We received I800 approval yesterday which means U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has approved our application to classify a convention adoptee as an immediate relative, in other words we’re cleared to bring Mr. T through US Immigration.  This approval will now be sent to the Embassy in Bangkok so his visa can processed and he can leave Thailand.  Next week I will call to make sure the Embassy has received the approval and that is the final piece of paperwork we need to do before leaving.  After NVC confirms receipt we are in the CLEAR!

Ack and I went out for ‘fancy hipster margaritas’ tonight and talked about all the things we need to do, and pack before we leave.  We will visit Ack’s family for 5 days in Roi Et and we asked his mom what to bring them as gifts.  She said ‘old clothes.’  This doesn’t seem like much of a gift to me, but she insisted that is what they will like best.  The northeastern half of Thailand referred to as Isan or Isaan, is hotter and poorer than most of Thailand and has no coastline.  Most people farm the land and live simple lives.  We visited over 10 years ago and I wonder how much this region has changed.  One thing I can say is that the welcome we received and level of hospitality was incomparable.  Our hosts gave us the best of everything, even killing their last scrawny chicken so we could have a nice dinner.  I have many fond memories of our last trip and I expect this trip will be just as memorable, if not just as hot.  We went in April, the hottest month of the year and here we are returning in March.

We are gathering a bunch of things to bring as gifts and I think we’re going to have to buy new, larger suitcases.   I would like to help out Ack’s relatives because I feel we live such a privileged life here and take so much for granted.  His aunt/uncle had a nice house compared to many, but no running water, appliances, telephone, or internet.  These are the things that don’t make your life happier, just a bit easier.  Amidst what I would consider deprivation, they were kind, happy and content.  (At least it seemed that way to me.)  I wish I could fill my suitcase full of things they need and want.

It’s hard for me to concentrate on work these days, but I will be working up until the day we board the plane.  Tomorrow is the last day I volunteer with the kids at the Head Start program and I will miss those little monsters.  They have taught me a lot about what makes a toddler tick over the past 5 months and I’ve seen some sad, shocking things.  But seeing these kids who may be hurting is probably good practice for me.  I’m not such a newbie anymore.  Less than 2 weeks to go!