Shaling is on her way to becoming an American

Today was our U.S. Consulate appointment. There were approximately 34 adopting families. We all stood up at once and took an oath that all of the information we have provided to the U.S. government about our child thus far is true and correct to the best of our knowledge and ability. Then, we got called to a window where a U.S. Consulate officer processed the paperwork that will make Shaling a U.S. citizen. Because of her age, Shaling was allowed to sign the paperwork herself. Because she knew what she was signing, we felt like this gave her some ownership in the process.

This process will complete when we get to U.S. Customs at O'Hare International Airport on Friday. We have to present the customs officer with a sealed brown envelope that will contain all of her paperwork. They will then complete the process of her becoming a U.S. citizen. We should receive her citizenship certificate in the mail within 45 days of arriving home.

We do have long term plans to "re-adopt" her in America at some point, because this will provide her with a U.S. issued birth certificate, making her life easier down the road.

There were NO electronics allowed at all, so we have no pictures from today. We did some light souvenir shopping today and ate supper at Lucy's with Ben & Sheri from Texas. They are adopting their 3rd Chinese child, an adorable little boy name Xiao-Xiao ("Ben"). I think he is 4-years-old. They have their 11-year-old son, Davey, with them. Their other two Chinese children are little girls who stayed home with Grandma & Grandpa. They have 6 other kids as well, for a total of 10. The oldest is 28-years-old.

Tomorrow is our visit to the Safari Park. Thursday, we get Shaling's visa and then take the train to Hong Kong, where we'll check into the Marriott by the Hong Kong airport. Friday morning, we'll fly home. Though we take off at 11:25 a.m., that equates to 9:25 Thursday evening for those of you in Illinois.