Houston we have a problem!!!
We have run into a problem on the way home. We found out yesterday afternoon that the agency did not expect us to be able to convince the US Embassy to allow us to have our second interviews so quickly. They did not have all of our documents and medical examinations complete before the time for our second interview. This would extend the stay for the families at least another 5 to 7 days, because the Vietnamese offices celebrate MLK day on Monday and will not be working! Our staff here informed us there was nothing that they could do and we would just have to wait. So the American in us went into action.
We found the international office that is responsible for the baby examinations and went to the clinic to try to persuade them to change the process and schedule for the baby examinations. After a meeting with the Clinic Manager Maxine Ash, we were able to convince her to examine the babies this morning instead of in the afternoon. We then had to get the passports for the babies.
Time is a funny thing in Vietnam, the watch is useless here. We had a meeting set for the passport office @ 9 am this morning. At 10:30 I got up and walked out of the office, without my passport for Haden. We have a joke with our host here. He will tell us 15 minutes for something and we always ask, "Do you mean 1 5 minutes, or 5 0 minutes." He politely laughs, but he is starting to understand we can tell time. The good news is we got the passports finally, and raced back to the waiting babies at the international clinic.
Now it is all down to a visit with the emabassy at 3:15. If that goes well we should get a travel visa for Haden on Friday, and he will be able to travel.
The bad news is Dedra and Haden will need to travel seperatly. Oh, and Haden now has a broncial type of virus that is sweeping across the far east. We will update ASAP. Keep us in your prayers.
4 Comments:
Hicks family,
This blog has been incredible! Thanks for sharing this adventure with all of us. I will continue to pray for your safety and health. The pictures are wonderful! I am so happy for all of you. May God grant you all a peaceful and healthy return home.
Dell Thomason
Goodness. We were so hoping that you would all be able to travel together. It's amazing all of the steps you have to go through! At least you can see the light through the end of the tunnel now & will all be home soon. Miss you. Love, Al & Jim
Well this blog has made me more nervous than any you have sent so far. I am glad you kicked things in high gear so hopefully Dedra will not have to stay an extra 5 to 7 days. I will be praying all day that the embassy grants you Haden's visa. It does bother me that all of you will not be able to travel together though. What is the deal with that. It sounds as though with Haden now being sick you will need all the help you can get on that long plane ride. You have been and will be in my prayers until all of you are home safely. I sure hope Haden feels better soon and maybe none of you will catch it. Please keep us informed.
Love ya,
Jamey
Don't forget to take the SEALED medical examination report and while you're on the way read James Chapter 1. We love you!
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