Day 10: God Bless America! Lily visits the US Consulate

This morning we were up bright and early for our visit to the US Consulate.  Here is Lily wearing her red, white and blue!

We were not allowed to bring any cameras, phones or electronics of any kind.  So we could not take pics there.  We took an oath and finalized her Visa for her entry into the U.S.!!  Every now and then I have a huge frog in my throat.  I get so choked up that we are so blessed to have her as our daughter.  Then I think about our boys and how they actually have this beautiful girl as their sister and she's so blessed to have these big brothers that are going to love and protect her for life.

We had our own special area at the US Consulate for adopting parents so we did not have to stand in some huge line which was very nice!  I looked around at several other Americans that were getting Visa's for their adopted children and again...got choked up.  These beautiful children were playing...all with "special needs" and they were given up, left...either because the parents could not care for them OR they were not accepted.  Two children had dwarfism.  Another little boy had a misshaped ear.   But let me tell you...God's love was there and present.  These amazing parents look past the surface and see the bright, beautiful light within these children.  Sadly, some lights are dim in the beginning but once love is showered on those precious ones...you witness those lights gleam to to the brilliance of warm sunshine.

I look at Lily and the other babies / toddlers in our family group and it's amazing how they all have blossomed in just a few short days of being held and loved by their new forever families.  They all have more color in their faces and their eyes twinkle with vibrant life.  Lily kisses me and hugs me tight.  The first couple days we had her...she could not even look me in the eye.  Now she sits on my hip like she has always been mine.   Below is a pic of her in a traditional Chinese dress...waving her American flag.

Here's a pic with her "Ba Ba".  She loves him so much!!!

And here are pictures of all the adopted children in our group on the hotel couch.  And there's Lily...the stinker that does not want to sit.  And ALLLLL the little sweet children are looking at her and waiting patiently.  THEN.....

Poor little John ...on the right of Lily is just looking at her like...

"Really?...can you get it together already?"   DrrrrrrAMA!  

Tonight, Lily finally ventured outside our hotel room and walked everywhere!  She is so adorable!  And of course...she had to take the Pringles can with her :))  

And to end the night...bathtime.  She loves it!  Good night sweet Lily.

We are on the final countdown until departure from this hotel.  We leave in about 36 hours.  

Praying Lily will be comfortable with no ear or gas pains.  When she is uncomfortable or in pain...she squirms and is inconsolable.  Please pray for her and our safety.  Thank you all !  We love you! D&N