Monday Details

Okay, so now that we have the frustrating news out of the way, we can carry on. Right?

The day began as all others have since we left, with me blow-drying the underwear I washed out the night before. I am SO looking forward to having a washing machine again!

With no visit this morning, I had lots of free time. I used some of it to laze in bed, making book notes - a most welcome distraction.After a shower and breakfast I went for a long walk along the canal that runs through town, hoping to find the grocery store I spotted yesterday while we were driving. No luck. But I did see a horse grazing by the side of the canal, which was definitely an unexpected sight. I also walked past a school which was sending kids out to run along the canal, so I ended up weaving my way through a stream of runners. It was just like being at home and dodging the Fayetteville-Manlius cross country team as they train in our neighborhood!

I came back to the room, putzed around a bit, had a bite of cheese, then got dressed for court. With 25 minutes to go, I wondered what to do. So - I wrote! Not just plotting, but actual words on a manuscript page! I got almost a whole page in before I had to leave, and you know, it was the most therapeutic thing I could have done. I'm so very very glad I opened that file.

So then it was back to court and, well, you know how that went. Or didn't :-( The judge was very nice, asked if Larry had made it safely home and if the kids were glad to have him there. Unfortunately, as stated below, the necessary documents still have not been procured, so we had to adjourn until tomorrow.

Okay. I'd half expected this, especially after we all went into the courtroom and I saw that the MOE woman wasn't there, but still, it was hard. I ended up crying a bit when the Lenas (our coordinator and our translator)gave me big hugs. But after a minute or so I blew my nose and tried to carry on. They asked if I wanted to go to the baby home, and I probably should have, but at that moment I was too worried that I would end up bawling all over Little Sister, so I said no. Instead, we went on a chocolate expedition (bonus: I now know where there's a grocery store close to the hotel!!!), and then I came back here for a few moments to recover.

Larry and I exchanged some frustrated emails, but there was good news: my suitcase will land in Syracuse Tuesday night!

Walk. More emails. Some mindless computer games. Another walk. And now I'm here for the night.

Tomorrow, back to court. Again. But this time I have a secret weapon: I came up with a proposal to offer if the judge decides we need more time yet again. don;t know if it will fly, but it makes me feel a bit more in control to have it in mind.

Meanwhile, today is Canadian Thanksgiving. I'm frustrated and worried and really ready to go home, but at the same time ... I have so very much for which to be thankful. I have an awesome husband (don't get a swelled head, Lar, it's probably just the lack of Synthroid talking :-), and fabulous healthy kids, and wonderful sisters, and the most amazingly supportive friends. This is a pain, but this is temporary.

Meanwhile, please keep those thoughts and prayers coming!