Hello - - from Islamabad, Pakistan - COMING HOME!

COMING HOME from Pakistan! :) . . . a total of 495 days, 70+ weeks, 16+ months!

Yes, we are coming home . . . Marina Grace has been granted a 2 year Humanitarian Parole by USCIS! Simply put . . . our MIRACLE!

Due to all the complex legal issues, it has been a while since our last update . . . so, below is an update on the "rest" of our story here in Pakistan . . . 

September - We filed an official I-290B Appeal for the I-600 Orphan Status Denial. An applicant has only 30 days from the date of denial to file the appeal, but can ask for an additional 30 days to follow up with an additional legal brief & evidence dossier, which we have done. I have also retained new legal counsel, Poarch Law, an immigration law firm in the Washington, D.C. area. Christine Poarch has taken on our case & we are hopeful that the new legal brief & evidence dossier can be pulled together quickly, since we have only 30 days to complete it (mid Oct). We have also contacted the adoption advocacy organization EACH (Equity for Adopted Children) to help with our plight with USCIS. We are hopeful that McLane Layton (founder of EACH) will be able to advocate Gracy's case personally with USCIS.

October - After a frantic month of working with new immigration/intercountry adoption attorneys, the I-290B Appeal Legal Brief & New Evidence Dossier is complete! It was a whirlwind month of late nights in Paksitan, connecting with attorneys via skype, pulling together all the details necessary for a new evidence dossier. This new Legal Brief/Evidence Dossier is MASSIVE (~ 150 pages long)! No, it is not "light reading!" lol! Christine/McLane have done a very thorough job in pulling the details together. All we can do now is WAIT! It will need to go through a 1st review with the local USCIS office of jurisdiction (New Delhi, India), we are hoping the appeal review will be completed by Christmas/year-end. It would be wonderful if we could be HOME for Christmas, but I'm not holding my breath . . . !

In the meantime, we have also made the decision to go ahead & move forward with an application for Humanitarian Parole for medical care. Hopefully this can be filed within 4-6 weeks. This is very much a "long shot" - the normal process for an HP is to exhaust ALL other options 1st .. . . before filing an application for HP. Since we technically have a "pending" immigrant visa thru our appeal, this is a long shot & I'm told will probably be considered by USCIS to have the motive of "circumventing US law" or entering the US & then MG simply staying! However, if we wait & file the HP after the appeal's decision, it could be 2 years from now . . . Gracy simply doesn't have that kind of time, considering her health issues. So, we are going to go ahead & file the HP application now & then . . . pray, pray, pray that God's hand will lead the way!

It is also time for "another" visa extension for Mama (#6) - application was made for a 6 month visa. it will be 4 weeks before we know if it will be granted. I'm hoping for at least 3 months, which would take me to the end of the year . . . could we be home by then????

November - Still working on the HP application dossier. Medical expert opinions are slow to come in & the holidays are fast approaching. No chance for a year-end return home :(. We are hoping for a mid Dec HP file date - Pray we can get everything pulled together before the Christmas/New Year holidays! 

Gracy & Mama did have a very nice Thanksgiving in Islamabad. We had Thanksgiving dinner at the Serena Hotel (only place we could find that served turkey!) . . . Gracy's 1st taste of turkey! She loved it!

Mama is getting very "blue" thinking of the up-coming holidays without my Nicky-boy! I'll miss his 9th birthday along with Christmas with my little guy . . . the tears fall easily when I think about it. :(

December - Surprise, surprise . . . Papa Karim & Shelina made a MIRACLE happen . . . with some strategically placed influence, the Pakistani Ministry of Interior granted me a visa extension with a "1x re-entry" to Pakistan from the US. What this means . . . I can leave & re-enter Pakistan under my current visa . . . aka . . . I can come home for Nicky's birthday & Christmas & New Year's!!! YEAH! I'm thrilled . . . but on the other hand very sad, I will have to leave Gracy here in Pakistan. She will be under the care of a live-in nanny that Papa Karim & I have searched high-n-low for. It has been a very quick process to find someone, but I also know that Papa Karim will have a watchful eye on our Gracy Girl!!! We will skype everyday . . . from the flip side (can my life get any more complicated???)

I didn't tell Nicky or my family I was coming home for Christmas . . . didn't want to get hopes up should it not work out, but it did! I surprised my sister in Austin. Yep, just showed up at her door step on 12/7/11! She was speechless & I almost had to pick her up off the floor! It was GREAT!!! I spent a day with sis & then flew into Tulsa to surprise Nicky!!! When Dalend opened the door . . . just a speechless stare for several seconds, then Nicky popped his head around & I heard "Mama, you're home!" Yes, tears! I just want to say "Thank You" to Laura (Austin) & Jan (Tulsa) for meeting me at the airport & more importantly, keeping my special Christmas "secret"!

The 5 weeks home were a whirlwind . . . so much to do, so little time! Loving on my Nicky, Piano recital, Christmas programs, birthday, Christmas, basketball, baseball, football, friends to "catch up" with, places to go & people to see (3 different legislative offices to share Gracy's story & try to gain momentum fpr the HP). 

We were able to complete the HP dossier & submit the application by mid Dec, right before Christmas . . . Now, the wait . . . !

The days fly by & before I know it, it's time to travel back to Pakistan on my miraculous visa re-entry!

January 2012 - Back in Pakistan & loving on my Gracy Girl! She is now sporting a very interesting "bangs" haircut! Somehow that happened while Mama was gone . . . hair grows! :) Skype worked very well, everyday & Gracy was running to Mama with open arms! I'm missing my boy, though . . . but maybe the HP has a chance, maybe soon we will be making plans to fly home to the US, maybe soon . . . ?

mid Jan - our HP application has been rejected & kicked back due to an "administrative" error. The I-131 form has been revised & corrected, resubmitted late Jan.

It is cooolllddd in Islamabad. The only heat we have is from a small floor heater & it just isn't very safe around a 2 year old . . . so I decided to not use it. Mama has brought back a whopper of a cold from the US. It has spread like wild fire through the g.house. Gracy, Papa & staff . . . Uggghhh! we are all cranky!

We are living through the "wait" on both the Appeal & HP. After 90 days from our Appeal legal brief + evidence filing (it has actually been 120 days since the I-290B appeal filing, but what's another month after this long?), we have not heard a "peep" from New Delhi on the Appeal review. We are beginning to seriously question the "why" of New Delhi USCIS . . . yes serious issues with that USCIS office! Hopefully . . . soon!

February - HP application has been rejected AGAIN & we now have to submit new financials (I-134). Please pray - this could be problematic since I am currently unemployed. Through the I-131 supplemental financial application that needs to accompany the I-131 HP application, I have to show adequate financial sponsorship . . . I know there is a way through this, God does have a plan! As of mid Feb, we finally do have an HP application that "sticks" & moves forward to adjudication . . . deep breath & prayers!

Valentine's day is spent with balloons & sweet Gracy loving on her new "pink be-be" (pink teddy bear Mama, Uppa D & Nicky gave her). She loved the bear, valentine cake & candies Papa gave her/us. The adults had a wonderful time & "evening out" at a new restaurant, Des-Per-Des (Live band sang the "Titanic" theme song for me, only song they knew in English, lol!). I watched Nicky & Uppa D open their "Valentines" from Mama via skype. 

It is COLD!, but we are making the best of it . . . without heat! Warm blankets & layers! We took a day trip to Murree (Himalayan mountains), a quaint mountain village so Gracy could see the SNOW (her 1st snow!). She loved it, but only wanted to "eat" it! We had a great time, except . . . found out the hard way . . . Gracy gets motion/car sick! A side-of-the-highway "clean up" of little Gracy was required not only once, but twice! 

Nicky/Uppa D are in the throws of school, cub scouts & ALL the sports - basketball, pre-season baseball & soccer will start soon! I watch Nicky's games via skype, usually very early in the morning Pakistan time (evening US time).

