujina's name. I am also hoping that I can keep a box of books a month going to Nepal. We will see.
I feel that this is our week. But I thought December was our month too. I am happy we are 4 away, but I will be on cloud 9 when I am told to get on the plane.
I have yet to pack anything or buy anything like formula, bottles etc... because I just dont want to jinx myself. Sounds pretty funny I know but hey we are this close I dont want to do anything silly.
I have started making mental lists, so I know what I want to buy, pack, bring.
I am collecting books from friends and MOMS club members for the new Children's Home building. I am hoping to create a library in Sujina's name. I am also hoping that I can keep a box of books a month going to Nepal. We will see.
I feel that this is our week. But I thought December was our month too. I am happy we are 4 away, but I will be on cloud 9 when I am told to get on the plane.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
2007 is here and we are still in Fayetteville......
So it is 2007 and here we sit in Fayetteville, waiting for an email, a phone call, some sign, any sign that we can go to Nepal. Our last communication from Eric said that the committee had processed up to the 1800 file and the Secretary had signed them as well. That is fantastic news, but we are 1834.
34 sounds like a small number, but it is looking and feeling more like 3400.
In my heart of hearts I thought we would have been in Nepal by now. I truly thought we were going in December 2006. To be this close and yet so far away is just crushing.
We had a wonderful Christmas and then Beck turned 2 on the 29th. It was very fun. He is such a big boy. Such a fun party; family and friends. Helps take our minds off of Nepal and focus on the here and now.
Paul bought me a "Mother's ring" with Sujina Gray on it for Christmas. So we really have everything we need here for Sujina, except her.
Mom bought us some Nepal books and videos, a Nepal Lonely Planet 2007 version. It is great. We have planned what we would like to do and see, and where we want to take Sujina while we are waiting for the visa and paper work to be processed.
We wait, we have faith, we trust.... what more can you do.
34 sounds like a small number, but it is looking and feeling more like 3400.
In my heart of hearts I thought we would have been in Nepal by now. I truly thought we were going in December 2006. To be this close and yet so far away is just crushing.
We had a wonderful Christmas and then Beck turned 2 on the 29th. It was very fun. He is such a big boy. Such a fun party; family and friends. Helps take our minds off of Nepal and focus on the here and now.
Paul bought me a "Mother's ring" with Sujina Gray on it for Christmas. So we really have everything we need here for Sujina, except her.
Mom bought us some Nepal books and videos, a Nepal Lonely Planet 2007 version. It is great. We have planned what we would like to do and see, and where we want to take Sujina while we are waiting for the visa and paper work to be processed.
We wait, we have faith, we trust.... what more can you do.
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