I like Neil Diamond

My government rocks.
Let me clarify: I did not vote for Bush and I do not believe much of anyone else did either and I do not agree with anything he's done lately including necktie choices and hairstlye. The guy really can't do anything right as far as I'm concerned - but the government itself; the offices, the cogs and bolts that keep the whole system running from the inside is really quite spectacular.
We've had nothing but great experiences with the U.S. government offices here in India - from the Embassy in New Delhi to the Consulate in Chennai they've been more than accomodating and ultimately gave us the V.I.P. treatment from start to finish.
Our recent interaction with them was no exception and I'm finding it so ironic, this strange and unfamiliar heartlight I have for the American government...but there it is.

We're this close to getting Hamid's visa and coming to America - but were waiting for the consulate to invite us for a personal interview and receive my sponsorship paperwork. With Hamid's visa to India expiring at the end of May every week that went by made us just a little more nervous. We were told to expect to wait at least two more months before we could plan to be at the Consulate, but that we would learn the outcome of our application during that very visit. While this was all well and good it was cutting it a little too close for our comfort so I called up the Consulate and told them how I was feeling and they said "OK!" and immediately sent us an appointment for March 5th.

There are now just ten days (count 'em - TEN) between us and what is likely one of the single most important meetings of our life.