Monday June 18th 2007
Today the Giving and Receiving ceremony was held at the Binh Duong Provincial Department of Justice. It was presided over by two ladies from the People's Committee. Also present were the Orphanage Director and the Catholic priest who run the orphanage. It wasn't very ceremonial. Essentially we signed the documents finalizing the Vietnamese adoption. We are now the legal parents in the eyes of the Vietnamese government. This is the first step in getting Frances home. Now we must meet the requirements of the US government and obtain a Visa which essentially gives her permission to travel to the USA. In order for a US Visa to be issued Frances will require a Vietnamese passport and a satisfactory medical checkup. Crystal and I must then interview with an INS official here in Ho Chi Minh City. If the INS approves our petition it will be off to Hanoi for a visit to the US Embassy where the Visa will be issued. The purpose of the INS interview is to ensure that there was legal and ethical in keeping with US Immigration Law. If all goes smoothly this week we will be in Hanoi on Monday.
There is another family from the same agency here this week. It is nice to have someone here we can share this experience with. I think it is making it easier on all of us. We plan on spending time together seeing the city and maybe some areas outside the city as we wait for the process to unfold.
We will continue to update as things happen and time permits.
Bye for now
The LeGallos
3 comments:
Mom is thinking of both of you. Just wants to give you some motherly advice, like take turns with Frances, to give the other one a break if she's crying. Soothe and hold her is all she needs. Mom is teary eyed because she wants to be there with you. You will make wonderful parents. Can't wait to hear from you.
oh my heavens. thanks for the great pictures. you make a wonderful happy family. love the look on franks face..is he proud or what. have been putting up updates each day here at work on the board for everyone to see. everyone likes reading your posts. take care.
cindy
Thanks Cindy!
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