Hi Everyone - well today was the 3rd pill for the Typhoid thing....yuck. Today was gross. I felt like I had the flu all day - but knew that I didn't. The 2nd pill on Monday wasn't that bad. The worse part about them is that they just make me so tired. But so worth it.
Brody update: On Tuesday night it was Brody's turn to say the prayer over their dinner. How cute is that?!?!?!?! I'm not sure what he actually said over the meal, but just cute that he did. He also learned how to ride a Tricycle for the first time yesterday. Awesome. Buying a bike for him when he get's home has been something Scott and I think of all the time. It's going to be really fantastic.
Our angel in Ghana is going to try and get some of the items we need for the USCIS next week. They have a pastor that is starting out there, and he will make the journey out to the village Brody is from. Please think quick & good thoughts that they are able to get all this paperwork quickly.
Sorry that's all I have for now - but I'll keep you posted on everything.
Julz
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Tyhoid day 1.......
UPDATE: 5 hours since I took my first pill - and doing great. Have not really felt anything. I was able to eat about an hour after I took it, other than that I'm just drinking a lot of water, and even went out and about for an hour. Hopefully the rest of the day and the rest of the pills go like this.
Well got up this morning at 7:30 - poured a fresh glass of ice water - opened the fridge, opened the box of the Typhoid pills - took 1 out, and gulp down the hatch. So it's been about 25 minutes since I've take it, and so far so good. Apparently you can throw up from them and if you do in the first hour you must take again........ here is hoping I don't throw up - i hate that.......
Nothing else new to report...... just going to see how these make me feel today to see what I'll do with a 3 day weekend.
Ciao
Julz
Well got up this morning at 7:30 - poured a fresh glass of ice water - opened the fridge, opened the box of the Typhoid pills - took 1 out, and gulp down the hatch. So it's been about 25 minutes since I've take it, and so far so good. Apparently you can throw up from them and if you do in the first hour you must take again........ here is hoping I don't throw up - i hate that.......
Nothing else new to report...... just going to see how these make me feel today to see what I'll do with a 3 day weekend.
Ciao
Julz
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wish I had better luck with the USCIS
I think that title says it all :-)
So I meet with USCIS on Wednesday, and it was NOT GOOD!
So for the last 5 weeks I have been trying to contact them - I sent them the birth certificate via email, fax & US Mail. However there was no reply from them, that they needed anything else.
So (lots of so's here ) I go there - I wait patiently, and then get told that I can't go upstairs. I didn't argue - but I was FIRM that I needed to see them. So they asked me to sit again, and I did. I waited (probably tapping my foot). Then they called me up again, and provided me with the "pass" to go upstairs. I smiled and thanked them.
I go upstairs, and wait there - but thankfully not for too long. The Orphan Officer came out, and invited me to her office - ohhhhhh never been there before.
I sit, she has my file on her desk. She let's me know she hasn't looked at it. WHAT THE????? 5 weeks and you haven't looked at it? What the heck?
She did have ALL the b/c's that I had sent - funny how she couldn't have responded before that she had them and if we needed anything else.
She gave me back the original Adoption Decree - thank goodness - I really wanted that back.
THEN......
We can't complete your request at this time. We need more information and originals.
So they wrote up the list of the things they need - and then on the same letter it states - you have 87 days to provide these things, or your file will be rejected.
WHAT????? Rejected - because you just sat on my file for 5 weeks (35 days) so I could have had 122 days - but NOOOOOO they are too busy............
So what do they need?
Original Death Decree of Brody's father - okay education time. Getting a death decree in Ghana can be very difficult if not impossible. Someone needs to go out to the village where his mother lives, have her go with them to the courts to get the decree done. that could take days, if she's even at the same address that Osu had for her.
Letter from the social worker - stating that his mother can not provide for him according to Ghana Standards.
Letter from the mother that she understands that he's being adopted (which we have) but also that he is going to the US.
FREAK OUT -
So what did we do next? Everything we could.
I emailed the wonderful Romana - told her what we needed, and asked if she could help. I emailed the attorney that processed our adoption to see if he would be of any help. We emailed our senator again, who replied that because it is a federal thing - that Congress would have to take it - they will be forwarding the request over to our Congress rep. Good grief.
Scott emailed the former Ambassador to Ghana - whom he served under. We hope to hear from him.
Today Romana was able to reach the Social Worker that did our case. He will be able to help with the documents. But we had to provide her with a letter and the suit case. So I gave that to her, and then I wrote a letter signed it, and scanned it.
Romana also found someone that can go out to the area Brody's mother lives and will work on getting the Death Decree for Fredrick (father).
Yesterday I felt that it was the end - i felt defeat.
