To get the full effect of the merry-go-round, you need to read the previous post FIRST!
Okay, so we got home after around 1:30 and we had a late lunch and I was beginning to dread the unknown. Not knowing if our papers would be accepted without issue at the passport office, not knowning if we'd need the adoption visa, not knowing how long to issue the passport. The boys were begging to go outside and my head and my body were begging me to nap. I had just told Skip that if he and Harry could play nicely for 20 minutes while I rested on the couch, I'd take them out, when the phone rang.
Irina was calling to say not only was the passport office open, but today would be the very last day to submit paperwork under the present guidelines. Apparently they are switching over to the new system that takes alot longer because the passports actually come from Moscow. In Irkutsk, where they are currently on the new system, it takes 3 weeks. Here, they are saying initially it could be TWO MONTHS! Needless to say we got dressed and Vova brought us to the passport office where Irina was in line for us.
We were happy to see our old friend Boris there! We didn't see him much last trip, and not at all this trip. Anyway, we went when it was our turn and the lady was very nice, but when we left, Irina said we had to go back after we went and got notarized copies of the birth & adoption certificates, as well as the court decree. We had notarized copies, but only one each, and they are for the US Embassy. So we said goodbye to Boris and then left to find a local notary, We walked in at precisely 5:00. The lady told us they were closed...at 5! Irina begged and she agreed, but wouldn't notarize the court decree, saying it isn't possible to notarize such a document. Argh. More phone calls and Irina deteremined we could give the passport office the one we had, and get another at the courthouse to take to the Emassy. Okay, back to the passport office, the lady takes everything and we leave. Irina said she accepted it all (with no mention of an adoption visa) and they said it can take up to two weeks to get the passport. Huh? Oh well.
But, Irina said that is why Boris was there. I guess he has some friends in that office and he will go back tomorrow and see if he can expedite. Let's hope so!
At least its all in and they didn't even ask about the adoption certificate. So now we wait and see. Hopefully Boris' friend will come through for him and we'll have a passport quickly! I'm sure praying for that tonite!
Tomorrow we go back to Irkutsk for the extra copy, which, by the way, requires another written request/receipt stating why we need another one. Nothing is easy, but it's somehow moving forward...
Promises Promises
13 years ago
I am constantly in awe at his doings... the letter from the Ministry of Health just in time for the final hearing, the judge deciding to accept faxes the ONE time we really needed it, the billboard, and now the LAST day on the old passport system in Angarsk...... Mike
ReplyDeleteYeppers! I've long said this whole thing is out of our hands and in His!
ReplyDeletePraying miracles continue to happen, and that you are home soon!
ReplyDeleteWe will all prY TO God tonight that everything goes through quickly adn easily... it's a very good sign that Boris is aroundto help seeing as he has friends in the office. The fact that you submitted on the last day of the old system has to be a good sign too! We'll all pray and see what happens, it looks like things are n place for a quick result, let's hope so.
ReplyDeletePray to God, not prY TO God
ReplyDeleteForward movement is always better than holding patterns!
ReplyDeleteYou're almost there! It might feel like baby steps now, but if you look behind you you'll see how far you've come.
ReplyDeleteI'm all caught up on your story! Which blog is your active blog? This one?
ok, I have to say that this sounds fishy. Why has everyb other person who has adopted from Irk, been able to get a passport and visa quickly? Is there a rush 'fee' you can oay or something? I just can't imagine being there, going to court, having Anya and then waiting 2 months for her passport / visa! Can you even get a 3 month long visa to be there that long?
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for Boris! But, I guess this is tyoical, huh? Don't expect anything to get done in an easy or timely way!
OK. I know big brother is using this, what does it mean? OzugiveL?
ReplyDeleteStay strong Holmes Crew. You are getting closer and closer to coming home. It is obvious that He is with you. We continue to keep you in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteOzug = Mother's maiden name (grandmother's side of family)
ReplyDeleteiveL = Levi (my name backwards)
Kathy, the new passports will have biometric chips in them. I guess they introduced them in 2006 and cities are slowing getting onboard. Iriutsk already is and Angarsk is just getting there. From what I've read the plan is to have all of Russian on board by 2010. There's a link here with some information, but you can find lots more by googling... http://www.secureidnews.com/2007/07/23/russia-to-switch-to-biometric-passports-by-2010/
ReplyDeleteAs for the two months, I think it's because it's a new system here in Angarsk and like everything else in this process, change means big delays initially...
Let's hope it speeds up for everyone! Since Irkutsk is telling people 3 weeks, perhaps thats not too far down the road for Angarsk...
Judy, I'm always encouraged by your positive attitude and your faith in God's perfect plan!
ReplyDeleteThank you for continuing to share your days with us! Say hello to Skip and Harry for us.
Kathy, we faced a delay with Anicka's passport in 2005, too. When our rep went to apply for it, they told him there was a 10 day waiting period. He said, "There's never been a 10-day waiting period before." They said, "Well, there is now." Turns out those who normally processed the passports were on vacation and those who were left didn't feel like doing it. So, even after paying "expedite fees", we were in Irkutsk 10 extra days... which now looks like child's play! :-)
ReplyDelete