The "girls" are in Pakistan, the "boys" are in the US - I cannot thank Uppa D enough for ALL that he is doing to keep us "normalized". Without his committed efforts, I simply could not stay here with Gracy. Without Mama . . . Gracy would have to be placed back in orphanage/institutional care until we "can find a way". Leaving her with orphanage caregivers just isn't the "right, best" option. Thank you, Uppa D!

Time for a new PakIstani visa extension for Mama (# 7). When Shelina/Mama make application in person with MOI, I'm told this is my last visa extension . . . based on a new Pakistani visa policy . . . I'm a bit nervous & begin to make tentative plans for a new country "move" with Gracy. I can take Gracy to any other country . . . just not the US! Just which one should we move to . . . is the question?

March - Finally, S.Inhofe's office makes the "call" to New Delhi about our Appeal, it has now been 6 months . . . plenty of time for review. Interestingly enough, immediately after the senator's office makes this call, we receive a denial for the appeal from the New Delhi office. Yes, the very next day . . . question - did ND even review at all? Or, just "stamp" the easy "denial" to satisfy legislative inquiry? We will never know! Anyway, the Appeal has now moved on to the 5th & final review, the AAO (Administrative Appeal's Office) in W,D.C.  This is the dreaded 12+ month wait we were hoping we could avoid, but alas . . . I am very blue. My spirit is waning . . . my strength ebbing . . . I just don't understand the "why"?, but I just have to trust. According to 6 competent, immigration attorneys, MG's case facts absolutely comply with immigration law & intercountry orphan status guidelines; she is definitely an "orphan" & should be granted USCIS "orphan status" classification. BUT, our USCIS officials can't seem to put the "facts" together in the accurate, logical timeline sequence & therefore, she has been denied orphan status classification for an immigrant visa for the 4th time! I know God is bigger than ALL of this!

However, a "Yeah!" on the HP side. We have notice on the HP! I can't believe the quick response time on this! USCIS has responded with a request of 8 additional supplemental items/documents. Some of these are "easy" & some are more "difficult". We are "digging in" & diligently trying to complete these as quickly as we can. We do see this as a "good sign", USCIS is reviewing our application &, Oh, do I dare dream & say it out loud? . . . could USCIS be "considering" our HP case? We can't get this supplemental  "to do" list completed fast enough, but it has to be thorough . . . the HP decision relies on these supplemental documents . . . special needs Home Study Addendum, Medical Treatment Plan, Immigration Plan & more, etc., etc . . . The next 3-4 weeks are a whirlwind getting everything pulled together. Mama taking additional online classes for an updated Home Study, connecting with Tulsa pediatricians for treatment plans, gathering more documents . . . But, inside I'm starting to believe the HP just might be the possible route home . . . :)

April - 4/12/12 the HP supplemental dossier is rec'd by USCIS! I found out the HP review needs to go through 2 different units, the adoption unit & then humanitarian unit. If the adoption unit gives a favorable recommendation, the HP will move on to the humanitarian unit. Maybe a decision within a 2-4 week time frame (could it really be that quick? I'm not getting my hopes up! lol!). Hoping for the best . . . Preparing for the worst! In the meantime, we need to understand if there is anything else we can do during the 12-24 month "wait" for the AAO appeal decision. So, I "dig in", once again, scouring the internet, searching for any kind of case similar to ours that has had a favorable outcome. And, I have found a precedent setting case in India where a US petition for adoption was granted via a teleconferenced US court hearing. This could be our answer . . . we could possibly come through an I-130 "immediate relative" immigrant visa provision instead of the I-600/IR-4 adoption immigrant visa provision. However, since Pakistan does not have a provision for "adoption", we cannot get an in-country, Pakistani adoption decree, but maybe we can get a US adoption decree through an adoption hearing via teleconference? With an adoption decree, I can prove parent/child relationship . . . the I-130 immediate relative immigration provision just might be a possibility. Mama is making contact with the adoptive family in hopes the adoption attorney for the India case will visit & give advice for MG's case. Fingers crossed that this might become a viable option!

We celebrated Marina Grace's "Gotcha Day" on 4/15/12. I actually took physical custody of MG back in January 2011, so the 1 year anniversary was during the time when everyone had such terrible colds! But, we do have several "dates" to choose from for this special day . . . so I have chosen 4/15, the date we received the Certificate of Guardianship & the Pakistani side was finally completed. We had a small gathering here at the guest house & Gracy was all "pretty in pink"! A lovely pink dress that had lots of lace & tulle. She twirled & twirled in her pretty party ddress, until she couldn't twirl anymore!!! We skyped Uppa D/Nicky in so they could enjoy the festivities, too! It was a great day! I simply cannot believe it has been a year . . . but then I look at Gracy & see how much she has grown . . . yes, it has been an amazing year with my beautiful daughter!!!

On 4/19/12 we rec'd an amazing phone call - The USCIS Adoption Unit has recommended a favorable decision & approval for the HP!!! It will now move on to the USCIS Humanitarian Unit . . . I'm on pins-n-needles thinking that THIS may be IT! Maybe, just maybe, the momentum has turned in our favor . . . maybe all the advocacy phone calls from EACH, Both Ends Burning & legislative offices has finally made a "dent" . . . maybe USCIS is finally "hearing" our plea for Gracy's case! It came so very fast & I'm told the humanitarian unit will make a decision within the next 5-10 days . . . so hopefully we will know in a week!

4/26/12 - The USCIS Humanitarian Unit has also approved the HP . . . I am stunned, please pick me up off the floor, yet so very, very thankful!!! We are FINALLY going HOME!!!! 

May - What an incredible month! My sister, Mary Jane & nephew, Joel, had planned a visit in May to Pakistan . . . now they will be here for the final days of our stay, as well. My sister MJ was able to go with me to the USE on 5/7/12 to pick up the HP travel document. It was an experience . . . Gracy is the 1st Humanitarian Parole from Pakistan to the US . . . the USE/Islmbd didn't quite know what to do or how to process an HP. After several phone calls & a 4 hour wait at the USE, we finally walked out of the USE for the last time with a travel document for Gracy to enter the US. The USE security guards were, once again, so kind & sweet . . . they all rejoiced with us, as we walked through for the last time! YEAH!!!! :)

I was able to relive the adoption experience with MJ as I  "walked" thru it all again with her . . . I took her to the lower courts & then high court, she met my Pakistani barristers, visited Edhi Home & Dr. Rubina. I also took her to the Ministry of Interior where I pleaded 8 times for a Pakistani visa extension! It was wonderful to share these experiences with her . . . my journey became very "real" to her & I saw the understanding in her eyes with each "stop" along the journey's path. I feel so privileged to be able to share all of this with her!

Joel arrived a week after MJ & we are all now experiencing the sights & sounds of Pakistan. A wonderful day trip to the mountains of Murree, Pakistan (Himalayan mountains). Joel loved seeing the beauty of northern Pakistan. He was shocked (as are most people) at the natural beauty that Pakistan has. No, it is not just "desert"! LOL!

I still have to "pack up" our life here in Pakistan, a somewhat bittersweet task! As I go through our small, little #25 guest house room, I separate "pack", "ship" & "donate" items. Each has such a special memory & I tuck the memories away. I smile, cry & laugh . . . as I relive & remember our "life" here in Pakistan. Wonderful memories to share with Gracy one day! Despite everything . . . I have come to love this country . . . learned to love my daughter's birth place & I can truly say . . . I now understand the culture & country of Pakistan (NO, it is not the awful country everyone thinks it is!). We are leaving Pakistan, but this is not "good by". I have spent "pockets of time" saying farewell to all my dear Pakistani friends.

