Last Post From China...
Wednesday, 13. December 2006, 14:31:46
Today was our last full day here. We leave very early in the morning to begin our marathon travel. First we fly from Guangzhou to Hong Kong, then straight thru to Chicago...whew!!! I did survive "Mao's Revenge" (as Bill called it). So, today we stepped on American soil...at the US Consulate in Guangzhou. It was there that Yanhua was issued her Visa and we as parents said our oath. So, the minute her feet touch the ground at O'Hare...she's a US citizen. ACTUALLY...and we never knew this before...China will maintain her citizenship and passport as well. SO, she has dual citizenship...no pictures of the oath today. No cameras allowed at the US Consulate. But here's our dual National just afterwards...
Then it was off to the White Swan Hotel for the famous "Red Couch" photo. It's become customary for adoptive babies to have their picture taken on the red couch before leaving for America. Here's the gang...can ya find Dani??
Here we are with Bob at the farewell pizza party...yea, pizza. Pizza Hut pizza! We had the Veggie (which included corn) hmmmm. Anyway, it's been an amazing adventure. Thanks fpr following along and for all the comments. It has really helped us feel connected. See you all soon!
Then it was off to the White Swan Hotel for the famous "Red Couch" photo. It's become customary for adoptive babies to have their picture taken on the red couch before leaving for America. Here's the gang...can ya find Dani??
Here we are with Bob at the farewell pizza party...yea, pizza. Pizza Hut pizza! We had the Veggie (which included corn) hmmmm. Anyway, it's been an amazing adventure. Thanks fpr following along and for all the comments. It has really helped us feel connected. See you all soon!





Anonymous # 13. December 2006, 15:03
Hey guys...its been great following you guys the past couple of weeks...it gave me something to look forward to every morning when i got up and im gonna miss it greatly...in fact...maybe you should just post what you did that day everyday from now on...lol...jk...it really has been great and exciting to see that you finally got Dani...I cant wait to see you guys and Dani on Sunday in church...once again...thank you for allowing all of us to follow what you guys have been doing...It has been a great blessing...Enjoy the little time you have left there and i will see you guys soon...God Bless...Keith
Anonymous # 13. December 2006, 15:25
Kylie- Cute pictures!
Kota- Beautiful baby!
Jordan P.-Happy you're coming home.
Renata-Dani's really pretty. I look forward to seeing her.
Gianna C.-Thank you for putting the pictures and videos on there.
Gianna M.-Nice pictures
Joey- I can't wait until you guys come back.
Ali- She's so cute. Can't wait for you to come back. We miss you.
Paul-Thanks for the pictures. She's cute. Can't wait to see her.
Kristen, Jerry, Paige, Zach-They say "Hi"!!!!!
Mrs. Ferrantino-I have missed you so much. Thanking God for you. Worship team has done a great job, but it's not the same without you. God's blessings on you.
Mrs. Limberg- Hey, can't wait until you get home. She's adorable in her dress. You have a dual citizen! Wow! Wish I could meet you at the airport tomorrow :( May your travels be safe. See you soon :)
Matthew-Hi, hope today will go fast because I really want to see you. I hope you will have a safe trip. Dad, I hope Dani doesn't puke on you again. I am doing really good we just started school. On friday I am going to pick a time to go to school and watch Lemony Snicket. It is a movie that had those kids whose parents died and they were orphans I hope you remember that show. Bye.
Anonymous # 13. December 2006, 16:23
Can't wait to see you guys, have a safe trip and I hope there's no puke this time. You guys are great! I have a Godly jealousy. I was reading in the paper about a lady that adopted 2 babies from Haiti and that really turned me on because that's where I always wanted to adopt from. Your the greatest! Sorry for incorrect punctuation and spelling Lynette....haha
Anonymous # 13. December 2006, 21:35
Hi, my name is Charmin Riedesel, and my sister-in-law traveled with you. Kim Buchanan and Shelbi. Thanks for your site. It kept me in the loop about things, since Kimmer didnt' have a site. I looked forward to it every morning! Dani is a real cutie! Maybe we'll see her and you sometime. My sister lives in Streator! Thanks again, and have a great and safe trip home!
Charmin Riedesel
Anonymous # 13. December 2006, 22:14
Hey all how are ya.I really miss you guys and Dani I can't wait to see ya! I luv the pics and vids that ya sent or posted wat ev LOL!!!!!!!!! Me and my familys prayers will be with you for safety o and NO PUKE THIS TIME HE HE sorry chuck I still feel bad for that! Well have to go get ready for church hope to see ya very soon.
P.S My family and the pets (HA HA LOL) say Hi and can't wait to see you too bye bye!
Anonymous # 13. December 2006, 22:16
Many blessings to all three of you. Thank you so much for sharing your journey to Dani with us.It has been such a blessing for Shirley and I to read everyday.
God's speed on your return trip - with protecting angels guarding every moment.
We can hardly wait!!
Anonymous # 14. December 2006, 12:53
Have been busy and didn't have time to comment. Thanks so much for letting us all follow along on your journey. I have gone to the computer every morning first thing and I am really gonna miss it. It has been so fun and such a blessings to see where you have been and what has gone on. My greatest pleasure was being able to share it all with your folks Lynette. Can harldly wait to see you all! Kayla is schedulded for her c-section tomorrow at 7:30, so we are excited and she is more than ready. I also pray you don't suffer from jet lag too badly and that Dani will adjust to her new surroundings quickly. She seems to be such a happy,contented baby and God has really worked a miracle in all of this so thank you Father for an easy transition in Jesus name. Amen!
Blessings!
Gloria
Anonymous # 16. December 2006, 03:57
We are so proud of you. You are both a beautiful example of what the love of God and the love of a parent can do. Dani is so lucky to be coming home to such an amazing family tree. The five of you are so blessed to have found each other. We can't wait to see you all.
Anonymous # 19. December 2006, 18:17
Hi there again, i posted earlier, but i wanted to share Kim's little one's website with you. It's www.shelbilinbuchanan.cyberbree.com Bye!
Anonymous # 31. December 2006, 17:18
Hi All !! Dani is so cute !! I loved the video clips. What a happy babe. I am sure her brother and sister will just have a wonderful time making her laugh and smile.
God is so good ! What a Blessing !
I wish you all the best now and forever.
Marie Gonda
Lotus Travel friend
Anonymous # 14. January 2007, 18:38
Hi,
We just got our referral this early January, and now waiting for our travel papers.
You mentioned that China is keeping her Chinese citizenship and passport. Is that true for all adopted babies from China? I wonder whether we should also do it for our baby.
Thanks.
Anonymous # 14. January 2007, 22:14
Adoptive Parent - While China maintains her citizenship, and we have her valid Chinese Passport, it is merely an existing status. Not something for use in my opinion. I would only have her travel under an American Passport as an American citizen. Could she enter China with her Chinese passport...yes. Is she guaranteed she could leave if there's a problem of any kind? Not worth the risk. So, although the status is maintained, I wouldn't consider it for use. Hope this helps.
Chuck