Phoebe Is an American!

Early morning appointment at the consulate office at the US embassy this morning, in the pouring rain. Our guide got us out of the hotel fast and after a long walk in a sultry pouring rain we were number 1 for our interview which means we were first in and first out.  That may not mean much unless you could have seen the sea of humanity in the waiting area. We took an oath and confirmed all that we know about Phoebe!  Hopefully we'll get Phoebe's travel visa tomorrow at 3:30 (or three shirty as our sweet guide Lily says☺️) before we take off for Hong Kong. Phoebe had a great time at the consulate seeing all the other kids there.  And we enjoyed meeting some of the other adoptive families.
We got back to the hotel earlier than expected so Shana and Carsen were able to write and send off a couple post cards as well as face-time a couple friends. We enjoyed a spectacular lunch at "The Noodle Place". The spicy cucumber is a must-have on your next visit to Guangzhou. After lunch we visited the second Nanyue King Zhao Mo's tomb. This is one of the most significant archeological discoveries in all of China, just a couple blocks from our hotel.
On a side-note, we're having fun with some of the printed English translations. For example, we went to the "5st" floor of the museum to see the tomb exhibit. My favorite is the Ranch salad dressing label, "pasture juice".
We have a lazy morning planned for tomorrow as we're just waiting to receive Phoebe's visa paperwork. We're scheduled for the 5:30 PM train to Hong Kong (not quite as lyrical as "the midnight train to Georgia" but we hope to make it just the same).
We give thanks to our Great God in the name of Jesus for the innumerable blessings we've received the past 12 days. We are all healthy, our adoption process has been as smooth as silk (see what I did there...), and our third daughter is as precious as our first and second.
Carsen & Gracie have been absolute life savers since little Phoebe joined the family, their constant help with holding, entertaining, and corralling this small tornado has been necessary and very much appreciated. I am so very proud of the young ladies these two have grown into.
As we head into the last leg of this 15 day adventure, as impressed as I've been with Carsen & Gracie, I am even more so by my beautiful wife. These first few days with Phoebe have not always been easy & pleasant (as the pictures make it appear). There have been night terrors, ferocious screaming fits, and 3-year old tantrums thrown by our very strong willed toddler whose life has been turned upside down. Through it all, Shana has shown an inhuman level of patience. I marvel at the strength and ability of this woman to see through the screaming defiance and see instead a frightened, hurting, little heart in need of care, acceptance, and security. This is my wife Shana.

Happy Family!

Yum, Yum

If only she can learn to spin them on a stick, she can get a job with the Chinese acrobats :)