Everything went smoothly with the U.S. Consulate meeting this morning. The only "little" blip was that the Consulate needed some extra paperwork (no kidding) to ensure that Jodie and I were approved by the State of Illinois. Apparently, Illinois has some of the strictest adoption rules in the entire United States. The Consulate needed to see our actual license as a Foster Home. No problem! I had the license and all supporting materials in the folio that Jodie helped me organize. So, all is well!
Tomorrow afternoon, Shen and I go to the U.S. Consulate for a "Swearing In" ceremony. I am not really sure what it entails, just that no cameras, no camcorders, no electronics of any kind, are allowed.
Other than waiting on the results of our Consulate Appointment, we have had a pretty low-keyed day. After speaking with Mommy and Connor, we went shopping for "stuff." We had a pretty good time looking at all the trinkets in the small shops surrounding our hotel.
Then, we had lunch with our good friends, the Beros, from Richmond, VA, and took a good, long nap. This was followed by another afternoon of swimming.
Even though it's still a couple of days away, I have started packing our luggage and organizing our carry-ons for the trip home. There is simply an incredible amount of material to care for, between the adoption documents and all of Shen's clothes/toys. It's definitely not like packing for one of my business trips :).
Also, I continue to be thankful for our travel agent, Janet! She arranged with American Airlines to get us directly from Tokyo to Chicago, instead of going from Tokyo to Los Angeles and then to Chicago. That puts us home in the late afternoon instead of late at night. Thank you Janet!!!
I have posted a couple of pictures from the day. The first is Shen, preparing for a big day with daddy (one happy kid), the second is Shen interacting with one of the baby girls in our travel group, and the third is the famous 7-11 and LadyBug Laundry! Enjoy!
Shen and I will post again tomorrow after our Swearing In Ceremony.
Love,
Jack and Shen
1 comment:
Jack,
Kathy and I have been continually praying for you and Shen that you may see and feel God's gracious and bountiful love in these days. His provision and care for you will always be a reference point for Shen as he grows to manhood. May you know the joy this day that our father has given to us. Jodie and Connor, I know are expectantly awaiting your return as are the rest of us. We hold all of your family in hearts before the Lord. Know that we love you .
HB & Kathy
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