This is bonding day #3 with Deanna, but no visitors are allowed on Sundays. Instead, we are moving from our MC Hammer suite at the hotel into the long-awaited apartment in the city. We also get big news about our timeline, but let’s start with the move. The drivers don’t seem to mind the amount of luggage but they cannot be happy since we average 50 lbs per bag.
This country is definitely in need of training in the trades. Here is the wiring over the door at our new apartment and the plumbing in the shower at the new hotel where we just stayed. Also, I have not found a faucet that isn’t in desperate need of tightening.
The new apartment is great with high-speed Internet, a washer, and shops and restaurants within walking distance. Note to self and anyone else who must come here: STAY IN DOWNTOWN ALMATY. Also, many of the people speak some English. We are very happy with this new place!
We also have the pleasure of meeting Marina who is our agency’s country manager. She is very kind and sweet. Monte and Marina hit it off and the bond is advanced with the revelation that both worked as flight attendants in previous lives.
We learn that Marina’s agency hosts about 3 or 4 parents a month (30-40 per year), and they work mostly with an Amarillo, Texas-based agency called Little Miracles. Click here to learn more http://www.littlemiracles.org/ This year has been a tough year as more than 15 Texas families dropped out of the process for economic reasons.
We also learn more about our timeline and here it is:
First Trip
11/10 – Arrive in Kazakhstan
11/11 – First meeting with Deanna
11/13 – Official bonding period starts
11/26 – Official bonding period ends
11/27 – 12/4 Additional paperwork and bonding
12/5 – Trip home (exact date TBD)
Wait for Court Date
Second Trip
Court Date (usually ~ 4 weeks after 1st trip) ~ end December
Spend one week in country; both parents must be present
Process includes 14 appeal period after court date and 7-10 days for child paper preparation
Third Trip
Bring baby home (approximately 4 weeks after 2nd trip) ~ end January
Spend 2-3 days in country
One parent must be present; other can send a note
We head out to dinner and this place just keeps getting better! We find the American Grill and Bar with a nice, friendly waitress who loves 50 Cent (he is huge in Kazakhstan!).
The food is delicious! I had pork something and Monte had a hamburger and fries. It was all so good. What a difference a day and a move to the city make!
This afternoon was the most enjoyable of the trip outside of seeing baby Deanna of course. We look forward to seeing her again tomorrow for bonding day 4.
So glad to see you guys are movin' up in the world!!!L.O.L. The apartment looks nice. I am enjoying following along with your journey and have been praying for little Choeplan as well.-God has the perfect plan for this precious baby girl and I know that he will see it to completion...Your little Deanna is absolutely PRECIOUS!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that your trip has turned a corner for the better after the missteps earlier in your journey. You are in our prayers. I was so thankful that the Austrians and Cholepan found each other the other day and am praying that this will come to fruition. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteWe're so happy for you that your move was smooth & you are eating better. Natalie was all smiles today in Children's Church when I asked, "Who can we congratulate on getting a new baby in their family?" Natalie raised her hand high with a huge grin & said, "me, I have a new baby sister." God Bless.
ReplyDeleteCheck out www.hulu.com for online tv episodes for the nights Monte goes to bed early. I hear Soho restaurant has good mexican (according to Trip Advisor). Keep posting photos. The stories are great and we look forward to each update. Deanna is looking more like Monte each day!!!
ReplyDelete50 Cent is releasing his new cd "Before I Self Destruct" tomorrow...its a 2.5 stars out of 4.
ReplyDelete