Thanks so much for visiting us during our journey, Danny, Sally, Daniel and Carmen!
March 3, 2009 IT’S COMPLETE!
It’s a done deal! We had our U.S. Consulate appointment today where after all of the paperwork and processing, we each raised our right hand and took an oath solidifying our adoption. (Carmen tried to pull my hand down the entire time…..not sure what that meant?) I’ve got to tell you that turning the corner in that building and seeing that red, white and blue flag never looked so good. It was a very proud moment! Carmen now has her Chinese passport and U.S. visa. When we land on U.S. soil in Chicago TOMORROW, she will be a U.S. citizen! Upon returning home, we will apply for her American birth certificate, U.S. passport and Social Security number just so she’ll have all the goods but she’s ours now and everything is final. Only those who have been here can imagine the grapefruit size lump in our throats as we said our oaths and this wait came to an end at last.
Before going to our appointment, everyone met for the famous “Red Couch” photos. These are photos that are taken with every group that comes through The White Swan Hotel here in Guangzhou. The children are usually dressed in traditional Chinese clothing and sit on one of many of the red couches here at the hotel. Sometimes they are all crying but the pictures are always adorable and adoptive families look forward to this time. We picked out a cute little black, red and gold silk dress and loved it!!
It’s 11 p.m. on Tuesday night here, our bags are packed and the checked luggage has been picked up. We will leave at 6 a.m. tomorrow for the airport and will fly to Shanghai. After a five hour layover there, we will fly for 14 hours to Chicago where we have another five hour layover. Then we head home to Memphi s and can’t wait!! It’s been a life-changing once in a lifetime trip and I am sort of sad it’s over but mostly can’t wait to get home to Daniel, our family and friends! Some of you have asked about our arrival time --- I wish it wasn’t so late but our United flight is “scheduled” to arrive at 10:51 p.m. Wednesday night (March 4th). I know that is late but if you’re having some insomnia and want to give it a shot, just drive on to the airport!
OH – Carmen said her first new English word tonight. It was “Daniel”!! We’ve been telling her about her “ge ge” (pronounced gugu and means ‘big brother’) and tonight she said it about 10-12 times (looking in the mirror) and just grinning. She’s seen his pictures but truly has no idea of the special brother she is about to meet. We were able to call and tell him earlier but of course she wouldn’t say it then. Daniel really sounded excited to hear that news. He told us that he was about to go to school and was wearing his new “Big Brother” shirt. I can’t wait to see my Angel and Daddy can’t wait to see his Tiger!! For those who don’t know, let me say that Daniel is staying in Memphis with our very good friends, Lisa & Amir. They have two sons – one (Alex) of which has been Daniel’s best friend since he was about 18 months old. And yes, you can have a best friend at that young age. Those two have a special bond. Anyway, we are sure that with three boys they have had their hands full but we have had such peace about this separation because he was in such good hands with our friends. We love you guys so much and cannot find the words to thank you for all you have done for us and Daniel!! Also while in Memphis, Daniel was able to spend those couple of weeks back in his old school. This was another answered prayer because he was able to stay in a school routine, see his old friends & teachers and give Ms. Lisa a little breather (ha). Thank you Christie Reid for making room for him!! Everything has worked out so beautifully and in all things we have had that “peace that surpasses all understanding” just as we’ve prayed for so, so long. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Please pray for our flights home and we’ll post again from the U.S.!
