Hello, from Pakistan - USE Immigrant Visa

So sorry for the month delay . . . going on 130 days, 18-5 weeks, 4+ months.

Since I have so much time to cover, I'll list only the significant days.

Tuesday (4/5) - I am trying to deal with the head lice without frustration & going crazy! :0 I try to go through Gracy's hair when she is asleep a couple times a day (nap & bedtime) & pick out the nits by hand (yes, I look at each strand!). Without her being asleep, it simply can't be done. She doesn't understand the concept of "sit still". But, the liquid solution, "Coppex", seems to be working. Each day I find fewer & fewer nits. I can tell you, I have a new appreciation for the term that "someone is being nit picking"! lol!

Wednesday (4/6) - This week we received the High Court signed/attested order.

Thursday (4/7) - Our Sweet Pea turns 22 months old!

Friday (4/8) - Visit with US immigration attorney about next steps & how best to use the HC order for USE. When we received the HC order, we noticed there were 3 misstatements that severely compromise MG's orphan status. So, I needed to discuss our next steps with my US immigration attorney to determine how best to proceed. The advice from my US immigration attorney is the HC order cannot be used with the misstatements of MG's orphan status. It is just too risky. So . . . .

Saturday (4/9) - Since the HC order will not be useable in it's present statements, I visited with my Pakistan attorney to discuss a plan of action on how best to make HC order corrections & still move forward with applying for the Certificate of Guardianship. In the end of all the Pakistan court hearings, what I really need is a Certificate of Guardianship. It is something similar to an adoption decree (IR-3 intercountry adoptions), but since this is an IR-4 adoption (guardianship, no adoption decree), it is the final document that states my rights as legal guardian. The certificate is what we are trying to be in the best possible position to apply for, the sooner the better, but . . . with a good case & authentic documents. My Pak attorney & I made the decision to make appeal applications in High Court to get the needed corrections for the best position for USE orphan status & at the same time, make another appeal application in Civil Court for the amendments we need to the initial 1/19/11 guardianship order to make the best case possible to apply for the Certificate of Guardianship.

Sunday (4/10) - No St Thomas Church today - Nit Picking all day!!!!

Tuesday (4/12) - We have had 2 additional court hearings to prepare for this week. We filed both today, Tuesday. The hearings should be scheduled for Wednesday (Civil) & Thursday (HC)


Wednesday (4/13) - Civil Court appeal hearing - Using the High Court ruling in favor the global definition of "adoption" outside of Islamic law (Shariah law), we are now able to file another appeal with the Civil Court to demand the words ". . . and adoption . . . " be dictated in the initial 1/19/11 guardianship order. Civil/District Court must use the precedent case law set by HC. In that same appeal to Civil Court, they reopened the District Court case & along with the Civil Court case - both ending in favorable rulings. Yes, the amendment was approved - YEAH! Finally!!! Now, with the amendment approval, the 1/19/11 guardianship order will now comply with US IR-4 adoption immigration law. And . . . I can now make application for the guardianship certificate (also required by USCIS). With a valid guardianship order per USCIS guidelines & guardianship certificate . . . the US Embassy side will go much quicker. We are in hopes to have all those documents by Friday AM. If it works as planned, I can go to the USE Friday afternoon to submit the IR-4 immigrant visa dossier. From that point, we "think" it should take 2-5 business days for Gracy's immigrant visa.

Thursday (4/14) - High Court appeal hearing #1 - Even though the High Court ruled in favor of our global definition of "adoption" to supersede Shariah law, the HC judge unfortunately dictated some specific facts about MG's custody timeline that are erroneous & severely damage her "orphan status" per USCIS guidelines. So, we need to appeal to the HC to have the 3-4 erroneous statements expunged/amended from the final HC order. This is in case the USE wants to read the HC ruling. We want to make sure that there is nothing dictated in error about the specific details of MG's orphan status. We found out Wednesday, the HC judge for our case is currently on leave & should be back to his bench on Monday. Today, we tried to expedite the hearing with another HC judge, but unfortunately, the HC has ruled that our appeal for an amended/expunged order can only be heard by the presiding HC judge. So, we are continued until next week. We will see on Monday . . . if the judge is back from leave.

Since we have a judge's amendment decision on the guardianship order, we also applied for the Certificate of Guardianship in the lower Civil Court. This requires a surety bond to be paid to the Pakistani courts. I received the wire transfer from my bank on Tuesday & we are ready to FINALLY get the precious certificate. It should take ~ 1 day to dictate, sign & attest. Crossing my fingers for tomorrow's good news!!!

Friday (4/15) - CERTIFICATE OF GUARDIANSHIP was received, along with the AMENDED initial 1/19/11 Guardianship Order!!! We have waited for 3.5 months for these 2 documents!!! Unfortunately, they didn't get attested until late afternoon so I was not able to meet the 1:00 p.m. adoption appointment at the USE to submit the immigrant visa dossier's I-600 form for an IR-4 immigrant visa. I'm planning on going Monday. But . . . we had very, very good news today!

Saturday (4/16) - More nit picking & a good time splish/splashing in the pink washing tub out on the terrace! Gracy loves to do this! It is really starting to get very hot . . . high 90's, sometimes 100. I'm told within a few weeks the "hot" will be felt. Karim (guest house owner) has turned on the a/c in my room since we face west & the hot, hot sun bares down on the 2 large windows in our room & we are on the 2nd floor (heat rises!). In the afternoon between 2-5 p.m. it is almost unbearable in our room, even with 3 fans going!

