Red Couch Photos

The heat index was 108 degrees today, so we stayed inside in the air conditioning. After a couple of hours in the playroom after breakfast, we came back to the room as directed by our guide, Kelly, who went to the Consulate to make sure all of our paperwork was in order for the US side of things. She wanted us to be near a phone in case there were any issues or questions. Thankfully, all of our documents passed inspection, so when we visit the Consulate tomorrow, it's really just a formality. It seems like it should be a given at this point, but that is not necessarily the case. Kelly told us about one family whose Consulate appointment was scheduled for July 1 and are still in country because the US is being very picky about some of the wording in their home study and how it corresponds to the wording contained in their US Immigration approval papers. It's so frustrating that a family could make it this far and then be held up by their own government.

This afternoon, our travel group, nine families including ourselves, met in order to take the traditional red couch photos. There are actually several red couches in the lounge area, and it is customary for travel groups to pose their kids together on one of the couches for a group photo. It's mostly chaos, kind of like trying to herd cats, with some kids crying, some kids trying to get off the couch, some kids looking away, and maybe one or two actually looking at the photographer and smiling. Maddie sat very calmly through all the hoopla, and I think we may actually have gotten one or two good photos of the whole crew.

We haven't had an opportunity to go swimming yet, so that's on the agenda for tomorrow morning. We head to the Consulate tomorrow afternoon at which point all official business will be concluded. Several of the families in our group are on their way home tomorrow. We have to wait around until Friday night before we catch our flight to LA. Now that we are near the end of our journey, it seems like the past two weeks have gone fast, yet it still feels like we have been away from home, and more importantly Isabel, forEVER. I don't understand the purpose of having to stay so long in Guangzhou, but then again, I guess there is a lot about international adoption that escapes my reasoning. All I know is that we are so very thankful to have been blessed with another wonderful daughter, and we cannot wait to get her home to meet her sister.

We'll do our best to post some pool photos tomorrow. After that, the next you will hear from us is when we are home sweet HOME!

Melissa, if you are reading this, you are on my mind! Safe travels to you. I cannot wait to follow your journey! It won't be long now before Darby is in your arms forever.