Oh man - today was a great day!
We went to the bank at 8:00AM when the guard from yesterday told us to. When we got there, he said we will need to wait in the car until 8:30AM. Then he got permission to let us sit in the bank lobby. There we sat...8:45AM, 9:00AM, 9:15AM, 9:30AM....(the visa appointment was to start at 9AM) We kept seeing the guard walk back and forth past the lobby door and each time he would motion for us to keep waiting and smile. Finally, at 9:00AM the bank director came into the lobby. He realized I spoke English and started to speak to me in perfect English and asked me about Imara's situation. I showed him pictures and explained what had happened including finally getting the passport yesterday after the bank was closed. He was horrified and kept asking how could anyone do this to a child? He told me the woman that does the U.S. visa fee processing only works Monday/Wednesday/Friday, but he would try his best to make it happen. Ten minutes later he was walking back with my payment receipt! Additionally, he sat back down by me and asked for more information on the organization that is helping Imara because he said there are so many children that need help - whether getting medical care inside or outside of Congo - and he wanted to help! He walked us all the way outside through the gate of the bank and walked up to the guard and said the guard was who we needed the thank - he absolutely insisted the bank director meet with us. The bank director said God is good as we were leaving and that He will take care of it for us. Isn't that the truth?
Then, we ran back over to the U.S. Embassy where they let us in! The Consular reviewed Imara's paperwork and needed to confirm her injuries. After he saw her back, leg, and mouth, the said he couldn't believe someone would do this to a child. He said all of her paperwork was in order and approved her medical visa!! We pick it up tomorrow at 3:00PM!
Next step is an exit letter! This is no easy feat - even the consular warned that again today. As soon as we get Imara's documents tomorrow afternoon, they are being taken over to DGM (Congolese immigration authorities). Then, I am hoping to meet with the Minister of Gender and Family who has offered to help provide their support into DGM showing the humanitarian urgency of the situation. The following morning we hope to meet with the Minister of Health who will hopefully also help provide their support for Imara's case at DGM.
Right now in Congo, DGM has suspended all exit letters for adopted children - this is why the getting the exit letter is so problematic. Imara has not been adopted - she was just abandoned about 3 weeks ago. That is why the other Ministries are offering their support to clearly demonstrate this is a humanitarian case. We hope and pray the DGM officials will review her case quickly and go ahead and issue the exit letter. We are up for another big day tomorrow!
So overjoyed to read this update!! Prayers answered! I pleaded with the Lord for a miracle today and our big awesome God loves this precious child so much!! Our whole family is praying hard and won't stop! Praying for her pain to go away and miraculous healing. Praising God for all your work Keela, keep fighting the good fight!
ReplyDeleteI saw your blog b/c a friend had posted a link on facebook. We are a medical family living in rural southwest rwanda. My husband is a surgeon at Kibogora hospital. I know you are trying to get Imara's exit visa, and I pray you do! But if you need any medical attention in the meantime, we are fairly easy to access from Congo. We are only a 20 minute boatride from Iidjwi (no border checks). And a 2 hour drive from Bukavu, if you can get across the border that way. We also have a good friend who lives in Bukavu who has connections and I am fairly sure he could help you get a visa at least into Rwanda, if not the exit visa. My email is bergfamilyafrica@gmail.com and our blog is www.bergfamilyafrica.blogspot.com. My name is Linda Berg. We would be happy to help in any way we can.
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