Meeting with other families in HCMC

Cameron & Kelly and Tammy (whose husband wasn't able to travel but is waiting back home) had their G&R last Wednesday before we got back. We spent four pleasant days visiting with them--see their blog at www.xanga.com/journeytomia. Yesterday they had their consulate visit. It had been stressful for some other families in the past, but things went very smoothly. The agency representative quickly arranged their flights to Hanoi and they flew out last night.

It was really nice to have other families to visit with, and they had actually seen Henry and passed on the photos they took to me. Tammy had taken a video so I got my first live glimpse of him moving around and interacting with others.

I'm glad things have moved ahead so smoothly, it's a good omen for the progression of my case. My understanding is that the DIA in Hanoi claims they sent the paperwork to the province but the province has not yet received it. There is some doubt whether the DIA actually did send it, we just have to wait and see. They drag their feet and I'm not sure if they are expecting an "expedite fee" or if they are legitimately swamped with work or if it was sent and just got delayed in the mail. If they are expecting an extra payment they won't get it--we can't pay anything over here--it is against the rules of the US side of the immigration and I won't do anything improper--not that it's been suggested by anyone to do so.

We are hoping the other two families that are expected to have the G&R with me will be told to travel in just a few days. There is still the possibility that all can be wrapped up before my fingerprints expire.