A Fed Ex package came today.

Today we received our passports containing our visas for China!  Of course I was so excited to get the package that I took a photo of Craig, the FedEx man.  What would we do without FedEx and UPS  overnight delivery?  We have used them a lot.  

Now that we have our visas, Keith can work on the final assembly of all the documents that we will need in China.  It takes a lot of organizing.  If you know Keith, then you know how well he takes care of paperwork!  Copies have been made and backups are done.  The package of documents will be in our carry on and is priceless to us.

Yesterday we had a phone conference with our agency.  It was so interesting to hear about the process of the paperwork and how it relates to the appointments in China. They said to be very alert while filling out forms and not to make a mistake (It is very hard to correct mistakes later on, and can also be costly).  As you can see from the itinerary, we'll first be working on documents during the Civil Affairs appointment (the Chinese end of it) and then be flying into Guanghzou for the U.S. Consulate appointment.  In preparation of the Consulate appointment, Keith will have a "paperwork party" with our agency.  Only one of us can go to the "party".  The Consulate appointment is the next day.  Our agency will be bringing the papers to the appointment and will be representing us.  Keith has to be available by phone in case anything comes up. The following day we actually do get to go to the Consulate to take part in the Oath Taking Ceremony.  I often think of my dad saying, "For crying out loud, why is this (adoption) taking so long? What is it, a Federal case?".  I replied while laughing, "Actually dad, it is".  It will be a very big day for me, and will just make me smile (and probably laugh), thinking of my dad.

I heard that papers are requested quickly, so Keith has it all filed under his fingertips.  We are also bringing a mini office so that we are prepared; we have all the standard things that you would have in  your desk, but condensed.  After the Consulate appointment is done, Lulou's visa will be processed so that we will be able to bring her home!  By the way, our friends in China are going through the Consulate appointments right now!

P.S.  Nine days and counting.