Well, we were busy again today, but part of it was because of the stress of trying to go to Belgium prior to returning to the United States. I went to the Belgian Embassy here in Moscow immediately after our coordinator returned from the US Embassy with an appointment time. The appointment time was for 2:00 at window 7 on the 2nd floor of the Embassy. We went to the Belgian Embassy and of course the woman with all the paperwork was not in the office. I had to re-explain everything to the visa official who spoke only broken English, finally after 30 minutes of frustration, they understood what I needed and explained that I needed three passport photos and 900 rubles. Luckily I had 900 rubles on me, but we had to rush to get the photos since the Embassy is only open from 9:30 – 12:30 and it was 11:00. I rushed out to the car with Ally and explained to the translator that we needed to get photos immediately. She knew of a place close by that would be able to do them so I rushed over there and paid 120 rubles for four passport pictures and he had them ready in less than 3 minutes and we rushed back to the Belgian Embassy. I arrived back and re-explained everything to the “official” Visa approving official and had a lengthy discussion as to why Ally only needed a “transit” visa if we were stationed there. After explaining everything again and assuring them that I would be taking her to the US shortly after stopping in Belgium, then she would be getting a US passport and would not need the Russian passport or the Visa any longer, he agreed to work the issue. He told me that I had to leave her passport, but I explained that I could not do that because I needed it at the US Embassy at 2:00 to get her US Visa for entry into the US, he took a photocopy. I am to return tomorrow in the morning and see if they have it done otherwise I have to return on Wed morning. I pleaded with them to be done tomorrow so that I could leave tomorrow evening after going to the Russian Consulate for registration. (I hope, I would love to be out of here!!)
At 1:30 we went to the American Embassy for processing the Visa and to get her immigration packet for the US. With the protestors and the war, there was very tight security, but it was fairly easy to get inside as long as you had a US passport and the paper stating that you had an appointment. We had to show the passport and invitation to the guards outside the embassy, and then once again to the security guard inside the embassy. There were the typical metal detectors, and then I walked around almost a complete horseshoe and came to the exit. I asked the guard where the 2nd floor was and he went up about five steps to a platform and stated that the platform was the second floor. It looked like a raised floor to me, but what do I know. I went up there and waited by window 7, immediately behind me a family from Wisconsin with a 7 month old baby came in and then the crowds came fast and furious. I was first in line so I turned in my paper and was told to move to the waiting room to the left. I went and sat down expecting a long wait, but was almost immediately called to a window. The woman behind the glass was from Newark and she was very nice, friendly and helpful. She explained everything, talked about the process of entering the US and explained that as soon as Ally sets foot on US soil, she is a citizen and gave a packet with the application for a US passport so that we can immediately apply for a US passport. She explained that once she has the US passport, that will give proof of citizenship so that we can get her a social security number and it will make it easier to ensure that the social security administration lists her as a citizen. They state that the process at JFK will probably take around 45 minutes to complete and I am not to open the sealed envelope and not to allow anyone else to open the sealed envelope. They administered an oath to ensure I was telling the truth, and then signed everything, had me sign a document about the immigration, a log book stating that I received the Visa, and handed me the visa, the envelope and stated their congratulations and wishes for a good flight home. Many of the families that were there were going to the Russian Consulate immediately after the Embassy for the registration and were leaving that night, our agency set it up so that we visit the Russian consulate tomorrow rather than today. I would have preferred today because then I would just need the Belgian visa and I would be out of here.. I would have worked on it on Friday if I knew I was leaving on Monday.. but unfortunately I am still here for another day, possibly two. I am ready to go home, the hotel life is not for me and I can’t take it any more. I am ready for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and tall glass of “drinkable” milk rather than the box milk that is used here..YUCK. Another family I was talking too at the Embassy said that they wanted a PB and J as well. J Guess we are all ready to go home.
