The US Embassy Interview . . .

The best way for me to begin this post is to start with the day’s ending . . .

It is early in the wee hours of the morning, Thursday (10/15/09) about an hour before we leave Pakistan to fly home to the US.

We will be returning home . . . without our precious Sweet Pea!

Several hours ago, I read the latest blog comments and I noticed one particular comment from a parent, currently in Pakistan adopting. She gave me her email address in hopes that we could connect while we both were still here in Pakistan. I sent her an email a couple hours ago, introducing myself and just now received a reply email back from her. Her email stated she has just gone through court and received the Permanent Guardianship Order. Thursday she will have her US Embassy interview for the child’s visa. She mentioned that she was just informed by the embassy that there may be delays because of a very recent case where the child’s documents had been forged. She had read my blog and knew I was to have our US Embassy interview on Wednesday and asked if I had heard anything about this particular case while at the embassy? Had I encountered any delays? I sent back an email that “Yes, I had heard about the case” and I wished her well, safe travels, as she finished her adoption of her daughter.

Yes, I am very, very familiar with the case she mentioned . . . because . . . that case, is my adoption of Sweet Pea.

Wednesday (10/14/09) started just like any other morning of our 3.5 weeks in Pakistan. Sweet Pea woke up around 5:30 a.m. desperately wanting her bottle. Then we snuggled back to sleep until we needed to Skype with big brother, Nicky, at 6:30 a.m. Just a regular early morning . . . the only difference was, Sweet Pea turned 14 weeks old today! And, it was hopefully our last day in Pakistan – with the absolute priority of the day being the US Embassy interview and issue of Sweet Pea’s visa. We were to be there in the morning around 11:00 so we needed to be ready by 9:00 to catch the embassy diplomatic shuttle service to the security gate of the US Embassy. We all quickly got dressed . . . Sweet Pea in her precious red, white & blue dress, specifically purchased by a good friend just for this special embassy interview occasion (thank you K!). We took pictures, Sweet Pea holding her new country flag - - - USA!

Both Sadeem (Director of Global Adoption Services) and the orphanage social worker (Pastor Bhatti of Great Gospel Church) were to accompany us to the US Embassy, per the request of the Chief of American Citizens Services Unit on Tuesday (10/13/09). The Chief of ACS had called me late Tuesday to inform me that my “systems issue” was FINALLY resolved. He also mentioned that he would like for Pastor Bhatti and Sadeem to accompany me to the embassy on Wednesday morning.

Sadeem has always been our transportation, so we had to wait for Sadeem to arrive. Due to details that really are not important, we ended up running very, very late, once again. So, we had the manager of the guest house snap a couple pictures of Sweet Pea, Mama and Uppa D in front of the guest house. Due to our time restraints, that would have to do for an embassy picture! Little did I know - - - that would be the last picture we would take of precious Sweet Pea.

We FINALLY arrived at the embassy around 1:00 p.m. The Chief of ACS was waiting for us and we were allowed to immediately go into “window #1”, a small, closed room with a glass window where the adoption interviews take place. The Chief of ACS was sitting behind the window, ready for us! He needed us to submit our final documents: the court order, I-600 and I-864. Once done, he asked us to take a seat out in the waiting area. Then he wanted to visit with the Pastor. After about 40-45 minutes, Pastor Bhatti came and sat behind us. Then the Chief of ACS wanted to visit with Sadeem. After another 40-45 minutes, Sadeem emerged and I was finally called back to “window #1”. In my mind, I was thinking “YEAH! Issue of Visa is next!

Inside “window #1” we sat down, Uppa D was holding Sweet Pea so I could concentrate on the final discussions for the visa. The Chief of ACS looked up at me and said “Ms B., I’m sorry to inform you, we cannot issue a visa for ‘Sweet Pea’ . . . “ The blood immediately drained from my body, I looked at him in disbelief. He continued on to explain . . . “It has been verified that several of Sweet Pea’s identity documents have been forged.” You see, the Chief of ACS is also the head of the Fraud Division of the US Embassy.

