Wednesday, March 24, 2010

30 hours and counting

Boy, do things move fast, or what? Wow.
We got both our senators on the issue we spoke about yesterday, and it paid off. They were able to get the addendum expedited (our request for expedition was initially rejected) and we picked it up today and FedEx'd it overnight for delivery in the National Visa Center tomorrow morning. Everything should be fine from here on out. Worst case scenario (or so we were told last night by the executive director/founder of our adoption agency) is that we might have to have a second trip to the embassy on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, not a big deal. And, now, that's likely not needed. Let's give a big "WHOOP WHOOP" for senators acting on the behalf of their constituents. Thank you Senators Hatch and Bennett! :)

Tonight we pack, double-check our lists, have a few celebratory drinks (which will also help calm our nerves and maybe allow a few hours of sleep), and check our lists one last time.
We received our in-country itinerary today. Every day has a travel excursion we can participate in (i.e. to museums, or to the government center, or to the largest open-air market in all of Africa), and dinner at traditional restaurants. We're travelling with 2 other families, who will be staying in the guest house as well.

We've been told the guest house has wireless internet, but we're a little skeptical of that. They also mentioned that there was a computer in the lobby for our use. Either way, keep your eyes on this blog as we intend to post at least one update from Addis Ababa. When we return, we'll change this to a "Living with Chloë" blog and will post our likely-to-be-nearly-infinite number of pictures, and probably some video.

Now is the time where we'd like to extend a big thank you (complete with hugs and kisses) to all of you for your continued support. Often it was a little comment, or an ear you let us bend, or a kind email. Even by reading these updates, you've connected with us and we appreciate it. It's been one helluva journey. 11 months from start to finish. Lots of late nights. Even more tears. Some yelling, our fair share of fear and frustration, lots of hope and anxiety. You've shared it all with us, and we thank you.

We know it will be worth it in the end, and we hope you stop by every now and again to check up on us and Chloë.

We love you,

Justin and Julee

1 comment:

Cale and Kim said...

Hi Justin and Julie! I don't know if you remember me, but we met at Pete and Beth's Christmas party! (sorry I haven't emailed sooner - I know we talked about getting together sometime and I'm kicking myself for not contacting sooner, but figure now we can wait to meet your daughter! ). I've checked your blog since we've met, watching your progress and I'm so excited you are leaving tomorrow! We'll be praying for your travels and that everything goes amazing picking up sweet Chloe! Cannot wait to see the pictures of her finally in your arms. Once you get settled in, lets get together and have our girls meet! I hope you can get some sleep tonight - we know the feeling of about to become parents across the globe - it's amazing!
Kim