Two. More. Nights. (and a very long day) before I get to see my babies at home again. :)
This morning was our consulate appointment, wherein we took the oath for Elliott and he became a U.S. citizen. Just like that. There was no pomp and circumstance. We stood in a room with a dozen other adoptive families (just one other from our Holt group) and repeated the oath back in unison to a lady behind bullet-proof glass at a counter. (I would show you photos, except that we were not permitted to have any electronic devices on us at all.) Then a gentleman reviewed our folder of paperwork, and we were dismissed. Tomorrow one of the Holt staff will drive back over there and pick up Elliott's visa and immigration packet. And then we are done, folks.
Saturday morning, our luggage needs to be outside our door by 5:30 a.m. for the bellboy to pick up, and we will be meeting our guide for the last time at 6:00 a.m. to be escorted to the airport. We have a little hop from Guangzhou to Beijing, and then (after a little over 6 hours in the Beijing airport), a LONG flight home. :). Finally.
Thank you all for all your prayers, kind comments, and awesome encouragements throughout this whole adoption process. Your support has been so appreciated. And thanks to my parents not only for all of their support, but also for dropping their lives to take such perfect care of our three precious children and crazy Great Dane at home these past 2 1/2 weeks. It has been difficult enough missing them . . . and a blessing not to have to worry about their well-being while we've been away.
(Oh, did I mention that Matt is being sweet enough to let me get a 2-hour Chinese massage tomorrow afternoon? A legitimate massage....not like the one he was offered yesterday from a 'lady of the evening' when he made an ice cream run at 8:00 p.m. to the McDonald's literally next door to the hotel. He did take her business card, though, if anyone will be in the area in the near future.)
I am leaving you tonight with a picture of our entire Holt travel group and a couple sweet photos of Elliott and his betrothed, Joya. :)
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Hastings Family 3/29/2012
ReplyDeleteThank you both so much for letting us go through this experience with you, and for letting us get to know Elliot. It means so much to us. Love, Aunt Barb
Carrie - we are looking forward to meeting Elliot - however we are going to have to talk about how to keep Colin from hugging him too much. So glad you are almost on your way.... And he is beautiful - just like your other three!
ReplyDeleteI have loved reading about your adventures - thanks so much for sharing! I pray for safe travels home. Hopefully we can meet Elliot in April when we'll be up in DC. God Bless!!
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