Sunday (4/17) - No St Thomas Church - It looks like we are finally over our head lice, but I treated our hair again with the Coopex solution for a 2nd time. Hopefully, now we are lice free!

Monday (4/18) - We finally took that all-important trip to the USE to submit our immigrant visa dossier!!! Security is very, very tight & you cannot enter into the Diplomatic Enclave Section (section of high security where 90% of all embassies are located, along with embassy housing for employees) unless authorized to do so. So, you have to go to a Diplomatic Shuttle Service to be thoroughly searched (all electronic devices have to be checked). Once there, you buy a shuttle ticket & the shuttle routes through the Diplomatic Enclave Section to the different embassies for everyone on the shuttle. It was a very hot ride, but we made it to the USE embassy in about 15 minutes (not bad in the heat! no a/c). Once at the embassy, you have to go through 2 additional levels of security (outside & inside). Outside, you show your passport (and appointment letter, if you have) & then they scan you with a hand held security scanner & they physically pat you down (women behind a closed door) & search you & any other items you bring (documents, diaper bag, etc). I have been there enough time to know what I can bring inside in the diaper bag & what I cannot, so I take only what I need for Gracy (no toys are allowed & only diapers & bottles for babies). Then, you enter the USE & you have another body scanner & baggage scanner to go through. The guards then call to verify your appointment with the USE officials. The guards write a green approval form for you to take with you to hand to the interior security guards that patrol the inner sanctum of the USE where the officials & interview windows are located.

However, when the security guard called the USE officials (American Citizens Services Unit), they would only allow me to enter with a valid "ISL" National Visa Center (NVC) case #. I told them that I didn't have an ISL number, I had a MOS number. If you remember from my blog, back in 2009, I had the same issue. When I did a country change from Russia to Pakistan, my NVC case number was never changed from Moscow USE number. During 2009, they just used the MOS number because it was still a unique number & would give them my electronic file they needed . . . so it was never changed. Now, this was really creating problems with the USACSU (USE American Citizens Services unit)! They would not let me through the locked door into the outer lobby unless I could produce an ISL number. Well, I couldn't . . . I looked at my I-171H (I-600A approval) & my NBC # was not even listed on the new I171-H extension. The NBC Center that approved my latest updated I-171H (only good for 18 months, which I updated in Dec 2010 & rec'd the hard copy right before we left in Jan 2011.) failed to fill out the NVC case number. I never noticed it in Jan when I rec'd because the NBC in Lee's Summit, MO had just taken over the approvals of I-600A approvals (I-171H form) mid year 2010 & the form had a totally new format! So, I couldn't even give them the unique NVC case number that was used in 2009. So, I asked them to pull my NVC case by my petitioner name, which I have had the NVC do many, many times. But . . . the USE official would not do that because it was not in the USE protocol to do so. Without the unique number, I couldn't get in! Very frustrating to be a US citizen, within 50 feet of the ACSU & infamous "window #1" & not be allowed to enter. So . . . unfortunately we had to leave (but I did get a name & number to call once back at the guest house). The ride back to the Diplomatic Shuttle service was so Hot & Disappointing!

Once I was back at the guest house, I called the USACSU & talked with the immigration official. She confirmed that they will not pull a petitioner's NVC file by name, it has to be by case #. She did say that the "MOS" case # would be fine since it is still a unique key to my electronic file. So, later that night (US morning), I called my immigration attorney & had her begin calling the USCIS/NBC center & NVC to find out why the case number was not listed on my I-600A approval/I-171H form.

Tuesday (4/19) - I rec'd an email during the night from my attorney with my "MOS" case number. No one knows why it was left off of the I-600A approval/I-171H form . . . so we move on! My US attorney also emailed the number to the USACSU/Immigrant Visa section in hopes that I could get an interview appointment on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. (daily adoption time slot). The 1:00-2:00 time slot is the only time the USE will make an appointment for IR-4 adoption interviews & you can only call that section of the USE during the hours of 12:30 - 1:30 daily. It makes it very limiting to try to resolve any issues that arise (which we had many during this week!).

I rec'd a call at 1:00 p.m. from the USE ACSU/Immigrant Visa Section & was told they had pulled my electronic file by the "MOS" number, but it was not the current, updated I-600A approval/I-171H form that I had processed in Dec 2010 & rec'd a hard copy on the 1st of Jan 2011 (right before we left). USE was telling me that they could not process my I-600 form for the IR-4 adoption immigrant visa. They then told me they would have to send my file to the USE in New Delhi, India for further instructions on how to proceed. I asked them to please not send my file the ND, give me 24 hours & I would get the electronic file straightened out. I had the current, hard copy I-171H form with a valid expiration date (7/2012) in my hands, but the USE would not accept the paper form. It had to come directly from the USCIS/NBC through the NVC to the USE/Islamabad. Yes, I was experiencing the 2009 electronic file nightmare all over again!!!

