Day 4 In Kinshasa

Perhaps it is like Groundhog Day, the movie. Much running around, all day, yet not a lot to show for it. We made some progress, we think, tomorrow morning will tell. We are so thankful for Francis and Alan running back and forth all around Kinshasa to try to get the necessary documents. We are also thankful for overcast skies (although no rain today, which would have been nice) which made spending pretty much all day in the car bearable. We are currently pending the birth certificate, which is apparently done, awaiting the judge's signature. Unfortunately, the judge was tied up in court cases all day and unable to sign. We have been promised it will be ready for us tomorrow at 9am. We told Francis we would be there at 8:45, like good Americans and he just laughed at us. Congo does not really work that way, but we will be there early nonetheless. From there, we will I believe have to drive someone from the court into town (Kinshasa) to have the docs notarized, then head to the passport place to work on gaining the necessary favor to expedite the process. Again, we would ask for your prayers that they are willing to turn it around in 24 hours (or less) so we can have it before the interview on Monday. With the passport, we can also complete Enoch's medical exam. We had some good interraction with our Embassy today which was encouraging. They apparently do a US visa lottery, which has kept the Embassy very busy as the winners were being interviewed, and visas granted this week. They have advised they will do all they can to expedite the investigation after the interview, and Michael & Enoch are booked to arrive home on Monday 10/10. Please pray for all the documents and processes to fall into place so that is possible. Another day with Enoch meant another thousand photos taken. As he is getting more comfortable, he is singing more. We are continuting to work on improving our french and his english. He seems to get a bit nervous out walking around with just us, we do tend to get a lot of attention as the moondelis (white people), and a lot of dirty looks from the women for having him with us. It is a pretty interesting sociological situation I am trying to understand. Anyway, we took a brief walk to look for fruit this am, and turned back as his stress level, and mine, started to rise. We had some great pizza for dinner, which he did not really like...go figure. He does love chicken though, and schwarmas, and yogurt. He is excited to get a bike. All in all, another good day. We could really use a productive day however, operating on US time, not Congolese time, and getting some of the necessary documents in our hands. It feels like we have been here a month already, and it is only our 4th full day in town. Please continue to pray for favor, at the judge, the passport office, and the consulate. We love this boy, and would like to get him home! Love, Joanna & Michael Nate & Davina, mbote! We are missing you both very much, it seems like we have been gone a very long time! Enoch is looking forward to getting to California, I think we are a little bit boring for him. He wants to be able to get out and run around, which is difficult here. Be sure to get your memory verses done & take care of Grandma & Grandpa. Make sure the dogs are getting enough love, let Ruthie sit on your lap, and make sure Zebee has enough food. Even give Barney a squeeze from us. We will see you soon, na lingi yo!