Maybe! So here's the deal... A family that has been waiting for a passport got that passport today. That means we can start visa processing. But their I-600 approval hasn't made it to Ghana yet, so that will delay visa processing. They are having their kids escorted. Guess who could be the escort? Me!
BUT...best I can figure it, the kids are going to need an escort around mid-May. IF everything went perfectly, we could have Kendi's adoption decree in mid-May. That means she'd have to go to court by end of this month, and we'd have to put a "rush" on getting the paper adoption decree.
If we had her adoption decree by mid-May we would have everything required to file the I-600. Oh...except for that pesky I-600a approval. So the question is, can you file the I-600 before you have I-600a approval? Will DHS in Ghana let me do that, with the understanding that they can't approve it until the I-600a stuff is to them (already sent an email)?
It would just be too good to be true. I could go over there doing AAI business (escorting children home) but take a day to file our I-600. Then travel back when everything is done.
There are just so many unknowns though. Will we get the adoption decree in time? Will they let me file?
And what if I can't do the I-600? Do I want to go to Ghana to escort the kids home and see Mabel for a few days? Or is that adding insult to injury (having to leave her again and not getting anything done for the adoption)? It's not exactly easy for me to negotiate what goes on with my family here while I'm in Ghana. And honestly, it doesn't sound exactly FUN to get 2 and 4 year olds through the airports and the long plane rides home!
Prayers are appreciated for this!!!!! I am very conflicted!!!!
Anita
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So. . . Have you heard the one about the man stranded on his roof during a flood? He prays and prays for God to save him. Pretty soon, two men in a boat float by his house. The tell him to jump on board and they'll row him to safety. The man says that no, God will save him. The man continues to pray and pray and pray for God to save him. Along comes a helicopter. The pilot sees the stranded man and sends out rescue for him. But the man turns the rescurers away because he's convinced that God would save him. Well, they guy drowns and when he gets to Heaven he asks God why He didn't save him. And God reply's that he sent a boat and helicopter after him.
ReplyDeleteOk, all of that to say, you've been praying for the financial side to work out. Is this the miracle that you've been praying for? A few days to escort children home vs. one super long trip away from your family seems like a blessing indeed. And I know expenses aren't huge in Ghana, but daily meals for one long trip will add up.
Just a thought. Praying for your guidance my friend.
I love that story! Yes, I've thought about that! If we CAN file our I-600 there is NO QUESTION I will go--as it is a free ticket to Ghana and isn't even out of AAI's budget! What I'm contemplating is whether I should do it if we can't file our I-600. In that case, I would get to see Kendi (plus!) and would get more FF miles (plus!) but will also likely need to fly back within a month to file the I-600 (minus--having to fly back so soon again). But after talking to Eric I think I am learning towards doing it. We have until the kids get their visas before I have to make up my mind. It is just such a stress on my family when I have to leave them (because Eric can't care for the kids alone and can't drive)...
ReplyDeleteOk, misread a bit! But I'm thinking that this was dropped in your lap for a reason, girl!
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to hear how everything goes!!!! Praying everything works out...
ReplyDeleteFabu
Anita,
ReplyDeleteI am continuing to pray for every step of your adoption journey!! Our Heavenly Father already knows how this is going to unfold, but I can see Him showing you step by step that you can sink into total trust that He is providing for every need! It would be so awesome if an AAI escort trip could be a Gillispie adoption trip too. Can't wait to hear more!!!!
love
Linda