Today I feel hope. I feel that we have so many wonderful people supporting us and doing everything they can to get Brody home with us to his family.
I first want to publicly thank Romana. Romana - you have become our Guardian Angel. Brody has done so well in your care, and I really think he is becoming a little more comfortable, not as shy. You gave me a gift that nobody could possibly imagine what it was worth. Talking & seeing my Brody was the most amazing thing. Thank you. Thank you for stepping up once again and helping us.
Today we mailed a package to Kelly who is leaving on Saturday to go stay in Ghana with her two beautiful twins that she is adopting. Kelly is courageous for her trip - she is planning on being there for 6 months. You go Kelly. Kelly is bringing Brody's passport and birth certificate over to Romana. Yes you heard me right - we are sending it back. LOL. Romana is going to start on all the visa requirements for us, like the medical, etc, so she needs those. I also sent over the visa application - the DS230.
Please send good thoughts to Ghana with everyone there and going soon.
Anita is still there -she has been trying so hard to get Bright's visa this week, but today she found out that they won't for about 2 more weeks. She's suppose to only be there for another week, so she's trying to decide on staying - or coming home, but then she doesn't think she'll be able to fly back so soon to get Bright. Please send good thoughts her way.
Well that's about it - I will keep everyone very up to date on our progress.
Julz, Scott & Brody
So I meet with USCIS on Wednesday, and it was NOT GOOD!
So for the last 5 weeks I have been trying to contact them - I sent them the birth certificate via email, fax & US Mail. However there was no reply from them, that they needed anything else.
So (lots of so's here ) I go there - I wait patiently, and then get told that I can't go upstairs. I didn't argue - but I was FIRM that I needed to see them. So they asked me to sit again, and I did. I waited (probably tapping my foot). Then they called me up again, and provided me with the "pass" to go upstairs. I smiled and thanked them.
I go upstairs, and wait there - but thankfully not for too long. The Orphan Officer came out, and invited me to her office - ohhhhhh never been there before.
I sit, she has my file on her desk. She let's me know she hasn't looked at it. WHAT THE????? 5 weeks and you haven't looked at it? What the heck?
She did have ALL the b/c's that I had sent - funny how she couldn't have responded before that she had them and if we needed anything else.
She gave me back the original Adoption Decree - thank goodness - I really wanted that back.
THEN......
We can't complete your request at this time. We need more information and originals.
So they wrote up the list of the things they need - and then on the same letter it states - you have 87 days to provide these things, or your file will be rejected.
WHAT????? Rejected - because you just sat on my file for 5 weeks (35 days) so I could have had 122 days - but NOOOOOO they are too busy............
So what do they need?
Original Death Decree of Brody's father - okay education time. Getting a death decree in Ghana can be very difficult if not impossible. Someone needs to go out to the village where his mother lives, have her go with them to the courts to get the decree done. that could take days, if she's even at the same address that Osu had for her.
Letter from the social worker - stating that his mother can not provide for him according to Ghana Standards.
Letter from the mother that she understands that he's being adopted (which we have) but also that he is going to the US.
FREAK OUT -
So what did we do next? Everything we could.
I emailed the wonderful Romana - told her what we needed, and asked if she could help. I emailed the attorney that processed our adoption to see if he would be of any help. We emailed our senator again, who replied that because it is a federal thing - that Congress would have to take it - they will be forwarding the request over to our Congress rep. Good grief.
Scott emailed the former Ambassador to Ghana - whom he served under. We hope to hear from him.
Today Romana was able to reach the Social Worker that did our case. He will be able to help with the documents. But we had to provide her with a letter and the suit case. So I gave that to her, and then I wrote a letter signed it, and scanned it.
Romana also found someone that can go out to the area Brody's mother lives and will work on getting the Death Decree for Fredrick (father).
Yesterday I felt that it was the end - i felt defeat.
Today I feel hope. I feel that we have so many wonderful people supporting us and doing everything they can to get Brody home with us to his family.
I first want to publicly thank Romana. Romana - you have become our Guardian Angel. Brody has done so well in your care, and I really think he is becoming a little more comfortable, not as shy. You gave me a gift that nobody could possibly imagine what it was worth. Talking & seeing my Brody was the most amazing thing. Thank you. Thank you for stepping up once again and helping us.
Today we mailed a package to Kelly who is leaving on Saturday to go stay in Ghana with her two beautiful twins that she is adopting. Kelly is courageous for her trip - she is planning on being there for 6 months. You go Kelly. Kelly is bringing Brody's passport and birth certificate over to Romana. Yes you heard me right - we are sending it back. LOL. Romana is going to start on all the visa requirements for us, like the medical, etc, so she needs those. I also sent over the visa application - the DS230.
