Tuesday, December 11, 2007

We're Coming Home




We had a nice last day in Guangzhou. After spending the morning having a leisurely breakfast, we hit our after breakfast treat ...... Starbucks. We walked over to the park next to the hotel for a morning stroll on the River and were surprised to see it full of people. Groups of people doing Chinese dance, ballroom dance, yoga (or some form of it) and hackisack game . It was hard getting Alisha's stroller around all the groups.

We gave Alisha a long late morning nap and then got her ready for the Swearing in Ceremony at the US Consulate. Our hotel arranges for all the families to go over by bus. There had to be 100 of us. Upon entering the Consulate, you have to hand in any electronic equipment including your camera. Then everyone gets in line and a gentlemen verified that the copies of our passport picture matched who was in the room. Our coordinator then gets our Visa package while a gentlemen stands in the middle of the room and goes over what is taking place. At the end all of the families stand together with our right hand raised and swear that all of the information we gave during this process was true and accurate. And then its done.... we can now bring Alisha into the US. YAHOO!!!

After the ceremony, we met up with a couple we met in Wuhan, Paul and Vicky who were adopting their 3rd child from China after raising 4 of their own. The are a great couple and their kids were so sweet. There daughter Kate was having the best time playing with Alisha and she was laughing and smiling the whole time.
Today, was another wonderful day of getting to know Alisha. She loves to laugh and giggle and especially loves to laugh at something she just has done. She is so funny! We are enjoying every second of her. Even her "moments" are getting fewer and shorter. What a relief!
I just finished packing for our long trip home. We are going to miss China and it will always be special in our hearts. It is Alisha's home country, her history and the place she lived for a year. We look forward to returning here with her as a young adult and let her see her home country together as a family.
Jerry, Alisha and I are so looking forward to seeing everyone. We miss all of our family and friends. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives and we want to thank everyone for sharing this wonderful journey with us. We look forward to you all getting to know our little girl.

See ya in the US!!!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

HOORAY-YOU ARE FINALLY COMING HOME!

Loved the pictures. Her smile is delicious and I can't get over her red shoes.

Have a safe trip - Miss you and I can't wait to see and hold the three of you.

Love and Kisses

Mom

Anonymous said...

We are SO happy that you are coming home!!! This has been so special that we were able to experience this whole trip with you through this blog. We can't wait to spoil our niece!!!!!!

Love you all!
Have a safe trip back.

Love,
Cathy, Mitch, Tara, Eric, Brian & Danielle

Anonymous said...

Wow that must have been some ceremony. Did you cry? I love the latest pictures and I agree with your mom Alisha's red chinese shoes are FAB. Can't wait to see all three of you!! Safe trip.
Love Lauren

Anonymous said...

What an exciting & whirlwind few days!!! You are raising such a cosmopolitan girl! The pics and blog are great...thanks so much for letting us share your journey. Have a safe (& speedy) trip home - can't wait to see you guys & meet your daughter!!!

Anonymous said...

Still crying many tears of joy over here! Mazel Tov!!

Anonymous said...

The blog has been fabulous! Loved reading about your amazing journey. Can't wait to see you guys in person! Safe travels!

Lisa and Ron said...

We are so glad you are coming home. What wonderful pictures and we can't wait to meet your beautiful daughter. Safe journey home. We can't wait to hear everything. Love, Lisa and Ron

Anonymous said...

Are you home yet? Are you home yet? ARE YOU HOME YET? Darnit, what's taking so long!

Can't wait to see the Noack family!

Love Martha