The Momma Is Goin' To China!!!!

Great news for The Gang!!!!

Yup, we've received our Travel Approval.

For those of you NOT in the adoption community, this is the approval our agency needs to seek the Consulate Appointment. That's the moment we'll walk onto "American Soil" for the first time since leaving home and pledge before the US government representatives that all of the information and processes completed to that point are true and accurate still. It's fairly non-formal but VERY emotional for the newly formed family. The consulate employees do a really nice job of making it special with their kind words and personal touches. I have fabulous memories of Li'l Empress's Consulate Appointment.

The agency then takes that Consulate Appointment date (CA) and backs up on the calendar to make travel plans based upon the requirements of Mei Me's province for paperwork processing. (Can I just interject that I am SO glad to be at the end of the crazy paper work process?! Ugh. This paper chase can drive even the most level-headed woman to the brink of insanity. And I've never claimed to be even slightly level-headed!)

We should hear from our agency either Friday or Monday about which CA has been secured in our name. We're really praying for 4/15. Even if that means we'd leave in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS, YA'LL!!! Because a CA on 4/15 minimizes the financial burden of being in Guangzhou during the height of their International Trade Fairs. The Fairs begin around that same time and last two full weeks. So airfare, hotel costs, EVERYTHING in Guangzhou skyrockets in price.

For those of you in the adoption community, you know that this is the generally accepted signal to mommas far and wide to begin FREAKING OUT and feverishly throwing things in and out of suitcases.

Yeah. That. I really need to start packing. The Boss is the Master of the Packing List.

I'm the shopper. And the two don't mesh very well, very often.

That's not even considering the panic and adrenaline

of the fact that we may be leaving in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS, YA'LL!!!!

Pray for us. Heh.