Embassy Interview

Good morning America -- the girls are all dressed up and ready to head to the US Embassy for the exit interview .... Gabi was nervous this morning. She didn't like the pants she had on because they were a little big, she wanted to change into the only pair of pants that fit (jeans) and I had to explain using the book that she couldn't until after the Embassy.
We headed to the Embassy at 10:30 for our appointment at 11. When we arrived at the Embassy we were directed to leave our cameras, cell phones, i-pods, video players, etc -- nothing electronic can be taken in -- they give you a # and place everything in a bin. Then you go through the x-ray process just like at the airport.

We then headed out another door, through a courtyard (which, by the way, yelled Kodak moments), through another secure door to a large waiting area. The first stop was the payment window ..... must show my passport at this window. Go back and sit -- called to another window where they go over all the paperwork Rossi had prepared -- I had to sign several things and was asked a few questions as the official read over the court proceedings and medical reports -- did we visit the child before committing to adopt, how long was the visit, are we aware of medical conditions, are we willing to care for this child in the US .... that was it, we had to sit back down.

BUT a few minutes later we were called back up ..... the I-600 that I had to sign needed Jack's signature ............ but Jack's NOT HERE ..... they will decide if Jack will have to fax a signed copy over to them ....... my stomache dropped, it felt like my heart stopped and I started to get sweaty ..... seriously, this cannot be happening. Jack signed a power of attorney when we were here last time because they knew he wasn't coming back .... is that not good? When will they decide??? Rossi said it will be easy to fix .......... easy for whom I'm wondering ..... the cable 37 was supposed to be easy too! We will find out TOMORROW when Rossi goes to pick up the Visa paperwork at 11 IF WE NEED TO fax this over. So, Jack, you're on standby again ..... Can we not get a break here????

We're told to move over to the other side and sit (I definitely needed to sit and calm down -- kept telling myself I've held it together this far -- please, please don't fall apart now) -- eventually I'm called up for the interview process:

how long have we been waiting? how many other children do we have? ages? why did we choose Bulgaria? how long have we been here? how was the process? how much did I think we have spent on the adoption? do we like Gabriela? how does she fit in our family? why did we choose to adopt again? why an older child? did our adoption agency push us to come to Bulgaria?

Then Gabi is called over: she was asked several questions and she answered (Rossi was not with us so I do not know what she was asked) -- Gabi was then wished good luck in English and Bulgarian and given a flag pin.

Shortly after that we were excused ...... we made our way back to the first building, turned in our collection # and received our cameras and cell phones.

We then walked across the street - no loitering in front of the Embassy Rossi said -- to call a Taxi to pick us up. While waiting we took a few pictures and chatted -- all of a sudden an older guard is standing next to us -- he wants my camera from Rossi -- he deleted all the pictures (3) that we took. Rossi said she knew we couldn't take pictures when on Embassy grounds but didn't think it mattered because we were across the street well off the Embassy grounds. The guard was telling her something and and I could tell she was getting upset -- another younger guard came over and talked (actually kind of yelled) at the older guard -- the older guard went off in a huff. The younger guard apologized for our treatment and said something to Rossi. Our taxi pulled up then and we got in and left.

Rossi explained that the older guard wanted to take us back to the Embassy and check all of our passports against some list. (so glad I don't understand Bulgarian!) She said the younger guard told him that he was being very difficult and there was no reason to be rude. He said we were nice people and to just let us go on our way, he had contacted the higher ups when he saw the older guard approach us. So -- now we know, as does Rossi, do not take pictures anywhere NEAR the Embassy ...........

Don't tell the difficult guard but he left a picture on my camera -- this is Rossi and Gabi right after she called for a taxi .....
We headed back to the apartment -- I needed to collect my thoughts -- I-600 signature might be needed, almost detained by the US Embassy ...... the girls and I head up the stairs and try to get into our apartment. Yes, try -- we're locked out .... called Rossi who said she forgot to tell me that the cleaning service was scheduled to come this morning and they will not let you in until they are done -- she will call to see how long we have to wait. The answer an hour or hour and a half .... UGH!!! I want to go home!!!!

So we headed out, without a mission in mind .... stopped at McDonald's for some refreshments. The girls in the square below are cute but check out the guy in the back in the orange. He's a hot dog vendor .... but there's no stand that he's behind. He's wearing it over his shoulders, complete with the umbrella over his head ....... he didn't walk anywhere, he just stood there. By the way, in the picture Hailee is holding Gabi's birth certificate, court decrees and various other important documents that should have been put in the LOCKED APARTMENT before we headed out. We didn't let them out of our hands considering the way our days been going so far .....
Once we got back into the apartment -- Hailee hung out the laundry .......

And Gabi and I wrapped up the parting gifts for everyone. Right after this picture Gabi ran to change into something more comfortable ....

Then it was homework time and now the girls are vegging out while I update the blog. Hailee's hiding out in the bedroom watching a movie.
And the little soap opera queen (who is now in her favorite outfit) has claimed the remote and her chair. She'll be there until at least 5:30 -- well, maybe she'll move for a juice break. :-)
Picture below compliments of Gabi ......

Before I go .... Gabi has been carrying around this piece of paper in her little green purse since we picked her up. She's taken it out often to read -- today I asked her to read it aloud while taping her. Thought that someday she might appreciate hearing herself read in Bulgarian. Most people say she will lose a lot of her Bulgarian within a couple months ......


Free day tomorrow -- MAYBE -- thinking we really won't know what the day holds until after Rossi goes to the Embassy .... hope and pray there are no new turns in the journey. I am truly getting tired ..............