Final Packet

Hi Everyone,

Well, received the following info from my adoption agency today............"Sorry, but CHI is not able to obtain information from the American Consulate on the most recent information related to your cable in Guangzhou. See the response below from the American Consulate in Guangzhou. Please be advised that, as of April 4th, 2008, our office revised our guidelines for communication between the National Visa Center and the public. We are now required to verify case specific information each time we receive an inquiry. According to U.S. law, the National Visa Center is only permitted to discuss details of a visa case with authorized representatives.
My agency recommends " Perhaps this is something families will need to discuss with the US State Department on the inadequacies of the systems regarding new rules put into effect by the USCIS and the State Department. There should be a process in place on how to handle these situations and the consequences of the new rules for the families. The current system is not working and no one can find out the information until the family is sitting in Guangzhou and either receives a visa or is denied the visa for their child. "

Not the best of news considering it could mean delays for us in China with the US Consulate, but will do what I can before I leave to try and get confirmation that the consulate has received my cable for Ella Xiaoyun. On a happy note, I have finally finished Ella's room and cleared the closet. The Casa (local donation house) will be very happy will all of the donations! :) Amazing the amount of things I have collected over the past four years for a baby girl!

We should receive our final travel information on Monday which will detail the travel inside of China. It is getting so close. Tested my Mandarin today in public! Ha! The looks I received. At least I will be able to talk to Ella about the necessities. Hope you are all doing well!