Important discussion about the documents continued, but the details are not publicly available. What is important . . . Everything I thought was "True", is not true at all. Being my nature, I immediately went into “crisis management” mode. Since we have 5 days left on our visa (30 day duration) I told the US Embassy I wanted to stay in Islamabad and see what we could do. But, according to the Chief of ACS, unfortunately at this point in time, no amount of additional time spent in Pakistan, on our part, will make any difference, especially over a weekend. The embassy recommended that we keep our flights for the next morning, Thursday (10/15/09) and return home to the US. They would keep us posted, or try to, on any new developments in the case.

And . . . this I remember specifically, imprinted on my memory forever . . . the Chief of ACS looked down at the floor for a few seconds (the words obviously difficult for him to say). Then he looked back up at me and said, “Marina will need to be taken into custody by the Pakistani Welfare Services (FIA). An FIA employee will be here shortly to take Marina into custody. Please take as much time as you need.” My mind couldn’t comprehend, couldn’t grasp the words he was saying . . . he had to repeat it again. I looked over at Uppa D, my mind and body wracked with grief.

They are going to take my baby girl away!

We held, hugged and kissed our Sweet Pea until the FIA employee entered the small room. I was again taken to my knees with grief . . . she said “take as much time as you need.” So, I spent my last few moments with my daughter . . . I fed Sweet Pea her last bottle, rocked her and sang our special song. I stroked her face and chin (she loves that!) just so I could hear her coo and giggle one last time.

Through tears, Uppa D began to go through the diaper bag, taking out my personal items (wallet, sunglasses, lip stick, etc). He kept asking me if I wanted to “send this and send that” with her. Again, Uppa D was visibly shaken when I told him to please fold the blanket (I made especially for my baby girl) and put it in the diaper bag to go with her. I then took out an extra passport photo of me, Mama, from the dossier binder. I wrote a special note on it to my sweet, baby daughter and slipped it down in a pocket of the diaper bag. The social worker assured me that she would try to make sure the picture of Mama and blanket stayed with Sweet Pea as long as possible.

I hugged my Sweet Pea tight, I gave her a “hundred kisses” . . . then the FIA employee had to take her out of my arms . . . As the FIA employee walked to the door, I stopped her . . . I cried “Please, one more time”. She let me kiss her one last time. I then placed my hands on her sweet, beautiful, baby head and prayed a Mother's Blessing upon her - "God’s grace would surround her and His hands of protection would cover her all her life, until we meet once again!" Then the FIA employee walked out the door. We watched that beautiful, sweet baby walk away, down the corridor, taken out of our lives possibly . . . probably . . . Forever.

The Consular General of the US Embassy and the Chief of ACS came back into “window #1”. They sat with us, the Consular General held my hand for the longest time, repeating how very sorry he was. He had no choice . . . no choice at all, but to do what he did. I told him . . . I know . . . I understand . . .

We sat there for another hour, crying, trying to gain composure - - - the Chief of ACS made a call for an embassy car to take us back to the Diplomatic Shuttle Service to collect our electronics that we had to check prior to boarding the shuttle to the embassy. He then accompanied us to the shuttle and then back to the guest house. He made sure we were well taken care of there and also made arrangements for a US embassy car to transport us to the airport for our flight early Thursday morning. Before the Chief of ACS left, he made sure that we knew he was available all night long for anything we needed. The US Embassy has been very compassionate, in the midst of a very difficult situation.

Over the course of 3.5 weeks, we have gotten very close with a few of the guest house workers. They have been so kind and loved on Sweet Pea so. When we returned without her, they knew something was not right. They could tell we were visibly shaken. They finally approached Uppa D and asked . . . Uppa D very briefly stated the facts. They were shocked and one-by-one they came into our room, hugged me and told me how very, very sorry they were for my loss. They were so kind . . . we might have a language barrier at times, but their genuine concern was so apparent!

After some quiet time, I finally called the US via Skype and broke the news to my family . . . so much disappointment and sadness. And, then, there was nothing else we could do . . . but begin to pack.

I had planned on giving most of Sweet Pea’s clothes (0-3 month summer) to Global Adoption Services' (Sadeem’s agency) to give to the orphanage in Faisalabad and had gone through almost all of her clothes in anticipation of that donation. In lieu of a different plan, we asked the manager of the guest house if he knew of an orphanage close by that would accept our donation . . . he assured us he did. So, I tearfully went through her clothes one last time . . . keeping only the special ones (gotcha day dress, “pretty girl” onesie, “little miracle” romper, pink sleeper from the last night with her “baby” smell, etc). The rest we left in the room for the manager to take to the orphanage.

