Visa Processing

On Monday we did Victoria's Immigrant Visa processing. It went WONDERFUL. We had our interview appt. at 12:00 so had to get her medical done before that. Our driver picked us up and we went straight to Dr. Chawalas office for her medical check up. We waited outside for about 30 minutes. Victoria and her dad read the paper together and she played on the grass for a while. Then we waited in the waiting room inside for a bit. We were finally called in. Victoria had to get 4 immunizations at $160.00! Ouch for all of us! And it wasn't quick and painless. The nurse didn't do them all at once very quickly like they do in the States. I could have cried with my little girl! She did get a sucker which helped matters. We waited a while longer and received our paperwork. We were there a total of about 2 1/2 hours.

We headed over to the embassy. It was interesting driving by other various embassies. And it was a breath of fresh air (well, kind of - we were still breathing Delhi smog) being on our own turf even if it only consisted of a square block or less. We received our number and went to the waiting room which was packed with people waiting for visas of various kinds. Lucky us to be adopting for they rush you right through. We immediately were able to go to one of the windows to turn in our paperwork. The lady asked for a few of our documents, we paid the fee and waited for our interview. During that time Victoria played with blocks at a little table. I used the restroom. It actually smelled like bathroom cleaner from America and had TP too! (Maybe that's what part of the visa fee went for? $400.00 well spent I'll say!)

A nice lady called us to the window for our interview. She spoke English with no accent. She asked us a few questions and continued to process our paperwork. She said we could come back the next day to pick up Victoria's visa or get it that same day between 3:00 and 4:00pm. We opted to go ahead and get it that day and just be done with it.

We had our driver take us to eat and then returned about 3:00 and got Victoria's visa! What a moment of relief for me! The paperwork was COMPLETE and we could hop on a plane and take our girl home!!!!! Not even a little hiccup. And done in one day! Most families take 3 days to complete the medical and visa processing. We chose to try in two days because the embassy was closed on Veteran's Day. This was a great blessing in disguise.

We also me a wonderful Christian man who was having a difficult time getting his wife's visa. He is American, she is Indian and they have a little baby together. Say a prayer that he won't have to wait any longer and can get his family home where they belong as well.

Thank you, Lord, for guiding and directing each and every step of this day!