Last Day in China

[Jacob’s Comments]

Today we woke up around 9:00 (last night we stayed up watching Lost and Star Trek - TNG – the episode were Picard is turned into a Borg) and went to eat breakfast. The food tasted fine, except my favorites food there was out. I mainly ate cereal [Dad’s Note: He also ate two very large helpings each of fried rice and Chinese noodles.]

After breakfast, we took a walk and bought the remaining souvenirs we needed. Then we went to the embassy.

The embassy was located in a rather large building that was an hour drive away. Once there, we went up 5 floors to the U.S. Consulate. After they called us, we went up to a desk and they gave us Will’s VISA, and asked Dad where’s Mom. It was the only question they asked. We then sat down again and then 20 minutes later, a U. S. official appeared made all the parents swear an oath that basically stated that all our paperwork submitted and signed was true and correct. That was it and then we went back to Shamian Island.

Once back at the hotel, Dad began packing and getting things that we would use to entertain our selves during the long flights home. (You might not know, but this is our last day here)

And here I am now, typing an entry for the blog.

[Jim’s Comments]

Today was a very busy day for us, as I essentially waited until the last minute to finish all our shopping – Holly made a rather hefty list of things to consider purchasing while here. I think we did pretty well in what we got – I think the kids will all be happy with what Jacob and I picked out for them – assuming it all makes it home (one item won’t fit in our luggage and will have to make the journey checked in by itself – which I’m greatly concerned about!)

Unlike Jacob, I found the consulate appointment interesting - it’s not everyday you get to see a large room full of new U.S. citizens (Will technically won’t be a citizen until we readopt him in Alabama – this is the price we pay by Holly staying home. Adopted children whose both parents travel, come to the U. S. on an IR4 VISA and are automatically citizens the moment they step off the plane in the U. S. This is not so when only one parent makes the trip. Those children get an IR3 VISA and won’t become citizens until they are readopted in their home state.). It was also comforting when the U. S. official came out for the oath. I felt he was someone who really cared about what we were doing and that he would have done everything possible to help us along our way. I also felt just a bit like I was at home (you might be able to tell that I’m feeling just a little bit homesick and am quite ready to be back home!)

I remember the feeling of elation on my first trip with Hope when we crossed into Alaskan airspace (after having so many problems at the Guangzhou International airport) and the incredible relief of stepping off the plane in Newark, New Jersey. There really is no adequate way to describe the feeling of being back home (and Newark did feel like home, or at least close enough!) I’m sure I’m going to have the same feeling on this trip home too!

That’s all for now.

Jim