So . . . now I am at the end of the day, where I initially began this post . . . we are now waiting for the US Embassy driver to arrive to take us to the airport, to leave Pakistan . . . without our precious Sweet Pea.

Never in a million years, when I woke up this morning and kissed my “pretty girl”, did I think this would be the end of our day . . . but nonetheless . . . here we are! How did we get Here . . . ???

I have no Anger . . . just bottomless, bottomless Grief . . . There simply are no words to describe it.

Mama

OK, the US Embassy . . . MAJOR snag!

Quick update today, Tuesday (10/13/09) - We need some mighty prayers going up!

On the US Embassy/Visa side - we STILL have a problem. I just spoke with the Chief of American Citizens Services Unit - this is a definite contact to have for adoptive families needing info from the US Embassy in Pakistan.

They have received the new uploaded file with country change update from 8/24/09 and the transfer from Russia. However, the US Embassy cannot access the file. They can "see" the file, but cannot "work" with the file. They say it is a "systems issue" and have notified the US Consulate's Office in the US. The "technical team" is supposedly working on it and everyone anticipates it should be resolved by EOB today (10/13/09). Until the "systems issue" is resolved with the file . . . unfortunately, the visa cannot be printed and they cannot issue it by hand.

I cannot believe this twist! But, then again, NOTHING surprises me in Pakistan! :)

We FINALLY have all the documents, except delivery of the "attested" (certified) court order - Sadeem is to deliver this any moment - always waiting on that man! :).

We had planned on making the 1:00 p.m. US Embassy Adoptive Family Interview (the embassy reserves 1:00 p.m. for adoption interviews) TODAY. We have to take the shuttle (due to heightened security), a 2 hour trip to the US Embassy. But, the US Embassy says if we know we have all the documents, and nothing is missing, we should wait until tomorrow (Wednesday 10/14/09) for the US Embassy interview. The interview will take around 30-45 minutes since we only have a few documents left and then the visa can be issued while we are there, approx 2 hours for printing the visa. Otherwise, if we go ahead and go to the embassy today, we would just have to make another trip tomorrow.

Wednesday is our FINAL day in Pakistan. I really didn't want to spend it at the US Embassy! I wanted to go see some sights of Islamabad! And, I hate waiting until the "last day" . . . before we are supposed to leave! And . . . the issue is something the embassy has known about for a week! I'm not going to be very happy if we have to reschedule our flights (and incur the expense) because of a "systems issue" that someone didn't get resolved timely! A little hard to swallow after the stress of the court order! :)

But, I do know that God is in control . . . knows our situation. So, I am going to turn this over to Him since there is NOTHING I can do about it. I'm going to enjoy my last 2 days in Pakistan, soak up the culture, shop until I drop and giggle with my baby girl! :)

Oh, yes, Sweet Pea's debut pictures will be posted this evening . . . which will mean morning for those in the US! If a biased Mama can beam just a bit . . . I'm telling you . . . Sweet Pea is just ADORABLE!

Thank you all for your prayers! :)

Love to ALL . . . from Pakistan!

~Hugs
Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea

Finally . . . the Court Order!

We finally have the Permanent Guardianship Court Order!!! It is officially official!

Yeah!!! Yippee-Skippee!!!

We were sitting on pins-n-needles ALL day today - - - waiting, waiting and more waiting for the judge to issue the order. That was the absolute priority task of the day! Our "# in line" or "case to be heard" number was #82 and if you have been following along with the Pakistani court system, that is an "iffy" line-up number to make it into the day's cases to be heard. But . . . at around 4:50 p.m. (court closes at 5:00 p.m.) the judge finally decided that he would issue the order. Nothing like making us wait until the Last Minute!!! Yes, from 3:00 - 5:00 we were on "pins-n-needles"!!!

If the order wasn't issued today . . . there was a certainty that we probably would have not been able to make our return flights home on Thursday (10/15/09).

