Wednesday: A brief visit to US soil

As I understand it, a foreign consulate is actually under the jurisdiction of the presiding nation. So technically, when we went to the US consulate today, we went to the US for an hour. Security checkpoint, signs in English, only western toilets…it was nice. There were also windows like at our local Social Security office or DMV where they call your number and you talk to someone through glass. And they all spoke great English. Our process went smoothly - we took an oath that we hadn’t falsified any documents, answered one question about Ca’s medical history, and we were all set. Tomorrow at 4:30 we should receive Ca’s entry visa to the US, and as soon as we get through immigration at the Newark airport, she’ll be an American citizen. Crazy.

Despite an early start, we had a painless trip to the consulate, and came back for second breakfast. Ca had only had Skippy and Saltines for breakfast, and was hungry - and the buffet was still open. B, E, and I felt like hobbits.  :)

After second breakfast, we gathered our things from the room and set out for our adventure for the day - a walk to the park for a boat ride on the lake. On the way out, we encountered a number of things that Ca had enjoyed at earlier times, but we weren’t doing right now - getting to carry (& swing) the hotel umbrella, playing on Mama’s phone, a treat at the convenience store where we get water, ice cream at the McDonald’s next to the hotel. By the time we were half a block on our outing, our little girl was frustrated and stuck. Today she did stuck just by not cooperating - she sat down and wouldn’t walk with us anymore. She allowed I to sit by her, but B and E couldn’t get too close or she’d move away. So we were trying to think of how to reach her - a playful way to engage and connect with her to draw her back to relationship. Just as we’d come up with what seemed like a good idea, she stood up and started walking with I. The rest of the day was much better. Had a blast on the boat (got super-sweaty, like anything outdoors at mid-day in Guangzhou), had ice cream on the way home, went swimming, went to dinner. One more day down.

Tomorrow, if the Lord wills, we get her visa at 4:30 pm. Then depart the hotel Friday morning and begin our trip home. With fewer official commitments and no planned outings, the days are beginning to blur together. We’re tired of being away.

Ca is remarkably willing to get her face wet - in the pool, in the shower, in the tub. She LOVES swimming!

She's making a lot of progress in the pool with all the swimming we're doing. Yes, that's I floating nearby.

Ca with our agency's primary guide - a highly experienced woman who is excellent at both
 handling the details of adoption and working with families and children as they adjust. 

At the lake, everybody but Mama took a turn driving the battery-powered motorboat. 

Selfie!

Having lots of fun 

Totally worth the $10USD.

Movie star is ready for dinner. Ca loves the sunglasses - they're a gift from
a 4-year-old friend of ours who is very excited for Ca to come home.

Walking to our favorite restaurant.

Little restaurant. Tiny stools. Most diners are alone.
The staff doesn't speak English, but they know Ca by name
and know how to help us feel comfortable.

Happy girl eating ice cream in the air-conditioned hotel lobby!