Please send good thoughts to Ghana with everyone there and going soon.
Anita is still there -she has been trying so hard to get Bright's visa this week, but today she found out that they won't for about 2 more weeks. She's suppose to only be there for another week, so she's trying to decide on staying - or coming home, but then she doesn't think she'll be able to fly back so soon to get Bright. Please send good thoughts her way.
Well that's about it - I will keep everyone very up to date on our progress.
Julz, Scott & Brody
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Where is my LOLLIPOP?
So when did they stop giving out lollipops for getting shots?
So today I went down to get my Travel Consultation at the doctors. For those of you that really know me, know that this is HUGE! I hate shots :-)
So I got Yellow Fever - well I didn't get the fever, I got the vaccine against it. So this is what the doctor says to me:
Dr: The side effects of the Yellow Fever Vaccine can be, Death or Sever Organ Failure.
Me: Now, Doc, is that something you really want to say to someone who already is having a panic attack about the shot?
So then she went on to talk about the other precautions. Typhoid - okay fine I'll take that. It's an oral form though - so 4 pills, 1 every other day - I'll start on Saturday - side effects can be sever abdominal cramping - GREAT! Malaria pills - got the prescription and will turn that in to the pharmacy tomorrow. I start that the day before we leave, then every day there and 7 days after we return - got a total of 18 of them, that should be enough. At $7 a pill, I know that doesn't sound bad - but that's $126 for all 18 pills. On top of the $225 for the Yellow Fever. crazy - especially since our insurance doesn't cover you on these things. They don't view travel outside the US necessary :-) LOL - got to love it.
So I was good during the shot, I laid down, he told me he was going to pinch my skin, I'd feel a slight poke (ouch) and a burn (argh) and it was over. All while this was happening I was digging my nails on my right hand into my palm - a bit of a distraction - but it seemed to work.
They wanted me to do the Hep A&B combo - but do you people really see me eating while there? I'll think about it......... but I'm thinking Granola Bars & Trail Mix - Bottle Water - I'm good to go.
So seriously when did they stop giving you a lollipop when you get your shot?
After the technician gave it, he said "we'd like you to stay for 15 minutes to make sure that you are OK, and have no side effects!"
Me: so after 15 minutes if I don't die or have complete organ failure - you think I'm in the clear :-) LOL
these people have a twisted idea of OK :-) hehehehe
Okay so that's my update!
I think we are getting closer. Today we scanned a copy of our I171H and sent it to the wonderful Romana and she is going to take it to the Embassy next week to get Part I of the Visa Application, then she'll turn that in, and get Part II -(medical) she'll do that for us, and then we wait for our invitation to come for the Visa Interview :-) I'm so excited I think this is the first time, I've actually been able to see that light at the end of the tunnel.
Cheers & Love
Julz, Scott, Brody & pugs :-)
So today I went down to get my Travel Consultation at the doctors. For those of you that really know me, know that this is HUGE! I hate shots :-)
So I got Yellow Fever - well I didn't get the fever, I got the vaccine against it. So this is what the doctor says to me:
Dr: The side effects of the Yellow Fever Vaccine can be, Death or Sever Organ Failure.
Me: Now, Doc, is that something you really want to say to someone who already is having a panic attack about the shot?
So then she went on to talk about the other precautions. Typhoid - okay fine I'll take that. It's an oral form though - so 4 pills, 1 every other day - I'll start on Saturday - side effects can be sever abdominal cramping - GREAT! Malaria pills - got the prescription and will turn that in to the pharmacy tomorrow. I start that the day before we leave, then every day there and 7 days after we return - got a total of 18 of them, that should be enough. At $7 a pill, I know that doesn't sound bad - but that's $126 for all 18 pills. On top of the $225 for the Yellow Fever. crazy - especially since our insurance doesn't cover you on these things. They don't view travel outside the US necessary :-) LOL - got to love it.
So I was good during the shot, I laid down, he told me he was going to pinch my skin, I'd feel a slight poke (ouch) and a burn (argh) and it was over. All while this was happening I was digging my nails on my right hand into my palm - a bit of a distraction - but it seemed to work.
They wanted me to do the Hep A&B combo - but do you people really see me eating while there? I'll think about it......... but I'm thinking Granola Bars & Trail Mix - Bottle Water - I'm good to go.
So seriously when did they stop giving you a lollipop when you get your shot?
After the technician gave it, he said "we'd like you to stay for 15 minutes to make sure that you are OK, and have no side effects!"
Me: so after 15 minutes if I don't die or have complete organ failure - you think I'm in the clear :-) LOL
these people have a twisted idea of OK :-) hehehehe
Okay so that's my update!