While I was dealing with the NVC/USE electronic file, my Pakistan attorneys had the HC hearing #2 for the HC order amendment/expunge appeal. The HC judge was back from leave. However, due to some HC pressing matters at the gov't level, the judge had not had time to review the appeal & continue the case to Thursday (4/21). Today, in fact, this week was a very, very busy week with much phone calling & crisis management! ;)

Wednesday (4/20) - Again, dealing with the NVC/USE electronic file issue . . . it goes from bad to worse! My US attorney called the USCIS/NBC last night & verified that, once again, they did have record of my I-600A/I-171H extension dated with an expiration date of 7/2012. So all is good on the USCIS side. She also verified that the NVC had rec'd the updated extension from the NBC on 12/12/2010. So, once again, my US attorney asked (for the 2nd time) for the NBC to resend the file to the NVC & then had the NVC resend to the USE. I checked the USE early am to see if they could pull up my electronic file & see the updated documents for my I-171H extension. Again, they told me the expiration date was 1/11/2011. I explained that the electronic file was resent from the NVC with verification that the NBC had sent the correct, updated I-171H dated 7/12/2012. I was so confused & yes, irritated that my own gov't agencies simply couldn't talk to each other to resolve a simple upload issue. It was all my responsibility to make sure that the electronic file was where it needed to be! I gladly take it on . . . but I don't have complete authority to make it all happen!

So, I called my US attorney in the evening & shared the news that the electronic file was still not correct. She got on the phone & called again! And, I also got on the phone with the USCIS/NBC & NVC. Amazingly, the NVC did not have my NBC number on my electronic file (I-171H SIM number) & the NBC doesn't keep the NVC case # attached to the file, so what do you think they had to do to find my electronic file . . . . they pulled my file by my petitioner's name!!! Something the USE would simply not do! Anyway . . . I again verified that the current I-171H was the correct extension with an expiration date of 7/12/2012 & the USCIS/NBC had record that it was sent to the NVC on 12/15/2010. Then both my attorney & I called the NVC. Again, they were initially confused about the "MOS" vs "ISL" case number, so I asked them to pull my file by petitioner's name (amazing how that does work!). They told me their records show that they had sent the same electronic file rec'd on 12/16/2011 from the NBC to the USE/Islamabad on 12/17/2010. They said there should be no reason why the USE could not pull my current 7/12/2012 dated I-600A/I-171H approval. So, I had the NVC go directly to the actual transmission & pull up the actual electronic docs sent in the transmission. I found out they scan the docs & send through a secure sever site. They read directly from the scanned docs & on page 4 of the transmission, was my 7/12/2012 I-600A approval! I asked if the NVC would copy me on the transmission of the electronic file, but it is against security protocol to send the electronic file to a petitioner (I understand that, probably not a good idea, since docs can be changed easily). Back in 2009, the manager of the USACSU was awesome & he actually took it upon himself to find my electronic file. Since it had a unchanged "MOS" number, it was sent to Moscow instead of Pakistan, he found it & got it all straightened out for me. But, he is no longer at the USE . . . transferred out after 12 months. So, I am stuck . . . with another electronic file issue.

Thursday (4/21) - HC hearing #3. I attended this time, 8:30 a.m. Our case docket number to be heard was #5, so we were up very quickly. My Pak attorneys very carefully asked for the amendment to the HC order (some judges get offended if you ask them to change their dictation). But, this HC judge seemed to understand the criticalness of the USCIS orphan status guidelines. However, he still had not reviewed our appeal due to time constraints of other gov't priorities. It was continued until next Tuesday (4/26). But, he did make a light remark that "If I could give you the immigrant visa straight away . . . I would!" Then he said, "A child will have a loving home who otherwise would not. There is nothing but good coming from this US immigration case." I felt a tear roll down my face. Finally, after 4 months, understanding from a Pakistani judge!

I'm still dealing with the USE on the electronic file issue. One the way to the HC hearing (30 minute taxi drive) I was able to call the USACSU/Immigration section & discuss my electronic file for the 4th day. I walked through the process both my attorney & I had gone through last night with phone calls to both USCIS/NBC & the NVC. I finally told the official that I had done everything possible, as the petitioner, except come into the USE & try to pull the electronic file myself. But, since they would not let me in without a current electronic file . . . my hands were tied. There was absolutely no reason the current I-600A/I-171H approval should not be in my electronic file at the USE. I gave her the name & number of the NVC & I "strongly" pressed her that it was time for the USE to take an active role in calling another US gov't agency to get it resolved.

At 12:00, I had a call from the USE asking me to come in at 1:00 p.m. for the initial I-600 & I-600A/I-171H interview submission! Needless, to say, I grabbed Gracy & we were on our way to the shuttle service & at the USE by 1:00 p.m.! I finally made it past the "locked" outer lobby hall door. I had my blue approval form to allow me into the inner USACSU/Immigration section.

As I walked through the hall of the outer USE lobby, strong emotions came flooding back from 2009. If you remember from my blog I mentioned several times about "window #1". I knew as I walked through the locked, grey inner door, that specific private window would be the first thing I saw. My heart actually ached as I remembered . . . all the pain! As I walked the 50 feet, I kept my eyes on Gracy. Then about 10 feet away, I looked to my left & saw down the side hall the 1st room on the right, Room 101, where I sat in front of FIA being questioned about my involvement in child trafficking. That was the same room I sat in front of Sadeem Shargeel, a broken, grief stricken parent asking him "how" & "why"? I felt the emotion of it all over again . . . and I quickly prayed, as I reached the inner USACSU grey door, now unlocked by the security guard manning the door, "Lord, please let the step through this door be my healing step . . . " ,The security guard opened the door for me. I opened my eyes & yes, right in front of me was "window #1". I already knew the process & took a seat in the inner USACSU lobby, waiting for my name to be called. The blessing was . . . Gracy had no memory of 2009 & she was a happy, busy little toddler, keeping me busy & entertained during the 15 minute wait.

