It's a good thing the internet is free here at the Victory Hotel because I'd be a little PO'd if I were paying for it! Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't...it's a little finicky, like me!
There has been much drama over the past 48 hours, but I am happy to report all of the issues regarding our INS troubles have been resolved! By INS troubles, I am referring to the fact that someone in Memphis, Tennessee dropped the ball...AGAIN! Long story short is that Lily's US Visa approval was not wired here as it should have been nearly a month ago and they were going to make us stay into next week. Our wonderful facilitator, Helen, must have pulled some strings because we were able to take our oath and we have Lily's passport in hand, Visa and all. Hurray!
Today we visited a Folk Arts Museum...beautiful and educational. It is housed at a former temple to the Chen family, who must have been pretty wealthy and powerful here in Guangzhou! On our way there, Helen pointed out a lovely restaurant that specializes in SNAKE! No thanks! We then made our way over to a pearl market, which was five floors of everything pearl, jade, amber, gold...need I go on? A real ladies paradise! We picked up a couple of baubles for the girls when they get older and we came back to our hotel. Then the real fun began as we hit the streets of Shamian Island looking for bargains. And bargains we found as we stumbled on a store that was moving and the shopkeeper wanted us to help move the merchandise...right back to the USA! I'm not sure if I have misplaced some of our clothes, but everything fit in he suitcase with room to spare. I'm not sure how this worked out.....
Well, I am going to sign off now as we have to be ready to leave the hotel at 5:30 am and it's already after 2! A quick shower and a quick nap and I'll be as good as new! We have truly enjoyed our time here. China is not at all what I expected it to be. It is rural and cosmopolitan, ancient and new, deeply rooted in traditions of the past but also focusing on the future. She is certainly a proud and friendly nation and I am honored to be bringing one of her daughters home with us. Thank you all so much for following us on this journey of a lifetime. Thanks for your many thoughts and prayers...we appreciate them more than can ever be said. We hope you'll continue to follow our story as we close this important chapter and move on to the next. We will be faced with many challenges, but the joy we've already been rewarded with makes all of the hassles, frustrations and the agonizing wait so incredibly worth it.
We love you all and can't wait to introduce you to Lily XiCheng DeBraal!!!
10 comments:
Wow!! I just figured out how to get to your blog. I had to search for it... Oh well, better late than never. I am Soooo happy for you all. You have waited and worked for so long for a beautiful young lady. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I can't wait to meet her!!
Teresa
Wahoo! Lily's coming home!
I know what you mean about China, it's an amazing place.
Have a safe trip...even though when you read this you will be home!
I'll be in touch soon.
:)
DeBraal party of 4. How does that sound? Has a good ring to it doesn't it. It's hard to believe the long wait is finally over and Lily is official a DeBraal. Look out Kingsport here comes the new an improved DeBraal Family. We await you return with excitement and joy. Congratulations to all!!! See you in 24 hours. Good Luck traveling the (un)friendly skies. I'll say another little prayer today.
Love & Blessings
Stephaie
Welcome Home! Hope Lily does not kill the box we sent. Hope Sophie likes hers. I am glad everything worked out for you all. I sent some pictures of the Wisconsin trip to your email. Hey, if you all are still alive after 24 hours on Northworst you know your looked after!...
Talk to you soon.
Chris
Hi you guys. We're all extremely happy that INS came through. And we all can not wait until you get home with more than you left with. Looking forward to seeing you all.
Love, Uncle Mike, Aunt Terri, Cousin Sarah and Cousin Kaley
Thanks for allowing us to go to China with you. A whole crowd at work went as well and we all welcome you all home to the USA. We are of course looking forward to meeting Lily, the youngest and of course Sophie the oldest. Pete and Deb too. Save the pictures, they need to be put into scrapbooks. Safe trip home and we will see you soon.
Pete and Gail
Congratulations! Lilly looks like Deb... better than looking like Pete!
Have a safe trip home and no more INS troubles.
We wish you all the best,
Troy & Katie
Welcome home and be prepared for the jet lag.........bleck.....it was 2 weeks before we felt normal...
Congratulations on your final step!
Welcome back ! !
Are you going to continue the blog? I am serious about you getting published, it was wonderful reading. I am sure everyone will agree !
Well glad you are all home safe, rest and relax!
Hugs to the girls
Gail and Pete
Wow, this was a beautiful post - love the paragraph about China. Makes me anxious to get there for our own girl! Thanks for sharing your journey with us - I hope you keep up the blogging once you settle in. I'd love to hear and see more of your story - gives us hope for our own happy beginning :)
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