There was a taxi cab in front of us and I decided I would just follow his lead. BIG mistake. We both made a right hand turn at a red light and a few minutes down the road, Paul tells me I blew a red light! I was freaking!! I stopped and turn right on red!! There was no sign!!! He tells me he saw one. Well now I am that much more anxious thinking I am going to get pulled over at any second, and be late for this interview. From that point on I was a wreck, and coming undone quickly. Next was the challenge of finding parking in downtown Indy where there are more one way streets than downtown Halifax! Of course the parking lot is full, Mama Butler found her spot. We ask the parking attendant where else we could park. He points vaguely across the way, which was a 3 lane one way, that I had to cut across. The catch was you had to pay cash first. Of course I only had 4 quarters on me. Paul had noting. So he jumps out to find a bank machine while I circle the block, still unravelling and looking over my shoulder waiting for the 5.0 to revoke my Greencard, even though I knew this would not happen, I had lost it at this point. Finally we park, Paul and Mama B. decide they want to come in with me.
(Mama B. and Paul)
It's this huge office building and Homeland Security has it own floor. Before we took the first step off the elevator the security guard was barking at us to single file, asking who had the appointment. I explained it was me and they were accompanying me. Mama B. went first, I felt so bad, she had no idea what awaited her. They took her purse, searched it, demanded she empty her pockets, while the other guy kept telling her to spread em' so he could wand her. It was really intimidating for her. I have done this a few times now, this is old hat for me, I empty my pockets, hand over my purse, show him my passport, and a way we went. The waiting area was packed, with nervous faces, some just sitting there with smiles plastered on their face, scared to show their fear. I had to step up to a bank of bullet proof glass to check in. Paul and Mama sat waiting for me. I barely sit down to fill out my paper and they are calling my name. The lady tells me to finish the paper she will call me again. Next to me was a couple, I didn't really notice them at first I was too busy trying to keep my hand steady while I wracked my brain to remember my birthday, and what colour my eyes were. I heard someone walk up the couple next to me and say congratulations! They just got approved! It's a very humbling experience. Mama B. said later, how she was surprised at how things were handled. She had no idea, that dealing with Homeland security you were treated like a criminal. Yup, that is pretty much how it is. It's not as easy as out running a security guard at the border, and to think I had it REAL easy cause I am a white, English speaking woman. Kind of sad, these people hold your fate in their hands, and can take away your dream; and in some cases these people's safety. I get called back again, they couldn't come with me. I was on my own now. They take you to another end of the building. They lady was much nicer than the two officers we just dealt with. She looks at my hands, rubs some water solution on them, tells me to relax my hands and then proceeds to put them on a scanner. It kept coming up with "Warning" and then she would have to re-do the print. Finally she has to take my picture. That was it, I was free to go. The whole thing took 10-15 minutes. I was glad Paul and his Mum were there to see it all. It was good to hear that couple get approved, and that there was a happy ending for at least one set of nervous faces in the crowd. As for me, well now we are just doing the waiting game. Waiting to get notice from USCIS (United States Citizen and Immigration Services) if they need anything else from us to process my application further for my ten year card.
Overall we had a great day, from there we met up with my Sister in law Melissa for lunch, and a bit of shopping. Walked around downtown Indy which was pretty cool. I have not spent anytime there before, lots of amazing monuments which I didn't get pictures of since I only had my camera phone. Before hitting the road back to Illinois and them back to Muncie, we all decided to get a little Iced coffee at the Borders.
(Old wicket windows) Turns out it was an old, old bank, with the brass gate teller windows and dark marble and pillars. Amazing architecture. Another successful adventure!!!! Now back to reality.
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