Good Thing #1: The strike is over! Late tonight an agreement was reached between the government and the judicial union.
Good Thing #2: Today, we received provisional approval from immigration. Past the lockbox, past Officer Bethany's Desk, an now on it's way to to the US Embassy in Bogota.
Good Thing #3: We successfully went to Chicago to visit the Colombian Consulate for Visas. We left really early on Sunday morning and spent the day in Chicago. Monday, we had our appointments with a tiny tense moment (license we had from FANA was expired, but FANA was closed for a holiday), but the nice folks at the Consulate worked with us and we now have our visas! I want to thank everyone who helped us when we were standing in line at the Consulate - Marcia, Julie, Sarah... it's amazing in this age of iPhones and technology that we can pass documents between states and countries in a manner of seconds.
Down-right Confusing Thing: FANA said the US Embassy in Bogota is not giving anyone final approvals with the courts out of commission. One would think now that the strike is over, this would no longer be a problem. But the one thing I learned is that I need to just chill out and see what happens. Prayers that the system starts up again without any delay and we can travel next week. If we don't, even missing a few days, might result in us having to wait to travel until January.
Uggghhh...
Now for some pictures of our trip to Chicago!
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| Finally figured out how to pay for fare on CTA when all credit card machines were broken and we had to scrape for small bills and change. Money orders? We had those, but no singles. |
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| Pretty sure our coffees were almost gone by this point. 6:25 AM flight means very little sleep. |
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| On our way to the Art Institute stopped to examine 2-story lips. Often art is lost on me. |
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| Andy's first time at the Art Institute. Obligatory lion picture. |
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| Meanwhile, with Grandma and Grandpa, Lucy was having a rough time... |
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| And we have VISAS! |
Please, please give them the go ahead for travel! Ahhh...I remember the nerve racking days of El Tiempo (also thanks to Google Translate) back in '08. Checking in multiple times a day for strike updates, and sharing snippets of knowledge (or confusion) gained. So frustrating the process of becoming united is beyond challenging. However, we are all so excited for the moment when Josie turns that corner into the green room to meet her family! You're almost there!
ReplyDeleteHeather
That is great that the strike is over! Congratulations on your provisional approval! We hope that you get to travel this year! We so know your pain of the unknown...and trying to explain to your 4 year old why you haven't left yet and aren't sure when...
ReplyDeleteThat is great you have your visas...one more thing to check off the list! Good luck!
Soon you will be united with your sweet baby girl!
Matt, Sarah, Noah & Maya