The hardest farewell of all - leaving New Cape Grace Guest House & the Meghji family - Papa Karim, Sameer & Shelina - Tears fall easily when I think of how much we will miss them. How much a part of our extended family they have become, more than just friends! I watch Gracy with everyone (Papa, Sameer/Shelina & staff), as they teach her "Gracy going to 'merica" & I again tuck special memories in my heart to share with her one day . . . about a special guest house & family, where cultural barriers simply don't exist & global borders are transparent. They lovingly allowed us in their hearts & loved a baby girl . . . just because! The guest house was our "calm, safe harbor" in the midst of the "storm". There are no words to describe my bittersweet feelings about leaving this wonderful, peaceful place that "saved" us! 

I will miss all my special friends that I have made here . . . I have very mixed emotions when I think of leaving Pakistan. But . . . we are just leaving, we are not saying "good bye". The friendships & relationships will last a life time. And, in our case . . . the "end does justify the means". Our time spent in Pakistan was well worth our efforts . . . the efforts of doing good are always rewarded!

And, then I look at my sweet Nicholas . . . now 9.5 years old. I have "missed" being with him for 16+ months, almost 1.5 years! I know I'll never be able to get that time back, my heart aches & I grieve over the loss of those days with him, but I do know Marina Grace has needed me here, in Pakistan. 

And, yes, I "think" about how my own US gov't has handled or "mishandled" this case in comparison to how Pakistan has handled this case . . . I was placed in such a difficult position . . . no parent should have to "choose" between their children due to "bureaucratic", mismanagement!!! I am just so jaded by our supposed superior US systems that are just so very, very "broken"! But . . . that is a discussion for another day . . . it is now time for rejoicing . . . !

I anxiously look forward to having BOTH my children in my arms . . . at last!!! 

So, we are finally Coming Home! :) We leave Pakistan early morning, 5/20/12 & will fly back with my sister (MJ) & nephew (Joel) - Amazing how that "worked" out! 

Itinerary

1st leg (5/20) - 3.5 hour flight from Islamabad to Dubai

2nd leg (5/20) - 16.5 hour flight from Dubai to Houston, TX

3rd leg (5/20) - 3 hour care drive from Houston to Austin, TX (spend the night)

4th leg (5/21) -  1 hour flight from Austin to Dallas

5th leg (5/21) - 1 hour flight from Dallas to Tulsa  Arrival - Southwest Airlines - Mon, May 21, 2012 05:20 PM  

I have had many ask me about "meeting/greeting" us at the airport . . . I say, "Alert the Media! Let's CELEBRATE!"! Everyone who would like to meet & greet us at the airport, "Ajah" ("come on" in Urdu)!!! :)

So . . . We will see you all very SOON!!!  

As I take a final blog moment to reflect . . . The question is "Would I do it again?" - there is NO hesitation, absolutely, without a single doubt . . . for these 2 children . . . I would do it all again! I stand in awe of the miraculous stories of my precious children! As I have always said, I am simply their "stepping stone" . . . . from their institutionalized life "here", to their future potential "there" with love & Mama . . . the future is unknown, but we look forward to a precious, wonderful life of Love! Both Nicky & Gracy are pure JOY . . . And, the loves of my life! :)

With a humbled, sincere heart . . . Thank You - for all your encouragement & support . . . 

Mama, Nicky & Gracy (& Uppa D)

(aka Nancy Baney family)

Hello, from Pakistan - I-290B Appeal

Another month in Pakistan . . . going on 250 days, 35+ weeks, 8+ months!

I apologize for the lengthy delay in update . . .

August - Well what can I say about August, that wasn't said about July . . . I just thought July was my hardest month! Isn't it wonderful that we don't have the crystal ball to know what is coming down our path? . . . we probably would never step foot on the path! But, our heavenly Father stands firmly with us, never leaving us, many times . . . carrying us . . . It reminds me of that poem "Footprints in the Sand".

Most of the month of August was spent waiting on the USCIS decision to our applicant appeal response to the NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny). However, I did enjoy the holy Islamic month, Ramadan, from a religious point. It's always interesting when you begin to understand another religion. I do try to understand . . . & respect the tenets of Islam. The end of the month of Ramadan marks the holiest of days, Eid (8/31/11), which is the beginning of the new Islamic year (based on Islamic calendar). The wonderful g.house family included us in their Eid celebration this year & we felt right at home. Just like Christmas! . . . where food & fellowship with family is wonderful.

Wednesday (8/18) – Mr. Karim took me to an "Iftari" buffet & dinner. The restaurant was Jahangir (pronounced like John Deer only John Geer). Iftar is the traditional fast breaking evening meal/feast, which begins 1st with prayers, then everyone eats 3 dates (yes, it must be 3 - observance of how Mohammad broke his fast), followed by fruit juices (gradually eases the body out of 14-16 hours of fast). Then, you sample the many types of finger foods - fresh fruit chaat (salad), chana chaat (cooked vegetable salad), somosas (triangle shaped pastry filled with minced meat), pakora (cold mashed potato w/onion & spice deep fried in oil), spicy chicken wings, etc - followed by a big cold glass of cold "lassi" (watered down yogurt. To me, it tastes like soured milk. yes, as in the milk in the frig has expired, but people love it here!). Actually, Iftar to me is a meal, but that is only the "fast breaking" part of the evening. Some people make their evening meal out of the Iftari food (sort of like "happy hour" in the US!). But, just like any holiday, most go for the full feast - after the fast is broken with Iftar, you can then enjoy an overwhelming dinner of all kinds of Pakistani dishes - it really is quite the feast!.

Tuesday (8/23) - Over skype, Uppa D read the USCIS decision to our applicant response to the NOID . . . Denial. We were anticipating a long wait, like 1-2 months . . . but it came very quickly, in only a week! It was once again shipped to my US residence address from New Delhi via FedEx, so the official date of the denial is 8/18/11. So, we now have an official Denial to the I-600 orphan status classification. We do have an official appeal option - It is called the I-290B Appeal & we only have 30 days to file it.

Tears flowed today over the decision. And, I'm needing to "live" with this decision for awhile before sharing it with everyone. Needless to say, it has broken my heart! Very disappointing & a very big blow to our case. I have been on skype many times with my family . . . But, through it all . . . there is no doubt that I will appeal this decision, continue fighting for Gracy's future. Somehow, someway the Truth will make itself known!

The g.house family is also heartbroken . . . & a special fasting prayer is said for us. Mr. Karim & family makes the next few days of the holy month & holidays very special for us.

Wednesday (8/24) - Our US pediatrician is wanting an MRI of Gracy's brain. So, today we go to the Islamabad Diagnostic Center to have it done. The procedure is an hour long procedure & Gracy will need to be anesthetized to be immobilized for the lengthy procedure. Samir accompanies us & keeps mama preoccupied during the procedure. Once it is over, it takes another 45 minutes for Gracy to recover from the anesthesia. It was actually a deeper anesthesia than when she had her tongue tie surgery! After 30 minutes in recovery & nothing, I was getting very worried. She ran a very high fever at the end & had to be given Ibruphen to reduce the fever. It was a little scary . . . but she is doing just fine now! For this mama, it is always difficult to watch my child go under anithesia. They are so innocent & trusting . . . my heart just aches knowing I'm putting them through a medical procedure that sedates them. I'm always glad when it is over!

We get the hard films & softcopy/DVD films, along with the report, the next day. I send it on to the US for our pediatrician & pediatric neurologist for further evaluation.

Monday (8/29) - I was again treated to an Iftari buffet & Ramadan dinner. Shelina & Samir took me this time. It was a beautiful roof top restaurant at the Envoy Continential Hotel. The evening was fairly cool & we watched the sun set over the city of Islamabad. Very beautiful & the night sky absolutely gorgeous.

Tuesday (8/30) - A major day of laundry! I pretty much have it down to a science now, but it still takes a major amount of time! But, in the evening . . . Gracy, Shelina & Mama were treated to the special Eid tradition of "Mehndi". This is henna artistry. It's temporary & only lasts about a week. It was so much fun! They do this type of "bling, bling" make-up for special occasions like Eid, weddings, etc (major celebrations). Gracy had a very hard time keeping her sweet, little hands still, so we opted for the henna "stamp" on her palms. I've also attached a picture of both Gracy & Mama's hands with their "Mehndi". If you goggle Mehndi, you will find pictures of very elaborate designs. It's so much FUN!

