Our last day in China was a day of many emotions. We slept late and did some last minute shopping in the darling little shops around Shiaman Island. We said our last goodbyes to several of the families we had gotten to know on our journey.
Finally we loaded the bus and headed to downtown Guangzhou where the US Consulate is located. Security is tight at the Consulate. We were allowed only our documents and passports; no cameras to capture the moment in pictures. I gave Hong Mei a small American flag that I had packed. My original thought was that Hong Mei was a demure little girl who would enjoy waving the flag. Well of course the real Hong Mei turned the flag into a weapon, so after a few moments, I confiscated it.
We went up several levels of escalators until we were herded into a large room filled with rows of chairs and a play area. We lined up in short lines at several stations located near the front of the room where we presented our documents to a young guy who looked at our passports and our documents photos. With a nod of the head we were dismissed. That was the extent of Hong Mei’s big citizenship interview.
We waited in the room for a short time while everyone was processed. Hong Mei played with the other big kids in the play area. Rulon and I chatted with the other parents. A gentleman then came to the front of the room; he said a few words; we were asked to stand with our right hand raised. I stood over Hong Mei, raised my hand in proxy, as she was intently working on an abacus. I took a long look around the room as she was sworn in as an American. It was one of those moments that one takes a picture with our heart. There were probably fifty or so families that filled the rows of chairs. It was a sweet moment as tears filled up in my eyes knowing that there were fifty kids in that room whose natural God given talents and abilities could now be realized with the love and assistance of their forever family and not be affected by politics or poverty.
Very soon we were hustled back onto another bus that took us to the airport to begin our journey back home. Now mind you. Rulon and I were looking forward to BEING back home just not GOING back home. Remember that family that was kicked off the airplane because of an unruly toddler? Well, we figured that was going to be us.
At the airport Hong Mei began at security throwing a major fit that continued until we were sitting on the plane. After apologizing to everyone in our vicinity we settled down. Hong Mei pulled out her finger-gun and shot the passenger behind us; then she relaxed into Baba’s arms and fell asleep. She slept for about twelve of the thirteen hour flight. Baba snored right along with her. Me? I don’t sleep well on planes.
We arrived at 9PM in LA on Wednesday after leaving Guangzhou 9PM on Wednesday. Our stroller was damaged on the flight and we had to wait in the final immigration line at LA. We were told not to leave the holding pen, not even for luggage as this could cause Hong Mei to be deported. After her big nap she was full of fun. Rulon and I put her down to get out the documents; she ran away from us looking back and laughing leaving the immigration area and running amok as an illegal alien on American soil! Rulon went right; I went left. I called to the immigration officials, “Don’t deport her, she is only three!” They looked at us disapprovingly. We caught her and then she did it again. They let her in anyway. Hong Mei became an official US citizen in LA. SO I guess she is now a California girl. The air in LA was heavenly. It was cool and dry. We boarded a bus to the Marriott for the night. Somewhere between the bus and dinner we realized that it was sooo good to be home. The big difference was that we were not being stared at anymore. People smiled at Hong Mei’s antics instead of looking aghast at her. We took a long nap at the Marriott, showers and most importantly ice water and salad.
Good day,
Joanna
Good Bye Hunan Girls Aimee, Emily, Mary Grace
Good Night Natalie and Aimee
Hello Papa
THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth… Corinthians 13: 1-8
