Hi everyone,
Last Thursday we received word that we could travel on September 7th. This means we have a LOT to do in 10 days! Thursday night we completed our special visitors visa application packet and then Friday morning a quick trip to the secretary of states office for apostilles. We were able to get the packet overnighted to the Colombian Consulate in Chicago. They typically approve the applications within 2-3 business days and with the short labor day work week, we are really cutting it close.
If we do not have our visa's by Saturday, we will need to postpone our trip until they are received. Lot's of prayers are needed : ) We included a pre-paid fed-ex (Saturday Delivery) envelope with our applications, so if they send them back to us on Friday, we will still have them in time for our flight on Sunday.
We received a note from our social worker on Saturday, saying that we will meet Manny on Monday, September 8th. Somebody pinch us! From that point on, he will be with us, his forever family. Our social worker also indicated that we will be staying at Zuetana. She didn't indicate which one. I think there are four Zuetana locations in the Bogota area. Hopefully, we'll find out which one we're staying at, and then we can get feedback from any families who've stayed there.
We've finished up all of our shopping for the trip, and I think we are pretty well set. Now the fun part. . . . Packing!
Thanks to everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Love, Dulcie and Johnny
Sounds like you guys are pretty much set!! Though the fun of packing is still ahead. :) We'll pray that all goes well with the visa, but it seems like they are really great about getting those back right away (when we got Jake, they wanted us down in Colombia less than two weeks from our referral date, and they got things to us no problem).
ReplyDeleteIt cannot seem real yet! You must just stare at those big beautiful eyes and go to bed thinking about him and what the next days, weeks and years ahead will be like. It's one of the best feelings ever!!
We will be in Alaska (sailing the friendly seas) when you get to meet Manny, but I'll try and sneak a peek on someone's laptop while we are there. :)
Best of luck Dulcie and Johnny! We'll be thinking about and praying for you.
Patsy, Jon, Will and Jake
The countdown is on!!!! Next week at this time, he will be in your arms! :0)
ReplyDeleteDon't worry too much about he Visa's--like Patsy said, they are good about doing them quickly! We had them digging through a Fed Ex truck for ours at 8 am in the morning on our way to the airport! We have friends that had them delivered right to the airport before they caught their flight so many people cut it close and it all works out okay!
When you are packing, remember to really stick to the suggested packing lists as there is nothing you can't buy there and everyone there is wearing the same clothes over and over again! Remember you need lots of room to bring back all the treasures you will find there at the markets, leather district, shoe district, etc!!!
We think of you every day and all the excitment you are feeling!
Brian, Mary, Lauren & Ben
I think we will know a few families that will be there the same time you are so that will be nice! Will try to get you set up with them, they are going for their second time to Colombia! A baby boy for them as well! EXCITING!! If you need someone to go with you, I am available (SHH, don't tell my husband and kids :) I LOVE COLOMBIA! Don't overpack, you don't need to! Jodi
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