I am writing this on our last morning in China. I can hardly believe that. Most of our group won’t be leaving until the end of this week, but since our Consulate Appointment was early in the week, we are free to leave tonight. At the beginning of this trip, I felt like we were one of the lucky ones who got to leave early. Now I feel a little bit like we are one of the unlucky ones who have to leave early. We are all sad about the end of our time in China. I sure can’t wait to hug K and D at home though!!!!
Yesterday morning we went to the U.S. Consulate for our appointment. This was the all important appointment that all of our travel had to be planned around. We went with only 2 other families in our group, however there were many other people there at the same time.
We first had to go through security. We were warned that you are not allowed to bring any electronics into the Consulate, so I had left my phone and camera in the hotel room. As they scanned my bag, they insisted that I had some electronics in my bag. I dug through, pulling everything out, until we found the culprit. Hannah’s orange plastic cell phone. They seriously confiscated it!
We then went into a big room where we all had to stand with our right hand up and say an oath together. Then we were called up to a desk one by one to sign some paperwork. And just like that, our appointment was done! We will get Hannah’s visa this afternoon, and will be cleared to take her home!!
After our appointment, I went with our group to the “Pearl Market”. This turned out to be the size of a 6 story shopping mall, with tiny jewelry stores on every inch. Our guides took us to the top floor, to a small store in the back, where they said the owners were reputable and sold good quality pearls. It was really fun to look at the pearls strand by strand. I choose 2 strands that they made into bracelets for each of my girls, and for my future daughter-in-laws, when my kids get married. They all have a beautiful clasp that says “Happiness” and “Long Life” in Chinese.
Z spent the afternoon playing legos with his friend, Ben. I think he had as good of a time as he has had any other day on this trip! 🙂
We celebrated our final night in China with a dinner cruise on the river. It was absolutely gorgeous. We loved standing outside and seeing the city from the water. We even saw the second tallest building in the world, which was lit up in a rainbow of colors. Luckily we were told beforehand that the food is terrible, so we ate beforehand. The atmosphere, however, could not have been better. We loved it!
Now we are off to enjoy our final day in China! We leave for the Hong Kong airport tonight at 6:30.
Hannah's "red couch" photo. A tradition for adoptive families in Guangzhou.
Wow, what a gorgeous little photogenic princess you have there! What a sweet idea with the bracelets! I am sure your future daughter in laws will appreciate it, too! I love the little outfits you brought for Hannah. SO cute! Safe travels home. I can’t wait to see the homecoming photos! You’ve done so much flying on this trip, E! I am proud of you. 🙂
You are such a beautiful family ~ inside and out! I’ve always known how special you and J are, but this process, this journey to your sweet Hannah, shows everyone who knows you (and probably some who don’t!) how amazing, kind, generous, LOVING, giving, selfless, and special you are. And you are raising four wonderful children to be the same way! I’m so happy for you guys, and for your big, beautiful, terrific family!
Thank you so much for allowing us all to follow along your journey. Selfishly, I don’t know what I would do without your posts. 😉 I’m thinking of you constantly, so it helps so much to know what you’re doing and what you’ve been doing ~ and the pictures and videos are priceless! I hope this blog will be a forever treasure for your whole family to look back on with so much love.
I’m so glad the Consulate appointment went well, except for the toy cell phone issue (ha!)! And what amazing, thoughtful gifts you bought for 2, and what will be 4, very special girls in your life. You are SO thoughtful, E! You always inspire me and I’m so blessed to be part of you and your entire family’s life. Thank you again for allowing us this glimpse into a major part of it. I can’t wait to hear how the homecoming goes! And I can’t wait to see you all soon, and to meet your precious Hannah!
Love and BIG hugs,
Karson
P.S. I have to agree with Sarah B above ~ E, you have done a GREAT job with all the flying! 😉
She already has those Hilimire kid cheeks!
I figure that red couch photo was taken at the White Swan Hotel. Is that where you stayed in Guangzhou? What a darling picture of her! Like everybody else, I want to say thanks for keeping us all up to date on your travels. My heart sings when I see those pictures of Hannah looking so comfortable and snug in both yours and Jeff’s arms.
Safe travels, and post again in a few days once you are home to let us all know how things went for you!
We sat on that couch too! …loved the White Swan, its great service and food too! Can’t wait to hear/see your posts from home and K and D’s responses too. I’m praying on all of these attachments and acclimatizations! Blessings, love and prayers!
That picture was indeed at the White Swan. Unfortunately, all of the rooms are closed for renovation right now, so we couldn’t stay there. We had to visit to take this picture though! 🙂