Escape from Limbo (part one)

I'm sorry for the gap in updating this blog.  In the last post, Emily and I had sent our requests for background checks to the FBI, and they promised a four-to-six week turnaround.  They couldn't have been truer to their word.

Delay number one.  After two weeks, Emily called to check on the update.  The person that she talked to said, "Don't even bother calling until four weeks have passed."

We had mailed our requests FedEx overnight, so they arrived at the CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) on May first.  She called again on May 29th and was told that they were opening mail from April 25th.  (No comment here about the efficiency about a government office!).  We decided to wait a week to call again.

On June fifth, Emily used a bit of savvy.  When she called, she didn't ask about our particular returns; she asked what day's mail they were opening.  Once she heard that they were opening mail from April 29th, she knew we would have to wait a couple of days.

She called again on Friday, May 31st.  The person she talked to said that they had received our request.  She had to go through a series of questions after that; the person that answered the phone said that he had never had someone call and ask that question.  That proceeded into a long conversation about which return was ours (we do have multiple mailing addresses and destinations), but she and the CJIS person were finally able to determine where our request was.  It was in process and should be completed soon.

Delay number two.  We had enclosed a FedEx envelope and prepaid billing ticket for it to be sent back, but since the label was handwritten, CJIS discarded it and sent it through regular USPS.  That cost us a couple of days.  Once it was sent, however, it went to my Mother's house in Minnesota, and she sent it overnight unopened to where we could receive it.  (More on that later.)

Both of our background checks arrived on the same day, June tenth.  We were both excited to see what our "FBI file" would look like.  It's primarily a physical description of each of us and background information. Somehow, I had an alternate birthdate (which was the accurate one).  I hope that doesn't pose problems in EC.  Neither one of were criminals or accused of crimes, so we should be good to go.

We sent them off to the US Secretary of State.  They promised a one-to-three day turnaround, so we were optimistic about their return.  This time, we created a FexEd account so that we didn't have to prepay with a credit card; the return envelopes could be returned with a simple billing account number.

Delay number three.  On Thursday, June 13th, I was up early and checked my phone for FedEx deliveries. I looked up Emily's tracking number first, not being overly optimistic.  Instead, the web site said, "Delivered"!  I ran next door (more on that later) and found a Fedex envelope on the front step.  I brought it back to our place, and Emily opened it.  Her CJIS check had been apostilled and returned!  Unfortunately, mine was not there.  We are hoping that it shows up early next week.