Passport Day 2/2/2012

Oh, what a day this was! There was much anticipation and a few delays on the way to get here, so we are very relieved this item is checked off our to-do list! 

This was a milestone day for Alli and me, as we applied for our passports at our local post office. We attempted to do this on February 1st, but as you know, things don't always go as planned. James loaded up with our family, so that he could babysit our kids and Alli's in our respective vans, while we were inside the post office. Unfortunately, Alli was stopped by a train, which made her pretty late arriving to meet us, and once she did get there, we entered the post office together to find that passport applications are accepted by appointment only. Though the lady behind the counter said they were booked for the day, there appeared to be no one in line waiting, so we were a little frustrated, but had to just laugh it off and make appointments for the next day. 

There was no train delay this time, and Alli beat us to the post office. We entered and checked in, and waited on the employee to help us. I had some apprehension that things might not go smoothly after the day before's frustrations, but my fears were alleviated as we met the nicest man, Danny B. who assisted us. 

**Sidenote: Remember, one of our goals on this journey, as I mentioned previously, is to share God with everyone we can along the way to Swaziland and once we return home. I am tickled at how God opens doors and we can simply tell our story, and folks listen and encourage us. Super cool.**

Back to the P.O. -- Danny was a cheerful, willing participant in our shenanigans, as we documented the entire process with photos and lots of laughs. I think we entertained the entire post office, which was SUPER busy. I went first, was photographed, and answered questions regarding my application, and turned over my birth certificate. Just so you know, do not smile big for your passport photo. Neutral expression, people. I was way too happy to begin with. Then I was tickled about trying not too smile. I finally pulled something off that was more neutral. There are photos for each of these steps, by the way. 

We kept a steady stream of conversation going throughout my interview, and Alli's too. Danny has worked there for a long time, and has never been photographed or had applicants photo themselves. Imagine that! We told him our reason for going to Swaziland (he also said it sounded like a made-up name) and Alli invited him to our church. Alli went next, looking adorable for photos, gushing over Danny's kind spirit, and of course, apologizing for not writing quickly enough, for not knowing her hair color, and for being too smiley. Typically silly Alli...

Danny said that passports were being processed quickly, and we should receive ours within a month. That was great news. We paid for the applications, thanked everyone around us, including Ms. Jackie, who brought up tacos for some reason (Amy Mc - Can you believe it?!) Then Mrs. Sue had a lovely hair clip which Alli admired, and we also got one last photo of Danny before exiting. We were super giddy, and the video below will sum it all up even better than my blogging. Enjoy!

note the neutral expression. he would NOT smile. cracked me UP!