Finally, my name was called & I took that final step into "window #1". It looked exactly the same . . . 2 white chairs . . . glass window . . . shelf where I changed Sweet Pea's last diaper before she was taken from my arms . . . everything was the same. A lump caught in my throat, but my mind had to snap back quickly to reality, as I was immediately being introduced to the official & asked to sit down. Then it started . . . all over again . . . the official asked for my dossier. She took out the 2 documents that begin it all . . . the I-600 & I-600A/I-171H approval. So, we are finally here, again . . . please pray for me during this USE process for my heart's healing.

It took only about 15 minutes to submit the documents. Then I was asked to go back out to the USACSU waiting area. After another 15 minutes, I was called back to "window #1", where 2 gentlemen where sitting behind the glass window (1 man I remember from 2009, the other was the successor of the previous Mgr of Fraud Prevention). They asked me to sit down. The man I remembered smiled at me & asked me how I was doing (I remember that he also was very kind during that horrific day). Then the in-depth interview began . . . I was questioned for over 3 hours. We went through everything, every detail was covered . . . from my very 1st decision to adopt internationally. They questioned me about Nicholas' adoption in 2004 to the current day . . . Once we got to 2009/2010 details, it was difficult & emotionally I broke. They gave me a few minutes break, understanding how difficult it was. The Mgr of Fraud Prevention was finally understanding the magnitude of what happened . . . and he expressed how sorry he was that I had to endure that trauma for so long. He told me he would do everything he could to create a successful outcome this time . . . depending, of course, on the facts of the case & authenticity of documents. After, the questioning was over . . . there was a peaceful relief that came over me. I had made it through the long interview. During the 3+ hours, Gracy bounced back & forth between the 3 patrolling USACSU lobby security guards & me in "window #1" (The lock on the private window door didn't work!) But, when we finally finished with the lengthy interview, my Gracy Girl was sitting on mama's lap & I bent down to gave her a big kiss & hug. She is so worth it!

The man with the Mgr of Fraud Prevention that sat in on the questioning because he was present during the 2009 case, explained that the b.parents did not initially have any appropriate documentation that proved they were the b.parents of MG. I was told that, as the petitioner/applicant, it was my responsibility to provide the best possible evidence to substantiate paternity. The best option is a DNA test. So, I left with instructions on how to order & have the DNA test kit sent from the US (the USE will only accept a DNA test kit & report results from an authorized US lab). So, I would be busy over the next few days trying to decide on the lab & order the test kit.

At 4:30 p.m. I was finished & walked back out of the grey, inner USACSU door. Back down the inner lobby hall to the security station. I sat just outside the security station waiting for the shuttle to return. As I was waiting, a security guard (I had remembered him from 2009) came into the lobby. He sat down beside me & asked, "Are you the same weeping woman that was here in 2009 adopting a Pakistani baby child? You left weeping and so broken hearted because the baby was taken from you . . ." I looked at him through tears & said "Yes, I am that woman". He then asked "Is this the same child?". I said "Yes". He looked at me & said "Can I shake your hand for being so wonderful to not forget her & come back for this orphan." My heart broke again. Then he looked through the security station window, nodded his head & several of the other Pakistani security guards that remembered that horrific day came into the lobby. Each one shook my hand & told me I was such a wonderful, caring person to come back for 1 Pakistani orphan child. That was when my healing became real for me. It wasn't taking the steps through any door, but through the understanding of the Pakistani security guards that totally understood the journey of this adoption. I left with a smile & thanksgiving in my heart . . .

Thursday evening, I began the research of DNA test labs in the US, trying to determine which lab would have the best timeline for efficient processing of a DNA test. I worked on this over the next day so I could have a lab decision to order the test kit from on Monday evening.

Saturday (4/23 ) - A major Laundry Day!!! It takes over 4 hours to do laundry by hand . . . I have been so busy, it became a low priority. Now, I am paying for it! A very, very hot, manual job!

Sunday (4/24) - Easter Sunday. I was very sad when I skyped with my Nicky early morning. I was so looking forward to being home by Easter! But . . . that wasn't possible. I felt like I had missed out on so much of my little boy's life/activities (spring musical, spring soccer season, Valentine's Day, Easter & our family egg hunt, etc.) And, I now know I will also miss Mother's Day & Nicky's spring piano recital. I have such an awesome little boy. He looked sad too, but told me "Mama, it's ok, Uppa D & Grandma are here. Just come home soon!" I know I am where I am supposed to be & our situation is only for this season, a temp time of separation in our entire family's life. MG is so little right now & I need to be here . . . with her. I am where I need to be! So, we enjoyed the day as best we could!

It was a beautiful, sunny Easter morning, about 95 degrees. The English service (9:00 a.m.) at St Thomas was wonderful! I had on a new Shalwar Kameez & Gracy had on a new cotton dress & sandals. The front alter of the church was beautifully decorated in lovely flowers. I was told that in the 11:00 Urdu service, they expected over 1,500. Since the sanctuary will not hold that many, they turn the courtyard into a sanctuary with a huge tent, chairs & alter (also decorated beautifully). We thoroughly enjoyed the service & friends at St Thomas! Once we were back home, I had planned on a quiet day of napping. But, the guest house owner had other plans! He showed up at our room door with Easter gifts! He knew I would be a little blue today & he did his very best to make the day a special day in Pakistan for us. We had a special Easter cake. MG received a chocolate egg filled with candies & a beautiful new dress (he wanted to get it to me earlier so she could wear it to Easter service, but he didn't realize the English service started at 9:00 a.m. instead of the regular 11:00 a.m.). It was special anyway. He also gave mama a special gift as well of a new purse. He had noticed that the latch on the one that I was carrying had broken, he was so thoughtful. We had tea in the afternoon with Karim & his son (Sameer) & had our special Easter cake. It was wonderful! Such a special family!

