Today was something of a repeat of Wednesday. We pretty much spent the day waiting by the phone to find out if and when we could go to the US consulate for our interview.

Ellie called at noon to say the officer was “most busy” and they told her to call again at 2:00. She called shortly after 2:00 to say that they were still too busy and she should call again at 3:00. At 2:45 she called and said that the consulate just called her and we should be there at 3:45. We were not sure how long it would take to get there so grabbed our already-packed bags and ran downstairs to get a taxi. We ended up being about 20 minutes early and were told that we had to go back downstairs to wait (the immigration office is on the eight floor of Diamond Plaza, a big shopping center) because we were early and there was no room inside. It seemed from what the guard said, Ellie had already been there and been sent back downstairs. But then for whatever reason, the guard said that we could go inside. There was a big waiting room with two other people in it – so much for no room to wait! About five minutes later, Ellie appeared. She was in a fluster because she did not see us downstairs. We must have passed in the elevator. We waited until about 4:15 before Mom and I were called into the room with the officer. She reviewed our home study and asked questions about our agency and the orphanage.

So, another step is done. Our next official stop is in Hanoi to get Georgia’s visa. We are looking forward to relaxing this weekend and being able to get out and see some of the city!

I have to say again how amazing the people here are and how loving they are towards children. Everywhere we go in the hotel the staff come up to say hi to Georgia and ask all about her. At the consulate, the security guard at the door offered us water and suggestions to help to cure Georgia’s hiccups! The cab drivers all turn to smile at her and even young men on the street say hello to her. It’s just great!