We're going to China!!

The flights are booked. Hotels and in country arrangements are nearly final. In two and a half weeks, we will be in China. Our Article 5 was finally issued 6/7 after a painfully long wait. We were expecting 2 to 3 weeks to wait. I know delays are to be expected in the adoption process and we have been truly fortunate that all other steps/approvals were received very fast. So I should not complain. But it was a tough wait. Then a week ago, Holt emailed us very late Friday afternoon to let us know Travel Approval had arrived. I didn't even see my email until Saturday morning. It was a fantastic way to start my Saturday!

This week in addition to the travel arrangements, we have been starting to put a plan together of what and how we will accomplish all that is needed to be done. I know - it seems like we have had so much time to prepare, but there are always things that can't be done until you have confirmed dates. So now I have my packing list. I have my to buy list. I have my to do before travel list. I have a honey do list for John. I have a work list. I have a list of things to do when we return home. I have a master list to keep all my lists organized. I think I may need to create a spreadsheet of what needs to be accomplished.  It might be more efficient.

The best part is when most of my lists have been crossed off - because then we get to meet Gigi!!

 

Visas arrived!

Tuesday our passports arrived via overnight mail with our Chinese visas! We are set to go to China! Now we just need a couple more approvals.

We continue to wait for our Article 5 to be issued by the US Consulate. Originally we expected to wait 2 to 3 weeks. It as been more than twice that long. However, the email with our NVC was not received by the Consulate and had to be resent. Then the offices were unexpectedly closed for a few days in May. Hopefully 6/7 we will receive word Article 5 has been issued. This means that my hopeful plan of flying to China on 7/4 is not going to happen. Now I'm hoping we are in the 7/18 travel group.

The process was moving quickly until this step. And I know realistically that we will be traveling this summer. I really should not complain but the wait is just getting hard. I am ready to go and bring our little girl home.