Monday (4/25) - In the evening I ordered the DNA test kit from the US. I decided to use a lab from Oklahoma City that had a very good processing timeline (4 days) once they received the DNA samples back. Of course, the kit has to be sent via FedEx & this takes 3-4 days both ways. So, this process will take about 2 weeks to complete. (I don't think we will have the immigrant visa in 2-5 days an initially anticipated!). I also contacted the b.parents through the Christian organization that has been helping, to let them know they would need to decide if they were still willing to take the DNA test. I had been told before the USE side was started, if a DNA test was needed, they were willing to travel to Islamabad for this process. So, we will see if the DNA test kit arrives by the end of the week.

Tuesday (4/26) - The HC hearing #4. Again, I met the Pakistan attorneys at 8:30 a.m. at High Court. We again had a very low hearing number for the day, #3. So, it didn't take very long. Once our case was called, the judge quickly heard the arguments & produced a draft order for our review. I was so shocked! This is not the normal process in the Pakistani courts. Normally, the attorney does not get a draft copy of the order prior to the judge's signature/attestation. But, this HC judge understood & wanted it to be exactly the way we needed it, to be in the best position with the USE. So, my Pakistan attorney & I took a break outside & reviewed the draft order. We made the necessary corrections & had the secretary re-draft for a final order dictation. Amazing . . . ! The judge told us he would not change a single word!

Wednesday (4/27) - Via email I found out the DNA kit was sent via FedEx today from OKC, USA. Expected arrival day is Friday or Monday. We also took a walk today to visit our park family friends. The temp is also climbing rapidly . . . getting closer to 100+ every day!

Saturday (4/30) - During all of this HC, USE processing . . . My Pakistan visa also needs attention. Shalena (guest house daughter, works for NGO) & I went to the Ministry of Interior (MOI) at 10:30 for a visa extension appointment. My visa will expire on 5/3, so we MUST have a MOI approval prior to that expiration day. Shalena works her magic once again! I praise God for this wonderful young lady. Without her expertise, I would not have been able to remain in Pakistan as long as I have. She is truly God given. In fact, the entire guest house family have been God given. I now know why there is the word "Grace" in the name of the guest house (New Cape Grace Guest House). That word, "Grace", has been my beacon light to guide me to the resources needed. God has totally been in control!

Monday (5/2) - DNA Test Kit has arrived!!! Through the FedEx tracking number, I went online & found out the DNA test kit had been delivered. Waiting for the USE to call with the DNA test appointment. I'm told I should not call the USE daily for status updates . . . it irritates them! Ok, I'll try to be patient :)

Shelina checks on the status of my Pakistan visa approval from the MOI. Still waiting . . . I need it very soon so I don't incur overstay charges!

Gracy is going splish/splash in her pink tub as often as she can. With all her splashing, this keeps both of us cool during the hot Islamabad afternoons!

We all know what happened on this day in history . . . Osama bin Laden is captured/killed in Abbatabad, Pakistan. This is a short distance from Islamabad, about 60 KM (an hour's drive). Of course, my family is very concerned about my wellfare (& so am I!). It would be great if we could leave Pakistan immediately, however, there are certain protocol policies that must be maintained for US immigration applications. We contacted Senator Inhofe's office & they are monitoring the situation on a daily basis.

But, I'm in my little bubble here at the guest house. My surroundings are very quiet & peaceful. Many Pakistani people are quietly rejoicing . . . Even though 9/11 is what people remember with 3,000 deaths . . . we must also remember that this man has killed more of his own country's people than any other country's terrorist attack. Over 30,000+ Pakistans have been murdered. It isn't the Muslim people that are the enemy, just like the people in America are not the enemy . . . it is the evil that lies in a specific man's heart that makes his own agenda based on the twisting of good & righteous religious teachings. So much unnecessary Muslim-bashing that comes from other countries' uneducated people.

Tuesday (5/3) - USACSU/Immigration Sector still hasn't received the DNA test kit in their office (it takes several days to process through the mail room!). However, I received a call late in the afternoon, asking if the b.parents can travel the next day, Wednesday (less than a 16 hour notice), for a "tentative" 3:00 p.m. appointment. I found out the USE does DNA testing only on Wed afternoons & if it couldn't be done tomorrow . . . we would have to wait another week! So, I immediately started trying to get in touch with the b.parents. Finally, at 11:00 p.m. I receive a text that the b.parents can travel the next day (big sigh of relief). However, I will not know if the DNA test kit is rec'd in the USACSU/Immigration section with confirmation of the appointment, until 1st thing Wednesday morning.

My Pakistan visa extension expires today!

Wednesday (5/4) - My 4th Pakistan visa extension is finally approved. Shalena worked her magic once again & got it back dated to 5/3 (my visa expiration date) so I will not incur any overstay charges. She came by the guest house to give me the hard copy approval. Wonderful, wonderful Shelina!

