Delhi May 4, 2011

     We are getting close to finally coming home! Marcus arrived back in Delhi safely with Sajel's passport on Sunday night. Monday we relaxed. Tuesday we had our Doctor's appointment for medical clearance. They would NOT accept the TB test from the Bangalore hospital :(  I almost had a mental breakdown, but I held it together and spoke strongly to the doctor about how upset I was. He did become quite nice and said he would make sure to sign our medical clearance asap on Thursday so we could take it straight to the Embassy. Then, he asked if we had the waiver form for immunizations. What? Apparently, you can get a notarized form waiving immunizations until you return to the states. This is available only from the Embassy. Guess how many shots poor Sajel had to have? SIX! The doctor gave the shots himself and Sajel screamed and screamed. She then reached for Marcus and let him hold her for awhile (I was the evil lady holding her down for the shots). When we spoke with another family (using the same adoption agency) they knew about the waiver because the agency gave them the information. Needless to say, there has been zero consistency or help from our agency. ARGGHHHH.  As soon as we left, Sajel was fine. She had no fever and didn't act any different. We attempted to contact the Embassy to change our appointment- with no luck. So, we went for our appointment this am and made it through the initial line and were directed to the immigrant line. One person told us to go to the US citizen line and then we were told to go back to the immigrant line. At this point, I'm getting a tiny bit angry. We make it through another security check and someone gave us a number. When we told her what we were there for, she directed us to window #26. Down a walkway and through some doors and finally we see window #1. So we made our way all the way to the other end to find window #26 and were told to wait until our number is called. I was looking around realizing that I am at the US Embassy with an appointment, waiting for my number to be called (which wasn't even close) and I am a US citizen. This doesn't seem right. Luckily, Marcus went to another window and told them what we were there for and they took his papers and sent him to pay. This took a few minutes- there was a sign that read "I am on break and will be back shortly". Marcus and I were cracking up! It was 9am! A break already? Finally, we paid and were called to a window very shortly after. The man was very kind and we explained about the TB test and when our flight was leaving. He told us to bring the clearance tomorrow so they could get our visa issued! Wooohoooo!
     We came back to the hotel and had breakfast  buffet in the dining room. They told us it was complimentary with our room and I thought Marcus' eyes would pop out of his head! Free breakfast??? We have been paying for food when free food was available??? I am afraid he will prolong our stay to take advantage of the free buffet. Please- can everyone convince him it's time to come home? :)
     Looking forward to seeing everyone very soon.......Love, Sajel's Mom