Finally, one full week after submitting our paperwork to the U.S. embassy, they approved our case and called to say that they were ready to issue a visa for Shanti. I can now breathe a huge sigh of relief. The embassy was _very_ thorough; thorough to the point of visiting the orphanage, and in some cases interviewing personel at the police station that issued the report of abandoned child. I suppose it is a good thing for them to be so meticulous at evaluating the information regarding our child….but it still is nervewracking.
So now the government of Nepal and the government of the United States both recognize Shanti as our daughter. This was the last big hurdle. We’re coming home baby!
Unfortunately our airline doesn’t have any flights out of Kathmandu until Friday. So tomorrow morning we head out to Nagarkot for some peace and quiet. Then Friday we head home! This has been a long 3 ½ weeks away from our boys. We miss them dearly.
Congratulations and thank you again for more helpful information. I do have a few more questions if you have time (If not, I understand). I put a financial budget together since the beginning of the adoption process, among many items, I would appreciate your input on some costs to be incurred in Kathmandu, I budgeted them as follow:
ReplyDeleteNepal VISA Fee $200 for both of us
Hotel $2,310 ($110 * 21 nights, breakfast included)
Airfare $5,000 (LAX-KAT include round trip for us and one way for the child)
Meals in Nepal $420 ($20 * 21 days)
Sightseeing in Kathmandu $400 in total (Assuming we don't have much time for tourism)
Gift for orphans and caregivers $200 in total (We also will bring some from US)
US VISA for the child $400
Medical Exam for the child $115
Please let me know if I budgeted the above items reasonably. Another question: Did you incur any unexpected fees while in Kathmandu?
Thank you in advance. Congratulations again!
Congratulations, Teryl!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a smooth trip back home. The boys will be so excited to meet Shanti! More emotions to come. Thank you for sharing your trip with us.
ReplyDeleteRenata