16 days and counting

Yeah, wow, 16 days. That's it. Only 16 days until we leave on the trip of a lifetime. Not just an ordinary trip, but one that will change our lives forever. Sightseeing will be involved. Souvenirs will be purchased. And we will become parents.

For those of you keeping score, it's Us=1, Immigration Services=1. They were late late late in issuing our fingerprint renewal appointment. It wasn't scheduled until Nov. 9. However, once we received our Consulate Appointment (in China) we were able to go in early. Congressman Pence's office has been SO helpful and Tony has been working like a dog to get us in early. We were both off this last Friday (fall break/vacation day) so we went in and finally got re-fingerprinted. It was pretty uneventful. Now, though, let's see what happens with the score because we need that clearance SOON! Thankfully, the Congressman's office said they're prepared to step in again! YAY! Vote for Mike Pence! (when he's up for reelection, hehe)

While waiting to get fingerprinted, we were sitting in this very bland office with just a few individuals. We noticed this well-dressed man sitting in front of us with what looked like his child and a nanny. Since most people there are either adoptive parents or people seeking citizenship, this family stood out. Just a few minutes later two women came out of one of the bland doors and the gentleman in front of us stood up. One of the women looked to be in her late 40's early 50's and spoke with a thick accent. The elderly woman on her arm was crying. She appeared to be in her late 60's early 70's. She fit the stereotype of an immigrant. She was frail with dark eyes and a scarf over her head. She was wearing a longer winter coat, and spoke broken English.

Please note, we weren't staring or eavesdropping. This was simply happening two feet away from our faces.

Once the women entered the room, the gentleman started saying, "Congratulations! Congratulations!" All the while, the younger woman (presumably the daughter) said, "Thank you!!!" He then spoke to the older woman and said, "Let me know as soon as you get the appointment to take your oath. Then I can get the paperwork started for your Social Security Card!" (So, he was her lawyer I'm guessing). Anyway, the entire time this exchange is happening, the older woman is crying tears of joy. After some hugging and such, they moved out into the hallway and down the elevators. This is when I started crying.

Now, mind you, I cry about 5 times a day these days. A fellow adoptive mother and friend of ours Nancy said that she experienced these same "pregnancy hormones". I wouldn't have believed her if I didn't experience it myself.

So, I'm there, crying...no, bawling. And Tony says, "Rett, you're going to have to get it together before we go to China. I can't handle both girls AND you!" Well, that didn't help. I continued to cry and after a few minutes I was able to explain my emotion. I just thought it was simply beautiful that this elderly woman was so joyful to become a US Citizen. How often do we take our citizenship for granted? We are merely the lucky ones to be born into citizenship.

Our daughters, will become citizens upon landing on US soil. I know that I will cry then too. What a gift. Citizenship. Something we rarely think about unless we're discussing how many illegal immigrants there are. Which, after using the CIS website and maneuvering their offices and paperwork, it's amazing anyone can follow the proceedings. Regardless, this woman had waded through the murky waters of citizenship and was rejoicing with her family in that bleak waiting room on a Friday in Indy. Amazing. God is SO good.

Ok, sorry for the deep thoughts. Poor Tony. He doesn't know which Rett he's going to talk to from minute to minute. The fun and chatty Rett. The organization-minded Rett. The freaking-out-that-we're-going-to-be-parents Rett. The reflective Rett. The sobbing Rett. The packing-list Rett. Goodness, I wonder if it will get any better?

So for the week ahead...we're waiting on fingerprint clearance and our in-China travel itinerary. Once we get it, I will post it on here or on the other website. For now, we know we're leaving out on Nov. 14 at 7:00 a.m. We know we're coming home Nov. 28 at like 6:40. We do know a few other details, but we'll share all of that when we get the full itinerary. We also can't wait to find out what day we'll actually meet the girls!!!! Either way, knowing you have seat assignments on a flight going to Beijing makes this all the more real. We're going to China!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned, it's about to get good!