Wednesday (8/31) - Eid ul-Fitr Mubarak!! Pretty much like our Christmas. After a month of fasting & prayer, everyone dresses in new clothes for Eid, sweets are given & a feast is eaten with close friends/family. The markets were packed during the evenings of Ramadan, everyone shopping! It is traditional to give gifts of sweets on Eid, so the g.house had many packages of "sweets" coming through the door! And, Gracy & Mama received a very yummy cake from Mr. Karim. Gracy & Mama were also invited to attend the evening Eid dinner with the g.house family. A beautiful restaurant, with a wonderful family. Gracy was dressed as pretty as a princess - a beautiful pink dress with lots & lots of tulle, crinoline petticoats, sparkling beads & matching pink shoes (picture attached). The part she liked the best . . . her bangles! You just can't be properly dressed in Pakistan without the "bling" of bangles! Gracy's were pink/silver to match & she just couldn't leave them alone! I think we got home with a "couple" unbroken! The meal was wonderful with all the traditional Pakistani holiday trimmings. And, wonderful fellowship with our gracious hosts.

The Eid celebration lasts for 3 days. So, Islamabad & all of Pakistan basically shut down for the rest of the week.

September has brought many busy tasks/objectives for our case . . .

Monday (9/5) - My immigration attorney complained directly to the Consul General of the New Delhi USE about the process of how our evidence was examined for orphan status. However after a week with no response back, we have decided to officially appeal through the I-290B appeal process. We have 30 days from the date of the Denial (8/18/11). It takes about 4 days to FedEx from the US to New Delhi, so we have only about 1.5 weeks to complete the I-290B form. We will ask for the 30 day extension to submit our new legal brief w/evidence. Going down this appeal path will be a lengthy process. It will 1st go back to New Delhi for a 2nd review. Should that review produce a favorable, overturned decision (yes, one can hope!) then the appeal process will end there & we will have Gracy officially classified as an orphan & can move forward with her immigrant visa. If the decision remains a denial, it will then be forwarded on to the AAO (appeal board) in Washington D.C. This is where all the immigrant appeals from all over the world funnel into, so our appeal goes into the queue & we have to wait our turn. This can take as long as 2 years, but will surely be at least 6-12 months. So, we will need to adjust our waiting expectation . . . for a long duration.

Wednesday (9/7) - Our Gracy Girl truns 27 months old!

Thursday (9/8) - Finally, received the online confirmation for the I-160 non-immigrant medical B visa application. Now, I can take the confirmation & file for a visa interview appointment. To do that, I had to go to the approved American Visa Services Center, pay the visa fee (13,030 rupees, $150), submit Gracy's passport, a 2x2 visa picture, copy of the confirmation & my identity proof (copy of my passport). When it was all said & done, I still had a very difficult time getting an interview appointment. The I-160 visa application (I'm assuming all non-immigrant visa applications are this way) did not have a relationship category for "guardian" so, I was advised to use "other" as the relationship throughout Gracy's application. Well, this just created more problems at the visa center . . . Even though Gracy's passport has a guardianship disclaimer stamp for me on the inside cover, signed/endorsed by the Ministory of Interior/Passport, the visa center would only go by what was listed in the "parent" field of her passport & also the "parent" field of the visa application. Both have to list the b.father, at this point. So, the application said I was "other" & the passport didn't have me listed in the parent field . . . after 3 calls to the USE & an hour of wait, I was finally given the interview appointment. I just hope & pray once I get to the USE for the visa interview, this will all be understood & accepted as the truth.

Our medical visa interview is Wed, 9/21/11 at 9:00 a.m. (US - 11:00 p.m. Tues). Please pray for the USE to have open hearts & minds.

Monday (9/12) - The I-290B Appeal is officially sent via FedEx from the US to New Delhi. It should be received in 3-4 days. I pray a special prayer today as our case journeys on. We have also filed for a 30 day extension to have amble time to prepare a new legal brief with additional evidence. We don't know what that "additional" evidence will be, at this point, since we have given USCIS everything that supports Gracy's orphan status. But, we are going to comb through everything & see if we can produce additional legal opinions from Pakistani legal experts to help in clarifying the legal Pakistani law issues that USCIS seems to have with our case.

Thursday (9/15) - I have decided to share our story. So, during the month of August & September, I have been working with different media sectors to have our story told. Today, we finalized an article that will be published in the Tulsa Wold, Sunday, 9/18/2011 (below is the link). My hope & prayer is that people will finally understand what a compelling case this is & the truth will finally make itself known. The truth about a baby girl, her deserving right to be adopted into a loving family & her right to live beyond being a victim of child trafficking.

Friday (9/16) - Nicky's Gotcha Day! Our 7th Family-versary! I can't believe it has been 7 years since I first met my sweet Tyoma & we became a family! It is all so fresh in my memory. I'll never forget & I relive it over & over again. What precious memories!

Thank you, my sweet little boy, for making my life so wonderful!!! I love you more than the whole world!

Yealo Blu Tebia, Tyoma! :)

Sunday (9/18) - link to the Tulsa World article below. Please feel free to forward the link to your family & friends and anyone that you think would be interested in our story. Thank You!

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20110918_11_A16_CUTLIN134753

Although Gracy does have a medical condition of hydrocephalus, she is really doing very, very well . . and gaining every day. She is now officially into size 4 (diapers & shoes). She can still wear her 18 month clothes, but they are short! 2 year old sizes are still a bit big, but she is growing fast! She is currently in the 25-30% on the growth charts for W/L (yeah!!). She is a sweet, bubbly, lively, talking toddler & keeps everyone at the g.house on their toes! She is perfect in Mama's eyes. She is pure Joy! :)
Her measurements:
Weight - 27 lbs
Length - 34"
HC - 20.5" (this puts her in the 95+%, actually almost off the charts for hc).

Gracy’s New Words . . . Gracy is also learning Urdu words!

“Bel-come or sometimes Pel-come" – Welcome
“Beeee-leez" - Please
She can say most of all the basic colors & we are working on shapes now.
"A-ja" - Come here (Urdu)
"Ya-lay" - Take it (Urdu)
"Ta-Ta" - Bye-Bye (Urdu)

I have been asked by many "How are you holding up?" Actually, pretty well. There are those difficult days (homesick for my Nicky!). . . but I pick myself up through the encouragement & support of my wonderful family/friends in both the US & Pakistan. Without this wonderful support network, it would be . . . very difficult. I consider the precious individuals that are living through this with me to be "angels" on my shoulder. They bless me everyday with their support, encouragement & dedication to Gracy's story. I am humbled & grateful . . . all I can say is Thank You!

And . . . my faith holds me steady!

Take care . . . talk to you soon! (kiss & hug your family tonight!)

Love & Blessings,
Nancy (Mama) & Gracy

Hello, from Pakistan - USCIS Orphan Status Applicant Response Appeal

Another couple of weeks in Pakistan . . . going on 210 days, 30 weeks, 7 months!

July was been a very challenging month . . . however, I’m still standing! J yeah, yeah, yeah . . .! (I couldn’t help it, I’m singing it in my head!)

August is here, and is the Islam holy month of “fasting & prayer”, Ramadan. The markets, stores, restaurants, the whole country basically shuts down for a month. Fasting is from “dawn to dusk”, & starts at ~ 4:00 a.m. & runs through until just after 7:00 p.m. So, life is very, very quiet right now, even the traffic through the g.house has slowed down to a trickle. In the evening at sunset, families gather for the Iftar “fast-breaking” meal. The stores that sell the Iftar foods open in the evening after the Iftar is over & are basically the only stores open for the 1st days of Ramadan.

