POE/Upack Update

[blahblah 0]

Hi everyone,

We made it into the US safe and sound last Tuesday; here's an update, especially for anyone using Calgary International Airport for a POE and/or Upack to move their stuff:

- We arrived at the airport 3.5 hours before our flight, to allow for Blaine's visa activation. Went through Customs as one normally would, except we had to head over to Secondary Inspection for his visa activation. There were a few people waiting ahead of us, but I think we got bumped to the head of the line, thanks to our screaming 3-year old. Once they called Blaine's name, it took no longer than 5 minutes (took his picture again, a fingerprint (I think?), and stamped his IR-1 visa in his passport). They told him it would take around 6 months to get his green card, but the visa is valid for a year, and can be stamped again if the green card still hasn't arrived. And yes, they took the entire envelope he had received at the embassy - we got nothing back from the envelope. All in all, easy breezy.

- Upack has been great thus far. I hope I'm not jinxing anything by posting this yet, but our stuff left Calgary on Wednesday, and was in Sacramento (California) Friday - no problems at the border, and the trailer is being dropped of this afternoon. Everyone we spoken with from Upack has been helpful and very nice, and we're not anticipating any problems when we go to unload the trailer tonight.

I really want to thank everyone for all of their postings I've read over the past year -- you all made this journey so much easier than it would have been otherwise, and my family and I are so grateful. All the best to all of you with your loved ones, and those waiting to be reunited with those you love. We were lucky as I was already living in Canada, and we didn't have to finish the visa process while separated, but being so far away from my extended family and friends was very hard (especially now that we have children), and I am very happy to be once again surrounded by those who love us so.

Anyway, we're all here in the US now! Now we take a few months to get settled in and used to the weather (it's supposed to be HOT this week!) and then we get to start househunting. Again.

Thanks again all,

Kara & family

[raymaga 25]

Glad to hear you had a pleasant POE experience.

Welcome home to the U.S. and best wishes for the whole family.