Monday, January 25, 2016

Day 12: A little piece of America: our flag and a great bathroom

Today is Monday, January 25th. We have one of our last steps to this adoption process today, our consulate appointment. We had to meet our guide at 8:50 am so we ate a quick breakfast and got to the meeting place. We were on our way to the US consulate in China. We were very excited to finally reach this goal. We gathered our documents and started walking toward a very crowded area filled with many Chinese people. They were in line to try to get a Visa to visit the US. The first thing I noticed was our beautiful flag blowing in the wind. Those colors never looked better! As a US citizen, our line was very short and we walked right in to wait in the adoption area. There were many other adoptive families waiting as well. It just felt like yesterday when we were in that very same room adopting our little Toby. Two years ago, he was running all over that room not caring at all about obedience, respecting others, or sharing. Today, he still had some of those issues, but I did see a different boy.  I even talked to him about when we were there with him and he asked me "Did I improve?" I smiled and said "Yes my sweet boy..yes" Bringing Toby with us was the best decision! Yes, he is still a handful, but he is growing as a person by seeing where he has come from to where he is now. He is also really taking Talia under his wings and teaching her alot of signs.
My favorite thing in that entire room was the bathroom. Real American toilets!!!! I was thrilled!!  It was clean, had toilet paper AND paper towels.  They even had instructions on the wall on how to use it and how to not use it. Quite interesting, but after two weeks here, that is necessary to do. (:
Our number was called and we started the process. We ended with raising our right hand and taking an oath. This appointment was to get Talia's visa and her immigration all lined up so she will become a US citizen upon arrival into the US.
We went back to the hotel, ate a quick bite at McDonalds and then met the group to go to the Guangzhou zoo.  We arrived at the zoo and mapped out our plan to see our favorites. ..giraffes, elephants, and the giant panda. Upon arrival of the panda area, the kids were very excited,  but just like many zoos, there are more disappointments because of the lack of enthusiasm of the animals. Well the giant panda was a disappointment. He was in a glass enclosure that no one could even see through.  Oh well..
Our kiddos were pretty tired and grumpy by the end of the trip so we took a break in the room . We headed to dinner at a highly recommended place called Jo Mao Jo.  We had a great meal with some new friends that also adopted this week.
The weather was sunny and cold,but we will take it. In 12 days, there had only been 2 sunny days so today was a treat!!
Two more full days here in China before our voyage back home begins. Looking forward to proudly display my American flag when I get home and enjoying my bathroom. (:

















9 comments:

  1. I love Talia's smiles!

    And yay for American bathrooms! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am glad you had a great time and adopted beautiful two children!! Was it difficult process or a easy process? Was it long or short? I am curious hope it's ok to ask that. Beautiful pictures too!! Keep up the wonderful job and loving them!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is tedious, but we'll worth all the time and effort. The agency gives you a step by step list of things that need to be done!

      Delete
    2. It is tedious, but we'll worth all the time and effort. The agency gives you a step by step list of things that need to be done!

      Delete
    3. It is tedious, but we'll worth all the time and effort. The agency gives you a step by step list of things that need to be done!

      Delete
  3. OMG,Talia's smile is huge! I finally figured out why I get teary whenever I read your posts. There is so much LOVE in your words and in the photos that it overwhelms my heart.

    ReplyDelete
  4. OMG,Talia's smile is huge! I finally figured out why I get teary whenever I read your posts. There is so much LOVE in your words and in the photos that it overwhelms my heart.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love reading all your updates! I am praying for all of you!

    ReplyDelete