News seems to be coming faster than expected right now. To follow up on the last report, our EP (well, Cooper's EP) has been submitted to the Korean government. We thought for sure it would be a couple more weeks for that part of the process, followed by the approval, Visa application, etc. which would have put us some time in May. So then the question goes out as far as long it takes to get the approval, get notified of such, obtain Cooper's visa, and then be prepared to leave. Normal time frame for approval runs about 4 weeks, f/b another 1-2 weeks for Visa application and approval, f/b another 1-2 weeks in preparation for travel before the actual travel call. This would fit in with our thoughts of travel some time in May.
**CAVEAT** Word directly from the director of the NJ Branch of Holt is that they have now been averaging approval within 2 weeks of submission, f/b approx 1 week to apply for and obtain visa, and 1 more week to prepare for travel. Then the travel call goes out and off we go.
WAIT A MINUTE.... you mean to tell me that we could be traveling within the month.. some time toward the middle to end of April!?!?!? That is certainly ahead of our schedule. I see it as both good and bad. Bad in the sense that with everything we have done, are we still ready to do this in such a short period of time. And of course it exponentially raises the 'travel nerves' level quickly. ON the OTHER hand, if the amount of time is cut shorter, we have less time to dwell pn being nervous for travel. And BEST of ALL, we get to meet up with our littel boy that much sooner.
So, here we go... I know I posed this question before with the concept of absolutely no idea when we would be traveling. However, now that we are narrowing the travel window to end of April - first week of May, is there any interest in taking a once in a lifetime trip? I have been skimming through a bunch of travel guides and websites and I am starting to get excited about going. There seems like so much to see and do....and interesting things to eat and drink. We'll have to see how that goes..... Anyway, I know I asked with the understanding that most people cannot just up and go, but I figured once again you don't know unless you ask.
However, questions do arise about travel.... I do think we may get some special rates for airfare and lodging based on the adoption, but cannot be certain. Does anyone have knowledge or 'connections' to either Skypartners with Korean Air (I think Delta, Continental may be)? Possibly more important and possibly more reasonable would be any connections with the lodging aspect of things... points or special deals at Marriott, Hyatt, etc. Any and all suggestions or information will be accepted.. just post here or e-mail where I can check things out.
***BTW - the Korean currency is the Won in case you were wondering what in the hell the headline meant.
Changing gears...
Who else is scared about the direction things are going...? I know my mother will give me an 'I told you so..', but I have certainly taken to talking to higher powers about things going on in this world. I absolutely think that any aggression toward Iran would be significantly worse than the Iraq War. I understand that we are continuing to have problems and issues with Iraq and our occupation, but I certinaly think that any US presence in Iran would be absolute DOOM. The Iranian people do NOT want us there.. I think basically they are happy with their current situation/ government unlike the Iraqi people (at least the majority who feared for their lives), they are better prepared, and let's face it, are better equipped.
All I can say now is that I hope I am wrong and am just reading things into this news report. And God knows that the 'news' will adapt and mold information any way they can to make us believe whatever liberal BS they are trying to sling. OK...soapbox alert, but I hate the media outlets. I think they try to manipulate us a whole so that we have a hard time trying to separate fact from fiction.
OK, let's bring it back..... News on Cooper.. faster than expected, but all good. Let's hope we get to meet him soon and get him home.
Annyeonghi Kaseyo
S
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