Although AnLi has been in hearts and dreams for the last 16 months and beyond, the American Consulate made it official today. AnLi is finally legally part of our family. As soon as her passport is stamped in Chicago, she is a U.S. citizen. To know that all the paper chase and mind-boggling roller coaster of emotions came down to raising our hands was a huge relief. What a journey this has truly been.
For all those families that have been following us through our journey that is either in the beginning process or considering adoption or nearing your referral date or travel approval, our hearts and prayers are with you. We’ve heard from a lot you and we appreciate that you took the time to follow us to AnLi. It was our pleasure to share our experience with you. We know what you are going through, but hang in there, because in the end, it is all so worth it.
We’ve have been so blessed that after only 10 days we already can’t imagine life without her. Sure we realize that there will be tough times ahead of us, but will be nothing of the heart ache that our little one has already had to endure through her short existence.
To all of our family and friends… what can I say other than fact that we miss you all so dearly and words cannot express the kindness that you have all shared over these last two weeks and beyond. Everyone’s support and love has helped us through this long process.
Today was another day of – you guessed it – shopping! We set out for Shamian Island again. AnLi has gotten the shopping bug! We’ve got the system down now, as we’re ready to leave. Brian and AnLi stroll, while Kayla picks out what we want. Then she goes and finds Brian, and he comes in and does the haggling part. It’s worked well for us. We did get some beautiful pieces of furniture. We got a dresser and a small armoire that are black with hand paintings and carved jade in them. The shipping/insurance ended up costing more than the two big items. Then it was off to the American Consulate, and back “home” to try to pack. What a feat, but we’ve managed.
We will see you when we get back to the States, and be ready, as AnLi is a feisty one. These Hanchuan babies are called spicy for a reason! Just so you can put this into perspective, we are getting up at 4:00 a.m. Saturday morning here in China (which is 5:00 p.m. Friday for those at home) to leave for Hong Kong, then to Chicago, and then on to Omaha, where we will arrive at 6:30 p.m. Saturday evening.
See you then!
Love, Brian, Kayla & AnLi
P.S. – Diet Coke with ICE and Taco Bell certainly would sound good after two weeks of hot sodas and the food we’ve had to endure… hint, hint, hint!!!
