We Can See the Finish Line!

Final Steps

Today was the day we’ve been waiting for, our appointment with the US Consulate in Guangzhou.  This is the last step in this very long process of adoption, and one of the most important.  This is where Maisey starts the process of becoming a citizen of the United States. 

Those waiting to get a visa to USA,
the line was 4x as long at 9:00AM when we left.

I’m sure she left the envy of all the people who were waiting in line just to possibly get an appointment with the Consulate to get a coveted Visa to the USA.  Lisa and I, along with the other 12 or so families at our 8:30AM appointment swore an oath on behalf of Maisey that all immigrants are required to make.  She will land on US soil in New Jersey on Friday, and as soon as we go thru customs, Maisey will be a citizen of the USA!  God Bless America.

This appointment will generate 3 documents required for travel back to the US.  First is her Visa to be attached to her Chinese passport, the second is her citizenship packet, which we will hand to US Customs in NJ on Friday.  Last, is a certified UN Hague Convention adoption certificate, which will serve as her proof of citizenship, much like a Birth Certificate is for us.

We will receive these documents tomorrow afternoon at 3:30PM (3:30AM in Connecticut.) Once we have these in hand we immediately leave Mainland China for Hong Kong.  Hong Kong is technically under Mainland China rule but will remain independent until at least 2047.  We will clear Hong Kong Customs get a cab to our hotel near the airport from the train station, then we’ll fly home Friday morning at 10:30! (10:30PM Thursday in CT.) 

We are SO ready to come home and introduce Maisey to everyone.