Consulate Day

It's a beautiful Wednesday morning here in Guangzhou!  Yesterday was full day.  We went to the American consulate in the morning for our swearing in ceremony with about 12 other families.  We applied for Kell's visa and will get it this afternnon.   We then took about a one hour drive to Dongguan City to visit Kell's orphanage.  When we arrived the young children were napping and the older children were in school.  Lily took us on a short drive to Kell's finding spot.  Standing there was very emotional.  I prayed for his biological mother who no doubt has a piece of her heart missing.  I prayed peace for her, that she somehow know that he is well loved.  May he know that she loved him well, too, by giving him a life that she could not.



We returned to the orphanage to the sounds of lots of busy, happy children.  We met with Kell's foster grandma who he was happy to see.  We were not able to meet again the foster family he lived with for 6 years.  We have had contact with them and have been able to express our gratitude but I wanted for Kell to get to see them and his foster sister one more time.  We stayed at the orphanage for several hours.  They gave us an extended tour and we were able to meet and photograph several other children who are waiting for their families.  I sent those pictures to their families as soon as we were back at the hotel.  I remember well being the waiting mommy and wanting updates and pictures of your child.



Kell was proud to introduce his new family to everyone at the orphanage.  He told one of the workers that he feels bad for his mommy because I don't own a pot.  In our suite there is a tiny kitchenette.  I have boiled water to make him oatmeal or grits so I suppose he thinks that's all I have to cook with!  He going to be dissappointed when we get home and there is no breakfast buffet!  Here's a pop tart and Mommy hardly ever uses this pot!  I'm kidding...I do a little better than that!



We arrived back in Guangzhou at dinner time and went to a Mexican restaurant....Tekila....in China?  Worlds collide!



We have decided to fly home sooner than planned.  The first flight we could get on after getting his visa is Thanksgiving day...how appropriate!  We will have a loooong layover in Seoul and arrive in Atlanta on Friday morning aroud 9:30.  We are sad to cancel our visit with friends in Shenzhen, but we are anxious to get home.  We miss our Jack!!!  We are happy to have a few days to get over the jet lag before getting back to our routine.  We are going to relax today and begin packing.