The Stars Are Lining Up

Today was a very successful day. We got up very early (around 4:30) so we could be at the US Embassy for what we thought was a 7:00 AM appointment. What we soon found out was that they meant for us to be there at 7:00 so that we could get through security and in line when a representative for Immagrant Visas would appear at the window at 8:00 AM. Oh well, we are glad we did get there by 6:30 because we were the first in line. We handed in all our paper work and waited a few minutes longer for our "Interview". The interview consisted of another representative looking at all the documents and having us swear that all the information was true and correct. He asked when our flight was and we explained our situation and that we really wanted to leave as soon as possible because we had two wonderful sons at home and we had been in Nairobi for a week and a half. Of course, as soon as possible meant the next flight out on Tuesday evening. He said he couldn't guarentee it, but if one of us came back at 3:00 PM, it might be done. If not, it should be done on Tuesday. We loved that answer and with smiles on our faces, we packed up our stuff and were walking out the door at around 9:00 AM.



In the taxi back to the hotel, we decided to take a detour and head to the Ethiopian Airlines Office in downtown Nairobi to see what the Tuesday evening flight looked like. We were taking a chance because in an e-mail from our ticket agent, we found out that the Tuesday flight was full, but that some cancellations could happen. We found out that the Tuesday flight had 3 seats open, so we grabbed them. Laura went to the US Embassy this afternoon, and was back by 4:00 p.m. with Gabriella's visa in hand. So, as of now we are planning on checking out of the hotel Tuesday morning, heading to the airport in the afternoon, flying for a very long time and arriving at Dulles Wednesday morning. Now we just need to know what to do with ourselves for the next 22 hours and 28 minutes (and even less by the time you read this), but who is counting.


We had a great reason for making this trip, but it really has been an exhausting adventure. We have met alot of very nice people from around the world and swapped stories with them all. We wish we could have done more site-seeing, but with not knowing what would happen next, we just couldn't plan much. We are hoping to return to Africa within the next couple of years with the whole family and then see some Africa we did not get see this time.