(7/21 – 7/31) - The last 2 weeks of July were spent with follow up medical visits for Gracy. I have found out there are no pediatric speech therapists in Pakistan! So, I have been working with her myself to help strengthen her tongue muscles & “stick out” her tongue! This should help in her delayed speech acquisition. However, she has found this very difficult, since she has never been able to “stick out” her tongue before now! Little by little . . . it is creeping out past her lips!

Gracy also has another medical condition that we have been monitoring since early spring. In early February, she was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. At this point, she shows no signs of developmental delays or brain damage. But, her frontal lobe ventricles are completely full with fluid . . . so we are being very careful!

As a result of her medical conditions, we are trying to obtain a non-immigrant medical B visa. If approved, this would allow her to travel to the US with me for medical treatment for an interim, temporary amount of time. It is a very difficult visa to be approved (especially if you have a pending immigrant visa in process) . . . & we couldn’t apply for a non-immigrant visa until after we had received the USCIS decision for orphan status, which determines the immigrant visa. I feel I need to exhaust every possible option of returning to the US with my little girl as soon as possible, so we are going to try for it! However, in order to make application for this visa, I have to be physically present to submit the application dossier to the USE here in Islamabad. So, over the last couple of weeks, I have been diligently trying to get all the necessary medical statements from both Pakistan & the US to support our visa application.

(8/1 – 8/5) – We have been very busy with preparing our Applicant Response to the Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). It was finally sent to USCIS New Delhi, Friday, 8/5. No electronic files can be sent, all original hard copy docs required, sent via FedEx.

Saturday (8/6) – For the last 2.5 months, I have been trying to find a trustworthy family, individual or living situation for Gracy . . . The last resort is to leave Gracy here & return to the US without her for a few months (depending on our USCIS timeline for orphan status review decision OR USE/ISL timeline for medical B visa decision). It is very difficult to think about this option . . . but I must be thinking ahead should our next set of “wait” be lengthy, again. So, today, I visited with a possible family that has come recommended through a Christian friend. Needless to say, it has been very difficult to find someone that is willing to take on the responsibility of a small child, for an unknown amount of time. But, should our wait be again several months, I do know God will provide the loving, secure, healthy environment needed to take care of Gracy. It is a lot to ask of someone & that someone has to be just right . . . for the best interests of our sweet pea! Please pray . . . that I don’t have to utilize this option! But, pray . . . should that be the case . . . the perfect, loving individual & environment will make itself known & be ready.

Sunday (8/7) – Gracy turns 26 months old today!

Church at St Thomas. As we sang “Because He Lives”, my heart was touched with the following 2nd verse . . . It speaks for our situation.

“How sweet to hold
A newborn baby
And feel the pride
And joy (s)he gives
But greater still
The calm assurance
This child can face
Uncertain days
Because He lives“

Monday (8/8) - Through the FedEx tracking number, the FedEx package has arrived in New Delhi with our Applicant Response to the NOID. However, I’m told it will take 1-2 weeks before we will have a notice of receipt from USCIS that it has “officially” been received. The explanation for the time delay . . . it takes that long to travel from the central mail room (in ND) to the appropriate USCIS office (also in ND). Yes . . . it takes longer to “find” the right USCIS office within the same city, than it does to ship from the US to India! Go figure! J By now, I’ve stopped asking why & have just accepted that once a case file reaches a USCIS/USE office, it goes into “file 13”, just because . . . So, hopefully in a couple of weeks, we will have a timeframe for decision review . . . we will ask for an expedited timeframe, but there are no guarantees that USCIS will give us an expedited review.

Tuesday (8/9) – Today is my last employment day with Helmerich & Payne . . . Yes, very sad indeed. But, life does need to move on . . . For those that wish to continue with my adoption update, please email me at novokbb2@yahoo.com . I will be emailing from this email address & will change the distro list accordingly. You can also email me anytime using this personal email address.

Wednesday (8/10) – In the morning, a visit to a Catholic orphanage in Rawalapindi (40 min drive from Islamabad). A possible interim living situation for Gracy. A German friend from St Thomas that runs an orphanage/hostel for 5 year old + girls suggested this orphanage. I’ll visit with the sisters & see the facilities. Later in the day, another doctor’s visit for Gracy, hopefully ending with a medical statement stating medical treatment is needed in the US!

Looking back over my adoption update emails, I noticed I have never shared pictures of the guest house. So, below is the link to the New Cape Grace website. I have stayed in Rooms 26 (where Gracy, Uppa D & I stayed), 23, 28 & for the last 2.5 months 25 (a very small room). Now you can see where I spend most of my time during the day! Click on the TripAdvisor widget (under Services) & read the reviews. Pictures also of Karim & Samir. This gives you an idea of who Karim & Samir truly are, a wonderful family!

http://www.newcapegrace.com/

Gracy’s New Words . . . She is just beginning to start putting 2 words sentences together! We have a loooonnnggg way to go, but it is coming through loud & clear, at least to Mama! :)

“I Uv” – “I Love You” at this point, but Mama knows exactly what Gracy is trying to say . . . soooo incredibly sweet to hear!
“All Done!” or sometimes “Me Done” – Enough said!

Gracy loves to dance & sing . . . so below are a few favorites that I hear throughout the day (yes, I know . . . get it on video!).
“. . . up a uv . . . high . . .” – this is “twinkle, twinkle little star”. Gracy loves this song & I hear her singing these words . . . she even has the actions down!
“. . . impy der . . . – yes, hard to decipher, but its “Itsy, Bitsy Spider”! The actions, let you know exactly what song it is J Her little fingers try so hard!
“Uv . . . ME!” – this is from our FAVORITE song! We sing the hymn “Love Lifted Me” every night before bed & many times throughout the day. Grace belts out a resounding “ME” everytime.

Mama is also learning some Urdu (Pakistani language). Here are just a few of what I use every day!

“Sallam, vey da coom” - Hello
“Ka-da-ha-fus” – Good Bye
“Ta-Ta” – Bye Bye
“Shuck-ria” – Thank You
“Gee” – Yes
“Nay-hee-n” – No
(for those quick no-no moments its . . . nay nay!)
“Bosh” – Enough
“Ah-chah” – good
“Va-va” – very good
“Tee-kay” – OK?
“Cal-hal-hey” – How are you?
“In-shall-alla” – By God’s will/in God’s time
“Mein Tumsea Peeyart Karta Hoon” – My fav . . . I Love You! For both my children, I start every day & end every night with “I Love You (b.name)” in their birth country language, along with their birth name. I’m hoping by daily telling them I Love You in Russian/Urdu, it lets them know just how much I love the “special-ness” of our family & the value I place on their country of birth.

So, here we are again . . . current!

Take care . . . talk to you soon!

Love & Blessings,
Nancy (Mama) & Gracy

Hello, from Pakistan - USCIS Orphan Status Approval/Immigrant Visa

Another week in Pakistan . . . going on 190 days, 27 weeks, 6.5 months!

Some weeks are just simply harder than others . . . & this week has been the most difficult so far! . . . Even in the dark valleys, God is Joy, True, Just & Faithful! :)

Tuesday (7/12) – No news from USCIS.

Throughout this week, we are dealing with the Giardia (intestinal parasite) as best we can . . . Whew! the last couple of days Gracy has gone through 15-20 diapers a day! (Yes, that is correct! During the worst of it, in 1 hour I changed her 4 times!) So . . . we didn’t go ANYWHERE this week. Stayed close to the g.house.

Saturday (7/16) – Skyped with Uppa D (cousin Dalend) & Nicky.

