Getting Ready

Supposedly the diapers in China aren't the same as ours, so we have packed about 100 (though not necessarily enough for 20 days). And about 300 wipes, because we hear that the wipe quality is particularly variable. Plus some outfits for the orphanage. Our third suitcase is stuffed, but we will have plenty of empty space on the return flight.

I am hoping to buy various books and toys that speak Chinese in addition to the many that I'm sure we will acquire here. Planning for the trip has re-kindled my fondness for Chinese culture, which of course is one thing that started me on this journey.

We just got our flights booked yesterday. Big relief. I had stored up over 300,000 United miles, since I now mainly fly Southwest. Fortunately, this saved us a boatload -- for premier seats, the extra flight from Shanghai to Guangzhou and a third seat on the return, we are paying only $700 (including buying extra miles as I was 900 miles short). Would have been more than $6000 through the tour operator.

In China, we will spend one day in Guangzhou, then head to Nanchang with a few other families. We pick up our daughter at the Civil Affairs Office, sign a harmony agreement and pay fees on the first day. The next day we go back to the Civil Affairs Office to apply for an adoption certificate, take pictures, pay more fees and sign more documents. The following day we go to a government notary office - yes to pay more fees and sign more documents. And also we must get her a passport from the Public Security Bureau.

Back in Guangzhou, the main activities are a medical check-up required by the U.S. Consulate, then our Consulate appointment. That could not be scheduled until June 7, meaning we cannot pick up her visa until June 9, and fly out the next morning, arriving home on June 10.

So our two-week trip has turned into a three-week trip. We were expecting to leave on June 4 (though actually would have been June 5 because there are no direct flights to Chicago from Guangzhou, so we cannot leave until the following day).

Fortunately we do enjoy traveling (see pic from a trip to Oregon attached).