30 hours of traveling . . .
We slept on the plane, ate dinner and watched movies. There was a brief stopover in Rome for refueling. We saw the sunrise from the plane. Beautiful!
"M^" was very eager to see out the window. We watched the clouds go by.
We were able to see the coast of France as we flew over. Pretty cool!
Finally we approached Washington DC. Here is a view from the plane. "M" was excited to watch our landing from the window!
We landed! As soon as we were on US soil "M^" became a US citizen.
We deplaned and headed into the airport. First stop was immigration. Passports . . . check. Landing card . . . check. Huge mysterious packet of paperwork on "M^"s adoption that I was told not to open at all and hand to the immigration officer . . . ugh . . . check! We went through the immigration lines and the officer had us head to the immigration office. Hmmmm . . . different than with bringing "T" home, but okay!
We received our baggage and headed to the immigration office. The officers in there were very nice and struck up conversation. They welcomed "M^" and stamped some papers and we were directed toward customs with our bags. Very nice immigration officers! There was a line so we witnessed how the American customs officers were working with others entering our country.
I must say I was very embarrassed that these people were some of the first Americans that visitors and immigrants encountered. There were two African families in line in front of us. The first family with two parents and a small baby. The second family was a mom and two children. The officer at the counter was rude to these folks from the beginning of conversation. They rattled off the list of questions so fast I could barely hear what they were asking. They scanned their bags and started going through them. There were a few issues with what they were bringing into the country . . . yes. They had some food products there were not allowed, some meat. Nothing highly dangerous, nothing that will cause immediate harm. Just some food that they shouldn't bring into the US that could simply be thrown away be the officers. However, instead of simply explaining that it wasn't allowed, they are extremely rude to the family. Practically yelling at them and mocking them. They accuse them of trying to smuggle things into the US in chicken bones. One of the officers tells the mom with the children "Just me straight with me!" Well, someone who doesn't know the slang of American lingo would have no idea what that man said. He accused this woman of lying to him when she didn't have any clue what he was asking her! Before the family even headed out after the customs check the officers were already laughing about them amongst themselves.
So, then we approach the counter. By this time I'm rattled. I have mentally preparing myself to completely empty our bags and explain every little thing we are bringing back from Ethiopia. Kevin and I approach the counter. The officer greets us and asks us where we are coming from. We answer and show them our passports. They ask "Do you have any raw meat with you?" We reply, no. The officer nicely comes around the desk, opens up the line dividers, guides us to the security check, thanks us, and sends us on our way. Ugh . . . wait . . . what just happened. Really, what just happened here!!! The officers interrogated and mocked the previous two families here. Yet, they just pass us through. I think I would have been less angry if they treated us the same way! There is no reason to treat people in that manner! I thought we lived in a place where people were supposed to be treated equally! Hmmmmm . . . .
We rechecked our bags and headed through one more security check.
After the situation we witnessed, my faith in humanity was restored by the amazing TSA agent at the security check. One of the families we saw from customs was going through security. Once again their stuff was spread all over the stainless steel tables. They were confused and frustrated. However, the American security officer that was talking with them was kind. She was considerate. She was patient. She was treating them like human beings. I watched her as she explained things to the couple 2, sometimes 3, times. She walked alongside them the entire time helping them understand exactly what they were being asked to do. All the while, she did all of this in a gentle way and with a smile on her face. I'm sure it wasn't easy working with this family and many other families for that matter. I wish that I had the opportunity to tell her how starkly different her attitude and behavior was from the customs agent. Maybe someday this TSA agent will be recognized for her kindness and gentleness. May God bless her!
In the midst of all the customs, immigration and security excitement we also found out another interesting bit. Kevin and my tickets had been cancelled. Yes, you read that right. Upon arriving in Washington DC we discovered the 2 return flight tickets from DC to home were gone. "M^"s were still booked, but ours were gone! There was a great ticket agent that did their very best to make things work for us, but the flights we were supposed to be on were full. So, we were put on standby and we waited!
While waiting to discover the fate of our return home we had some lunch. "M^" enjoyed a sandwich and a chocolate milkshake. I think she'd still prefer Ethiopian food, but no complaints!
We were so incredibly lucky! Kevin and I both got seats on the plane. At our next stopover we walked right from one plane to another. Not even a 15 minute time lapse. Wow! The rest of the flight and travel went very well. We arrived and waited at the airport for a bit. Of course by then it was time to pull out the technology. Here's "M^" with her shades, mp3 player and playing on Kevin's phone!
Our friend picked us up from the airport and took us home. It was a nice drive and talk with him. However, I couldn't help but watch the clock as well. We were all so ready to be home and be with the other 4 girls. We pulled into the drive way and I already had tears in my eyes. It was so great to be almost knocked over with 4 little people running to give us the biggest hug ever!
The girls were all very excited to "M^" as well. They all ran to her as well and grabbed hands and immediately wanted to show her around the house and yard. We had a good evening together. Snacks and getting ready for bed were about all that would be done. Although, just being together was more than enough. That night Kevin and I slept peacefully and contently knowing that finally all 5 of our children were here together with us. God is good!
No comments:
Post a Comment