US Embassy in Lima

There are so many details of this trip that have worked out so perfectly in unexpected ways it is impossible not to find it a divine blessing.

Starting at 4:30 am on Monday.

So, I am a seasoned traveler, but usually by myself. Richard and I did travel for a month together in Peru Oct of 2008, but still....I forget that that was the first time he had flown and that he really is still learning it all. I also forgot that he takes longer to get ready than I do. So, when I said we had to be there at 5:25, I thought I said the gate, but it meant nothing to him. He thought I meant the airport. So, when I realize it's 510 and we still have to get a taxi to the airport 10 minutes away....the day started stressfully. However, it is a small airport. We got there at 5:25 (with our tickets printed) and gave them the luggage, had it inspected by customs, paid the airport tax, made it to security, waited 10 minutes and boarded to Lima. No problem...haha. Anyway, we arrive and are walking to the baggage claim and my leg is hurting, I bend over to touch it and see that it's all swollen. I felt off on the flight, which was only 90 minutes. It has been hot and humid and I think I havent been drinking enough and then the pressure and pregnancy....so yea. good times.

The amazing thing is the small details that changed, without our doing it, that made the day possible. The flight was changed from 7 to 6am. The embassy appt changed to 10am. So that meant that we had time to take a taxi to his brother Juan's and drop off the bags and then get to the embassy. We got there with 10 extra minutes. Lima is a huge city with lots of suburbs. It can take over an hour to get somewhere. Anyway, we get there and have time to get a better photo taken and then we each enter the embassy through separate gates. I went to the American Services section and he went to the visa solicitation side at 9:30.

I got everything I need to declare the birth and get a SS card and passport for the baby and such. Then I go wait at the DHL spot outside to wait...and wait....and tear up...and wait and talk to random strangers waiting and wonder and pray. It was a crazy 2 hours. Yes, two hours of wondering what and how and how to feel and how to react. Finally, I see him and then I can't look at him. Is it good? Is it bad? Do I want to know. He says, Yes. I got it and I fall apart. In front of about 35 people waiting at DHL to make their arrangements to get their visa. I mean sobbing. So instead of rejoicing and celebrating poor Richard had to console me. "Are you okay? Should I get some water?" It was at least 5 minutes. People are wondering. Is it good. Is it bad. What a husband I have. He hates emotion in public so I know it wasnt easy for him, but he was so sweet. It was just such a relief. After all we have been through. The waiting over. Holding it together and it was a Yes! I mean.....it was too much. I still don't like the system, but they did the right thing in this instance and praise God from whom all blessings flow......we can be a family and visit my country, my city, my friends and family. It is a really big thing and I think I am still in shock.