I started some cipro but am still not feeling well tonight. Stephanie and Maddox went on the tour of one of the temples here and had a good time while I rested.
We had a birthday party at lunch since 4 of the 5 Hendersons (another CWA family here with us) have birthdays in late February or early March. 
After that, we went to the swearing in ceremony where we took an oath in front of the consulate that we had provided accurate information to the government and would take care of our children. Then, it was official, we have Maddox's entry visa and as soon as he sets foot on U.S. soil, he is a citizen of our country! Our oath ceremony was particularly special. The time of the oath is usually around 4pm, but we had been told that ours was moved up to around 2pm because the acting ambassador to China was visiting the consulate. He was introduced and personally administered the oath to all of us! It was neat because he had been working in Beijing for many years and had personally been involved in making international adoption from China possible. He himself has served as a foster parent to a Chinese orphan here. He read out a list of families who were there today and had adopted multiple children and the other 3 families we are traveling with were honored. Another family was completing its fourth Chinese adoption! We got to shake his hand and thank him afterwards.
After that, we went to the swearing in ceremony where we took an oath in front of the consulate that we had provided accurate information to the government and would take care of our children. Then, it was official, we have Maddox's entry visa and as soon as he sets foot on U.S. soil, he is a citizen of our country! Our oath ceremony was particularly special. The time of the oath is usually around 4pm, but we had been told that ours was moved up to around 2pm because the acting ambassador to China was visiting the consulate. He was introduced and personally administered the oath to all of us! It was neat because he had been working in Beijing for many years and had personally been involved in making international adoption from China possible. He himself has served as a foster parent to a Chinese orphan here. He read out a list of families who were there today and had adopted multiple children and the other 3 families we are traveling with were honored. Another family was completing its fourth Chinese adoption! We got to shake his hand and thank him afterwards.This afternoon, we dressed him up in a formal silk outfit we had gotten him. 
He wore it for a while and enjoyed having his picture taken in our room. However, when we tried to sit him on the couch next to the other kids for group photos we had a meltdown. I think having portraits made of this kid is going to be tough. We finally compromised and left him in the stroller which he liked better.
He wore it for a while and enjoyed having his picture taken in our room. However, when we tried to sit him on the couch next to the other kids for group photos we had a meltdown. I think having portraits made of this kid is going to be tough. We finally compromised and left him in the stroller which he liked better.Tonight we are busy packing and saying our goodbyes. We can't wait to see everybody back in the states! J, S, and M.
God Speed and Traveling Mercies on you. We will be so happy to have you stateside.
ReplyDeleteHurry home! It is time for Maddox to feel the pride of the Red, White and Blue! Can't wait to have him set his little feet on American soil.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying that he sleeps while you travel and that you can too!
Four Chinese adoptions, huh? :) Can't wait to see what God has in store for your family. Honored to walk through life with you.
ReplyDeleteWhen are we going to get a picture of that boy in some Auburn stuff??
ReplyDeleteWar Eagle!! I'm with Leigh. Bring on the Orange and Blue!!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about anyone else, but I am dying for an update. I keep refreshing the page hoping to see something new. I think I will have to go into a 12-step program. "Hi I am Kris and I am a Maddox addict..."
ReplyDelete"Hi Kris!" responds Leigh and Lanie (co-founders of the recovery group)
ReplyDeleteI have checked this page at least 12 times since 8am.
Glad you guys are finally coming home!!! I love the picture of Maddax in his Chinese outfit. So cute!
ReplyDeleteLove
Julie