Where We Are Now

Well I felt like I was updating our blog every other day. So I thought I would give it a rest.  However, I have been over whelmed by the kind words of encouragement and notes asking for an update. Be careful what you asked for!

First, let me update you on the process. On July 2nd the ruling awarding us full custody of the children was read in court by the judge. We did not actually receive the written ruling until July 8th. We are now on the passport process. (I will add some color to this shortly) This process could be completed tomorrow or take as longs as a couple of weeks. Then the children's passports and all of this information will be presented to the American Embassy.  At that point, assuming all goes well, the American Embassy will issue the children a Visa to enter the US.  

Now here is the rest of the story!  After the court ruling we went to the passport office to get the process started. We were putting the cart before the horse. We could get the file checked in, but really nothing else could happen. We did not have the official ruling stating we were their legal guardian, and to get a passport for a minor you must have the consent of the legal guardian. Monday the 8th we showed up at the passport office to check the progress, and was reminded again of the above fact and were told to come when we had the official ruling. This left us nothing to do but go shopping!

Now I pause here in the story to tell you about Ivan. Ivan is a 33 year old Ugandan who grew up here in Kampala. He is not married at this time, but I could see him being some what of a ladies man. My wife would tell you he is a handsome man who looks younger than he actually is.  Oh Shoot, I'll say it! He is a good looking man!  Ivan's job is to meet us downtown and help us through the passport process. He is an awesome dude!  He makes you feel like he is your biggest fan. He puts you at ease and acts like your long lost friend from high school. 

I mention this because our shopping trip consisted of Ivan and myself dragging the kids from booth to booth while Jennifer looked for trinkets for those left in the states. Jennifer, "Chris do you think Angela would want a purse or a necklace?" Chris, "Kids, put that down!" Jennifer, "Chris, do you think Brody would wear an African style shirt?" Chris, "Ivan, she can do this all day! Hope you packed a lunch!"  Ivan was much more of a trooper than I was! 

With shopping complete, ok as much as we could handle, we went to lunch. We had Ugandan pizza. It is the same as American pizza with out the tomato sauce, and with John Wayne toppings. (Tough, very tough!) We left lunch to get a few things checked off the to do list. In the middle of the family photo, I get a call that our official ruling was complete and we need to go get it ASAP!  Ivan and I leave Jennifer and the kids to run 15 blocks up hill in mile high altitude.  At one point Ivan gives me a backhanded compliment about being surprised I could keep up. Not sure if it was a white dude thing or a fat kid thing. If I could have spoken I would have asked. As it was I was just trying to keep my lungs from exploding, and trying to remaining conscience.  

We rushed from where we picked up the court order, picked up Jen and the kids, and caught a taxi back to the passport office. Now about the taxis. That is a very generous name. There are two types of public transportation in Kampala. The Boda Bodas I have talked about before and are really only for those people who do not fear death, and the taxis. Taxis are more like cattle haulers for people. They are 8 passenger vans that have had two extra rows of seats crammed in. People are jammed in as they come. But as the taxi circles the city people do not file out as they filed in. Which means people are constantly climbing over you, or you over them. Keep in mind there is not a lot of ventilation in these moving people compactors. It seems sweat is the lubricant that keeps the people moving in and out smoothly.     

Today we spent another day at the passport office waiting for something to happen. I would use the old cliche about as fun as watching paint dry. At least in that process you are pretty sure something is happening. As I said, we could have them tomorrow or two weeks from tomorrow. 

Here is the very bad news. I have about burned through all my vacation. So I have to fly home Saturday. This leaves Jennifer and our two Ugandan children behind. Please pray we have our passports in hand before I have to leave!