Literally... all day

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Yesterday was a day.


We had an Immigration appointment to renew our Visas.  In the past, this was a relatively easy thing to do.  BASIS took care of the paperwork and appointment and we got a ride, presented ourselves, got our stamps, and that was it.


Unfortunately, due to changes of personnel at BASIS, the department is being run by new people.  The advocate we had yesterday was in her 2nd day at the job. 


We knew NONE of this when we packed up and headed out.  We planned on 2-2.5 hours of travel time and 1-2 hours at Immigration.  It turned into 4 hours of transport and 8 hours at Immigration.  


Needless to say, we would have packed and planned our day differently had we know.  


So, it was a long day and then today was a busy day as J and I both had therapy sessions this morning (hers 0800-0900, mine 0915-1015) and then J headed in to start setting up her classroom and prepping for the year, which is 12 days away.


We teamworked our way through it and made it work, yesterday.  I’m glad I had J with me and I know she was glad to have me.  We could tag team Kiddo and when she was chill, we could toss the iPad at her and she fell into shows a bit.  This morning, however, she was bursting to play.  We both made time for her and then she has Nanny Beer this afternoon, so she is getting ALL the wiggles out.


It was an experience, I’ll give it that much.  We survived it, obviously.  It was just a bit of a disappointment to have the whole day like that without warning.  It was one of those expat things that happens.  You roll with it and life moves on.  End of the day, we all got our visas and can stay for the next year…. Hopefully, without needing another visit to immigration; not that the next journey will be smoother or easier, it may just be different or at a different country’s immigration, but that’s still a year off and we have a lot planned before then.


Let’s go, Kiddo… we made it through yesterday, mostly because you are the best, most patient, easiest to travel with Kiddo in the world.  We love you for that and for being you.  Let’s make sure we offset the long bad day with play and fun day.

Outside immigration office



Just the waiting part


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