Hello, from Pakistan - District Court Appeal . . .

So sorry . . . for the delay in an update. We have been under the weather here in Pakistan - I guess "new" germs!!!

Tuesday (2/15) – Went to our favorite sweet shop (Narila) & got sweets for Valentine’s Day. Yes, a day late, but today was a bright, shining day unlike yesterday - - - rain, rain, rain!

Later in the afternoon, we went over to see the new property that the guest house owners have been working on, an extended stay property for terms of 1 month +. We met a tenant orginally from the US – US law professor – from Austin, TX. He has traveled the world teaching law in different countries & is here in Islamabad for a year to teach.

Wednesday (2/16) – Pakistan Holiday – The Day of the Prophet (Mohammed’s birthday).

Thursday (2/17) – It was a beautiful day so in the afternoon, we took a long 2 hour walk to the market, stopping at different shops as we went along.

Friday (2/18) – Appeal District Court Hearing day, 1st hearing – Our day's case number for the hearing was #21. We waited about 1.5 hours before our hearing came up. Unfortunately, the judge needed more information & continued the hearing for next Tuesday (2/22).

In the late afternoon, we had a visit from friends from St Thomas Church.

Saturday(2/19) – We were going to spend the day sight-seeing with some church friends, but Gracy started to run a fever. We decided we needed to keep her inside, it was a chilly day. Later in the night, Gracy started to run an even higher temp. What a night!

Sunday (2/21) – It rained during the night & the day was very overcast & somewhat cool (about 50-55 degrees). Gracy had a very bad cough & running nose & she was full of congestion again. So, we decided not to attend church. The church is not heated & is somewhat open-air. Not the best place for a baby that is full of cold. So, I gave her some cough/cold medicine & she fell back to sleep after breakfast.

Monday (2/21) – We took Gracy back to the doctor & she has a severe case on bronchitis. She is back on antibiotics & several other medicines.

Tuesday (2/22) – Continued District Court Hearing, 2nd hearing - our number today was #15, so the case came up rather quickly. However, the judge is not at all favorable to our appeal . . . it will be difficult . . . the judge continued the hearing to Saturday (26th) & requires all parties to make an appearance. So, we are basically back to 1/14 timeline.

We meet with a local artist to have Gracy's portrait drawn. I had a pencil drawing done of Nicholas in Moscow along Arbat street. So, I decided it would be nice to have one of Gracy from Islamabad.

Dalend & I start to become ill during the night. I guess it is new germs here in Pakistan or something we caught from Gracy (she is a walking germ-feast right now - but still a sweetie!!). We started running fevers & sore throats. We are all down for the count! I don't think I have ever experienced such a sore throat!

Wednesday (2/23) – Everyone is still sick, especially Gracy. On the stronger medication, she is sleeping about 6 hours during the day. She is a very sick baby girl!

I'm pulling together additional documents needed for the district court appeal on Saturday. All the documents are needed by Thursday to file in time for Saturday's hearing. It has been quite a surprise to all of us that all parties will have to appear again at Saturday's hearing. Trying to make sure we are prepared!

Thursday (2/24) - naps, hydration, naps, more medicine, naps, more tissues, naps, chicken soup, naps . . . Gracy extremely dislikes the nose aspirator! We are all so under the weather!!!

Friday (2/25) - A little better today, Gracy is very sick, but begging to go outside . . . but it has been very chilly all week. She has thoroughly explored & discovered every corner in the guest house room, lobby & common area. Another visit to the doctor tonight to make sure Gracy's lungs are getting better . . .

Saturday (2/26) - the 3rd hearing for the District Court Appeal. All parties have been notified & we are hopeful that all will be present. Please keep us in your thoughts & prayers . . . that tomorrow will be the day for an amendment approval. I'll let everyone know how it goes . . .

It has been a very difficult week - We hope & pray for sunshine & health & an amended guardianship order!

Take care . . . talk to you soon!

Nancy (Mama), Dalend (Uppa D) & Gracy