So, all we have to do now is visit the US Embassy tomorrow (10/13/09) and get Sweet Pea's visa issued! I have to tell you, I'm so glad we are finally almost there. We are hoping that the visa can be issued tomorrow, which is Tuesday or hopefully no later than Wednesday. Then, Thursday, we are on our way HOME! There is still a slight chance that the US Embassy will not be able to issue the visa in 1-2 days time, but we are going to try our best to make it all happen! Sweet Pea will bat those pretty brown eyes . . .

I'm so excited!!! Not that I haven't had a wonderful time in Pakistan, but I am just so ready to GO HOME!

We do have a little administrative task to do first thing in the morning - - we have to attest (certify) the copies of the court order for the US Embassy. That should be done around 9:00 a.m. Then we will leave for the US Embassy at 11:00 a.m. There is heightened security this week due to the recent current events in Pakistan, so we cannot be taken directly to the security gate at the US Embassy. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the shuttle station. We will have to go through a security checkpoint at the shuttle station, then ride a shuttle bus for 1 hour and be dropped off at the security gate of the US Embassy. Then we will have to go through another 20-30 minutes of security before being able to enter the US Embassy American Citizens Services Unit, hopefully making it by the 1:00 p.m. Adoption Interview appointment.

There we will present our final documents: Permanent Guardianship Court Order, I-864 form - Affidavit of Support for a US Permanent Resident and I-600 form - Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative. And then . . . Sweet Pea's Visa!!!

I promise, promise I will post pictures as soon as I can, but the next 2 days are jammed packed full of last minutes "tasks" before we leave. I am in the process of trying to decide on my favorites to post to the blog (it will be hard because there are sooo many!). And . . . honestly today was so stressful that I couldn't think of anything but the court order! I'm exhausted!

. . . But here is a "teaser" to hold you over! The "back" of my sweet baby's head! LOL!

Love to ALL . . . from Pakistan!

~Hugs

Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea

The Day After . . . waiting on the Court Order!

Today was "mixed up" day . . . nothing happened as planned! :) First of all, I woke up with a screaming headache. Sweet Pea was up more than usual during the night and I was somewhat distraught and still reeling over the previous day's court hearing "happenings". Also, the power went out several times in the night and the generator was turned on. Each time, the noise of the generator fried my already raw nerves. The power outages continued throughout the day (just a way of life here) and my headache continued. :). So, I needed to take a "time out" today. Uppa D helped with Sweet Pea and I "tried" to get some much needed rest in the morning. Yes, I went off and forgot my headache medicine, but I eventually got Sadeem to take me to a "Chemist" shop (drug store) and I got some Excedrin Migraine. That seemed to eventually help.

One outstanding item from the court hearing was the signed court order. I still needed to sign (including purple fingerprint!) the Permanent Guardianship order for it to be officially official. However, the document has not been issued yet. This is because there is a new judge presiding over my case and even though he has ruled and announced that I am Permanent Guardian of Sweet Pea, he has delayed the official document order. He has told my attorney that he needs "more time to review". I'm told this delay is only because he is a new judge and I should not worry about him revoking his decision. We will get it! But . . . I am concerned.

Sadeem was to call today if/when the order was ready to sign. So, I was up and ready early, waiting for the call. We waited for most of the day, but never received the call that the order was ready. Finally, Sadeem called late afternoon and said that the judge sat on his bench for only an hour today, then he took "leave" of court the rest of the day.

Our original plan for the afternoon was to take the final documents, the court order, I-864 and I-600 to the US Embassy so the visa could be issued Monday or Tuesday of next week. But, without the court order, there was no need to go to the US Embassy. So we will need to wait . . . for the court order. The Pakistani court system works 6 days a week, so there is hope that the order will be ready tomorrow, Saturday (10/10/09) . . . and the judge will be "on his bench". However, regardless if we get the order tomorrow, we will have to wait until Monday to go to the US Embassy, since the embassy adheres to a US custom of Saturday/Sunday being a "weekend" and offices are closed.

I guess I should bring everyone up to speed on the US Embassy side and the issues of my lost "physical file". The "rest of the story", so to speak! :) My file has been found, however I'm still unclear on exactly which I-600A they are using. You see, I have had to do multiple updates to my I-600A. With every paid I-600A application, you receive one free extension. I have had 3 different updates. In July 2006 I was initially approved, 18 months later, I had to update since the I-171H expires after 18 months. So, in January, 2008, I received my "1x free update/extension" from my 1st paid I-600A. So, 18 months later, June 2009, the I-171H expired again. This time, however, I had to pay the I-600A fee (had already used my free update!). You can begin the update process 90 days from expiration date, so I began the update process in May, 2009 for my June, 2009 expiration. I received my update in July, 2009. Then, I had a country change in August, 2009. Again, with any paid update, you have a "1x free update/extension". So, I used my "1x free extension/update" for my country change.