I think we are getting closer. Today we scanned a copy of our I171H and sent it to the wonderful Romana and she is going to take it to the Embassy next week to get Part I of the Visa Application, then she'll turn that in, and get Part II -(medical) she'll do that for us, and then we wait for our invitation to come for the Visa Interview :-) I'm so excited I think this is the first time, I've actually been able to see that light at the end of the tunnel.
Cheers & Love
Julz, Scott, Brody & pugs :-)
Friday, May 18, 2007
Seriously - you have to love technology
Today was probably one of the most amazing days every.
I spoke to my son today!
Yes you heard me I spoke to my son.
I called him, he answered "hello mummy"
it was so adorable. We both had webcam, so we were able to see each other.
Scott came over, he saw him and said "daddy"!!!
I held Butchy Boy up to the camera and he smiled and said "Butch"
then Bella's turn - he said "Bella"
Which only means that he's really been looking at the pictures of them, and of us.
He loves the colors Blue & Green. He's excited about coming to America to live with us.
Can you believe I spoke with my son today - it was seriously awesome. Who would have thought we'd have that kind of ability.
When Romana told him that he was going to talk to his mommy - he went with her to her office, walked in and pointed at the computer and said "mummy". How funny that he thinks that mummy is in the computer. He's going to be surprised when we finally get there.
So that's still the big question. When will we get to go pick up our adorable little son?
Well June is a lost month. The US Embassy in Ghana is closed for 19 days as they are moving to a new building. So that is 19 days of NOTHING happening, and also 19 days of backlog in their office. Our file with the USCIS is still????? Pending - I think. I've been trying to reach them for the last 2 weeks. When I got Brody's birth certificate and passport, I emailed them copies, then I faxed them copies and still nothing. They claim to respond to emails within 48 hours - well today makes a lot more than 48 hours - so I'm bumming. I think I'm going to try and post mail them to them. They can't ignore me forever. The USCIS office said we'd hear soon - they process the I600 within 30 - 60 days but say it happens much faster. So I checked out our local office's pending list - according to it (updated on 4/18) they are processing I600's that were filed in Jan - so that's not good for us. When I called their customer service number they were so UNHELPFUL - it's a little crazy to think that they have no way of getting through to the local offices. So off our additional information will go - and then maybe off I go to the office to sit there for a few more hours again - hoping to get somewhere.
A question dawned on me today - why wouldn't I be able to get him a visitor visa? He has a passport??? I'm going to try and look a little more info up on that.
Well I think that I've gone on enough.
Today was one of the most amazing days AND I really wanted to share it with all of you.
Please pray that our I600 gets processed and approved soon - so that we can go pick up our son!
Love
Julz, Scott, Brody, Butch & Bella
xo
(picture above is of Brody sitting at the computer after we spoke - look at that smile!)
Monday, May 07, 2007
Wow I did not realize that it has been almost a month since I posted. sorry to keep all of you waiting.
We have had a lot of ups and downs over the past month with the adoption process. the waiting and no real answers was becoming unbearable. Just when you think it could not become any worse - we received an email this morning from Lois at LVI stating that we needed to move Brody immediately out of his current foster care, because we terminated our contract. Even though - when we did terminate our contract we discussed with her, them staying there and just us taking over the payments. Apparently she's off her rocker, and even though she's in this for the children, still finds in her sick mind that it is OK to move them yet again, only a few short months from when we can go pick him up.
But - of course we acted on it quickly and with the help of the other family, who's 2 children are with Brody (they were told to move the children as well) - we have found a home for them to stay together. There is a wonderful woman by the name of Romana that is helping us out. She has a school at her home for children too, and they use mostly US School Text and have a focus on Phonics. So that is great news. She is going to pick them up tomorrow.
It is all so fast - but it had to be.
I'm sure now that LVI/Lois and Edward (LVI Ghana) have the email stating that Romana will be picking the children up tomorrow made her head spinning (backwards probably) that we did it that quickly.
So is there good news in any of this?
YES YES YES
we got the passport - and the birth certificate.
Well I have copies of them now. They were given to another family that is there currently, for them to hand carry back to the states for us. We should have the originals next week. YIPPY YIPPY.
So we emailed that to the local USCIS office and hopefully they will turn around with a quick approval of our I600 - some families have received approval in just 1 day. WOW.
So other news: the US Embassy in Accra, Ghana is moving to a new building - that means no visas will be issued from June 6th - June 25 - I hope that we can get our approval ASAP and have it approved again in Ghana prior. Please keep your fingers crossed for that!!
Well that's all for now :-)
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