But then we
didn’t get to leave. We were told that
we could do visas on arrival, but U.S. based airlines may not let you
check in without that visa. Now, it’s
not all their fault. Sometimes it’s the
cause of our lovely laws. Or it could
have been because Oman
visa rules had changed so recently that the check-in systems hadn’t been updated
yet. Either way, I should have done it
myself online before like my gut said I should do. It’s not that hard. You go to evisa.rop.om to get your
evisa. You do have to set up a log-in,
but then the system guides you through the steps (sort of). It does bring up your visa options after the
first step. And it’s important to note
that you probably want to click “next” not “save and ___”. I just saw “save” and clicked. Then I had to figure out how to get back into
my application (which is at least 3 unnecessary steps). But you do all the steps, check your work,
pay, and it will probably get approved within the next work day in Oman
(so keep in mind the time change).
So there we
were, at the airport, with no way to get to Oman. We left, and I called the travel agent to
re-book (by the way, she screwed it up royally.
Stephen’s normal person saved the day and fixed the new reservations
Monday afternoon). So then we had two
extra days before leaving.
First thing was back to the house to unpack the car. Then what? We were exhausted. The adults opted for quick naps before going to the second service at church. It was refreshing to see some friendly faces and hug some necks while I almost cried. It refreshed my soul to listen to the music and Dr. Wiles one more time. He discussed worship and what it is and what it isn’t. It was just what I needed after a rough morning: a time to contemplate God and just worship.
After
church, we went to another favorite local restaurant, Grease Monkey. They have the best cheeseburger salad! I think I took another nap, and then it was
time for Amy, Ben, and H to come over.
Another family day! We squeezed
in some activities we couldn’t do Saturday night thanks to a thunder storm that
had rolled through. We had a water
balloon fight (J just threw his at a tree and requested none thrown at
him). The kids went swimming and diving
for toys. J got to do more perler beads,
especially the Hobbit ones he wanted to make for his dad. And E got to start his new Hogwarts
castle Lego set. All-in-all, it was a
great Sunday.
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| J working on his perler bead design of a Hobbit's hole door for Stephen. |
Monday left
us with not much left to do except pack (again). E finished his Hogwarts set then helped me
break it into chunks so it would fit in gallon sized bags for the trip. We went to the library to return books that
we were able to finish with the last two days.
The boys both played video games there because school was back in
session, so they were the only boys there.
For dinner with just my dad (mom had a meeting), we went to Whataburger
again. What can I say? I love that place! And both kids can get something they like
there, so it is a rare agreed-upon restaurant.
 |
| E finishing up his Hogwarts castle. |
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