It's time

The long awaited day has finally arrived!!! Tomorrow I'm going to board the plane for the journey of lifetime! It's hard to put it into words. I am excited, elated, overjoyed, nervous, scared..., all in one!

Signing off now. Next stop -Beijing!

Pouring Love

Amelia has been receiving pouring love from so many people. Grandpa and Grandma are so eager to meet her. Uncle Chris (my brother) visited her in Anhui and brought her toys. Everyone at work is excited. My friends congratulate us and wish us the best. Last but not the least, a Gymboree package arrived, it's from my friend Kai, she sent Amelia a beautiful blue dress, a shirt, a pair of shorts and warm regards.

No words can express our deep appreciation.

Itinerary

August 28 - Arrive in Beijing
August 29 and 30 - Holt orientation, Visit family and friends
August 31 - Fly from Beijing to Hefei 3:30PM-4:30PM – Meet Amelia in the Civil Affair Office (Gotcha Day)
September 1 - Adoption registration and notarization at the Civil Affair Office
September 2 and 3 - Visit orphanage and foster family in Liuan
September 4 - Fly from Hefei to Guangzhou
September 5 - Paperwork checking
September 6 - Free day
September 7 - Medical examination
September 8 - Visa appointment at the American Consulate
September 9 - Oath-taking ceremony at the American Consulate
September 10 -Fly from Guangzhou to Beijing
September 11 - Visit grandpa and grandma
September 12 - Start journey home!!!

Oh, my

I received official travel dates and booked my flights today!! I'M GOING TO CHINA!!!! I am to arrive in Beijing on August 28 and will have Amelia in my arms on August 31!!! Our dream of adopting a child from China - is now about to finally come to fruition. My best friend and partner in life - my husband, is a great father to our son Jonathan, and I know he's going to be the most wonderful dad to our daughter Amelia too.

Visa is here

I applied for my Chinese visa and it arrived today. I can officially enter China! It's been one week since I received the email that our Travel Approval had arrived! I haven't received the official travel dates yet.

I still have to pack. I'm a procrastinator when it comes to packing so I'm sure I won't do much until the weekend before I leave. I work best under pressure. There are things we need to finish up around the house. Lots left to do and not much time left to do it.

Some Thoughts

Older Children in China are very near and dear to our hearts. Some of you may not know, we would never have received our referral for Amelia had we not opened our hearts to consider special needs - she is "old" and has ptosis. I wish people could see the beautiful children for who they are - precious human beings all deserve a chance at life and the love of a family. I know adopting a child is not for everyone. But I also know from my personal experience that if the thought of adopting a child has ever crossed your mind, it is rewarding.

No Travel Dates Yet

I still need the appointment dates with the American Consulate in Guangzhou. I just received an email from Holt International Children's Service, my adoption agency.

"Unfortunately, we do not have travel dates yet for you from the Consulate. We have no news that there is any issue or problem, it is just that they are slower for whatever reason. We hope to have them early next week. I wanted to check in to let you know we hadn't forgotten about you.

I hope you have a nice weekend and we will be in touch."

I keep saying to myself: "Be hopeful!"

Travel Approval

I received the Travel Approval today. WooHoo!!! I can go to China the end of August! Stay tuned...

Being Grateful

We received the I-171H addendum. The US government can work fast.
Still waiting for the travel approval from the China Center of Adoption Affairs...When can I go? I am anxious...

On the other hand, I am grateful that I am given the opportunity to change my life - for better.