This is so frustrating.  Our hands are tied.  I'm just sitting here in this rented apartment waiting to see when and if Interpol US will decide to cooperate with Interpol here and do a background check on us.  The adoption coordinator at the embassy here let me know that the problem lies with Interpol US, by the way.  They don't want to do a background check on us because we've already had one done by USCIS, apparently.  The embassy says that what will probably happen is that Interpol here will make a report for the court, even without their cooperation.  The problem is that their report will say that they tried, but were unsuccessful in obtaining our records.  Could they any more clearly say, "Judge, this family has not complied with our law?"  PLLEEEEEEASE!!!  The judge has no other reason to deny our adoption, but almost certainly will do so if we try to go to court without the Interpol clearance. 

This problem with Interpol's non-cooperation will affect EVERY American adoptive couple who comes to this country any time soon!  We simply have the dubious distinction of being the first ones our facilitator has had to deal with.

I don't know what else to do.  I have contacted Senator David Vitter's office, and left messages for Senator Mary Landrieu's and Congressman Steve Scalise's offices to request assistance.  Can you imagine that THIS weekend anything is going to get done?  How about Monday?  What about Mardi Gras week?

GRRRRRRRRRR...

David and Tyler tried to save some money (almost $200!) and ride in the van (instead of on the train) with our facilitator and friends back to the airport, but the ride was too uncomfortable.  When they were about 15 minutes out of town, David asked them to bring him back to the apartment so he can take the train tomorrow.  Poor David!  He is really hurting this evening, but he says it's his back and not from his surgery.  It's 7 degrees Fahrenheit right now, with a 20 mph wind -- frigid cold!

David finally was able to travel to the orphanage to see Kolya yesterday!  That was really cool.  Kolya was excited to see David.  He is very afraid that I am going to leave with Tyler and David this weekend and not return for him. Poor baby!  He's so sweet -- wants lots of hugs.

I want a snack.  Something sweet.  Hmmmm...