This was the last day we had a chance that the USCIS would call us for an interview before their government offices would close for another five days. After our breakfast we got help from the BCGH to find the Thai Immigration Bureau. There we filled out the application and went across the street to get pictures taken of ourselves and staple our documents together at a business center. Then we went back and waited our turn to go up and request another 30 day extension to our visas. Unfortunately, they stamp "Denied" in our passports, but did give us a courtesy 7 day extension so that instead of expiring on Jan. 7th they would now expire on Jan. 14th. But, we still had to pay the full $110 fee just like for the 30 day extension. After that we went back to our guest house. We spent the rest of the day swimming and hanging out in our neighborhood. This was only Penny's second time of swimming. It was certainly a lesson in trust. We were so glad that another adoptive family told us that we could walk to the Swiss Hotel just two doors down from our guest house and pay a fee to enable us to swim at their pool all day. It was interesting swimming in a pool up on the roof over their dining room, right next to other high rise buildings. As we imagined, we never did get that phone call that we had hoped for. It was a good thing that we had changed our airline tickets. I tried embedding a video about the hotel where we went swimming here, but it didn't work. Instead, I'll post some pictures of the department store where we always went to go shopping and eating.
Wednesday, Dec. 31st, 2008
We got an e-mail warning from the state department asking us to be very careful in Bangkok and not to join large gatherings for New Year's eve due to heightened danger of violence. So, we decided to take it easy and lay low in our own little neighborhood once again. We mostly did things like playing card games, watch t.v. and Penny played with kids at our guest house. The sad part for her was that the friendships that she formed there couldn't last long as the kids always had to leave, eventually. But, she was a true gem. Ever since she saw her parents breaking down crying, she seemed to understand more of our love and her whole outlook seemed to change. It was like she understood that we were not holding her captive but truly wanted her to be a part of our family. On this day at the internet cafe she typed her first ever e-mail message. It took her a very long time, but she was very patient and persistent. She would not give up until she got it right. We were already seeing that she definitely had some very good character traits that would serve her well for the big transition coming up; to learn a whole new language and culture. Here are some pictures of our neighborhood.
You may notice a red Chinese looking roof in some of the photos. That is of a small Chinese temple located between our guest house and the department store that we would visit everyday. On New Year's eve at midnight we heard thousands of firecrackers going off down the street at the temple.
1 comments:
Hey Chandra,
Thank you for this post of your trip two years ago. It is a blessing to "meet" you and your family. I am so glad you were able to adopt Penny and thank you for your comments to my blog. I appreciate your honesty and view of life. I am sorry my blog was difficult for you to read and thank you for reminding me to be sensitive to others. I praise the Lord for the ways He works in our hearts. Isn't it amazing how our God places all of us into families? He gives us all the desires of HIS heart. Thank you for your loving example. I love the pictures of Thailand too!!!
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