I haven't posted for the last week or so because it has been a hectic and stressful week. First of all, the US Embassy told us about 10 days ago that only one parent is needed for the exit interview so that it was no problem for George to fly home. SO...I made all the arrangements for George and Bella to fly home this Sunday the 18th. Then a couple of days ago he called our agency to tell them that he gave us the wrong information and that we both had to be present for the interviw (for the kids visa). Keep in mind this is a 15 minute interview. I explained why George had to leave and the expenses involved in him flying back on Nov. 27th and they said that they were just following the law. I requested to see the law and explained that this WAS NOT a Hague law and that when adopting from other Hague countries such as China only one parent was needed as long as you have a Power of Attorney from the other spose (which we have). We are also only the 3rd adoption so far... So after many friends, family, our agency, etc. contacted Senator Jim DeMent and Senator Lindsey Grahams office, as well as, the State Department...we received an email from the US Embassy here in Panama stating that they would only interview me and that George did not have to be here. Praise the Lord. It really made no sense to us since a Panamian who wants to bring their child into the US can get a visa with only one parent present and a POA but an American Citizen doesn't get the same rights??
On a good note...we had court today and it went perfectly. The children are legally ours and their names have been changed, We have Malachi Tyler Thornley (6), Ronald Venning Thornley (4) and Sophia Nellie Thornley (3). At first the judge was not happy abot us changing the kids names but after George and I explained our reasons, they accepted our request. They also gave me POA to complete the adoption here in Panama so George and Bella can go home on Sunday. It was a great day. It's looking like the rest of us will be able to travel home on Nov. 28th or 29th. WOOHOO!!
I will post a few pictures of our trip to the Panama Canal yesterday and court today!! Hope you enjoy!
Sweet Tyler and Carlee
Li-Li playing with Sophie
Haircut time...getting ready for court!
Happy Meals!
Date Night!! Great food in Panama!
Museum at The Panama Canal! We took the three older kids!
The team! Our attorney, Jorge, is the tall man in the back.
He has gone above and beyond for us!!
This lady is the secretary ti the judge and she played a huge part
in getting our court date moved up from Nov. 28th.
Blessings to you and GoodNight!
Diana, George and Gang
No comments:
Post a Comment