We just spent our last three days here in China. Our bags are packed and we are ready to be picked up tomorrow at 6:00 am. A total of about 24 hours (car rides, plane rides, airport sits) and we'll be home in The Woodlands.
Three passports ready to go!
We had our consulate appointment yesterday. All was going great until as we were walking up to the building and our guide, Jack, was explaining everything since he wasn't able to go with us inside. He mentioned passports, and yup, we had forgotten ours back at the hotel! His face when we told him we forgot ours was priceless. Our appointment was for 10:00am and there was no way we had time to get back to the hotel to get them. Lucky for us, Jack is well known and respected in the area and was able to make a quick phone call. It worked! We were allowed in with just a copy of our passports he had. Whew!
On our way to the consulate
Then the fun of actually getting to the entrance of the U.S. Consulate building began. It was a bit of a crowd/mob full of Chinese people trying to get in to get a visa to come to the United States. There was a separate entrance at the front for US citizens but you had to literally shove through all these people. Jack said to follow him so that's exactly what we did - I followed Jack while holding Lily, Michael followed me and the other two families right behind Michael. Jack escorted us to the front then we were off on our own.
Chocolate donut - yes, please!
Headband flowers the size of heads are the best!
We were there for a little over an hour and a half, did a quick interview and an oath. No pictures since no cameras are allowed inside. We were in a room with about 15 other families and their kids. It is truly unbelievable to listen to all of their stories and to see all the children who are going to such loving families. We have met some amazing people on their adoption journey these last few days.
Love this highchair thing now because it means food for me!
Daddy does so well with chopsticks
Yummy ice cream for a treat!
Love playing on the floor with Mommy and Daddy
Got my backpack - am I ready for school??
Helping Daddy pack to go home
These past two weeks have been such an experience for all three of us. We've had ups and downs but the last few days have been the best! Lily is opening herself up to us and showing us her great, bubbly, laughing, personality. We are ready to be home and begin the rest of our "new" lives with each other and our puppies! By the looks of things, I'd say Lily is ready to head home to!
Next stop, the United States of America!
I am so happy the journey is nearing the end. I wish I could blink and have you here rather than the terribly long day you are facing tomorrow. Roxie and Gracie are ready for their sister, just thinking of all the treats this sweet girl will provide by dropping, throwing, handing food that they will graciously scoop up (just helping Mom with cleaning duties of course.) Praying for your safe and happy return!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels family of three!
ReplyDeleteWe think about your family every day and hope that the trip back was as easy as possible! Welcome Home Lily!!!!
ReplyDelete