The only official item of business for us today was our oath at the U.S. Consulate. We weren’t sure what to expect with this. The consulate used to be in the building directly next to our hotel, until 2005, which made things very convenient for adoptive families. Now, it’s a 35 minute drive away. Using 2 charter buses, 42 Chinese children and all their families made the trek to the consulate building. I am not sure quite what I was picturing. I think I was picturing something more like a fancy embassy, but, it’s just rented space in an office building. So, all of us went up escalator after escalator to the 5th floor, showed our passports, and went through security to get to this large room for the oath. Everyone took a seat and waited to hear their child’s Chinese name called on the loud speaker. At that time, we went forward to one of 5 different windows and showed our passports again and verified that we were who we said we were and Chen Mei Yue was who we said she was. Then, we waited for each family to complete this step. When everyone was finished, a young American woman got up and spoke for a few minutes about the visa process and what their office does. She also told us that last year, there were 3.000 Chinese adoption visas given to children; and, for the first time, there were more special needs adoptions than healthy adoptions (57% to 43%). She went over some business items including some paperwork issues and how our children would become American citizens as soon as we pass through immigration at our prospective airports in the states. Right now, our children are still Chinese citizens, holding Chinese passports and are recognized only by their Chinese names. But, as soon as they stamp her passport in Newark, NJ on Friday evening, she will be an American citizen. Then, all 42 sets of parents stood up and raised their right hands and repeated the words of the young woman, promising that all the information we had provided to the government regarding this adoption was true to the best of our knowledge. She then congratulated us; some people clapped and hugged. And, that was it. Not a whole lot of pomp and circumstance really, but it’s nice to know that all the paperwork is done. All that is left is picking up her visa tomorrow and then we are headed home.
We have departure on the brain; we started to pack up our suitcases some tonight. I’m trying to not think about the fact that we are facing that extremely long flight again now with baby in tow. And, at this point, Mark’s and my seats are not together. I’m so hoping that when my mom calls to confirm our flights for us, she can sweet talk them into putting Mark next to me in the bulkhead seats. Please, Continental, please!
We took our red couch pictures today as well. They didn’t turn out so great–getting a good picture of 4 children at the same time and even more people in the group shot is practically miraculous. I still would like to try again if possible. I really wanted to get the full red couch–don’t know how these pictures became tradition for adoptive families but it has been for years. Everybody gets their picture taken on one of the red couches in the lobby of the White Swan hotel. The other pictures were taken in the lobby as well. The workmen here were feeding the koi fish and then trying to scoop up one of the big mamas. Someone in our travel group saw them walk away with one in a bucket yesterday. I guess they cook these as well as admire them????
Dear Evan, Ashlyn, and Drew – as I am writing this, it’s Wednesday morning at home and Ashlyn and Evan just went to school. You’ll have one more full day of school and then the next day, we’ll be coming home. Are you excited to see us and meet Lydia? Enjoy your last two nights with Grammy, and don’t fuss about doing your homework, okay? We love you and think of you so so much.
You guys look great! Lydia is just beautiful!! Hoping you get those seats together on the plane…and hoping Lydia sleeps for you!
It has been so nice following your journey and remembering ours along the way. Lydia is such a sweetheart! Hoping you have a safe trip home!
Amy
I disagree- that first red couch photo is great, I think! Such a strange tradition, but one not to be missed for sure!!! :)
I love all the details you’ve been giving about the whole trip and the process of everything…..I have learned a LOT! I can’t believe it’s already time for you to come home- although I am sure you must be about ready!
Lydia is just beautiful!!! I’m so excited to see her with her siblings and to watch her bloom in your family!!!
Woo hoo – you are on the final stretch!!! Next step, finish that packing and get ready to come home!!! Lydia is so precious, have I told you that??? She looks so happy and you and Mark have a cool glow about you both. I am sure the kids are getting excited to have you guys home, too. I am praying that Continental will come through for you so that you can all travel together – we flew United and they gave us a whole row to ourselves when we checked in which was awesome, I hope the same thing happens for you guys! I cannot wait to see the rest of your journey unfold as you get ready to travel HOME with your new daughter!
Kelly,
I love the red couch pictures you took!!! I can’t believe you are coming home already!! Although, I know you feel like you have been gone forever! Have a great last few days in China!!
Tricia
oh my goodness!! She is just beautiful and I am so very excited for you!!!!
Again, soooooo excited for your family! GOD BLESS!
Your family pictures on the couch and by the waterfall are lovely! Congratulations on the final step in the paperwork process. Has anyone ever inquired about dual citizenship, Chinese/American? My Dad was wondering about that and I’ve never given it much thought. I know a lot of friends in the oil business from overseas are now getting their dual American/English/Spanish/etc. citizenship. Something to ponder, anyway. Hugs to you and the little one!
How exciting that you are almost home! I hope you have done some great shopping. We had such a great time shopping at Jordon’s. He is a wonderful man. We also liked Jenny’s, Sherry’s (get lots of squeaky shoes)and A Gift from China (the profits support Chinese orphans and handicapped people). If you get a bulkhead seat, you may be able to get a bassinet for Lydia to sleep in.
So wonderful, safe travels :)
Ali
Hoping those seats get fixed! She truly could not be more adorable Kelly!!!
Sending Hugs,
M~
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the picture of the three of you in front of the fountain – Lydia’s little head cocked to the side. What a sweet picture! Can’t wait to see all 6 of the Raudenbushes together!
Oh Safe Travels home to you my friends! You are likely already on your way! So I will use this comment to say, “Welcome to America Lydia! You surely brighten the shores of this beautiful country with your beauty and your beautiful spirit. May you have an amazing, long life with your wonderful new family, full of God’s blessings and miracles, BIG and small.
Love and God Bless–Lisa A (Izabella’s Mom)
I’m almost sad your trip is coming to an end as I have SO enjoyed following your journey to Lydia! But really, the journey is just beginning, isn’t it?! I’ll look forward to your updates. Will be praying for safe travels home for you and a wonderful reunion with Evan, Ashlyn and Drew!
Safe Travels my friends! You’ll be home before you know it! It’s long…but like labor for a child (or so I”m told) you forget it so quickly with the Joy o fthe reward for the pain!
Welcome Home Lydia!
Can’t wait to see the whole family together. My guess is she will fit in like she’s always been a part of your family! She already looks like a Raudenbush!