USCIS New Delhi sent the I-600 Orphan Status Decision to my US residence address via FedEx. Today, Uppa D received it, opened the FedEx envelope & read USCIS’s decision to me . . . Marina Grace’s I-600 orphan status has been Denied . . . we are all so disappointed! This document is the NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) which will go into effect after a 30 day wait for applicant response. I have consulted with my immigration attorney, who is experienced with Pakistani immigrations, specifically IR-4 adoption immigration visas, and I have been counseled that MG’s case facts are definitely legally strong & in compliance with USCIS orphan status guidelines. So, we will be responding back to the NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) within the 30 day trimeframe with a counter response based on a legal, sound argument for orphan status. We have no timeline for the USCIS reply to our NOID response, however, I'm told by my attorney, it could take several months & should we have to appeal the final Denial, possibly 2 years before a final resolution. So . . . we hang on knowing that “Truth will make itself known”. And, praying that USCIS will respond favorably to our NOID response.

Sunday (7/17) – After 8 days of treatment for Giardia, Gracy is retested at the diagnostic lab . . . We will get the test results/report back tomorrow.

Monday (7/18) – The lab report came back with no signs of Giardia cysts! YEAH! We go see Dr. Rubina tonight for a follow up.

While we are at Dr. Rubina’s clinic . . . much discussion is had over Gracy’s medical condition, Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie). In May, Gracy was diagnosed with a very severe, thick tongue-tie condition which requires surgery to release her tongue. The prognosis - excellent! However, since Gracy is in such a critical stage of language acquisition & she will not be allowed to travel to the US within the next several months, the decision has been made to have her tongue-tie corrected through surgery here in Islamabad.

So over the next couple days, I’m deep in . . . researching medical doctors, somewhat difficult, child specialists are few & far between. As with anything in Pakistan . . . you have to be extremely careful & know that you know!

Tuesday (7/19) – Late in the evening, I finally consult a surgeon at the Ali Medical Center that performs the Ankyloglossia tongue release procedure on children with general anesthesia & with reconstruction of the underside of the tongue (very important in MG’s severe case so adhesions/reattachment does not occur). The surgeon is UK trained & seems to be very experienced with the severity of MG’s case. However, the surgeon’s schedule is very tight & for the next 2 weeks, he is only available late Wednesday night as a possibly surgery option. So, at 9:00 p.m. I take MG to be examined by Dr Nadeem for a possibly surgery the following evening. It is a severe case, but all looks good & he is confident that the procedure he performs (very similar to UK & US) will permanently correct the Ankyloglossia. I’m told, the procedure is considered “routine” & will take ~ 30 minutes. After the general anesthesia has worn off & if she is doing well, we can take her home (g.house home!). However, she may be kept overnight, if necessary.

Wednesday (7/20) – Tonight is Gracy’s surgery . . . 9:15 p.m. PST/11:15 a.m. US CST. Yes, Mama is very anxious. I think anytime a parent makes the decision to place their child under anesthesia, in a “coma” state . . . and, as your child looks at you with loving trust, you watch them “go under” . . . it brings the reality of the intense, enormous responsibility that a parent has for the life of a child. As a parent, you research, gain the best possible information you can obtain & then you make the decision. I have felt that enormous weight of responsibility 2 different times with Nicky’s medical needs . . . Believe me, it doesn’t get any easier, especially in a 3rd world country!

I pray my decision has been based on sound, medical advice & expertise! A mother’s prayer said over our sweet Marina Grace & a prayer for a very quick recovery time. Please pray for the surgeon’s diligent, competent hands . . . operating on such a tiny sweetheart. :)

Gracy’s New Words . . .

“Manier” “Sattod” “Comaran” . . . all guest house staff . . . Gracy is learning who she can wrap around her finger!!!!
"Peez" (please) – This brings joy to Mama’s heart that my sweetie is sooo polite. She now says Please & Thank You!
“Coke” – Yes, can you believe it!

Take care . . . talk to you soon!

Love & Blessings,
Nancy (Mama) & Gracy

Hello, from Pakistan - USCIS Orphan Status Approval/Immigrant Visa

Another 2+ weeks in Pakistan . . . going on 182 days, 26 weeks, 6 months!

Say hello to the Monsoon Season . . . rain, rain, rain!!! It seems to only rains at night, which doesn’t cool anything down . . . just makes the next day extremely hot, humid/muggy.

Monday (7/4) – Happy 4th of July! Gracy dressed in her red, white & blue outfit (I brought for the USE interview) & Mama wore a blue, white & pink shalwar kameez (as close to r/w/b as I could get!). We spent a very quiet day at the guest house . . . unfortunately, we are not feeling that well. And, we ended up the day at Dr Rubina’s office. It seems that “something” is giving both of us a hard time!!! Actually, Mama has lost count of the times we have had dysentery. So, MG will go through some testing over the next 2-3 days to see what is going on in her tummy. Dr Rubina took Mama’s blood pressure & it is very low, so a saline/glucose replacement is now a must. Hopefully, we will be back to health soon!

Tuesday (7/5) – This is the week that the USCIS in New Delhi gave us as the deadline (15 days) for the final decision on MG’s orphan status (I-600 application). So far, we have not heard anything & hopefully, the Senator’s office will follow up to confirm the decision. I am waiting on pins-n-needles . . .

MG began intestinal testing today to see if she has any kind of parasitic infection in her tummy. Mama is suspicious of a parasite, called Giardia, that is known to plague orphanages & 3rd world countries. Of course, it could be just another simple case of gastrointestinitis (mama has had this, oh so many times over the last few months!). We have 3 days of intestinal sample testing 1st thing in the morning at a diagnostic lab about 15 minutes from the g.house. . . so today we started our early am taxi ride to the Islamabad Diagnostic Center (IDC).

Wednesday (7/6) – Another early am trek for intestinal sample at the IDC.

We also found out today that USCIS ND has finally responded to the 15 day deadline on our I-600 application . . . unfortunately, they are still not able to make an orphan status determination & have delayed the decision due to a “clarification” issue. We are not privy to what the issue is, just that there will be another delay. The S.office, on our behalf, is asking for a new timeline for this delay . . . we will see if USCIS will respond back with another estimated timeline. The S.office is diligently trying to help in every way possible, however, one has to be very careful with how you “ask” about an I-600/Immigrant Visa application case (especially in this part of the world). An applicant is not privy to the case’s specific details of the “process”. And, if there are any applicant “demands” this is considered “manipulation” by the applicant . . . & is against USCIS guidelines (in short, illegal & your application will be denied). Especially, in this part of the world & during the current events of US/Pakistan relations . . . everything is supposedly double & triple checked. So, we/S.office are being very cautious & careful on how we ask & what we ask for . . . I’m not sure how a 2 yo can place an entire country’s security at risk . . . but the policy of “process” is non-negotiable. So we Wait . . .

Thursday (7/7) – Marina Grace turns 25 months old!!!

Unfortunately, we are both not 100%. This is the 3rd day of intestinal testing for MG & appointment with Dr Rubina. As Mama had suspected . . . Gracy has tested positive for the intestinal parasite, Giardia. So, Mama probably has it as well. At least it gives us an answer on why over the last month we have become sicker each day with dysentery. We have medicine now! As much medicine as we have gone through over the last 6 months . . . thank goodness medicine in Pakistan is very economical!!! There is no way of telling where MG picked Giardia up . . . she could have had it all along . . . & passed it to Mama, who knows . . . We will have about 7-10 days of treatment & then MG will be tested again. Hopefully, our nasty “tummy friend” will be gone! :)

There is a young couple staying at the g.house for a couple of months . . . their baby girl & Gracy have become fast friends & love playing together. It is so nice to have a playmate for Gracy (MG is action packed & needs LOTS of activity). The sweet mother is a delight to visit with, as well. The family is from Karachi (far south). We have spent many evenings (the coolest part of the day) over the last month playing in the garden with Gracy & baby F.

The S.office is to find out the new timeline estimate for orphan status decision by Friday 7/8. It is a disappointment to be delayed, once again . . . & we are still just on the I-600 orphan status decision. There is still the immigrant visa process to go through after the I-600. I’m told by the USE/ISL the immigrant visa process will take 5-10 days minimum (without any issues). However, I’m also told the US/Pak relations have become so strained that the process will probably become even longer over the next 1-2 months.

