In which the preparations continue...
So everyone tells you about preparing for the baby. No one tells you about how you pay for the big adventure.
It is a fact commonly understood that Corporate America prepares poorly for the international adoption of a baby. Don't get me wrong. People couldn't be kinder, more generous or more excited. Robin has already had a co-worker shower and we have been, frankly, shocked by the generosity of her colleagues. (My work friends have been forbidden to bring gifts for fear of jinxing the adoption.)
That said, our travel dates sneak up on us like a thief and everyone acts surprised. "You know I'm gone soon, right?" became the motto for the month. If I had a nickel for every time I've said it... well, I could maybe buy a couple of cheeseburgers.
So in between the year-end reviews and project de-briefs sent to the poor souls covering for us, we're working on the last of our travel preparations. We had a call on Tuesday with Donna, our adoption coordinator.
Money? Check!
Birth certificate, visa and marriage license? Check, check and check!
Password?
...Beg your pardon?
Yes, there will be a password when we arrive in Almaty. I was hoping for "The eagle flies alone" or "The fat man wears blue." No such luck. Apparently the local cab drivers have figured out the adoption process and started conning the new parental hopefuls into taking (quite expensive) rides around town. Hence, we now have a password to make sure we hook up with an agency sponsored driver who will take us straight to where we want to go.
A password. How much fun is that?
Whether it's the co-worker who asks you "How cold is it in Siberia?" or the unexpected item on a checklist, the little surprises keep reminding you:
"We're going away to someplace really different. Cool."
The reading continues. We promised a few days ago to offer a link to the Peace Corps site we discovered. We finally heard from Mr. Giordano-- nice guy. He gave us a phone number and offered to hang out with us in Kokshetau. He didn't exactly give permission to link to his blog, but we've promised to pull the connection if he objects. Until then, take a minute to read his entries. He's a terrific writer and, when it comes to real life in our new son's native city, he offers an amazing perspective. Be sure you catch the entry on "strange things I've eaten."
