Not looking good…

We arrived at the Embassy early for our appointment.  This is when I began to see signs that things are not right.  The first desk I stop at and show my appointment sheet he asks me why I have that appointment form and not one for adoption, but he gives me some number and ushers me down to the visa office where I was the other day.  At this point I was feeling really great about being an American.  There was a huge line of Indians waiting and I was ushered past them and right over to an area by myself where I had little wait at all.

I almost burst into Lee Greenwood’s, “I’m Proud to be an American,” right then and there… But I contained myself and just felt so thankful this was one place in India where I had a little control.

Well, maybe not as much control as I thought…

Last night during my preparation work to come for the visa interview… I could tell something was not adding up.  One thing online was saying something different then another thing I read online… And it did not compare to what others had told me about their previous trips over.

Once called to the window, this is where I learned I should have had a different appointment set up, one that should have been set before I ever came to India???  Unfortunately, I have not been given a lot of information about my travels what to expect and what documents needed.  Most everything I have and knew came from families that have gone before me and reading online.  Thank God for some friends that live here that have adopted, although they adopted from a different country, they have been a wealth of knowledge to me!

I don’t want to be negative, but it is very frustrating being over here by yourself, and not knowing what you should have done.

As the lady at the window told me I did not have the correct appointment, and acted like she was going to send me away… I had no more control any longer.  I burst into deep sobs and tears starting pouring out.  I did not drool like Lyla does when she cries, but I started crying so hard I could not talk.

A couple of ladies ran to the window and told me to control myself.  Ha! Once I could finally talk, I explained my situation… We have been here for a month.  No one informed me that there should have been a preset interview. We had delays with a passport, we were delayed so long my husband had to go back I have been here two weeks alone…. Etc. I have children at home, my husband needs me….more tears…

Then I informed them I have a flight booked for tonight, and I need my visa.

They wanted to know if I  had everything I needed, and the medical.  When I said yes, the said they would help me.

So we went through all the paperwork.  There wasn’t much of an interview.  Just questions about paperwork.

That took about 30 minutes maybe a little longer.  Thankfully Lyla was being so good.  I brought play dough and she was playing quietly.  I also paid for her visa at this time and used a credit card.  I have heard mixed answers about this… But I was told last Thursday when there, that they let adoption cases  pay by credit.  So, I got to, but I have also heard old others not allowed to…. So if you come, I would still have cash on hand to pay.

Then we waited to see an officer.  He gave me a short interview, mainly asking questions about our experience with the adoption.  I kept my answers brief.  He then said they would do everything possible to get me my visa today, but because my interview was not set there were some things not cleared.  And that may mean I have to wait until Thursday to get it.  I almost cried again, but he said don’t cry… We will try very hard.

So I told him I was staying in the area and would eat lunch and come back to see around 3pm he also said they would call.

Next we headed to Leelah Palace hotel for lunch…. It is swanky!  Very very nice!  I had some friends stay here for their adoption process.  I remembered them saying it had seven restaurants, and I knew it was close to the Embassy.

So I am sitting here eating the most expensive meal yet in India… But it is worth it to have a place to go while waiting.  

Please pray… Hoping for good news this afternoon!