Posts
Our fingerprints with CIS expire 2/20/09 and we are scheduled to be in Bogota 2/26/09. We are told by our agency that it takes about 3-4 weeks to get approvals to the US Consulate in Bogota after updated fingerprints are taken. So we need to get them done in the next few days. The issue is that CIS must issue us an appointment to be fingerprinted; we cannot just walk into their office.
Here is the process: CIS issues an appointment and the fingerprints are taken at a local CIS office. The local CIS office then sends the fingerprints to the FBI. The FBI returns our clearances to the local CIS office. Then the local CIS office mails a hard copy to the National Visa Center in New Hampshire. The National Visa Center mails a hard copy to the US Consulate in Bogota. The US Consulate in Bogota won't give our agency the letter needed to begin our case in court until they have the hard copy of the fingerprints.
We mailed a letter to CIS on January 13th requesting an appointment but have not received a reply. Today we emailed the CIS office in Memphis but have not received a reply.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Travel Plans and such
We chose to fly Delta because they have an adoption fare which eliminates change fees for the return trip. Delta requires you to present the I-171H or I-797C from INS when purchasing the tickets. You cannot obtain the adoption fare by booking tickets online, you must speak with a representative. Our adoption agency says that a 4 week stay in Colombia can be expected. It was really thrilling to see their first names attached to our last name on those tickets!
We also learned that the Colombian Consulate in Atlanta, GA requires at least one of us to apply for the TS Visas in person. So, as soon as we gather the appropriate documents one or both of us will head to ATL. The requirements for a TS Visa from the Atlanta consulate can be found here: Colombian Consulate Atlanta
Our FBI clearances arrived yesterday and we also received our updated medical letters this week.
The travel call with Julie (Colombia Program Director at Children's Hope International) is scheduled for February 12th.
Also, wanted to mention that we used a program called Visual Link Spanish to learn spanish. We did order a demo from Rosetta Stone but preferred the methods used by Visual Link and it was less costly. The program includes computer and audio cds.
Whew! So things are moving along smoothly and SUNDAY IS COMING !!!!
Thank you Lord for entrusting us with these three beautiful and precious little ones! We place all our hopes, dreams and trust in you Lord!
We also learned that the Colombian Consulate in Atlanta, GA requires at least one of us to apply for the TS Visas in person. So, as soon as we gather the appropriate documents one or both of us will head to ATL. The requirements for a TS Visa from the Atlanta consulate can be found here: Colombian Consulate Atlanta
Our FBI clearances arrived yesterday and we also received our updated medical letters this week.
The travel call with Julie (Colombia Program Director at Children's Hope International) is scheduled for February 12th.
Also, wanted to mention that we used a program called Visual Link Spanish to learn spanish. We did order a demo from Rosetta Stone but preferred the methods used by Visual Link and it was less costly. The program includes computer and audio cds.
Whew! So things are moving along smoothly and SUNDAY IS COMING !!!!
Thank you Lord for entrusting us with these three beautiful and precious little ones! We place all our hopes, dreams and trust in you Lord!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
February 26th is our date to meet the boys!
We have been told to arrive in Bogota on February 24th in order to be well rested and acclimated to the altitude before meeting the boys. Rested...are you kidding us!?!? We were so excited when news of the assignment arrived we hardly slept that night. It is hard to imagine getting much rest before the long anticipated first meeting.
God continues to bless us richly!
We are working on the travel details and hoping to wrap that up early next week so we can apply for Visas.
God continues to bless us richly!
We are working on the travel details and hoping to wrap that up early next week so we can apply for Visas.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
!! Assignment !!
It's a boy and a boy and another boy!!! We are so excited and blessed! Thank you Lord!
We now send a reply to ICBF that we accept the assignment. There is a flurry of paperwork ahead and travel arrangements. We hope to travel toward the end of February. Our fingerprints were mailed out to the FBI on Saturday. We also must renew our fingerprints with CIS.
We are also reminded once again that God has perfect timing. A family member is having surgery this week and this last delay prevented us from being in another country when we are needed here.
We have also prayed to receive updated information on the boys since what we have is a year old. God answered that prayer and we will receive updated information on the boys next week. It first has to be translated. Praise God!
We now send a reply to ICBF that we accept the assignment. There is a flurry of paperwork ahead and travel arrangements. We hope to travel toward the end of February. Our fingerprints were mailed out to the FBI on Saturday. We also must renew our fingerprints with CIS.
We are also reminded once again that God has perfect timing. A family member is having surgery this week and this last delay prevented us from being in another country when we are needed here.
We have also prayed to receive updated information on the boys since what we have is a year old. God answered that prayer and we will receive updated information on the boys next week. It first has to be translated. Praise God!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
