We had a very full day today. After breakfast we took some more photos of Avery and photos around the hotel. Then we went to one of the local shops and purchased a suitcase to bring all our goodies home. We started packing, had our last meal at Lucy's cafe and then it was time for the grand finale: Our US Consulate Appointment.
It is the final piece of the puzzle to bring Avery home. I had always heard that the "swearing in" was kind of anti-climatic and unfortunately this did prove to be true. There were 22 families that were ushered into a large room and we were asked to recite about 3 sentences and then it was done. Also no cameras were allowed. We took a picture of the sign and then our camera was held for us by the officials until we were done.
This evening we spent finishing up the packing and getting things ready for our departure from the hotel at 5:15am!!! What is it with us and all these early departures??
As I type this it is 9:30pm on Wednesday night in China (8:30 Wednesday morning at home) and after about 20 hours of travel time we will arrive in Texas Thursday afternoon!!
Now on to the real reason you check our site: pictures of Avery!!!!
Our little girl, sitting up by herself, playing with her toys!!!
Especially for her cousin, Kolin, who turns 13 today!! Happy Birthday Kolin, Avery can't wait to meet you!!
The ground floor of the building where we went for the Consulate Appointment:
All decked out and ready to go to the swearing-in ceremony!!
Hey!! Did you hear? Avery is coming home!!!!! As soon as we touch down on American land she will become a US citizen!
For everyone who has followed our journey, emailed us, commented, prayed for us, or just thought of us: THANK YOU!!! It made this journey so much easier knowing that we had so much love, support, and encouragement along the way. For all those still waiting: it is soooooo worth it. All of our wishes, hopes, and dreams have been fulfilled by this beautiful little girl!! We are so blessed!!!!
Next post: HOME SWEET HOME!!!!!!
7 comments:
Robyn,
I am so glad you are heading home even though I will be a little sad to not be reading the "China blog" each day. I got up in the morning so excited to run to my desk and "hear from Robyn!"
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. We honestly felt like we were with you. You are the first couple we have been "waiting" with that have made the trip and it feels like a milestone to us too.
Can't wait to meet Miss Avery and give her mom a congratulations hug!
Teresa
As I am typing this you are leaving your room and headed for the airport. I hope you got everything packed in that one suit case. The kids can't wait to meet Avery! Another cousin! I can't believe it has already been 2 weeks. I will see you at Fudruckers! Have a good flight.
Love you!
Terria,Joe,Alexis and Joe Clayton
Dear Robyn and Paul ~
Congratulations and God bless your travels home with your beautiful angel. Your posts and pictures have made me laught and cry with joy for someone I have never met. I felt like I was watching a family member get their dream come true.
Safe travels and welcome home to the cutest little American Citizen!!
Lisa Amorosi, Gibbstown, NJ
Robyn,
I have truly enjoyed reading your blog daily. Avery is beautiful and I can't believe how much she is doing now in such a short amount of time. I can't wait to see her in person. Have a safe trip home.
Trena
You don't know me from Adam, but can I tell you that your child is really a beautiful little girl?! I'm biased in no way, but your daughter is so cute. LOVE her smiles! They are contagious and healing.
God bless you and your baby. :-)
She is absolutely adorable!!! Congratulations on your perfect little blessing!!!
WELCOME HOME!!!! Hope you all had a safe and good journey home.
Shelli
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