Changes

I was in Miami last week for an adoption conference. I've been assigned to handle the adoption portfolio in my new unit (for family/non-FS friends- I previously worked in the Non-Immigrant visa unit, where I processed visas for people who want to visit as tourists. This week I started work in the Immigrant visa unit, where I will issue -or deny- visas to people who plan to move to the U.S.). The conference was interesting, the food was great, and I'm excited about the portfolio, as I've always been interested in international adoptions. The DR doesn't do a lot of adoptions, as the requirements are pretty cumbersome, but any experience will be helpful.

Today was day three in IV. It's a big unit- about 8-9 officers, 30-40 local staff, hundreds of applicants a day, and the highest rate of immigrant visa fraud in the world. There is a lot to learn, but I have an advantage, coming from NIV, so it's not overwhelming. I wish I could blog more about work, but it's just not advisable.

In other news, it feels like summer is just around the corner. We're looking forward to seeing family and friends during our rest and recuperation (R&R) trip in May/June. We're having some visitors before that- mom and my friend H! - and will host some officers from Haiti. We're thinking about summer camp and next year's school tuition.

Before we know it, we'll be bidding and celebrating our year anniversary at post!