Over the next few days . . . Mama & Gracy are still pretty weak from the Giardia. Gracy is bouncing back quicker than Mama . . . I’m so thankful for the g.house family, they have stepped in to help with childcare while Mama is, let’s just say, battling Giardia :)

Saturday (7/9) – The Tulsa Little League Baseball All-Star tryouts are today! For the 2nd year, Nicholas tries out . . . we will see if he makes 1 of the 4 All-Star teams. When Mama talked to him over skype, Nicky assured mama that he had a great time & he did a “great job”! Nicky sounded so excited about his efforts & Uppa D concurred that Nicky did a great job . . . of course, we think he is an “all-star” regardless of the outcome!!!

Mama felt well enough to go shopping with Shelina (g.house owner’s daughter) in Rawalipindi (sister city to Islamabad). “Pindi” is very close to Islamabad, takes about 50-60 minutes by taxi. It isn’t the miles, it is the TRAFFIC! I have never experienced traffic like this . . . cars, motorcycles, bicycles, carts w/horses/mules/oxen, rickshaws . . . all on a 2 lane highway trying to pretend it is 4-6 lanes! Honestly, it was simply amazing. On TV/magazines, I have seen/read many times about the traffic in India, China, Hong Kong, etc . . . but never have experienced it. I now can say I HAVE! The congestion with horns & shouting & people . . . simply amazing! And . . . then the markets . . . another entirely amazing experience. People everywhere!!!! Little shops that seem to go on & on forever, twisting/turning this way & that way. One “mall” (large concrete building divided into tiny little shops) may be for clothing (women & children together in a mall, men’s clothing in a separate mall; got to keep those genders separate, lol!), another for furniture, another for cosmetics (yes, 1 entire mall for cosmetics!), another for carpets, another for . . . you name it, it is in Pindi! Everyone goes to Pindi to shop! We were at the market for over 7 hours, shopping for Shalwar Kameez suits for Shelina (she has a new job!) & of course, Mama had to get in the shopping action as well (I bought a few, as well!). Anyway . . . the entire 7 hours we were at the market in Pindi . . . I never saw a foreigner. I was the lone one! Of course, by now, I am so used to the stares & whispers back-n-forth . . . I don’t even notice it!

Monday (7/11) – The S.office is diligently trying to find out some kind of update on our case . . . so far, no news. So . . . we are back in the Wait. Such a familiar place, yet so very frustrating to be faced with the “unknown” once again. I’m trying to keep the stress/worry/strain/tension at bay . . . but it is difficult since we have been living in Pakistan now 6 months. What will another month bring? . . . I do know that God has a plan . . . Trust & Faith!

Right now the days are slow & steady . . . the Heat is constant, Giardia is intense, the Wait seems forever, . . . but we know, this too shall pass J In the meantime, Gracy has become the g.house “Greeter” (sort of like the Walmart Greeter!). Lately, she has spent a great deal of time with “Papa” Karim (since Mama has not been feeling too well). So, Gracy “greets” anyone coming or going from the g.house. She makes sure that they shake her hand 1st , then she waves “bye-bye” or “hello” & gives them a “fly kiss”. (mental note to self – I have to get a video of this!) Papa Karim & everyone are so surprised at her sweet confidence at only 2 yo. She is fearless/strong & yet so sweet! Our Marina Grace is a very delightful, special child . . . full of Promise!

Gracy’s New Words . . .

"Now" – Hmmmmm, I wonder where she has heard this one! :)
"Va Va" – In Urdu, this means “very good”. Papa Karim has taught Gracy this word! She walks around saying it over & over . . . along with “Wow”!
“Done” – She lets Mama know when she is “done” with anything . . . eating, bath, book reading, etc.
“Outside” – Gracy longs to be outside, playing in the garden, with KeeKee (kitty) or just sitting in her stroller watching the traffic go by (She loves big trucks/buses & shouts/waves to them as they go by). She also loves to go on walks, although we have minimized these lately due to security risks.

We are diligently praying & hopeful for good news . . . any day.

Take care . . . talk to you soon!

Love & Blessings,
Nancy (Mama) & Gracy

Hello, from Pakistan - Gracy is 2!!!

Another 2+ weeks in Pakistan . . . going on 149 days, 21+ weeks, 5.5 months! We have a very special Birthday coming up for our Sweet Pea, Gracy Girl !!!

I know I sound like a broken record . . . but, have I told you, AGAIN, how HOT it is here!!! My favorite taxi driver & I have a special way of saying hello - Nancy: "How hot will the drive be today?" Driver: "Today . . . HOT Drive!" Believe me, I will welcome the "hot" Oklahoma summer of 2-3 weeks of just 100 degree weather! But, truly . . . it is only a minor inconvenience! :)

Monday (5/23) - I received a call from the USE/Islamabad late in the afternoon. The Islamabad "decision" has been made . . . the case's timeline orphan status "facts" is too "complex" for USE/Islamabad to approve Gracy's IR-4 adoption permanent immigrant visa. The case will now be sent on to New Delhi, India for final decision/processing. Yes, the tears flowed & flowed & flowed tonight! My family & I skyped for comfort. The guest house family (Karim, Shelina & Sameer, bless them!) helped me weather through the disappointment. Gracy & I will not be coming home this week, next week or . . . for sometime. During the call, I did ask for special permission to speak to the USE official that has made this decision. I have a "possible" appt with him tomorrow morning. Hopefully, I can get a better explanation on what this "no approval" decision means & the status of the case from this individual.

Tuesday (5/24) - I was able to speak with the Mgr of American Citizens Services Unit this morning. I was not allowed a personal, face-to-face appointment with him (which I had requested), but I was able to directly speak with him via phone. He explained that the USE/Islamabad has only a very basic USCIS office & has authority to approve only the very "straight forward" I-604 investigation cases. Our case is not "straight forward" . . . but is very complex with complicated timeline facts for orphan status eligibility & prospective adoptive parent status eligibility. Islamabad has not "denied" the immigrant visa, but neither has an "approval" been given. The electronic file & case has been sent "up the chain of command" so to speak . . . to the closest, fully staffed USCIS office . . . New Delhi, India. All is not lost with the I-604 processing done here in ISL. New Delhi will take the I-604 investigation facts that ISL has gathered & will begin a thorough review, again, from the inception of the case in 2009. However, the USE ACSU Mgr could not give an estimated timeline on how long this next level of processing will take . . . there is no average timeline . . . it could take a few days to several months . . . so, all I can do is wait. The next step is to wait a week & then follow up again with USE/ISL to see if I can be given a status update.

The rest of the week was the normal, daily childcare, laundry & catching up on work emails. I am starting to work a few hours each week to try to become re-introduced back into my work at H&P. I have regularly kept up on reading emails, but now I am actively responding & participating in specific tasks. It definitely helps in feeling "normal" again! LOL!

Tuesday (5/31) - I have waited a week for news that the electronic file has officially been sent on to New Delhi. I called the USE/ISL today to verify that the electronic file was sent last Wednesday. Yes, you have to follow up & make sure people are doing what they say they will do . . . "things" slip through the cracks (enough said!). So . . . yes, the file was sent. I'm told it will take a week to receive the electronic file in New Delhi &, at this point, ISL is no longer involved in the final decision & will not receive any status updates until the final decision is made. I'm told to forward any questions/concerns I have to New Delhi . . . I'm given a generic email address, which I'm told I may/may not get a response from, depending on my question/concern. I send an email plea to the New Delhi USCIS office, using the email address, to please provide me a "timeline estimate" on the process for immigrant visa decision. We will see what the next week brings . . . hopefully good news.

Saturday (6/4) - I picked up my new Pakistan visa extension this afternoon. Miracle worker, Shelina, was able to help me obtain a 6 month visa extension this time. The monthly extensions were bringing too much focus to my case & creating some issues with the Pakistan Ministry of Interior, so Shelina suggested this option. No one really knows how long the USCIS immigrant visa process in New Delhi, India will take . . . so we applied for a several month visa extension (very, very rare with a tourist visa) . . . so I can stay here in Pakistan with Gracy.

