Yesterday, we went to the US Consulate for "the swear." We did not, as one might expect, swear an oath that we will bring CJ up to be a proper American or something of the sort. Nope. Instead, we simply swore an oath that all the forms that we filled out contained the truth and nothing but the truth.
Here's the utterly bizarre part. This oath was administered by Karen Hughes, Undersecretary of State for Public Affairs. With a special guest appearance by Michelle Kwan and the American Ambassador to China.
Apparently it was some sort of photo op, except that they wouldn't allow the parents to bring cameras (or cell phones, or bags) and the state dept lackeys didn't take any photos.
But Meg did introduce CJ to Michelle ("Michell, CJ. CJ, Michelle."), and when Michelle asked if we were going to raise CJ to be an ice skater, Meg responded, "First thing's first, we're trying to get her to walk."
Anyhow, back to the red couch at the White Swan Hotel, a tradition for families who adopt from China. You see, everyone who adopts has to pass through Guangzhou and get the visas processed by the consulate here. And we all stay at the White Swan, the most expensive hotel in South China, because of it's proximity to the US Consulate. Of course, the Consulate moved to a different location a half hour away, but families still stay at this place on the off chance that we have any money left in our bank accounts awaiting extraction.
The tradition is that all the children travelling in an adoption group have their photo taken on one of the hotel's supposedly famous red couches. Because all of the kids in our group are in various stages of illness or convalescence, we decided to do this photo solo, as a family:
We'll be back in NYC tomorrow.
Love to all,
CJ, Meg, and Dan
5 comments:
This has been an awesome blog, conjuring up ten-year-old adoption memories and, yes, those red couches at the White. I trust they've been reupholstered once or twice in the interim.
Well, it's a lucky thing we went before our friends expected daily posts, photos and VIDEO! I have really enjoyed following along vicariously. CJ is utterly charming and seems to be adjusting amazingly well. Congratulations, the fun is just beginning.
When are you back in the office, Dan?
Monona
What a wonderful family photo! Safe travels. We look forward to meeting CJ soon...
Michael and Robin
I've loved seeing all of your updates and pics.. That red couch picture just screams "Happy Family!" Love seeing those huge grins on you both. Hope you had an uneventful trip home... We've been thinking of you all.
What a great picture. What smiles! Can't wait to hear you've safely arrived.....
Excellent!
I was shocked to learn that there was more than one red couch. I wonder who started that tradition and when. I wonder if anyone at the White Swan knows.
Get better and get back safely!
Chuck
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