Wednesday

3 families (Richerts, Denmans, and us) had our US Consulate appointments Wednesday morning. We rode in a small van with Helen. First, she picked up the kids' medical reports. If over two, each child needs a TB test. It involved a blood draw, so Helen called it the "bloody test." Everyone passed their bloody test.

Then we walked across the street to the Consulate. It was a different building than last time. There was a long line of people with umbrellas. But we didn't have to wait long. Several other American adoptive families were there. We turned in some paperwork, then all stood together at a window and took an oath. It all pertained to our children's immigrant status, and that all the information on their visa applications is true. The kids travel out of China with their Chinese names and Chinese passports, and a special immigrant visa. They become US citizens when we land in the US.

After that, Helen took us to an Aeon grocery store in a subway station underground mall. Aeon is a Japanese chain, so it was nice and familiar. We got diapers and a few snacks for the girls, then sat in chairs with our friends for a while.

Jeff, Ariel, Willow, and I took a cab to Shamian Island again. We had beer and lunch at Lucy's. Ariel ran and danced happily in the riverfront gardens there. Willow had quality time with Jeff. We picked up our laundry at the store by the White Swan, now called Chinese Life (formerly Susan's we think). We bought a Xi Yang Yang (pleasant goat) toy piano from the nice man there.

At 5 we sat for the traditional America World group photo on the lobby grand staircase. It was nice to be with everyone in our group and celebrate the almost-end of our journey.

We walked the girls all around the hotel (2nd floor ballrooms, ground floor stairs, Japanese restaurant and foot massage place up the spiral staircase, and 7-11 outside.)

Then we had a restful evening of snacks and baths in the room. Today (Thursday) is our last full day here. Some families depart tonight for Hong Kong. We fly out Friday morning: Guangzhou to Shanghai to Detroit, to home!

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