Gracy & I moved g.house rooms today. LOL :) . . . since we have been here, we have had 4 different rooms! Karim just keeps moving us, as he needs to best utilize his g.house accommodations for all his guests. At this point, we are like family & just move as needed! This time, however, was a "clean out" project. We had been staying several months in one particular room & mama had to go through & "clean house". Since our new room is smaller, I packed up all the items that we are not using . . . and now, we are down to just the bare essentials!

Monday (6/6) - A week has gone by since the last follow up on the USCIS decision. So, another follow up . . . I found out today that the I-600 form (the critical document for applying for an IR-4 immigrant visa, which I turned in on 4/21 to the USE/ISL) . . . was never sent along with the electronic file 2 weeks ago to New Delhi, India . . . without the I-600, nothing happens, the file was put at the bottom of the stack & not even looked at! No one at USCIS New Delhi & no one here in USE/ISL caught this important oversight . . . I could go on & on about the mismanagement of our case's electronic file, but it really serves no purpose . . . At this point, all I can do is pray . . . pray . . . pray for someone with "higher power" to take over with an "eye on the sparrow". I ask for prayers to be lifted up for the "appropriate, priority focus" on Gracy's case.

Nicky has his 1st Little League Baseball game tonight. My little guy is crazy about baseball. Please pray for me . . . I am a bit blue that I am missing out on so much of my Nicky's life these days. It is difficult to be away from my sweet Nicky, who I love more than life! However, G'ma, Uppa D & my wonderful family, neighbor & friends are helping fill in the gap for Mama . . . but my heart still aches for my "sweet baby, Tyoma"!

Tuesday (6/7) - Our Sweet Pea, Gracy Girl . . . TURNS 2 years old TODAY!!!! For a week, g.house owner Karim has been busy planning a birthday bash! In fact, his entire family has gone over & above. And . . . they have kept it all a secret from Mama & Gracy! Of course, Gracy doesn't have a clue what a birthday is . . . but she will enjoy the attention & have FUN . . . we all will.

The Big B-day started out with Gracy dressing in Mama's favorite . . . a pretty pink/white summer "frock" (as Pakistan calls a little girl's dress) with a big pink bow in her beautiful, dark brown hair. Pink is Gracy's color! Then there were BALLOONS - EVERYWHERE! Karim had ~ 150 balloons put up all around the g.house. Unfortunately, the heat began to pop the balloons before Gracy could get outside to see them . . . no matter . . . the effort was so appreciated! Once they started popping . . . Karim went out & bought even more balloons to bring to the g.house. Gracy had a lot of balloons to celebrate with! Next there was a special luncheon with the g.house staff. There are 6 young men that work at the g.house & have a special love for our Gracy Girl! They take turns each day taking care of Gracy while Mama works or runs errands or needs to attend a specific appointment. Gracy is a very, very active child & sitting still just doesn't come easy for her! LOL! So, if her personal presence is not required . . . she stays at the g.house & plays. Mama know that Karim/Sameer will make sure she is safe & well taken care of. So, it was only fitting that Gracy have a special b-day lunch with the staff! After lunch, she was taken into the common lobby area & she opened her "gifts". She had a small swimming pool & a toddler tricycle waiting for her! She oohhed & aahhed over each one. But, she immediately wanted to try out the tricycle! She can't quite work the pedals yet, so she just "scoots" with her feet to make it "go". She played & played . . . going back & forth from one end of the lobby to the other. Next, it was the "big time" . . . on to the driveway, one end to the other. Then she went swimming in her new pool! She loves water & splished/splashed everyone! We ALL kept cool for about an hour. Mama was wanting Gracy to nap for a bit, but Gracy had other ideas . . . she moved from tricycle to pool over & over again for hours. That evening was a special b-day celebration at a very nice restaurant, The Olive Garden (no, not the US Olive Garden!). It was a very, very nice restaurant . . . and Karim, Shalena & Sameer (once again) went above & beyond. A special table was decorated all in pink/white with party hats & the "works"! As Mama & Karim brought Gracy into the restaurant . . . candles were lit while singing "Happy Birthday"!!! Gracy's cake was a beautiful pink/white w/tiny blue flowers, Princess "Barbie Doll" cake (with a real Barbie Doll)! And . . . a big number 2 candle! All around the cake were lit tea candles that made the cake just glow . . . beautiful! Gracy (with the initial practice help of Sameer) did her best to blow out all her candles (Sameer helped). It was such a surprise b-day for our precious "Princess"! So, we had cake 1st (everyone deserves to have their cake 1st on their b-day, right!?!) After the cake & watching Gracy dance to the restaurant music, we ordered dinner. Wow! what a feast! Gracy had her normal 2 bites & then wanted her bottle of Nido (formula)! But . . . the adults had a wonderful meal! What a special, special b-day dinner. It was pretty late when we finally got back to the g.house & Gracy was still wide awake! This child doesn't miss anything! She wanted to play with the balloons, AGAIN! It was after midnight before she finally settled down enough to sleep & then ONLY if Mama would let her sleep with several of her balloons! LOL! What an amazing, special day! Words cannot express my gratitude/appreciation for everyone's efforts in making our Sweet Pea's 2nd birthday (but her very 1st b-day celebration) such a wonderful memory. Yes, I know the celebration was more for the adults than for Gracy, since she is so young & Gracy will probably not remember this special party day (& probably will be the only one she will celebrate in ISL) . . . but the adults will remember & we will forever share the memories with her.

Of course, once we are back in the US, we will have another Party BASH! It just HAS to be . . . because it will be such a wonderful, wonderful moment to FINALLY be back home with our Sweet Pea!!! Yes, everyone is invited!

Wednesday (6/8) - A very down day . . . Gracy was very tired today & took a good long nap! She loved playing with her balloons (I think we could have just given her balloons & she would have been happy!). She also rode her toddler tricycle up/down the driveway with each staff person taking turns helping her make it "go"! Yes, a splish/splash in the pool was mandatory after that! She fell asleep very early . . . Whew! Mama was tired too!

Thursday (6/9) - A very normal day of wait . . . but playing with the new b-day toys break up the day. After a good pool splish/splash, we had b-day cake, again, mid-afternoon (this time - we shared it with Giorgio, Italian NGO coordinator). Mama even stuck in her feet in the pool today (of course, I made sure my knees & elbows were covered! lol!)

Mama & Gracy have "adopted" a stray kitty born under the guard house. It is a yellow tabby. Gracy loves it & looks for it everyday. The kitten is very emaciated & we are "loving" it back to health (G'ma remember my childhood days with the barn kittens?). I've told Karim that he will need to take care of it when we are gone! He smiles & says he will try to make sure the kitten stays healthy. Now that we see the kitten gaining in health . . . we will give it a name . . . Hmmmmm . . . will let you know!

Gracy, of course, has some new words -

"Bir-day" - of course, a BIG word this week in honor of our bir-day girl!
"Balloon" - many, many balloons to pop & play with.


On the legal/USCIS/Immigrant Visa front - there is a lot of frustration & uncertainty on what will happen next. I wish I could tell you that the USCIS immigrant visa process is going smoothly, but it is not . . . Please pray for wisdom . . . the right people, the right steps taken, all within the right timing . . . all are very important. Without wisdom, we could hinder the case instead of help. The "bigger picture" is . . . Marina Grace's future! I'm a US citizen with a US passport . . . I can come back to the US, at any time. However, Marina Grace cannot at this point in time (even though I am her legal guardian) & the way we communicate & handle the case . . . will determine Gracy's future!

Yes, we are ready to come home! Pray for wisdom & God's omnipotent timing . . . hopefully good news soon.

Take care . . . talk to you soon!

Love & Blessings,
Nancy (Mama) & Gracy (our b-day sweetie!!)