Early in the morning I receive a call from the USE that told me the DNA test appointment is official. I call the Christian pastor that will accompany the b.parents & notify him to go ahead & purchase the bus tickets for travel. The b.parents are expected to arrive at 2:00 p.m. for the 3:00 p.m. appointment. That doesn't give us much grace time, but it is the best we can do. Fingers crossed that the b.parents make it on time. Sameer, Gracy & I leave for the USE DNA test appointment & we arrive at the Diplomatic Shuttle Services at a little before 3:00 p.m. As we were driving through the shuttle services security, we received a phone call . . . . the b.parents bus had a flat tire & it had to be fixed before they could continue on their trip to Islamabad. The delay from 3:00 would be 1.5 hours before they arrived! That would be at 4:30 p.m. I called the USACSU/Immigrant section & shared the unfortunate news & asked if the DNA technician could possible stay after hours, USE said they would check. Sameer & I waited for the b.parents & Pastor for almost 2 hours. I called the USACSU/Immigration Section every few minutes to try to talk with the individuals that were in charge of my case, but they were not available. Somehow the message got twisted & the receptionist relayed a message that the b.parents had a bus breakdown & would not be coming today. Logistically, getting from the rural areas of Pakistan to urban cities, is very difficult; dirt roads, old & crowded buses. Add on to that a breakdown & it is highly unlikely that any kind of preplanned travel schedule can be maintained. So, unknown to me, the appointment was cancelled! At 4:30 p.m. I finally was able to visit with 1 of my case officials. She told me that the DNA technication had already left for the day & would not be available for 2 weeks. I thought I was going to cry! I asked her if there was anything, anything that could be done . . . she told me she would call me back in 5 minutes. Thankfully, she called the DNA technician & he had an available appointment on Friday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. & the USE was willing to set aside policy for this special DNA appointment (thank you to Sen. Inhofe's office & many US individuals calls to his office). Now, we just had to wait for the b.parents to arrive & see if they could stay over through Friday evening.

The b.parents arrived at 5:00 & we gave the unfortunate news to them that the DNA test could not be done today. Through Sameer as translator in Urdu to the Pastor who translated to Punjabi, I visited with the b.parents & explained the situation of Friday's appointment. They told me they would discuss it while traveling back to the guest house. Once we all arrived back at the guest house, Karim had a snack & tea ready for everyone. The b.parents interacted/played with Gracy for about 2.5 hours. I know it had to be bittersweet for them. But they mentioned over & over that MG looked so healthy & happy!

The b.parents made the decision to stay for Friday's DNA test (sigh of relief!). Then, Karim went into action (doing what he does best, making people feel comfortable & well taken care of) . . . he took care of everything for their stay, booked them in a near by guest house, arranged for their meals & taxi.

Thursday (5/5) - Sameer & I go to the Passport/Visa Center to submit my visa extension approval & passport. The Pakistan Visa Center holds the US passport for 7 days to authenticate the approval & stamp the passport with the extension date. When we arrived, we found out the visa center was closed due to visa fraud. Their were military guarding the barred door of the visa center. We were told the visa center would be closed until Monday. We had no choice but to go back to the guest house. As we were driving back in the taxi, Sameer called Shalena & Shalena called her contacts. Since my Pakistan visa had expired on 5/3, I was worried about overstay charges. According to Shalena/Sameer, I would not be charged overstay fees since my MOI approval was back dated to 5/3.

Friday (5/6) - We all met, once again, at the Diplomatic shuttle services & traveled by shuttle together for the DNA appointment at 2:00 p.m. As a US citizen, I had to accompany them into the USE. And . . . for the DNA test kit to be opened, all parties had to be present.

Then another unfortunate vehicle breakdown occurred for the DNA technician. We waited for over an hour . . . Finally, I asked if the b.parent interview could begin while waiting. Instead, they wanted to interview me & asked me to sit inside "window #1" for some additional questioning. So, for another 30 minutes I was questioned (so, now I have been interviewed/questioned for 4 hours total). The DNA technician arrived & FINALLY the DNA test kit (that had traveled many thousands of miles in a few days) was opened. Gracy was 1st . . . 2 swabs inside the mouth, 1 on each side. She was surprised with the right side & it wasn't difficult at all. Then she knew what was coming on the left, lol! . . . . she was not going to have anything to do with another big ole, cotton swab stuck in her mouth again. So, mama had to hold her while the technician finished the DNA swabbing. Then, appropriately, Gracy & Mama left & returned back to the guest house. Earlier that day, I had taken a thumb drive with pictures to the photo studio to have printed. I got a pretty pink, very baby/girlie, picture album & made a sweet photo journey album for the b.parents as a gift from Gracy. I wrote a loving note (from Gracy) on the inside cover (of course, in English! lol!).

The b.parents' interview lasted for 2.5 hours. I was surprised the USE stayed open past the 4:30 p.m. closing to finish interviewing the b.parents. Sameer waited for the b.parents at the shuttle services to accompany them back to their lodging should they want to stay another night. But, they decided to travel back to their home Friday night. They stopped at the guest house long enough to say good-bye to Gracy & we took some final pictures. I gave them the photo album . . . they were very touched to have the sweet pictures of their daughter. Then Sameer took them back to the bus station to travel back to their home.

This was a b.parent experience that I will cherish & remember all my life.

Saturday (5/7) - Gracy turns 23 months old!

Sunday (5/8) - Mother's Day! - I skyped early AM with Nicky & opened his Mother's Day gift to me. On Friday, after I came back from the DNA test, Karim handed me a large red, tin from Narala (our favorite sweet shop). I hadn't visited the sweet shop since Uppa D left. What a wonderful treat from my little guy!!! He told me he & Uppa D had gone online & looked at every single combination of sweets. He picked this one out "specially for you Mama". I love my Nicky so!!! Later, we went to church at St Thomas. Gracy joined the children in a special Mother's Day celebration! All the children were taken to the front alter & handed red tea roses to take to their Mother. Of course Gracy didn't really understand what it was all about, but where I was sitting was pointed out to her. She gave me a big smile, as I held out my arms to her. I'll never forget this part . . . As she was walking to me, she started pulling the petals off the rose & dropping them on the aisle floor. By the time she got to me, with the biggest smile she had . . . she held up the stem to me! It was just the most darling thing. Everyone in the congregation got a kick out of watching her. It was just so sweet . . . she is just pure joy!

