Tuesday, Decembe 15th

Well this was going to be the last day the group would be together. On Wednesday the other 4 families were all scheduled to head to Hong Kong via train to begin there journey home. There were two main events for today. The finalization of the adoption at the American Consulate and the Pearl River cruise.

For the finalization, we boarded the group bus and took about a 45 min ride to the consulate. We are all excited because this will OFFICIALLY bring to an end the Paper Work Process. After nearly 4 years there will be NO MORE PAPER work to do for this adoption. Tianna will be ours for ever.

It was a rainy afternoon but that did not dampen our spirits. We all had to go through the security check and we were not allowed to bring in any video or camera equipment, including cell phones.

As we sat in the big open seating area there were about 50 families total going through the same process. The waiting reminded me of being at the DMV, we would be called up per family to a window and sign a paper and present ID. Finally after about 40 minutes of families being called up a lady got up and spoke about the consulate and what there duties were. Then we were all asked to stand up and repeat an oath. Afterwards the lady said "Congratulations you can all go home now" At this time chills came over me. The words "Go Home"

We headed to the Pearl River Cruise. Since we were ahead of schedule we had a little time to kill so we stopped off at a hotel that has the biggest lobby in all of China. It was not all that exciting but it did make for some good picture spots. One we used for our Christmas cards that of course we sent out late.

The Pearl Cruise was fun as it was the last time we would all be together as a group. The food was not that good but there was an entertainer that Tianna really loved. It was fun watching Giu Lan dance with Tianna and Katie. Katie (age 10) had just gotten a younger sister (age 8).