January 28

I had to run out earlier and just got back. We need to thank a friend Anne that I work with. She really helped us out today in our bind. She contacted someone she knew in a Congressmans office which was a huge help to us. Thank you Anne!

We heard from Carl and Gretchen (who are in Kazakhstan) again and they reported that it seems to be a snag with a US office in Kentucky, as they're struggling with receiving data from the US Embassy in Kazakhstan. It seems "the data is backlogged", even if no one knew what that meant. The process of Kentucky receiving the data and verifying the information usually takes a few minutes - and then the visa can be issued but it seems Kentucky is not getting the information and thus not verifying the information, so no visa is being issued until the information goes through Kentucky.

We reported all of this information to the Congressmans office (don't know if we shoud mention names but THANK YOU). After a few emails, a letter sent to the US Embassy in Kazakhstan from the Congressman and talking on the phone she reported back to me. I'm sure the US Embassy will be in contact with them in the AM to report all is up and running smooth. She heard from the Kentucky Center and they explained to her that they identified the problem and it has been resolved so there should not be an issue any longer with the Embassy in Kazakhstan. She said things should run smoothly now, the problem on their end in Kentucky has been resolved. It should clear the way for Kazakhstan to issue the visas for our girls.

We are praying that all goes smooth tomorrow for all of us and that Carl, Gretchen and Kai can leave on Sunday as planned as well as hoping Eva and her escort can catch a flight out of Almaty either tomorrow night or Saturday morning.

It is about 8:30AM in Kazakhstan as I am typing this. We are hoping we hear from Carl and Gretchen soon to tell us all went well and the girls can be on their way home!!!!

We will keep you updated with any new news.