Tuesday, August 30, 2011

VISA APPOINTMENT AND OATH-TAKING CEREMONY

Early this morning we boarded a bus to go to the US Consulate for our Visa Appointment and Oath-taking ceremony. It was insanely busy and extremely hot. Guangzhou is so hot. You literally melt the minute you walk out the door. This morning the temperature was 105 degrees with 99% humidity. It is just awful. Anyway, we were there with about 10 other families. We all stood, raised our right hand and took our oath that all the information we have supplied is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge. When all was said and done the woman at the Consulate congratulated all of us on the new additions to our families. We applied for Ava's Visa and than we were on our way. Tomorrow afternoon we will receive Ava's passport back with her Visa. Afterwards we will take a high speed train to Hong Kong. We will spend the night in Hong Kong and early Thursday morning (Wednesday evening US time) we will board our plane for the 15 1/2 hour ride home. Please pray for our safe travels home.


Speaking of home...I really don't know where we are going once we arrive back home. As far as we know at this point we have no electricity or hot water. And both will need to be replaced. We are still unsure how much damage is done to our home. My Dad is still unable to get to our house since the flood waters have not gone down. We are trying to think positive...and positive is still really bad. We are praying...down on our knees that the flood waters did not reach the main level of our home. We are still expecting 6 plus feet of water...could be more. I cannot even tell you the level of stress I am under. I just want to come home to my own home... I want to relax and spend quality time with my two daughters. We have a lot of work ahead of us...a lot of work. It's devastating...truly devastating.

I will try to enjoy our last day here in Guangzhou. We plan on taking a cab back to the island early in the morning to pick up a few things that we ordered. Afterwards we need to come back and prepare to head to the train station.

Ava has been doing very well with all of the traveling. She's a feisty little bugger so that has been a little bit of a challenge. But she sleeps really really well. She naps every day for 2 - 3 hours and goes right into her crib around 9 and sleeps until 8. That has been a blessing for sure. I don't know if I could have added sleeping issues on top of everything else we have been dealing with.

I hope to update once in Hong Kong tomorrow night. If I am too exhausted I will post once I return. I would like to do a recap post about our entire journey and what tips and tricks I used to help Ava bond with me. But right now...I am way too stressed.

Only 2 more sleeps and I get to hold and hug my Lainey Bug!!! I can''t wait but she is going to be upset if she can't come back to her home!!! We may all have a melt down!!






6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Deanna ... she really looks content......

Aunt Ann

thegodparents said...

Hey sweety, I know you are stressed but all will be ok. We are here for you, and if you need to stay by us, you know that we will do what we have to do. we were evacuated on vacation, but are back down til Sat. Vince, elsa and the kids are back and forth in the house and you are welcome to go there until you get everything settled. Do what you have to do but the door is open. We will be home late saturday, stopping by to see Alex on the way home... she's had a rough few weeks touch and go, but doing much better. I will fill you in upon your return. Be safe and calm and we wil get through this. Love and miss you all lots... can't wait to see our new sweety pie... and I miss Lainey terribly. Safe travels and we will be thinking about you.

Jenine said...

We are here for you 100% and have a decent army of guys that are ready willing and able to come to the house to help the cleanup effort. I know everything is unsure for you now but you have a small army here waiting to do what needs to be done. You have a home to stay in although I know that may be tough for Ava. We will happily help to pay for a hotel for a few days if that is what you need. Whatever it takes we are here! We love you. Travel safe!!!

TanyaLea said...

Oh Deanna ~ I am SO sorry to hear about the flooding and damage to your home. I was before the Throne of Grace praying for you last night, and I will be sure to be on my knees tonight, too! I remember SO much how I just longed to get home at that part of our journey, so I cannot even fathom the stress you are feeling right now as you prepare for your journey back home. But one thing I know for sure, prayer warrriors have been on their knees for your family, and you are not along ~ God goes with you and He will be there for you to lean on every step of the way. Again, if there is ANYTHING we can do for you from here, please don't hesitate to ask.

And goodness, thank you for your note. If I'm not too late, I'd love if you could pick that doll up for me. I LOVE Jordan's and do not remember seeing them there when we traveled for Khloe... it's possible he didn't have them at the time, as I swear I combed every inch of his store. That's where we purchased 90% of the things we brought home. But don't make a special trip on my account. You have enough on your shoulders right now, and I just wish there were something more I could do to help. Just know that the power of prayer is a wonderful thing, and stand strong on that. You are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus and you will make it through this tough season, too.

Can't wait for you to have Lainey in your arms, as I know that will bring a comfort all it's own. Sending lots of love and hugs your way, sweet friend. Hang in there and email me direct if you need anything!

Blessings & Hugs,
~ Tanya
thomclan(at)izoom(dot)net

Anonymous said...

Wishing you guys safe trip home with Ava!! Things are looking up here in NJ, we have now had 2 days of sunny dry weather. The rest of this week is suppose to be same, sunny & dry. I'm praying that your house will be ok. Please let us know how we can help. Safe travels back to NJ.
Love, Amy

Pablo said...

Just booked tickets to arrive on Saturday to help clean up. Have a safe flight.
Love,
Bobby