Day 14- U.S. Consulate!

The final step in our adoption journey is an appointment at the U.S. Consulate to apply for Mo-She's travel visa and to complete his immigration paperwork.   We found out that the consulate is located in a different building than our previous visits and the process was a little different.  After clearing security and making our way to the adoption department, we joined about 12 other families including those we saw in Zhengzhou last week.  We waited our turn and then were called to a window to swear on the accuracy of our documents and the commitment to adopt  Zhou Zi Liang. . . .  a.k.a. Adam Ladon Harp . . . . a.k.a.  . . "Mo-She"!  We were also told that this year marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. international adoptions from China.  Since November is National Adoption month they are celebrating this month.  They had several posters displayed with famous Americans who were adopted and their success stories . . . . .Kristin Chenoweth, Steve Jobs, and Dave Thomas (of Wendy's) were a few people you might recognize.  They had some signs up announcing the celebration as well but we were not allowed to bring cell phones or cameras in the building so were unable to get any pictures.

After a short while we were called up a second time for a family interview.  They asked us a few questions about Mo-She then congratulated our family and the process was over.  Once we clear immigration in Chicago on Saturday, Mo-She will be a United States Citizen!

3 more days until I'm a U.S. Citizen!

The trip to the consulate consumed our entire morning so when we returned we had lunch at the hotel and then decided to enjoy the beautiful day and take a walk.  One of our favorite places to visit on the island is the Shamian Church of our Lady Lourdes (est. 1890)

Jesus said "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  Matthew 19:14

Please let there be peace on earth!

Right next to the church was a nice coffee/ice cream place.

Mo-She says "I can get used to this!"

There were wedding photos being taken all over the island again today.

What a beautiful bride!

After our walk we went back to our room to get ready to take our own special photos.  It used to be an adoption tradition to dress your children in traditional Chinese clothes and take a picture on the "red couch" which was located in the White Swan Hotel on the island.   Now that the U.S. Consulate and the International Medical Clinic are no longer located on the island the majority of adoptive families now stay in the city of Guangzhou.  The White Swan has also been renovated over the last few years and there are no longer any "red couches".  A little disappointing because Shu and Jie both had their pictures taken there.   The atrium of the White Swan Hotel is beautiful so we decided we would go there anyway today and take our "red couch" pictures without the red couch! 

The White Swan Hotel atrium waterfall!

My two China beauties!

No red couch, but Daddy has a red shirt on!

Super cute Grayson!

Trying to get these two to take a picture together was exhausting!

"Priceless!"

We ended our day with a group dinner at the Chinese restaurant in the Victory Hotel.  It's hard to believe it has been two weeks since we all met in Beijing to start our journey together.  We will be the first to leave for Hong Kong via a private van as soon as Mo-She's visa arrives from the consulate.  It should take us about 3-4 hours to get to Hong Kong depending on traffic.  Prayers for no delays and safe travel will be appreciated!

Good Night from China!