Embassy

We slept until about 7:15 this morning.  Amazing!  We got up and got our day started with some oatmeal.  Predictably Hanna loved it, Lena refused (then ate it after she saw Hanna eating it), and Oleg tried it but didn't like it (he's not much of a breakfast guy).

Zhenia arrived about 10 to take us to the embassy.  I didn't realize that he would not be going in with us.  That unnerved me a bit, but it was okay.

We had a bit of trouble getting through security.  We didn't realize that it would be more strict than airport security, so we had things with us that were not allowed - like our diabetes monitors (that we always have with us) and Oleg's GameBoy - but we also had things in our pockets that we forgot were there that caused problems as well.  It really wasn't that big a deal.  They took everything, put it in a box, and gave us a claim number to get it when we left.  It just took longer to get through than it could have taken.

Once inside, we went to the adoptions section.  They took the packet of documents that Zhenia had given me and had me fill out the visa applications.  For some reason, I did not have three of them prepared ahead of time.  I have 3-4 of every document EXCEPT that one, so I had to fill out 2 by hand.  I was shaking the whole time.  Excited to be so close to getting the kids home.  Nervous about doing something wrong.

I finished the paperwork, paid the fees, returned the receipts to the paperwork lady, and we left.  Zhenia was upset with us for causing problems for him at the security station.  We didn't do it on purpose, but he didn't tell us what we could and could not have with us.  If he had said, "No electronics. Nothing with batteries.  No metal.  They have a toy room for the kids.  Just take some diapers for the baby," we would have done what he said and understood why.   Apparently security gave him quite a lecture.  Then we got it from him.  I understand that he doesn't like to look foolish.  Nobody does, but sheesh!  He does this for a living.  We're doing ONCE.  I was pretty peeved with him at the time, but I think I'm over it now.  Unless he pursues it.  Then I'll give him a piece of my mind.

Back at the flat now.  Had lunch.  Hanna took a long time to quiet down.  Still not sure she's asleep.  John took Lena with him to buy some presents for his family.  She came back with chocolate all over her face (ice cream).  While they were gone, Oleg worked on English.  He really likes it, and he works hard.  He likes to get 100%, so we will work on something over and over until he gets it just right.  He likes being smart.

Not sure what we'll do tonight.  Maybe take a walk or watch a movie.  We have the morning tomorrow to see some sights with the kids.  Then tomorrow afternoon we go back to the embassy to complete the visa process.  Flight on Friday is at 6:45 am.

Please pray for the remainder of our time here.  That visas will come through without problems.  That we can sleep Thursday night and get up early Friday morning to get our flight.  That we make all our flights (3 in all).  That we can manage the kids through airports and planes.  That we clear customs with no issues.  And anything else that you can think of to make this as smooth as possible.