Thursday, September 6, 2007

Arkalyk on the map


Stop looking for it because you won't find it. I searched many maps and most do not show this town, so let me tell you: it is roughly in that wide open area they refer to as the Kazakh Steppe above the second A in Kazakhstan. We will arrive in Astana and our final departure will be from Almaty. So we will get to be in those two cities as well as our time in the Arkalyk region.

14 comments:

Gretchen said...

Thanks for sending me your blog. I always love following everyone's story. Look forward to hearing about that train ride. That sounds rough! :)
Congratulations!

Sonya said...

Thanks for sending your blog. I look forward to following your journey.

Sonya

Janey said...

I am very much looking forward to sharing your experiences via your blog. This is so exciting and I cannot wait to hear all about it. Ally, I will miss you....I will have to find an everyday fill in....at least on the phone or maybe I will get more work done! Safe travels and I hope you enjoy this very exciting journey. xoxoox Janey.

Jenny McMillin said...

How exciting! I can't wait to follow your adventure... and hope to follow in your foot steps very soon!

pamelafrench said...

I'm blown away by all this! I love you guys and want you to know if there is anything I can do on this end, I'm here.

Take LOTS of pic's and DVD's (I'll edit it all for you) - this is an amazing adventure you're about to take (have been on) I'm so excited for you!

Aidan Hannah Guida - If Mommy agrees, I'm having a special date with you 2-times a month while Daddy and Mommy are away - Okay?

P

The Cook said...

OMG you are leaving earlier. I am so excited for you! I know you will find the perfect child for you. I have gotten to know you a little through the phone and I am picturing Carrie Bradshaw heads to Arkalyk! You will be fabulous!

Anonymous said...

I am very excited for you guys - what an adventure! I will definitely read your posts and keep track of your progress. And Shawn can't wait to meet his new little cousin - maybe they will be the same age!

Happy trails.

Jessica

Steve Pink said...

Congragulations and best wishes on your journey. I'm sure you have many things on your minds and agenda but if you get a chance, I have a few questions? How many people in Kazakhstan are named Borat? Do the women all have one continous eyebrow? Is their soccer team any good? Thanks for sending blog. I look forward to following your adventure

Adam Hurtubise said...

Congratulations. This is awesome news!

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful, SAFE, and exciting trip! We can't wait to meet and get to know our newest cousin! Mazel tov on your trip. What a wonderful way to start the New Year! L'Shana Tova!!! Talk to you soon and we look forward to reading of your adventures. Much love,

Terry, Robert, and Aidan Daniel

Anonymous said...

A friend of mine sent me this link for a map that shows the town you will be in. She has a friend in the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan. http://www.kazakhadoptivefamilies.com/images/imagemap.jpg

Unknown said...

Godspeed to you all. I'll be looking for your updates

The Cook said...

Ohhhh I can't wait until you arrive. You are probably well on your way right now. I will be stalking your blog all weekend.

Lindsay M. said...

Ok so we are all so excited and honestly we are like wow this is really happining.We're gettin a new cousin what could possibly be better then that? We hope all your traveling is safe. And cant wait to hear from you!!!!

<333Lindsay and Tori.

Oh! We are definatly gonna take Aidan apple picking. Fun!


Timeline

11/08/07 Left Kazakhstan on route home to NYC
10/22/07 Left Arkalyk for Almaty
10/03/07 Court Day - Petition for Adoption Accepted!
9/15/07 First day in Arkalyk at orphanage, met Veronika
9/12/07 Departing NYC on route to Kazakhstan
9/04/07 LOI - arrived today!
8/24/07 Heard from Agency with information about children, region and some details about trip. (1 week to gather info while caseworker on vacation)
7/27/07 Began process of updating FBI clearance and medical forms
7/03/07 Dossier arrived in Astana, Kazakhstan at the MFA
6/27/07 Approved by Kaz Embassy in DC and shipped to
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Astana, Kazakhstan (MFA is the 1st ministry to review dossier)
6/22/07 Dossier shipped to Kazakhstan Embassy in Washington, DC
6/01/07 Dossier fully translated and awaiting to be sent to Kaz Embassy.
5/21/07 Agency submitted dossier for translation.
5/15/07 Dossier complete / sent to adoption agency
5/09/07 I-171H Approval letter forwarded by INS to US Embassy in Almaty, Kazakhstan
5/01/07 Notarize, Authenticate, Apostille and copy of all documents
4/24/07 INS fingerprinting
4/08/07 Paper work hell...........working to gather all that is needed to complete dossier
3/12/07 Received notice of FBI clearance from US Department of Justice
3/11/07 Second home study visit
3/04/07 First home study visit
3/02/07 Had fingerprints taken for FBI clearance
2/28/07 I600A - Application filed with BCIS (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services ) for I-171H
2/21/07 Applied for home study review and began collecting documents for dossier
2/20/07 Signed with Adoption Agency - Adoption Ark