Whew! I know, a lot of updates!

But, when the US Embassy contacted me via email on Thursday, they said they have my electronic "physical file" and the case number is a "MOS" 2009 number, so that leads me to believe they are using my 2nd actual paid I-600A application that I submitted in May, 2009 (remember I had to pay for that one!). I'm not sure that they ever received the initial July, 2006 approved I-600A from Russia, as they originally thought they needed.

I did find out on Wednesday night (10/7/09) when I called the National Visa Center that the supervisor "took it upon herself" (her exact words) to resend/upload again, on Tuesday 10/6/09, my updated file from 8/24/09 when I did my country change. I am thinking (just trying to piece it all together) that the 8/24/09 upload from the NVC with my country change did not make it to Islamabad and the re-upload on Tuesday (10/6/09) did make it.

In any case, I have an official email from the American Citizen Services Unit of the US Embassy that states they have an electronic "physical file" with my name as petitioner for our adoption. YEAH! What that means is . . . once we get all the documents submitted, there shouldn't be any delay in issuing Sweet Pea's visa.

Now . . . we just need the Permanent Guardianship Order!

So, what else is going on? . . .

We constantly are plagued with power outages, usually 4-6 times a day, lasting a few minute to an hour until the generator can be turned on. This is such a normal way of life here in Pakistan. But, it makes for using the laptop somewhat difficult. We really can't count on working a very long stretch of time, so what I have began to do, is write using MS Word and the laptop on battery, then when we do have Internet connectivity, I past the post into my blog. Uppa D has tried to do work, but has found it somewhat difficult to do, but it is working ok. You constantly have to save your work for fear of a power outage at any time! We have also missed several Skype sessions with home because of the power outage. Once we are able to finally Skype, the 1st thing Nicky now asks us is "did you have a power outage?" LOL! But, all-in-all, we are sooo glad that we have the laptop and the Internet! We really don't know what we would do without that link back to home!

We ended our Friday (10/9/09) with a visit to the Foster Home again in the evening, which helped my headache tremendously! We had been plagued with power outages all day and I desperately needed an outing! :) So, Sadeem came by and asked if we would like to go to the foster home. There is a 12-month-old baby girl that has just arrived in foster care and Nanny Kathlene is taking care of her. This baby girl is just precious and we had such a good time visiting with Nanny Kathlene's family. I wish I could show pictures of this precious little girl, but I cannot . . . but she is just precious. She has worked her way into both Uppa D and Mama's hearts. Such a doll!

So, Friday was not anything that we had originally planned it would be . . . but nonetheless, another day in Pakistan!

Here are a few pictures of the last couple of days . . .

Instead of going to the court hearing on Thursday, Mama did laundry . . . we do use the laundry service, but Mama still likes to wash a "few" delicates by hand!




Our "friend" the Mr. Generator . . .


Foster Home . . . a wonderful, loving place . . . for children to heal!


Love to ALL . . . from Pakistan!


~Hugs
Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea

US Embassy . . . minor snag . . . I think, I HOPE!

When I traveled to Russia in 2004 to adopt my son, Nicholas, I was somewhat removed from all the details of court and US embassy. My agency did most of that work and all I did was "show up"! :)

With Pakistan being such a new program, I have had to become immersed in the details (and I actually really enjoy it!). With court, as the petitioner, I was required to register my own case. With the US Embassy, I am required to do all the leg-work of obtaining the visa for Sweet Pea. This immersion in the details has educated me on foreign affairs and international adoption beyond anything I have ever known! And, like I said, I DO ENJOY IT! I guess I should have chosen an international career (diplomat or Red Cross worker!) Anyway, I have really enjoyed the interaction and role I have played in my 2nd adoption. It has been so much fun, somewhat stressful, but I love getting my "hands" into the detail!

