bureaucracy at its best

Yeah, I knew our schedule would change, so why is it still a surprise? We loaded the children in a van with the intention of getting their passports today. But that didn’t happen, of course. I do have 12 copies of Esmeralda and Daniel’s new birth certificates. They are officially McCrackens!!! They think it is hilarious when they say their new last name. The two younger children’s birth certificates are housed in a different place with a much harder to work with staff. So the certificates that were supposed to be ready this morning will now “be ready” Monday morning. Wompy and Daniela can’t figure out why they don’t have new birth certs yet. And Daniela wants a new name. She wants to be called Nicole McCracken. We’ll see if she sticks with it once we are home.

We also have to get more notarized copies of the adoption decree–don’t ask. I could not be more dissatisfied with Commonwealth/Gladney if I tried to be. The in-country support has been difficult and confusing. Thank goodness for our translator, Daniel. I recommend him without hesitation. So that means that I will spend most of Monday running around without the kids again. Hopefully, cross your fingers, we will be able to get their passports Monday afternoon. We already pushed the Embassy Doctor’s visit back to Tuesday. There’s the slimmest of slim chance that they can still be seen Monday afternoon, but it totally depends on the morning.

What does all this mean? We might not get to come home until Friday. And plane tickets are way more expensive on Friday and Saturday. We’ll see.

Other than that, things are good. The kids are excited. And I am very grateful for Brian and Jena’s help. bureaucracy

5 comments

  1. Dan and I think it’s funny to say McCracken too. I think we will get along nicely with Danny and Ezzy.

    Why Nicole? I do like the name, just curious if she has said why that name?

    I’m sorry you have had a little bit of a set back, but hey, at least it’s not two weeks down the road and you are having the set back. I’m so glad you have Brian and Jena there to help you.

  2. Hang in there! I have really enjoyed your blog. I also was a Commonwealth and now with Gladney. We are waiting for our first baby, we were approved on March 3rd, 2008 so we are in for a loooong wait!

    Before you know it, you will be introducing your children to their new home, getting ready for new schools and sleeping in your own bed.

    It must be so exciting being so close to the end!!!!

  3. Hang in there! You are almost there! If you want a place to stay that night when you come into LAX you are more than welcome to come stay! If you are going to stay down by the airport before heading home the next day we would love to come and see you before you head out in the morning. The girls and I have been looking everyday at your blog and today we were listening to this spanish CD that we have and the girls said, “This would be good to share with Rachel and her kids when they come to live at our house.” So I had to explain that they weren’t coming to live with us…just may be visiting us.

  4. Nicole? She is a hoot. Where does she come up with this stuff?

    I can’t believe you’ll be home so soon. It’s a testament to the fact that thousands of prayers have been uttered on behalf of the McCracken family. So many people love you! Thank you for allowing us to love you!

  5. We can’t wait to see you!!! I was going to repeat that 3 times, but you guys get the idea. Horray, for prayers! And huge amounts of faith! We love you guys! WE have absoutely have loved having Adona, since you have Jena. Only one little problem… Thomas is asking for a sister!!! The problem is having them, but girls aren’t happening! 😉 Maybe 4th times the charm right? Love you guys! Can we can not wait to see all of you and hug your little darlings!

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