So, I spent Gracy's 1st Mother's Day with just her . . . the 2 girls. We played "babies" in the afternoon. Taking hats & clothes off . . . & then putting them on all over again. Rocking our babies & kissing their head, wrapping them in blankets & putting them to "night-night". Ahhhhh, just so special. We also watched "The Little Mermaid" on TV. But, Gracy's attention span is not quite that long yet . . . so we went splish/splash in the pink pool.

All-in-all . . . a wonderful Mother's Day in Islamabad, Pakistan!!!

Monday (5/9) - The DNA test kit was sent back to the US via FedEx today. The expected arrival date is Friday 5/13.

Sameer & I go, once again, to the Pakistan Visa Center to try to turn in my MOI extension approval & Passport. The visa center is still closed, with military guarding the doors.

We are also waiting on the final dictated/signed/attested HC order. We still have not received this important finishing touch to the Pakistani side of the legal process. My Pak attorney assures me that it will be finalized this week.

Tuesday (5/10) - Shalena calls Sameer & tells him that the Visa Center is supposedly now open. so, we travel, again, to the visa center. Once we are there . . . you can't believe the long line! People pushing & shoving to get their place in line. What a mess. They were letting in 1-2 people at a time, so we had to wait for an hour (in the hot sun) to get up to the door! Once inside, we waited another 30 minutes to finally hand in the MOI extension approval & passport. Since they keep your passport for 7 days, you receive a receipt that you carry with you in place of your passport. I will be able to pick up my passport with the stamped extension page next Tuesday, 17th.

Thursday (5/12) - I have been keeping my eye on the DNA test FedEx shipment through a tracking number. I called today to make sure the US lab was aware it was to arrive on Friday. But, I was told the shipment was laying on the manager's desk as we spoke. I was so elated! The lab manager told me that it "might" be possible to complete the report by Monday, but no guarantees. I asked to have a scanned copy of the report emailed to me. I estimated a next Wednesday arrival in Islamabad, with a Friday arrival at the USACSU Sector.

I received an email for the USE asking for my complete Prospective Adoptive Parent (PAP) dossier that was submitted as evidence for the guardianship hearing. I begin going through my legal file . . . . pulling out all the documents!

Friday (5/13) - When I checked my emails Friday evening, there was the electronic DNA report!!! The OKC lab processed the DNA test within 24 hours! (Good ole Oklahoma!) Both paternal & maternal tests were 99.9999% that the b.parents could not be eliminated as the biological parents. The hard copy report was also sent back via FedEx on Friday, back to the USE/Islamabad with an ETA of 5/18.

I had called one of my Pak attorneys to see if he could stop by the guest house to help in locating all the documents in my legal file the USE needed (it is a very thick file!). Mr. Raza was more than happy to come by & help. He made me a checklist of all the documents & we went through them 1 by 1 & made sure that everything was accounted for.

Mr. Raza also told me that they had received the HC signed/attested order & it was exactly as we had revised. The Pakistani Court side is now completely finished! In total, I believe we had 18 court hearings (I think I attended 9-10 of them).

The incredible blessing in all of this is . . . Our adoption case is the very 1st case heard in upper court (High Court & Supreme Court). The favorable HC ruling is a precedent setting case in favor of a "global" definition of adoption to supersede Shariah law in favor of the best interests of the orphan child, in such specific cases of intercountry adoption & non-Muslim adoption. Islamic Shariah law considers blood lines to be permanent & adoption (creating a non-bio parent/child relationship) to be illegal. In cases of non-Muslim guardianship/adoption (which, up to this point, have been extremely rare in Pak), there has never been a statute defined in the history of Pakistan, so Shariah law has ruled in those cases as well (20% of the population of Pak are non-Muslim). So, our sweet MG's case, for the very 1st time . . . allows a statute for future non-Muslim adoption within the country of Pakistan & makes future intercountry adoption much easier since the word "adoption" is now defined globally outside of Shariah law. Any country that has specific IR-4 adoption immigration visa requirements that need to be specifically stated in the guardianship order, will now fall outside of Shariah law & be considered in the best interests of the orphan child & dictated in the guardianship order per the particular country's immigration requirements. Shariah law no longer supersedes for domestic adoption of non-Muslim children or for foreign/intercountry adoptions that need to comply with the country's specific immigration law.

My prayer is hopefully, more non-Muslim orphan children will be adopted domestically & also ALL Pakistan orphan children can be considered for adoption internationally through this High Court precedent ruling order. I'm very proud of what has been accomplished here in Pakistan for "adoption" within the country & intercountry adoption. Who knew what God had in store? And . . . all because of the deep, deep abiding love of an orphan baby girl, our Sweet Pea . . . Marina Grace (of course, at her age, she has no clue what her case has accomplished). The entire story is a Divine Miracle!

I know I have said this before . . . but the Pakistani law firm I have used has been outstanding. They have taken on this case with ethical, heartfelt determination. Many times they have told me "This is not just your case . . . but our case as well. Gracy is our child, too & this case helps bring focus to many Pakistani orphan children." I have a special place in my heart for the attorneys that worked so diligently & all the firm's efforts that went into Gracy's case. And . . . they have told me they want progress reports & pictures of Gracy as she grows! There are no appropriate words to convey the heartfelt thank you that these attorneys deserve.

