Yesterday was our consulate appointment and much to our surprise, they were kicking off the November National Adoption Month and therefore had a special guest do the oath ceremony. It was the recently appointed U.S. Ambassador to China, Tom Huntsman. It was very emotional and even he cried because he had adopted a little girl from China 10 years ago so he went through this exact process. Paul and I cried as we promised to forever love and take care of Maggie.
After that, we were very happy because everything was done and it is 100% official. We have some very important paperwork that will need to be opened by immigration at our first port city which will be Los Angeles, however Maggie will automatically become a U.S. Citizen when the plane lands on U.S. soil. We will clap when the plane lands.....
Today, we took it easy and did a little more shopping and packing. Late this afternoon, we had a group dinner to say goodbye to everyone in our travel group. We have made some good friends here and will stay in touch for a long time.
One of the pictures we are posting is of our two CCAI (our adoption agency) guides who have been with us the entire time. They have done everything for us and really taken care of all of our needs and paperwork. Their names are Grace and Kathy and as you can tell, they help out a lot with the babies. Maggie was hungry and we were all eating so they decided to take her and feed her - Maggie cannot go without a meal (hee hee).
Also, there is a picture of two of the little girls that were here that Molly became friends with and their baby sisters. The one picture of the three of them is cute but the one where they are standing behind their baby sisters is the cutest.
Although, we are very anxious to go home, it has been a nice trip and we are so thankful to have our sweet Maggie safe and sound with us. We will see some of you on Thursday night at the airport and many of you soon thereafter. Take care everyone and thanks for following along. Love, Steph
4 comments:
OMG...just 2 more days and I get to see you guys. Can't wait.
So happy that Maggie is officially, 100% yours. Such an emotional time, I know.
Maybe I'm a bit biased...but in the picture of Molly and her new friends....Molly is the cutest big sister ever and Maggie is the cutest baby sister. Look at it...they are adorable. So, so precious.
Looking forward to seeing you guys soon and hearing more details after you have rested up.
Thanks for sharing your amazing journey with all of us.
Travel safely!!!
Much love...Nad, Charlie, Ian and Drew
Happen to cross your blog now and what gorgeous girls you have... I am going to go back in the archives and read what I have missed out.. safe travels...
She is beautiful!!! I know Molly is going to be a wonderful big sister to Maggie. I can see a new twinkle in her eyes. Can't wait to hear all about Molly's adventure.
See you soon! Miss Pam
As you read this, welcome back home to all the Gilmartin family.
Maggie got it much easier than me to become a citizen, no test for her!!!
We can't wait to see soon.
Julian may (depending on the weather, no more rain and cold please!) have a birthday party at our house next Saturday, Nov 7th or possibly (but less likely because of his big brothers schedule) on Nov 8th.
I'll let you know to see if you have recovered enough to come.
Otherwise, we will meet Maggie whenever you are available.
Will you be taking some maternity time off?
Can't wait to see her!!!
Anne
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