Wednesday, September
26, 2007
LAST DAY IN CHINA
It’s packing day - how did we acquire so much stuff in so
little time? Our guide, Dennis, took us out in the morning
for a last ditch shopping effort. We went to a local
shopping plaza with an Olympic shop that was scheduled to
open at 10am. Well, 10 am came and went and the shop was
still not open. No one was there! Dennis reminded us that
the night before was the Fall Moon Festival and that the
store clerks were probably home nursing hangovers. I’m sure
they were thrilled to have seven non-Chinese-speaking
Americans and their crying babies crammed into their little
store. Pass the Tylenol!
Avery, Louisa, Sandy and Julia headed back to the hotel to
finish packing, while Charlie and the others headed back to
Liwan Plaza for a couple more souvenirs. Of all the CHI
families, there were only a handful that were scheduled to
fly out of Guangzhou on Wednesday night, including us. So we
had to have all of our luggage on the bus when it was time
to go to the US Consulate at 2pm. Our appointment was
scheduled for 3pm, so we loaded up the bus and headed out to
swear in our country’s newest Americans.
The consulate building was an interesting place. We had to
go up about 5 flights of escalators and then through airport
type security. We couldn’t take any pictures either. Just as
well - there wasn’t much to see. Just a government-type
office like you’d find in the US. Oddly, there was a large
homage to Rosa Parks, but no picture of W to be found…
There were about 50 families at our consulate appointment,
so it took some time to get everyone through security and
settled. Once we had shown the clerks our passports for
identification (including Louisa), the Vice Consulate came
out to address us. She informed us that 5,000 immigrant
visas were issued through the consulate in Guangzhou last
year, meaning that 5,000 children made their way to the US
last year to become a part of a family. This brought a
spontaneous round of applause and a few tears too. Of
course, this number is only for American adoptions. There
are 15 other countries approved for China adoptions, so the
number every year is probably closer to 8,000-9,000
children. There is no way of knowing the exact number.
China’s not telling. It’s a “face” thing.
The Vice Consulate asked the parents to stand and raise our
right hands. We all swore that we will always love, protect,
support and care for our newly adopted children. The pledge
was straight-forward and over quickly, but nevertheless, it
was quite moving. To feel this way about Louisa is one
thing, but to say it aloud with 50+ other families was an
unforgettable experience. There were many tears. Even the
Vice Consulate, who most likely administers this oath on a
weekly basis, welled up. It was a special moment indeed. The
last step is to have Louisa’s visa stamped when we arrive at
LAX and then it’s official!
So from the consulate we had to say goodbye to our travel
mates. More tears, of course. What a great group of people.
Everyone was so kind and supportive of one another. We
shared a lot of laughs over the last two weeks as we all
experienced this life-changing event. I’m looking forward to
staying in touch with everyone and seeing our children grow
and change over the years. Wonderful people. Really, really
wonderful people. It was truly a pleasure getting to know
them all.
We finally arrived at the Guangzhou airport. The only snafu
– someone moved our stroller to the other bus! Are you
kidding? Our bargain $20 stroller was gone. Gone. GONE! And
we were looking at 8+ hours of layovers with a 20-pounder. A
wiggly, and sometimes crying, 20-pounder that wants no one
but Mommy. Deep breath. Cocktail. Cocktail part II. We can
do it!
And we did. Louisa’s visa was stamped. Sorry - no photos
allowed in US customs (Don’t they know we want to document
every single bit of this? Geesh!) We managed to get into St
Louis at 9:30am on Thursday morning, which was technically
only 11.5 hours after we left Guangzhou, but in reality it
was more like 27 hours of traveling. Can you say jetlag?
We were greeted by Tracee, Bob, Talbot, Peyton and Paige at
the airport with signs, panda toys and lots of enthusiasm
for the newest member of the family. Literally, they were a
sight for sore and very tired eyes. Thank you so much for
meeting us, guys! We were so happy to see you!
Between mountains of laundry, bottles, diapers and random
piles of stuff EVERYWHERE, we’re slowly getting our feet
back on the ground. We’ll post our official “We’re Home!”
journal soon. Now where IS that darn camera? |
Hundred of Chinese lanterns
fill the trees at the local shopping plaza
First date and “the one that got away”
(the stroller, that is)
317 days until the Olympics and counting. We’ll definitely
be tuned in on 08-08-08!
Tickle City!
Just chillin’ with Mom (who should really be packing)
First steps on U.S. soil.
Break out the hot dogs - she’s an American Girl now! |
