US Consulate Appointment

Good Afternoon All, At this stage of the game, it's all about waiting around. We wait for breakfast because we still get up at 4:30a. We wait for the tour bus typically at 9am to take us to an appt or go sightseeing. We then wait to see if we can actually eat what's on the lunch menu. We then wait for dinner b/c the afternoons are for kids napping and parents taking a breather. Then we wait to see if Papa John's will deliver to our hotel and that it hopefully tastes like the Papa John's that we know. Yes, and sorta. The cheese sticks have a pineapple custard something in them. So, we wait. today we finally reached the last appointment on the schedule. The US Consulate appt is for Sofie's visa and for her to gain citizenship to the USA. This is the most important appt as all others have built up to this point. It thankfully went very smoothly. As we pulled up to the Consulate we once again realized how many Chinese people are trying to gain entry into the US. The lines were long and as we left, they were even longer. It's very comforting knowing that for a brief time, we were on US soil. I will never take for granted how special our country is even with the craziness of the election and aftermath. We have an amazing homeland. So, our family is very ready to say goodbye to China tomorrow. We even went to the McDonald's across the street for lunch. And, thankfully, it tasted just like home. June's fish filet and my Big Mac tasted normal and the fries were amazing. And, Sofie loved my Big Mac. She is a Hall after all. We will get Sofie's visa around 4:30p our time and then head to the airport for our 9:30p flight out of Guangzhou. We are thankful that China gave us our daughters but the USA will be their home. Sarah Jane is now watching Kung Fu Panda with her sister, Sofie, on the hotel bed. How appropriate. Good night and God bless. -Bud