Visa Angst

AGGGGHHHHHHH!!! Ok, got that out of my system...not really...but it slightly helps. Actually, I told myself I was not going to think about Visa stuff today, but I've broken that rule 28 times already and the day's only 1/2 over. I don't know why this is causing me so much anxiety. I've got the process figured out but I think its a "control" issue thing, as I don't have any control. I am a cheap person and I hate paying for something I don't want. I am struggling with the fact that I am going to have to pay for 3 day expedited service (250 a person) even though I really don't need 3 day service. The Russian's changed the process in the beginning of April. They used to have a 4 tier visa processing system (same day, next day, this week, next week) with the corresponding costs. They've now gone to a 2 tier system of 3 day or less ($250 a person)and a 4 to 20 day ($131). My problem is that I'm needing the visa's in 14 business days, so I can't take the chance that the visa's take the long end of the processing spectrum and we don't get visas, which means "no trip". I'm just going to have to get over it and swallow the extra $129 fee per person and tell myself I will enjoy holding those visa's in my hand a few weeks early. Its the purchase of peace of mind.

Everything else is going fine. We hired a Russian doc. to visit Thomas, when we're there, to do a physical and review/translate his Russian medical records. We also decided on a pediatrician in Nashville that has lots of experience with internationally adopted kids and their medical/developmental needs. So very glad to get those 2 items off the "to do" list.

Working on the list of stuff to do

Over the weekend, we got flights booked and an apartment reserved in Moscow.  Now we need to work on getting the paperwork for the visa mailed off.  One thing I am very glad we did was set up Thomas's room ahead of time.  Lots of people wait and do it between trip 1 and trip 2 since they have met the child and know his age.  Our thought was that we would rather do it when it sounded fun rather than when we had to do it and it would become an item on the "to do" list. Now, I'm glad it something thats done and out of the way.  

The Agency Called

Today was the day.  I didn't have to call the agency to get an update as they called me with travel dates!  Yeah!  We're to be in Moscow the week of May 24th.  I went back and looked on my calendar and May 20th, 2008 was the day I called CSS to request information on their Russian adoption program.  So we've gone full circle around the calendar, I'm not sure if that's good or bad but just "is".

I was on the computer around 10:30 this morning.  The phone, that is an arm length away, starts ringing, and I'm thinking in my mind..."Who could this be?...Could be the agency".  I get my pen ready and say hello and........no...its one of those pre-recorded telemarketing credit card calls.  I quickly put the phone back.  Two seconds later...ring ring ring...and I think "crud, it didn't disconnect all the way and now when I pick up its just going to have that empty space sound" But nope...there was a live person on the line handing out travel dates.  Boy, did that catch me off guard and I am so glad I hung up so fast on that telemarketer call!

Time to Call the Agency

Since CSS was closed on Good Friday and also today for Easter Monday, tomorrow will be the day to get an update on possible travel dates.  When referrals were given last month, CSS said they expected travel dates for us in two weeks, and the two week point was on Good Friday.  So here's "cautious optimism" for tomorrow.  

I probably need to re-think my packing strategy.  We like to travel light.  I have a pile of winter clothes that I had planned to wear in Russia and then just throw away since they are nearing the end of their life cycle...a twenty-two year old pink turtleneck has had a long life.    Now that the snows of Russia have melted, I need to consider what warmer weather old clothes could go into my Russia travel pile.  I'm still working my way through the Russian language CD's from the library.  That's slow going.  I'm probably going to wish I worked on those at a quicker pace.