Consulate Appointment, Oath, and Shopping on Shamian Island

Today was a bit busy for us. After getting in after 9:30pm from the Pearl River Cruise the night before, we had to meet the other two families in the lobby for our Consulate Appointment and Oath for Mariah. 


When we pulled up to the consulate building, it was crowded! There was a line of people from the inside of the building clear to the street. We were amazed. Do you know how good it felt to walk right past that line as we had favor.....we were Americans!!! That felt so good. That was as close to US soil as we could get......for now.


The building was nothing spectacular. In fact, we had to change a diaper and there was no where to do that. Bathrooms here do not provide a baby-changing area. So, I pulled out one of my disposable changing pads and had to change her right there on the floor. At least it was in a corner.


We were taken up to the security check and they took Mariah's musical Baby Einstein toy. I guess since there were batteries in it, we were not allowed to bring it in. Well, now what? That was the only toy I packed for her since she loves it. We were so glad there was a play area inside and we kept her entertained there. 


The oath came first and was a promise that all of the information given was true and accurate to the best or our knowledge, well you get the idea. There was no Pomp and Circumstance to the whole thing. Honestly, sort of sad being such a grand occasion. 


We were the last family of the three with Lifeline that was called. They called us up alphabetically. My maiden name was Bash....that would have been easier!


We were told NO CAMERAS, they will confiscate. Also, we were not sure if my parents would be allowed. We had a nice security officer and he let my parents through. So, being the rebel that he is, Jeremy took his camera. He did give it to our facilitator (who was not allowed into the oath-- she is Chinese not American) and asked her to keep it until we came out. Miko (our facilitator) was happy to hang on to it for us until it was over. Our idea was to at least take a picture of us outside of the US Consulate.

As this was officially the beginning of Mariah's quest to US citizenship, we had to dress her accordingly!

On the bus back to the hotel, this is what I caught on camera. Our little girl is coming out of her shell. She is still guarded but these moments are becoming more common.  Isn't she sweet?

After the appointment and oath, we went with out Lifeline group over to the popular Shamian Island. It is an island here in Guangzhou surrounded by a canal on one side and the Pearl River on the other three sides. It is a popular adoption location. Until a year ago most, if not all, adoptive families stayed on this island at the White Swan Hotel. Since the White Swan closed for renovation in August, the island has suffered. The consulate which used to be there on the island was moved to downtown Guangzhou. It was sad to see this beautiful island. It was almost a ghost town.

We had such a great afternoon there! We even took time to eat at Lucy's. This is a restaurant that serves classic American food. It was delicious! Jeremy and my dad agree they had one of the best double cheeseburgers....EVER! I think it had something to do with the fact that they were starving for good old American food. I do know that Jeremy would love good Chinese food any day of the week though!


We took beautiful pictures of this area. There are statues all over the island! We saw three couples having wedding pictures taken as well. Here are some of the pictures we took. This island is famous for the statues located everywhere!

  This is probably my favorite picture taken on this beautiful day on the island!

We did so much shopping there! For us this was such a novelty. My kids will be so thrilled with what we were able to get them. Good thing my parents bought another suitcase when we were in Nanjing. We certainly will need it.


We met a really sweet couple who owned a store on the island. The name of the store was Jenny's. We spent a good bit of time there and money! My mom noticed a cross necklace that she wore and my mom asked her if she was a Christian. She was so excited and said,..."YES!! I have been for 8 years but my husband has been saved for 12 years. We met in church."  After speaking with them (they spoke excellent English) we decided to patronize their store. That is why we bought so much. They have a little boy and love kids. She gave Mariah a fan, gave me and my mom a jade bracelet and asked for our picture. She takes a picture of all of her customers and keeps the pictures in albums on the counter. What a sweet time we had. This is the store where we stocked up on the famous (or infamous) "squeaky shoes" that are a must for all adoptive parents in China. Here is Jenny and her husband.

Mariah slept on the way to the island and for a short time in the stroller there. Nap time at the hotel did not happen later. She resisted! We laid on the bed together singing and she ended up calling for Jeremy. It was the sweetest voice calling, "Da...Da...DA!" Unfortunately, he was sleeping on the couch in the living room and did not hear her.


We came back to the hotel with full tummies and began to attack the packing. 


It was a busy day, but a very good, fun day!