US Consulate Appointment

This morning we went to our US Consulate appointment for Hannah.  This is the appointment that our entire trip was based around.  Back in September, when we received our Travel Approval from China, this is the appointment that was scheduled shortly after.  Then all of our other appointments (including our appointment to get her) were all based around this one.  Today, at the appointment we formally filed her US visa application.  One of the required documents was completed by us many months ago and forwarded to the US Consulate.  It had a signature line for then and one for us to sign today, in person.  I remember when I filled that form out in August, thinking it seemed like we would never actually be in China to sign the other line.  I mean, I knew we would, but it just seemed so far away.  So, it was so cool to see that form again.  It was such a visual reminder of how much paperwork goes into this process and how quickly it is all wrapping up now.  At the appointment we had to raise our right hands and promise that all of the information we had submitted to the US govt was true and accurate.  We were with about 15-20 other families and after we all took the oath together, the room erupted in cheers!!!  We were a room full of families that have gone through the difficulties of the adoption process and here we were, standing at the paperwork finish line with our new children!  It was very very cool.  I don't have pictures of any of that because electronic devices of any kind were not allowed in the appointment.  You will just have to trust me that is was oh so very cool!!!    

Tomorrow after 3:30 our very wonderful, competent, and Christian (yep - so cool, right!!) guide will pick up Hannah's passport with the US visa inside and we will be free to fly home!!!  Once Miss Hannah goes through US Customs and Immigration in San Francisco she will be the newest and cutest American citizen!!!  

Our trip is wrapping up soon.  Tomorrow after we get her passport back we will be traveling by van to Hong Kong.  We will spend Wednesday in Hong Kong and then fly home Thursday morning.  We arrive in San Antonio at 7pm on November 17th (on United) and we would love to have you join us at the airport to welcome Hannah home!  Hailey will be there to anxiously meet her new sister.  

Now we are heading out to do some shopping!  Blessings to you all!!

Chris, Amy, Travis, Chase and Hannah