Weather, Packing, and Lists

As it turns out, I guess it isn't quite Spring yet in Ust-Kamenogorsk. We thought we were in the clear, and we are thrilled to think of traveling without boots and heavy coats. But, then I checked the most recent weather forecast, and what greeted me was a picture of a cloud with snow flakes. Yikes. We've had a brief visit again from Winter in Cincinnati, but I just sucked it up and kept wearing my spring coat any way. But ... snow?! We will likely miss this particular cold front, but how confident can we be that it will be Spring from that point forward? I'm going to obsessively check the weather (and reports from Matt and Suz) between now and Friday, but as of this point, I think it will be "Spring coat" plus "gloves and scarf" and "lots of layering clothes." Boots are out regardless. I am sooooo done with winter.

It is looking highly likely that the Visas will arrive, but until they are in our hands, we can't be sure. Supposedly they will be shipped from DC on Tuesday, and since we provided a paid, self-addressed FedEx envelope, we should be able to track the return shipment. We still don't know where we are staying, or whether or not we are flying to the region the same day we arrive into Almaty, or perhaps the next day. Given that I'm a planner by nature, not having details such as these a mere four days before leaving the country has me WAY outside of my comfort zone. I think this must be all part of the secret master plan intended to prepare PAPs for the fact that they are about to enter opposite world which will continue right into parenthood.

We have one added piece of anxiety-inducing stress, and that is that our home study agency license will expire while we are in Kaz. Of course, the Ohio licensing agency is not interested in issuing the renewed license until the last minute. So, we are awaiting a letter that says that the license "will be renewed." How is it that we had to submit dozens of extraodinarily detailed and official documents, notarized and apostilled and analyzed for every smudge, blue ink, or crooked photocopy, only to get to this point and a "letter" that says "something will happen" is good enough? Yet another mystery built into that master plan to ensure we are better prepared for all that is to come.

Supposedly, the letter will come notarized and already county certified (the extra step required in Ohio if the notary is not an attorney). That document, along with new medicals, new doctor licenses, and a few extra passport copies, still all have to be apostilled. Glenn plans to drive to Columbus on Wednesday to complete that task, provided we have the home study letter by then. If not, then there is always Thursday. Or Friday.

Tonight’s tasks: Figure out how to download DVDs to our ITunes so that we don’t have to carry a bunch of DVDs with us (thank you, Lani and Joe, for loaning us dozens!!!), and prepare fact sheets for neighbors and house sitters. And, GET SOME SLEEP. Easier said than done.

Thanks for following along.