Anyway, to explain our minor snag in the US Embassy visa process . . . that hopefully will not turn into a major delay . . .

I had originally applied for my I-600A for the country of Russia. For 3 years, I had been keeping my I-171H updated for Russia. The USCIS approval (I-171H) expires after 18 months, at which time you have to do an update to receive an additional 18 months. So, every 18 months, as my I-171H expired, I did an update . . . since July 2006! Then in August, 2009, I decided to change my country from Russia to Pakistan with the referral of Sweet Pea. Prior to traveling to Pakistan, I verified with the USCIS office in OKC that my update had been sent to Islamabad. I was told everything should be in order. But . . . (sigh!) I should have double checked (I was so busy during that time, that I didn't take it a step farther, which is my usual thoroughness, and double check with the NVC & US Embassy in Islamabad!). A word of advice to other PAP coming after me to Pakistan, double check the status of your embassy file with the US Embassy in Islamabad, BEFORE YOU TRAVEL! And . . . then check again immediately when you arrive in Pakistan!

OK, so that is the background of my file . . .

On Monday afternoon, after traveling for about 15 minutes to the Diplomatic Enclave, then another 30 minutes to find the specific guard house that we were to enter through, then through multiple security inspections (women through one door, men through another) and then finally through the security scanners (all electronic devices were taken and put in a small numbered cubby & we were given a round token with the cubby number on, we would receive our electronic devices on our way back out) . . . we finally were at the American Citizen Services Unit of the US Embassy.

. . . only to be told that my file was not accessible to the Islamabad US Embassy. It was not there! Even though I had a hard copy of my updated I-171H approval. The US Embassy could not begin the visa process without this verification of my file in Islamabad. So, I had to find a way of figuring it all out . . . not truly knowing who to call or what questions to ask. This was new territory for me! But, I was up for the challenge!!! My daughter CANNOT leave Pakistan without her visa!

So, after 3 nights of making calls to the US and another US Embassy visit on Wednesday afternoon, what I know now that I didn't know on Monday is . . . with a country change update the original I-600A potentially can be left in the original country of application. Even though according to US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) & National Visa Center (NVC) my country update to my I-171H was sent to Islamabad. Since it was an update, my case # remained a "MOS" (Moscow) number and did not become an "ISL" (Islamabad) case number. What this means is . . . part of my file is supposedly still in Moscow and Islamabad needs it! So, a transfer has been requested by the Chief of the American Citizen Services Unit here at the US Embassy. However, it might take a "week or more" until it is sent by Russia and received by Islamabad. Then Sweet Pea's visa can be issued.

Our return flights are scheduled for next Thursday (10/15/09). Will we make it??? We don't know right now.

But, I talked with the NVC (again) tonight and they said that the August 2009 country change update file was uploaded again to Islamabad today 10/7/09 from the NVC in US. The update from NVC takes about 24 hours until it is accessible. My hope is that tomorrow when it is finally accessible to the US Embassy here, all the documents that are needed for my "electronic/physical file" will be included in this new "upload" and the transfer from Moscow will not be needed. Then Sweet Pea's visa can process as planned.

Small minor challenges that will make for wonderful stories to tell!!! LOL! (I'm trying to keep a smile about it all).

If we have to, we will simply extend our Visas and rebook the back end of our flight until we can get it all resolved! It will all work out! And . . . as I have said before . . . I can withstand anything as long as I have my baby girl (but, I am missing my sweet boy something terrible!).

So . . . this is why there has been a delay in posts to the blog over the last 3 days - - - my evenings, when I do most of my blog writing, has been spent on Skype, calling the US, trying to resolve this "electronic/physical file issue" with the USCIS, NVC & US Embassy!

I am a resourceful person and I certainly like challenges . . . I'll turn over every stone, if I have to to get this issue resolved! But, Pray for me!!!

Love to ALL

~Hugs
Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea

P.S. - Sweet Pea is doing great - growing like a weed! She has discovered her voice this week. She will shriek and then look around as if to say "Who did that!" She also has learned to blow bubbles! Milk bubbles, slobber bubbles, you name it!

Both are absolutely the cutest to watch and we have gotten some good video of her doing both! I'm loving my baby girl . . . she is already growing waaayyy too fast!

(Sorry, no pictures to post tonight - - - way to tired!)

:)