Today we went to the U.S. Consulate and were sworn in. Technically we should have had to sit with someone at the consulate and be interviewed and fill out paperwork but due to the volume (The huge room was full of adopting families- maybe over 80 families- the consulate officer who welcomed the swearing-in group said that China adoption is the biggest type of international adoption in the United States with over 7,000 this year and all of them go through Guangzhou at the end.) they now just swear you in. You basically swear that you have filled out all paperwork to the best of your ability and that it is accurate. Its not that you are swearing to be a good parent etc as we had thought. We also got the U.S. Immigration Visa attached to her Chinese passport. Since both Jamie and I came to China to get Noelle and not just one of us the benefit is that when she reaches the U.S. "Port of Call" she instantly becomes a U.S. citizen. Wow, what a powerful thought! When her family and friends see her for the first time it will be at the exact moment she becomes a U.S. Citizen! This is so special it is just a blessing to think about.
This is our second to the last night but for most of our group it is their last night. So, at Lucy's "American Food" place tonight we had a big congratulations and going away dinner party.
3 comments:
In the words of the Apostle John, "Even so, Come"
We'll meet you at the "Port of Call" We are having a hard time waiting!
Maddie is counting the days and is so excited.
Jerry (Dad/Poppy)
Hey!! Maddie is over at my house and we are having a blast!! She is going to spend the night tonight and we are going to speep in my bed! She keeps asking me is the next day when mommy and daddy come home? Then i say 2 more days!! yay! I love the pictures! Keep them coming!
xoxoxox
ash
Wow! Congrats. Almost done and home. Just the walk down the ramp to meet the family. How Wonderful. The picture of all the babies is awesome -- it reminds me of group pics with the Mastin cousins. ugh. See you soon.
Kelly
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