Ukraine Adoption

T.G.I. Monday?

There was a big crowd outside the Consulate's Office of the U.S. Embassy on this sunny Monday morning. These people were most likely waiting to get visas for the U.S. We could cut in front of all of them, Natasha said, because adoptions take priority. Natasha is not allowed inside the embassy; she and the driver always wait in the car nearby. I pushed my way through, clutching Tara in one arm and a folder of documents in the other. My U.S. passport was like gold; officials led us through the security checkpoint and to the adoption office. People in lines inside were staring at us. I tried not to make eye contact. I didn't see any other children. An older lady asked me to fill out her form for her, but I could not read the Ukrainian language.

At the adoption section, I pushed the stack of paperwork -- Tara's original birth certificate, her new one with her new name, the court decree, and several US documents that John and I had signed--across the counter under the glass, like a bank. They knew my name well; I have called many times and the FBI had contacted them about my fingerprints. My prints were cleared late Friday(!) they told me, but they had not received the clearance on John's yet!

They proceeded with the visa process anyway in hopes that the state department in Moscow (don't ask) would respond to their e-mail inquiry about John's fingerprints taken in the U.S. last week. The official interviewed me, as is the process, asking how much I knew about Tara's past, how long we had to stay in Ukraine (both times) and whether I realized she would retain her Ukrainian citizenship (as well as US) until she is 18.

With the paperwork and interview completed and the fee paid, I shlepped out of the embassy with plans to call them back at 1 pm to check on John's prints. I had high hopes.

At 10 minutes to 1 pm, I called and they said, "His prints cleared. You are all set. The visa will be ready at 4 pm."

We're coming home tomorrow!

(Tara in my shoes)