So, once Mr. Raza left, I had my "stack" of documents to take to the copy vendor before Monday AM. The USE will accept the documents between 8:30 - 12:00 Monday morning.

Saturday/Sunday (5/14-5/15) - All I can say is . . . . it is so HOT here! The temperature has finally reached 49 degrees C (110 degrees F). Everyone is agreeing that the "Hot" has arrived. Everyone is telling me to enjoy it because it will get worse in July-August. June is the hottest month in temperature with daily temps between 47-50+ C (105-112+ F). That is hot, my friends . . . but not too much humidity (thank goodness). In July, the monsoon season starts & even though the temp drops a few degrees, the humidity is so high that the heat index climbs to 52 C/115 F & lasts through August.

Gracy & I actually did not splish/splash this weekend . . . it was just too hot on the terrace! We are blessed with an a/c now & we are using it!!!

Monday (5/16) - I tried to get to the USE very early during the cool (95 F! lol!) of the morning . . . but the copy vendor had a broken machine, so we had to go to a different copy vendor. It was 10:00 (opens at 9:00) before I finally had all the documents copied. It was a very HOT drive to the Diplomatic Shuttle Service (109 F). But, we finally made it to the USE. I waited with the friendly security guards until I could get approval to enter the USACSU/Immigration section. Once we were there, we waited for about 10 minutes to be called to the window. It took 5 minutes to walk through the documents with the official (thank you Mr. Raza for the document check list!). I asked about the status of the case . . . still working on it, still in progress. I also gave her the FedEx tracking number for the DNA report & made sure they were aware of the ETA.

She told me the DNA report would probably be in the USACSU by the end of the week, if it arrived in the USE mail room by Wednesday. She told me regardless, she would call me on Friday (5/20) with a status update.

So, everything I can possible do for the USE IR-4 immigrant visa process has been done. It is just a matter of the final decision! Praying for a favorable outcome & that precious envelope with the immigrant visa stapled to the front, in my hand very soon!

Tuesday (5/17) - Sameer & I travel to the Pakistan Visa Center to pick up my passport with the new extension stamp. The pickup time for passports is only 45 minutes (2:00 - 2:45 p.m.). So, you have to make sure you are there at 2:00 right when they open or you may still be standing in line when they close. Once again, through all the stacks of files, my passport is ready! A 4th visa extension & I'm running out of pages in my passport! lol!

Wednesday (5/18) - Pastor Nadeem (St Thomas Church) came to visit in the afternoon for a couple of hours.

The next few days - Waiting . . . Waiting . . . Waiting - Hot . . . Hot . . . Hot!

Friday (5/20) - USE computers are down for the day. All appointments have been rescheduled for Monday. I didn't receive a call from the USE today giving a status. However, I have been looking at flights schedules to be ready to book the return flight as soon as I get the green light. I am so anxious & ready to come home. I can't wait to hold my Nicholas . . . . it has been almost 5 months since I tucked him in bed, tousled his hair & kissed his sweet head. I know he has grown a foot & I don't want to miss any more time with him!!!

In the early evening (6:00ish) Karim took Gracy & I to the Islamabad zoo! She loved it. There was also a small amusement park that had a few kiddie rides. She rode the pony & wagon several times. She also rode the cutest baby elephant ride. But the activity she enjoyed the most . . . jumping on the trampoline! Karim has become Papa Karim to Gracy & I can tell you, Karim loves it when she says "Papa". I took the stroller, but Karim would have nothing to do with it . . . he carried Gracy the entire time. There is definitely a strong bond between Papa Karim & his "little Shalena"! He keeps telling me how much he is going to miss us when we leave. I think he wanted to make sure he got his Papa "fix", since we may be leaving sometime very soon.

Another very, very hot weekend. It was supposed to rain on Sunday night, but didn't. Anxiously awaiting for Monday . . . and a hopeful, positive status update from the USE!!!

So . . . That brings us up to date . . . :)

Gracy has some new words -

"Flower" - during Mar/Apr (spring time) the flowers of Islamabad are just beautiful!
"Papa" - for Papa Karim. Gracy is Karim's "little Shalena"!
"Owie Owie" - for our little bumps/bruises
"Nose" - learning the parts of the body
"Kitty" - there is a cat that we see on our walks
"No" - comes through loud & clear!
"Juice" - apple is the favorite
"Cookie" - every snack is a cookie (very cute, how she says it)
"Nee Mee" - Nicky

We read books everyday & Gracy's speech compehension is really coming along. She understands a lot of what I say in English &, of coursse, she understands Urdu fluently. Of course, her verbal speech (English or Urdu) is not as good, but new English words are coming everyday. And she can babble a story like no toddler I know! She also has taken on Papa Karim's way of talking (babbling for her) on the phone (very direct, Pakistani style with the right hand moving up/down for emphasis!). Everyone that knows Karim, just shakes their head & tells me she will be a talker! All I can say is . . . Tina York get ready because I think you have some competition!!

Gracy also LOVES to dance! Everytime she hears music (mobile phone, TV, or just Mama singing to her, etc) she starts to shake the boo-dee! It is so cute, it just makes everyone laugh, including Gracy.

Yes, we are ready to come home! Pray for good news next week.

Take care . . . talk to you soon!

Love & Blessings,
Nancy (Mama) & Gracy