Sworn In!

Today we woke to head to the US Consulate. It was not anything impressive and they don't allow camera's or cellphones inside. It is like entering the airport, with a scanner for your bags and a metal detector. We entered a waiting room with three other American families here for adoption, two we had never met and one that we flew from Seattle with. Here we all stood together and took an oath on our children's behalf. The oath is the same for any immigrant entering the US. Once we were sworn in, we finished the last paperwork to get Emma's US Visa and the papers that will allow her to become a US citizen once we land on US soil. The paperwork was all mostly completed beforehand so it was really just turning it all in.

After that meeting we did a little sightseeing at Shiaman Island (not sure how to spell it). It is an island made by the Pearle River, which is the third longest river in China and splits the city in half north and south. It has Colonial style architecture and is a popular place for wedding photos. We saw 6 or 7 while we were there. Very pretty and also the spot of the famous statues of the children, which we took pictures of with Emma and myself. Here are a few souvenir shops...which are high pressure and remind me of being in Mexico or Guatemala, the shop owners follow you around and assume anything your eyes land on, you will buy so they give you 'a friendly price'. Bartering is not my thing...I just don't like to barter, but Justin does and I am sure we got some 'friendly prices' ;)

We wait today and most of tomorrow to receive our packet of papers from the Consulate with Emma's Chinese passport with a US Visa inside. We're doing great and Emma continues to amaze us...she has not had a single melt down today. She even would eat a little bit of bread at breakfast, more strides in trusting us. She has so far to go, but we are so encouraged by her progress in the short few days we have had her with us.

Until later, much love to all!


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